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Gina Bianchini ist he co-founder and CEO of Ning (www.ning.com), a platform for creating your own social network for anything. Prior to Ning,
she was co-founder and president of Harmonic Communications which was acquired by Dentsu. She has also held positions at CKS Group
and Goldman Sachs & Co. She has a B.A. from Stanford University and an M.B.A from Stanford Business School.
she was co-founder and president of Harmonic Communications which was acquired by Dentsu. She has also held positions at CKS Group
and Goldman Sachs & Co. She has a B.A. from Stanford University and an M.B.A from Stanford Business School.
Gina Bianchini
CEO, Co-Founder
Ning
CEO, Co-Founder
Ning
Barbara Adachi
Cluster Leader, Human Capital Advisory Services
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Cluster Leader, Human Capital Advisory Services
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Susan Afan
Senior Regional V.P.
Robert Half International
Senior Regional V.P.
Robert Half International
Susan Afan is the Senior Regional Vice President for Robert Half International, the world's first and largest staffing firm specializing in
accounting, finance and information technology. Susan oversees operations for the company in Northern California's East Bay and South Bay,
as well as Hawaii.
Susan joined Robert Half International in 1983, and has held positions of increasing responsibility since that time. Susan spent 15 years with
the company's East Coast operations before transferring to Northern California. Susan graduated with a degree in Communications from
Ateneo de Manila University in Manila, the Philippines, and is a highly-regarded career expert who frequently speaks on career management
issues with the local and national media, as well as on panel discussions at major conferences and events.
Susan also has strong ties to the business and non-profit communities. She is a Board Member for the International Association of Microsoft
Certified Partners (IAMCP) and is actively involved with Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), a nonprofit organization that gives students the tools
to learn the free enterprise system in a real working situation. In 2007, Susan was named a builder and emerging leader on the list of the 100
Most Influential Filipinas in the USA. This award recognizes women who are making their mark in a workplace or business environment,
displaying high energy and skill in a leadership role at a nonprofit institution, government agency, or organization in any field.
accounting, finance and information technology. Susan oversees operations for the company in Northern California's East Bay and South Bay,
as well as Hawaii.
Susan joined Robert Half International in 1983, and has held positions of increasing responsibility since that time. Susan spent 15 years with
the company's East Coast operations before transferring to Northern California. Susan graduated with a degree in Communications from
Ateneo de Manila University in Manila, the Philippines, and is a highly-regarded career expert who frequently speaks on career management
issues with the local and national media, as well as on panel discussions at major conferences and events.
Susan also has strong ties to the business and non-profit communities. She is a Board Member for the International Association of Microsoft
Certified Partners (IAMCP) and is actively involved with Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), a nonprofit organization that gives students the tools
to learn the free enterprise system in a real working situation. In 2007, Susan was named a builder and emerging leader on the list of the 100
Most Influential Filipinas in the USA. This award recognizes women who are making their mark in a workplace or business environment,
displaying high energy and skill in a leadership role at a nonprofit institution, government agency, or organization in any field.
Nina Bhatti is responsible for the creation of leading-edge web, performance and networking technologies at HP Labs, the company's central
research organization, and driving the transformation of these technologies into successful commercial products for HP. Based in Palo Alto,
Calif., Bhatti first joined HP in 1996, holding a position in HP Labs as principal investigator for Internet performance research and the invention
of Quality of Service (QoS) techniques for web servers to differentiate treatment of traffic based on client classes, application classes or server
load. She served in this role until 2000, and then joined Nokia Ventures Organization as senior investigator for wireless Internet technology for
next-generation mobile devices.
Bhatti holds master's and PhD degrees in computer science from the University of Arizona and a bachelor's degree in computer science and
pure mathematics from University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, she has published more than 30 different papers and has filed 25
technology patents.
research organization, and driving the transformation of these technologies into successful commercial products for HP. Based in Palo Alto,
Calif., Bhatti first joined HP in 1996, holding a position in HP Labs as principal investigator for Internet performance research and the invention
of Quality of Service (QoS) techniques for web servers to differentiate treatment of traffic based on client classes, application classes or server
load. She served in this role until 2000, and then joined Nokia Ventures Organization as senior investigator for wireless Internet technology for
next-generation mobile devices.
Bhatti holds master's and PhD degrees in computer science from the University of Arizona and a bachelor's degree in computer science and
pure mathematics from University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, she has published more than 30 different papers and has filed 25
technology patents.
