4 minutes with…Joy Montgomery, CEO, Structural Integrity

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the advanced bioeconomy.

I help American Companies keep Customers by identifying and prioritizing actions that will get the best results. I’m the Western Region Mentor Chair for the Cleantech Open, the world’s largest accelerator for clean technology startups. In 2015, I’ll be the Western Division/National Alumni Chair.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

As a consultant, my goal is to increase the number of companies who can benefit from my help. I’m interested in Board of Director positions for small to mid-sized companies in Northern California. In my volunteer role with the Cleantech Open, my goal is to help build an active and collaborative community of Cleantech Open Alumni who may have the answers other Alumni need to make the world a better place.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

Offer affordable solutions that can be put into use by property and business owners at all levels.
Identify realistic opportunities to increase the use of clean technology solutions.
Increase government support for clean technology solutions.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?

I would encourage collaboration between all stakeholders.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?  

That we are exhausting our poor world and approaching the status of pests in our environment.

Where are you from? 

San Francisco, California

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway? 

I have a B.A. in History. The Engineering counselor I was assigned to would not allow women to take “men’s jobs.” The History department welcomed me and having a degree was important to employers. It opened doors.

Who do you consider your mentors. What have you learned from them?

Glenn Dean was the first Manager who challenged me on a constant basis, giving me assignments no one in our department knew how to do and allowing me to develop the skills I might have used as an Engineer in a Business Analyst role.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

When one door closes, another one (or more) opens.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry? 

I do career coaching for returning Combat Veterans.

What 3 books would you take to read, if stranded on a desert island?

The Foxfire books. I know that’s a set of many more than 3.

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

Mighty Mid-Sized Companies – Robert Sher
The Power of Intention – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
The Innovator’s Solution – Clayton M. Christensen
Quiet – Susan Cain

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

Yosemite