Periodically, we feature a member from our Team to provide a behind the scenes look at the people that make it all happen at the firm.
Featured This Month:
Sarah Recinos - Office Manager & Executive Assistant
What is your focus at Sierra Ventures?I am Sierra’s Office Manager and I am an Executive Assistant supporting our Managing Partner - Mark Fernandes and Operating Partner - Jim Doehrman. I also serve as Sierra’s Benefits Administrator and Payroll Manager.How did you get into Venture Capital?I started my career as an Office Administrator for a few venture-backed technology companies in San Francisco. The founder of one of the companies I worked for introduced me to Sierra Ventures. I started as an Office Manager in 2004 and took on an Executive Assistant role for the firm’s founder, Peter Wendell. I’ve been with the firm ever since!What administrative tips or resources would you recommend for startup teams?
- Look at history. If you are undertaking a new job, responsibility, or task (or hiring someone who will be), look at how it has been done in the past. Evaluate what changes need to be addressed going forward and determine if the way it has been done is the right way to proceed.
- Document your steps. As you build processes, keep a running recap of what you do along the way so someone else can refer to your history next time. Encourage everyone on your team to do this as a best practice as well. It helps keep things organized and makes knowledge transfer easier.
If you had to recommend one book to an entrepreneur what would it be? I read to relax and learn about another era in history or a viewpoint different from my own. My recommendation would be to find a new genre that speaks to you personally and allow yourself opportunities to explore it. Doing this allows you to get into a completely different mindset and open up your worldview as opposed to only reading things that deal with your work or existing personal interests.What is your best "life-hack"? First thing in the morning I like to skim over new unread emails. Doing this helps me prepare for the day ahead by using the time in the morning to prioritize - and sometimes reorganize - what I need to do first that day. Anything else you want to share?Outside of work, I love to travel with friends and family and I really enjoy camping and backpacking. I also foster dogs at home for NorCal Bulldog Rescue and volunteer as a driver for Meals on Wheels