Nina Bhatti
Principal Scientist
HP Labs
Principal Scientist
HP Labs
A great grandniece of Thomas Edison, Sarah Miller Caldicott has been engaged in innovation throughout her life. Inspired by a family lineage
of inventors dating back five generations, Sarah began her 20-year Marketing career working in the Fortune 500 for Pepsico and Unilever,
where she spearheaded global brand launches including Suave, Finesse and Degree. In 1998, Sarah established StarWave Associates, a
strategic marketing consultancy assisting entrepreneurs.
Sarah just completed a groundbreaking book offering a first-ever analysis of Thomas Edison’s world-changing innovation methods. Written in
collaboration with best-selling author Michael J. Gelb, Sarah’s book is entitled Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America’s
Greatest Inventor. Released from Dutton Publishing in October 2007, her book identifies how America can reinvigorate its innovation
leadership in the 21st century using Edison’s timeless principles.
Through her new firm, The Power Patterns of Innovation, Sarah trains business leaders on how to initiate and sustain innovation in the global
economy. A graduate of Wellesley College, she holds an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and has two teenage boys, Nicholas and
Connor.
of inventors dating back five generations, Sarah began her 20-year Marketing career working in the Fortune 500 for Pepsico and Unilever,
where she spearheaded global brand launches including Suave, Finesse and Degree. In 1998, Sarah established StarWave Associates, a
strategic marketing consultancy assisting entrepreneurs.
Sarah just completed a groundbreaking book offering a first-ever analysis of Thomas Edison’s world-changing innovation methods. Written in
collaboration with best-selling author Michael J. Gelb, Sarah’s book is entitled Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America’s
Greatest Inventor. Released from Dutton Publishing in October 2007, her book identifies how America can reinvigorate its innovation
leadership in the 21st century using Edison’s timeless principles.
Through her new firm, The Power Patterns of Innovation, Sarah trains business leaders on how to initiate and sustain innovation in the global
economy. A graduate of Wellesley College, she holds an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and has two teenage boys, Nicholas and
Connor.
Sarah Caldicott
President & Founder,The Power
Patterns of Innovation
Author of "Innovate Like Edison"
President & Founder,The Power
Patterns of Innovation
Author of "Innovate Like Edison"
KC Chan-Herur
Managing Director
Amonavie
Managing Director
Amonavie
Ann Crady
Vice President of Product
Baby Center
Vice President of Product
Baby Center
With her Wharton MBA and UC Berkeley Engineering degrees, international innovation author, keynote speaker and strategic consultant, KC
Chan-Herur has worked with numerous innovative companies, including Procter & Gamble, Apple Computer, Sun Microsystems, American
Express, and DuPont during the last 25 years.
As managing director of AMONAVIE, Ms. Chan-Herur strategically advises executives, professionals and organizations on innovation to
maximize the ROI of their leadership, management, communication, and marketing investments. She has coached successful executives,
gifted engineers and talented individuals since 1989. San Francisco-based AMONAVIE celebrates its 19th anniversary in 2008.
Ms. Chan-Herur’s new book on International Innovation is planed for publication by end of 2008. KC is also the author of the internationally
recognized book, "Communicating with Customers Around the World." Her work has been featured on CNBC's Power Lunch, The Los
Angeles Times, Working Woman and various international media.
KC Chan-Herur has had more than 40 years of international living and working experience across four continents. This multilingual global
citizen speaks Spanish, French and some Cantonese. She shares with her two sons her passions for innovation, photography, arts, cultures
and cuisines from around the world.
Chan-Herur has worked with numerous innovative companies, including Procter & Gamble, Apple Computer, Sun Microsystems, American
Express, and DuPont during the last 25 years.
As managing director of AMONAVIE, Ms. Chan-Herur strategically advises executives, professionals and organizations on innovation to
maximize the ROI of their leadership, management, communication, and marketing investments. She has coached successful executives,
gifted engineers and talented individuals since 1989. San Francisco-based AMONAVIE celebrates its 19th anniversary in 2008.
Ms. Chan-Herur’s new book on International Innovation is planed for publication by end of 2008. KC is also the author of the internationally
recognized book, "Communicating with Customers Around the World." Her work has been featured on CNBC's Power Lunch, The Los
Angeles Times, Working Woman and various international media.
