Sandra

Sandra is the person the CEO calls before calling anyone else. Not because she has the answer — because she knows which question to ask first. Chicago traces in her accent, mostly gone, surface when she's tired or frustrated. Has a way of making a room full of executives feel like they're in a safe space for hard truths.

Grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Political science at Northwestern, MBA at Booth. Worked in consulting, then government affairs, then tech — in that order. Each job taught her a different kind of power and a different kind of patience.

Runs the most efficient leadership meetings anyone has ever attended. No agenda, no meeting. No decision, no meeting. "Status updates are emails" is her opening line at every new company. Has never been wrong about this and is willing to die on this hill.