Founder & Partner @ Kanvas | Foster Innovation, Develop Business Strategy, Drive Growth

Katie Nowak

It’s been 3 years without my dad.
Here’s what I'm reflecting on today -

My dad taught me to build a career that I loved.

He did that by taking me to his medical presentations and dinners around the world when I was young.

I remember I joined him at a private investigator meeting in Munich, Germany, and his colleagues were torn over whether or not Dr. Nowak’s 12-year-old daughter needed to sign an NDA to attend. 😂 

In that same meeting, he introduced himself as being from “Day-toi,” instead of Detroit, as everyone else was from various European cities. Lots of laughter ensued, and the whole room suddenly felt warmer, kinder. It was his magic.

Every time I travel internationally for work or step on stage (virtually or in-person), I think of my dad. 

Every time I make a pun or a joke in a meeting (approx 23408 times a day) and see my team light up, I think of my dad.

I wish I could share with him how watching his love of his work, and thus his love of people, all over the world fundamentally shaped who I am today….

…someone who loves what she does.

I often reflect on how I could someday pay this forward to my future family, someday.

How could I involve them in international travel? Have them attend my presentations or panels? Ask them to join me while I write invoices in my office? (That was hilarious - “what do you think, Kate, let’s add an hour, I read fast!!”) … and how might I make each shared moment more fun than the last?

Today, I’m reflecting that I hope to be even half of the role model that he was for me.

I hope this inspires a reflection for you, too - he would love that.

Miss you, dad.

—
I'm Katie Nowak, an investor, innovation leader, and new venture designer sharing examples & lessons weekly. Follow me + hit 🔔 to stay tuned.

Innovation Leader, New Venture Designer, Speaker @ Kanvas || Investor @ Altra Venture Partners

There are two facts that probably tell you most of what you need to know about me:
1. I won a regional story telling contest in 2nd grade.
2. I am a state pre-calculus champion.

I'm a CFO, entrepreneur, and coach who grows companies and careers by linking facts, numbers and data with the feelings, stories and context that make them actionable.  I have an unusual resume but the experiences have really helped me cultivate a greater sense of empathy.  

My career is marked by deep skills in Finance, Sales, and Operations: 

Finance: 
- Fundraising - VC (Seed - E), Debt (Term and LOC), Grants (Restricted and Unrestricted) and Philanthropic
- Planning and Forecasting - I can Index Match in my sleep.

Sales:
- Inbound GTM - identify high impact content opportunities to increase lead flow
- Sales Coaching - provide reps with skill based and deal specific coaching to improve win rates

Operations:
- Roadmap Prioritization/New Prod Design - ability to quickly research markets, collect user feedback, focus in on high impact/high learning opportunities
- Workflow improvements -  redesigned data flows which lead to 5% revenue growth; redesigned operational flows to lead to 40% increased efficiency

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The Battle

Katie Nowak

Sanj Sanampudi

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Posts

Engagements

Likes

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