Diane Hessan, CEO, Salient Ventures

Salient Ventures CEO Diane Hessan has always wanted to “lead something big,” as she shares in the latest episode of PNC C-Speak. That desire was the impetus for leaving her role with a small startup and founding Communispace, now known as C Space, in Boston. These days, she leads angel investment firm Salient Ventures in its efforts to support early-stage companies that show a lot of promise.

Hessan’s embrace of startups, and their inherent risks, stems from her happy, secure childhood. “I just asked myself (back then), what’s the worst thing that could happen? And my worst-case scenario is that I would be back in Norristown, Pennsylvania,” a prospect she didn’t mind, she says. Hessan has encouraged other startup entrepreneurs to consider their worst-case scenarios — and still pursue opportunities.

A quintessential example of authentic leadership, Hessan fervently believes in leading people in ways that demonstrate you care about them, and the importance of seeking out mentors for guidance along the entrepreneurial journey. Powered by PNC Bank.

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