KC Chan-Herur has had more than 40 years of international living and working experience across four continents. This multilingual global
citizen speaks Spanish, French and some Cantonese. She shares with her two sons her passions for innovation, photography, arts, cultures
and cuisines from around the world.
Ann Crady is the CEO and founder of Maya’s Mom (http://mayasmom.com), a leading social networking site for parents. Launching in
November 2006, Crady secured a notable roster of angel investors, including Flickr co-founder Caterina Fake, ex-Yahoo! executive Geoff
Ralston, Tickle founder James Currier, Presto’s Raymond Stern, Michael Tanne of Wink, angel investor Jeff Clavier, and venture capitalist firm,
True Ventures. Maya's Mom was acquired by Baby Center in August 2007.
Prior to founding Maya’s Mom, Crady served a five-year tenure at Yahoo!. As director of business development for Yahoo! Autos, Crady grew
revenue from $10M in 2001 to $42M in 2005, and later served as the division’s director of strategic initiatives, spearheading major partner
relationships. Crady began her career as an attorney with Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, working with a host of emerging-growth
companies.
She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and received her JD from Georgetown University, where she
graduated cum laude.
November 2006, Crady secured a notable roster of angel investors, including Flickr co-founder Caterina Fake, ex-Yahoo! executive Geoff
Ralston, Tickle founder James Currier, Presto’s Raymond Stern, Michael Tanne of Wink, angel investor Jeff Clavier, and venture capitalist firm,
True Ventures. Maya's Mom was acquired by Baby Center in August 2007.
Prior to founding Maya’s Mom, Crady served a five-year tenure at Yahoo!. As director of business development for Yahoo! Autos, Crady grew
revenue from $10M in 2001 to $42M in 2005, and later served as the division’s director of strategic initiatives, spearheading major partner
relationships. Crady began her career as an attorney with Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, working with a host of emerging-growth
companies.
She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and received her JD from Georgetown University, where she
graduated cum laude.
Jane Dickson
General Manager, Northwest Area, Small, Mid
Market Solutions and Partners Business
Microsoft Corporation
General Manager, Northwest Area, Small, Mid
Market Solutions and Partners Business
Microsoft Corporation
Jane Dickson is the General Manager of the Small, Mid Market Solutions and Partners business in the Northwest Area. In this role, Jane is
responsible for the company’s overall business relationships with small and medium-size customers (1 to 1,000 employees) throughout the
region including Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska and Northern California. Her division is in charge of creating business strategy and
engagement plans for the partners, customers, including new go-to-market plans and sales models. She brings to her position more than 20
years of information technology experience.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Jane spent 12 years at IBM. Jane served as the West Region Open Systems Storage manager for IBM Corporation.
Other positions held within the company included storage marketing consultant for IBM’s storage division; senior sales specialist for the
Boeing/US West accounts; and marketing representative for the Weyerhaeuser account.
responsible for the company’s overall business relationships with small and medium-size customers (1 to 1,000 employees) throughout the
region including Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska and Northern California. Her division is in charge of creating business strategy and
engagement plans for the partners, customers, including new go-to-market plans and sales models. She brings to her position more than 20
years of information technology experience.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Jane spent 12 years at IBM. Jane served as the West Region Open Systems Storage manager for IBM Corporation.
Other positions held within the company included storage marketing consultant for IBM’s storage division; senior sales specialist for the
Boeing/US West accounts; and marketing representative for the Weyerhaeuser account.
Elizabeth (Liz) Fetter
Former CEO
Jacent Technologies
Former CEO
Jacent Technologies
Liz Fetter is a three-time CEO with broad experience in both software and technology services. Over her 25-year career, she has worked in
management consulting, telecommunications and software services, leading organizations ranging in size from $5 billion in revenue to early
start- up. She has run both public and private companies and has successfully led an IPO and numerous strategic and M&A transactions.
She sold the software company she most recently led in September 2007. She is known in business for her strong leadership, strategy
development with successful execution, balanced decision-making, integrity, straightforwardness and approachability.
Liz holds an M.S. with Highest Honors from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie-Mellon University and a BA, High Honors in
Communications Studies from the Pennsylvania State University. She has also attended Director’s College at Harvard School of Business.
