Clarisa Duran Lindenmeyer, MBA’09

Lindermeyer Clarisa 2018 with her family after dinner at highland park village

Founder/President, Proximity to Power

Lindenmeyer says that in her current role as a C-level strategist in sales, marketing, and growth, her MBA helps round out her ability to advise executives across many channels. “It gives a 360-degree understanding of how all things work: marketing, sales, IT, finance, HR and more. And then how they must work together to allow a company to flourish.”  Formerly the CRO with Tech Wildcatters, Lindenmeyer is on the advisory board of Dallas Innovates; board of directors of Friends of Fair Park; and a committee member of the Ground Floor, United Way’s accelerator.

Why did you choose the UT Dallas MBA?

At the time, I worked for Baylor Health Care System and they would pay for higher education at a state institution. After researching the program and the future plans of UTD, I knew it would be a fantastic opportunity. I also wanted to keep working while in graduate school. UTD had the best Professional MBA program to allow for this.

What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?

I was so busy with work and graduate school while attending UTD, I rarely got involved in much else. My favorite UTD memories are from the last couple of years as I have watched the school and the brand flourish. Also, watching UTD get so involved with the innovation and startup community is very rewarding. Getting to meet Guy Kawasaki at the Big Idea Competition on campus in 2017 was icing on the cake!

What UT Dallas professor inspired you the most?

One of my entrepreneurship professors each week brought different CEOs and company founders to share their stories of success and failure. I had no idea how valuable those lessons would become. If you ever get the chance to learn from a great CEO, consider yourself lucky.

What advice do you have for college students looking to succeed professionally?

Be bold. Be inquisitive. DO. I always ask potential hires how they feel about executing tasks. In order to learn and succeed and get the “BIG JOB,” you have to pay your dues. No way around it.  Don’t have an ego. Be willing to do what it takes to get the job done. And, always ask for more responsibility.

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