Leading IBM's Venture Capital Division: My Routine of Dogs, Sign Language, and Entrepreneur Meetings

Before embarking on my career at IBM, I had a stint teaching history and politics at a Connecticut prep school. My nearly decade and a half at IBM has seen me transition through various pivotal roles, such as leading AI federal initiatives and working within the chairman's office.

Currently, as the global director of venture capital, my days are full of surprises, with frequent travels between Washington, D.C., New York, and across the globe.

Early Dawns and Canine Company

I never need to set an alarm. Every morning, my doodles, Dottie and Winnie, make sure I’m up, one even taps her feet to grab my attention.

I kickstart my mornings with a 30 to 60-minute session of checking emails and Slack to ensure I’ve addressed any pressing matters. A podcast session featuring daily episodes from The Economist or The Wall Street Journal follows, and living in D.C., political shows are essential to grasp market and headline nuances.

Following this, I go for a long stretch with the dogs and my husband, provided I’m home. Being an avid water drinker, a bottle is always in hand. If my dogs are content, then it’s a good day for everyone in the Fontaine household.

Returning around 7:30 a.m., I switch to work mode with a cup of herbal tea (no caffeine for me!) while dressing up, often with CNBC running in the backdrop. I strategize my attire on weekends to avoid decision fatigue in the mornings.

Office Arrival in the Big Apple

I advocate for in-person presence as much as possible. Breakfast is essential, often a smoothie or an egg sandwich inspires my choices. Being a vegetarian means ensuring protein intake is crucial.

Morning involves leader meetings and focused undertakings like delving into investments and deal analyses. Every day, I meet at least one startup, venture capital firm, or portfolio firm, aspiring to interact with 800 startups this year. Amid high-pressure moments, a bit of anxious excitement underscores imperative instances.

I maintain 20-minute meetings to foster efficiency, avoiding end-to-end scheduling when possible. My calendar often presents surprises requiring immediate attention. While laptop tasks can be mundane, I thrive on face-to-face interactions, frequently roaming to desks with water in hand, seeking to contribute.

My workspace is embellished with personal items including a custom calendar, family photos, and an extensive book collection touching on topics like AI and quantum. The team's light teasing aside, speaking engagement badges adorn my space, along with a poster from a recent CEO summit signed by founders.

Lunch is typically homemade, paired with a 30-minute interval to practice sign language, a recent endeavor my husband and I have embarked upon.

Concluding the Workday

By 6:30 p.m., I aim to head home, where the first order of business is greeting my beloved dogs and taking them out. Clocking in walking miles is a rarity I miss. Shared moments in Central Park with my brother, husband, and our dogs are cherished, soon to include my mom who plans to move in.

Evenings are sacrosanct with family. My husband, a culinary wizard, prepares dinner, relieving me from cooking. One staple is homemade gnocchi with creamy pesto. Our cooking sessions double as a recap time for our day, although it's usually me who's more verbose. Keeping in touch with friends is equally routine.

While being approachable as a leader, I respond to communications promptly; however, dinner requires the phone to be aside.

Evening Relaxation

If basketball season is on, I cheer for the Celtics. Otherwise, romance novels captivate me. My spouse and I have recently recommenced 'Crash Landing on You,' a Korean romantic comedy we adore, hailing it as Netflix's finest.

Around bedtime, I make sure to sift through any late arrivals in my inbox and prepare for the next day's schedule. Articles of interest are saved and read before turning in.

Hitting the sack by 10 p.m. is usual, prioritizing water intake and adequate rest as crucial tenets for productivity.

Maximizing Travel Time

With frequent trips particularly between D.C. and New York, efficient travel is a must, enhanced by Georgetown's close airport proximity. I relish the brief flights by tackling emails or occasionally reviewing reports provided by the team in print.

I adhere to a weekly ritual on Fridays, ensuring my inbox is sorted, valuing the interaction time from others.