She has written several articles on leadership and is a popular keynote and panel speaker.
management consulting, telecommunications and software services, leading organizations ranging in size from $5 billion in revenue to early
start- up. She has run both public and private companies and has successfully led an IPO and numerous strategic and M&A transactions.
She sold the software company she most recently led in September 2007. She is known in business for her strong leadership, strategy
development with successful execution, balanced decision-making, integrity, straightforwardness and approachability.
Liz holds an M.S. with Highest Honors from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie-Mellon University and a BA, High Honors in
Communications Studies from the Pennsylvania State University. She has also attended Director’s College at Harvard School of Business.
She has written several articles on leadership and is a popular keynote and panel speaker.
Frank S. Greene is a general partner of NewVista Capital. The firm has funded over 26 start-up information technology companies. He was
the founding CEO of Technology Development and ZeroOne, both software companies. Dr. Greene has been a speaker at universities,
professional and business organizations. Including Stanford University, Santa Clara University, Purdue University, The Kellogg School, and
Washington University in St. Louis. He is President of the GO-Positive educational foundation. The foundation develops leadership programs
using the VRE leadership model. He is the author of Leadership in the NOW- Power and Endurance and the Leadership in the NOW –
Success Guide. He holds a BS in EE from Washington University, an MS in EE from Purdue, and a Ph.D. in EE from Santa Clara University.
the founding CEO of Technology Development and ZeroOne, both software companies. Dr. Greene has been a speaker at universities,
professional and business organizations. Including Stanford University, Santa Clara University, Purdue University, The Kellogg School, and
Washington University in St. Louis. He is President of the GO-Positive educational foundation. The foundation develops leadership programs
using the VRE leadership model. He is the author of Leadership in the NOW- Power and Endurance and the Leadership in the NOW –
Success Guide. He holds a BS in EE from Washington University, an MS in EE from Purdue, and a Ph.D. in EE from Santa Clara University.
Frank S. Greene, Ph.D.
President,
Go-Positive
President,
Go-Positive
Barbara Adachi leads Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Human Capital Practice for the West region where she is responsible for financial
performance and operations, talent recruitment and development, and delivery of human capital consulting services across the region. She
joined Deloitte in 1990 to start the Bay Area Human Capital practice and specializes in total rewards, health benefits strategy and plan design.
In addition, Barbara has been recently appointed the National Managing Principal for Deloitte LLP’s award-winning Women’s Initiative (WIN).
Barbara serves on the board of Deloitte Consulting LLP. She has been named one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Business” by San
Francisco Business Times from 2003 through 2007.
Barbara also serves on the boards of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clara University HR Leadership Advisory Board and
Blue Cross of California Consumer Relations Committee. She was chair of the 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) Go Red Luncheon for
San Francisco Bay Area and continues to be active with the AHA.
performance and operations, talent recruitment and development, and delivery of human capital consulting services across the region. She
joined Deloitte in 1990 to start the Bay Area Human Capital practice and specializes in total rewards, health benefits strategy and plan design.
In addition, Barbara has been recently appointed the National Managing Principal for Deloitte LLP’s award-winning Women’s Initiative (WIN).
Barbara serves on the board of Deloitte Consulting LLP. She has been named one of the “100 Most Influential Women in Business” by San
Francisco Business Times from 2003 through 2007.
Barbara also serves on the boards of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clara University HR Leadership Advisory Board and
Blue Cross of California Consumer Relations Committee. She was chair of the 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) Go Red Luncheon for
San Francisco Bay Area and continues to be active with the AHA.
Mercedes leads the enterprise business unit for LiveOps, the Virtual Call Center Company. Her responsibilities include Direct Sales,
Alliances & Channels and Client Services. Mercedes reports to the President of the Company and sits on the Executive Staff. She has over 20
years of experience in the software industry and most recently served as Vice President of Global Partner Sales for Hyperion, where she
created and implemented the company’s global channel and alliance strategy. Previously, Mercedes served as Senior Vice President of
Marketing for BEA where she led alliance marketing, field marketing and demand generation. She has held senior executive positions in
sales, alliances and business development with companies such as Siebel, Oracle and Bell South. Recognized as a “Top Channel
Executive” by VAR Business for four years running (2004-2007), she recently received two additional prestigious honors—the highly coveted
“Stevie Award” (May 2007) and the rigorously-judged YWCA “Tribute to Women Award”—both based solely on exemplary individual
achievements in business.
