Session: From the Bench to the Boardroom
Success and setbacks in your career are inevitable. How you catapult yourself back into the ecosystem after these events ultimately defines your personal brand and future earnings.
This session will help you discern trends in your personal career timeline. Leslie will also share how she developed a personal brand that sustained her career opportunities when going from nine months pregnant and closing a business to consulting internationally and being recruited by investors to develop the nation's first AI powered intelligent automotive marketplace
Bio
Leslie Vander Baan is known for her entrepreneurism, having spearheaded the launch of multiple businesses and has played a pivotal role in numerous acquisitions. She has led successful fundraising efforts and independently bootstrapped her own ventures. Her professional journey is defined by her ability to link ideas, individuals, and technology, producing impactful results.
Leslie has a history of innovation, introducing groundbreaking services and achieving significant milestones. Notably, Leslie made history as the first female founder of a peer-to-peer buying and selling marketplace, earning widespread acclaim.
Leslie currently serves as the Head of Next Inspect, overseeing an AI-enabled inspection application at Cox Automotive, a leading global provider of automotive services and solutions. Prior to this role, Leslie was recruited by Fyusion, a Silicon Valley tech startup, to spearhead their strategy in automotive. Fyusion was later acquired by Cox Automotive in 2020.
Leslie’s personal mission is to provide resources to businesses and startups while giving back to the community. She’s an active advisor and investor in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.