Each month, Built in Los Angeles features some of the key players in Los Angeles' burgeoning tech space and the women who are making it all happen. We'll ask these founders, strategists, developers and innovators what drives them forward, their secrets to success, and what advice they have for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
Allison Streuter
Director of Technology Partnerships | AF Square
This Midwestern technology maven doesn't try to stretch it thin with a plethora of opportunities and a hunger for staying up to date with the world. For an escape from reality Allison adopts coffee table animals and other trinkets to keep her home decor très chic.
[ibimage==28655==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-left]WHAT DO YOU DO?
As Director of Technology Partnerships for AF Square, I manage new revenue-generating digital offerings that leverage AF's artists, music and brands. With that, I am discovering and analyzing new technologies and applications for investment, advisory, and partnership opportunities between our company, clients and professional network.
HOW DID YOU COME INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
I started working in the music industry in 2005 and started working at Atom Factory in 2010. When the CEO of Atom Factory started investing in consumer technologies, I saw an opportunity to work with these startups and helping them with brand partnerships, marketing, and brand strategy.
WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
"Don't spend all the money." It was kind of an inside joke between my grandfather and my mom, but I think about it every day and it applies to how you live your life. Don't stretch yourself.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?
Keeping up with emails. So many opportunities come across my desk and I want to spend time to unerstand each one, but then the emails pile up so fast!
WHAT'S YOUR SECRET WEAPON?
Maintaining a broad knowledge of different industries and current events - whether it be in sports, politics or entertainment. It is always helpful to talk about topics other people have interests in. It helps build trust and an understanding of who someone is and then you end up learning more about how you can work together.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE?
Dresses, sparkly baubles, and coffee table/book shelf decor. I love decor blogs, they make you feel that your home is not complete until you have a tiny gold elephant on display or an impressive matchbook collection.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Oberweis Dairy - an ice cream/dairy shop in the Midwest. I made a mean banana split. But it taught me how to work in a fast paced environment (new location opening in the heat of the summer, people go nuts!).
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
You know more than you'd think. Show your confidence!
Connect with Allison on Twitter at @astreets.