Alliances & Channels and Client Services. Mercedes reports to the President of the Company and sits on the Executive Staff. She has over 20
years of experience in the software industry and most recently served as Vice President of Global Partner Sales for Hyperion, where she
created and implemented the company’s global channel and alliance strategy. Previously, Mercedes served as Senior Vice President of
Marketing for BEA where she led alliance marketing, field marketing and demand generation. She has held senior executive positions in
sales, alliances and business development with companies such as Siebel, Oracle and Bell South. Recognized as a “Top Channel
Executive” by VAR Business for four years running (2004-2007), she recently received two additional prestigious honors—the highly coveted
“Stevie Award” (May 2007) and the rigorously-judged YWCA “Tribute to Women Award”—both based solely on exemplary individual
achievements in business.
Mercedes Ellison
SVP & General Manager,
Enterprise Business
LiveOps
SVP & General Manager,
Enterprise Business
LiveOps
Francine Gordon
CEO, F Gordon Group
CEO, F Gordon Group
Francine Gordon, Ph.D. is an organization consultant and executive coach who helps improve the effectiveness of clients by sharpening their
interpersonal and organizational skills. Her special interests include enhancing creativity in individuals and organizations and facilitating the
development and advancement of women executives. Francine delivers workshops in Japan on strategy and innovation. She also serves as
President of the Silicon Valley chapter of Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW). A recovering perfectionist, she also helps professionals
who have self-limiting beliefs and unrealistically high standards find ways to free themselves to achieve their full potential.
Before starting her own business, Francine had multiple careers including Assistant Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business,
General Manager of a professional repertory theatre, Director of HR at Ungermann-Bass, and Manager at Boston Consulting Group. She has
M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Organizational Behavior from Yale University, B.A. in psychology from Vassar College, and is a certified integral
coach
interpersonal and organizational skills. Her special interests include enhancing creativity in individuals and organizations and facilitating the
development and advancement of women executives. Francine delivers workshops in Japan on strategy and innovation. She also serves as
President of the Silicon Valley chapter of Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW). A recovering perfectionist, she also helps professionals
who have self-limiting beliefs and unrealistically high standards find ways to free themselves to achieve their full potential.
Before starting her own business, Francine had multiple careers including Assistant Professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business,
General Manager of a professional repertory theatre, Director of HR at Ungermann-Bass, and Manager at Boston Consulting Group. She has
M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Organizational Behavior from Yale University, B.A. in psychology from Vassar College, and is a certified integral
coach
Cindy Gray, a vice president with 20-years of service with the company, is a Business Area Manager for Wells Fargo’s San Francisco
Market. In her role, she has small business leadership responsibilities for Wells Fargo’s sales and service initiatives for clients and
prospects ranging in annual revenues from $2-$20 million; consumer credit; and investments. Her role includes strategic development
and implementation activities that guide 24 banking stores with 450 team members and $4.2 billion in deposits.
Cindy was promoted to her current role in 2007. Previously, she served as Community Banking District Manager for Wells Fargo’s
Central Peninsula stores. Cindy began her career with Wells Fargo in 1988 as a part-time teller. During her career she has held a
number of positions including Service Manager; Personal Banker; Premier Banking Manager; Store Manager of the Cupertino office;
Project Manager supporting the Store Private Banker program; Licensed Banker; and Premier Banker in Northern California and Greater
Bay Area Regions; and District Manager of 13 stores in the Oakland area.
Market. In her role, she has small business leadership responsibilities for Wells Fargo’s sales and service initiatives for clients and
prospects ranging in annual revenues from $2-$20 million; consumer credit; and investments. Her role includes strategic development
and implementation activities that guide 24 banking stores with 450 team members and $4.2 billion in deposits.
Cindy was promoted to her current role in 2007. Previously, she served as Community Banking District Manager for Wells Fargo’s
Central Peninsula stores. Cindy began her career with Wells Fargo in 1988 as a part-time teller. During her career she has held a
number of positions including Service Manager; Personal Banker; Premier Banking Manager; Store Manager of the Cupertino office;
Project Manager supporting the Store Private Banker program; Licensed Banker; and Premier Banker in Northern California and Greater
Bay Area Regions; and District Manager of 13 stores in the Oakland area.
Cindy Gray
VP, Small Business Banking
Wells Fargo
VP, Small Business Banking
Wells Fargo