Founder/CEO, debit card company

'88 » M.A., History, University of Maryland » founder, computer services and software development company » founder, debit card company (sold) » founder/CEO, 2nd debit company

My history background has been important in my business career; perhaps as important as anything else I could have studied at the undergraduate level. The skills I learned well at Vassar, which I later refined with my graduate education in history, have given me the ability to communicate complex ideas in a logical and presentable manner—basically to get my ideas across cogently in a business setting. This often comes in handy, since deal-making and selling require quite a bit of communication combined with the art of persuasion (true rhetoric, in the classic sense). The research, writing, [and] public speaking skills I acquired through my historical studies have helped me write 70-page business plans (all full of primary source research), make brief presentations on difficult topics, and hold my listeners' attention by telling a good story. About four years ago, while making an oral presentation to a venture capital company in New York, I recalled having the same feeling and confidence that I obtained when giving oral presentations in my 300-level classes at Vassar.

I also find that in business, others frequently have a rather a-historical view, and tend to listen to those who can put situations into a historical context. Often partners or customers question a business decision. When I wrap the explanation of that decision with historical background showing why a decision or decisions are made, people are much more willing to believe and understand. I find that, in business, history — whether my personal history, the history of my business, the history of my industry, or the history of a particular issue — helps me solve complex problems, avoid pitfalls, and convince people to come with me in a certain direction.