Josie Kressner, Strategic Advisor for Motionworks and Illoominus

Title

PhDs and Entrepreneurship: My Experience with and Thoughts on Both

Time

1:40pm - 3:00pm

Location

1605 Tilia, Room 1103, West Village

Abstract

This talk will focus on the similarities and differences between earning a PhD and starting a company. Josie will share her story of starting Transport Foundry after finishing her PhD, and she will give a technical overview of the simulation engine behind it that combines both mobile location data and consumer marketing data to forecast near-term futures. She will also touch on how the technology evolved after being acquired by Motionworks. The session will include plenty of time for Q&A so bring your questions about entrepreneurship.

Biographical Sketch

Josie Kressner most recently was Senior Vice President of Data at Motionworks, the company that acquired Transport Foundry. She recently semi-retired, and plans to take a couple years to travel with her young baby and husband. She continues as a strategic advisor for Motionworks and Illoominus, a company focused on powering inclusive workplaces. She holds a Masters and PhD in Transportation Engineering from Georgia Tech and Bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Civil Engineering.