Gillian Munson ─ Using 360 degrees of problems to find solutions...
June 9, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Gillian Munson
Chief Financial Officer
Vimeo
(Previously — Chief Financial Officer
Iora Health)
Are you looking for a leader who uses 360 degrees of problems to find solutions? We know the person—Gillian Munson.
Gillian Munson is the CFO at Iora Health, an innovator in relationship-based health care. Prior to Iora, Gillian had dedicated her career to building and investing in technology companies. Her career includes tenures at Allen & Company, Morgan Stanley, Hambrecht & Quist, Symbol Technologies, and XO Group (The Knot, The Nest, The Bump, The Bash, and How He Asked). She has held a range of roles including equity analyst covering technology and distribution companies, CFO, banker, early stage investor and M&A leader.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Gillian Munson!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I can knit a very cute baby sweater.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Very few. Had finally grown accustomed to zone 5. Funny enough, I’ve discovered that the front and back of the plane do arrive at the same time.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Bhutanese chili peppers on rice on a bike trip with my Godmother - hot hot hot!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
- Being a camp counselor. Leading (and sometimes dragging) kids up and down mountains definitely taught me how to help adults get through tough challenges.
- Having variety in my career has given me more of a 360 degree view of problems which I think has helped me find solutions when they are needed.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
My first mentor was Genni Combes at Hambrecht & Quist, my first job coming out of college. Genni taught me the value of working hard and to always ask 5 why’s. It has been a long time since we worked together but I will always be grateful for the example she set for me early on.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
If you are miserable and the job doesn’t fit - move on. The same is true for your team. If someone doesn’t fit in a role, don’t keep them there because it is convenient for you. Someone’s mis-match is another's perfect fit.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I try really hard to share how I think about situations and make them part of the discussion versus telling them what to do. It may add some time but it helps bring people along.
Additionally, I take as many speaking engagements with people exiting college or early in their careers as possible. My story is one of finding my way as opposed to an “up and to the right” trajectory. I like to share my experience as too often I think the outside perception of success is oversimplified and as a result overly intimidating.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Being an independent Board member. I have really enjoyed playing the role in both the companies I am lucky enough to be a part of, Duolingo and Phreesia. Sitting on the other side of a Board table (or Zoom) gives one an entirely different perspective on operating a company.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Patience with uncertainty. I am a natural worrier and as I get further into my career I understand better how tough that can be on those around me. I am not perfect on this front, but I am working on it.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Learning an entirely new industry, Healthcare. I decided to flip into this enormous industry for my current role and it's a steep learning curve. The fun learning so far is that there is more in common about running a business between industries than I would have imagined.
