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Merage Alumna in the Spotlight
The Merage School is dedicated to the principle that every graduate from
our program has the potential to make a significant contribution both to
their profession and to society.
The “Merage Alumni Spotlight” is now a regular feature in our Alumni
newsletter. If you would like to be considered or nominate a fellow
alum, please e-mail the Merage Alumni Relations Office at Meragealum@merage.uci.edu.
Name: Jessica Riester ‘01
Biographical Information
Born: California
Undergrad: UC Berkeley
Married: Yes – Rob Riester
Kids: Paige (4) and Sadie (2)
1. What are some of your fondest memories as an MBA student?
The lasting friendships I formed and the time spent with those
friends working in teams and socializing.
2. How did you choose your career path?
My career path has been in finance, which I chose because I liked the more
quantitative applications in business. I have also had a passion for
entrepreneurial pursuits so after getting my MBA, I joined a VC backed
health care staffing company and loved working with the founding team in
a finance capacity.
After my first daughter was born, I left my job and started to write
business plans for startups because it offered a lot more flexibility.
After several years of juggling consulting work, children and building
my mommy network, I realized that many professional women struggled with
work life balance in today’s increasingly demanding corporate environment.
That’s when I decided to start FlexWork Connection, a recruiting and
staffing company that serves as a resource for professional mothers looking
for flexible work arrangements. I love every aspect of my work – connecting
with like-minded professionals, finding fulfilling work with local employers
and making successful matches.
3. How has earning your MBA at the Merage School helped you in your business?
The knowledge and credibility I gained by earning my MBA at the Merage School began
to pay off in my first post-MBA position. There were a lot of technical finance skills
I was able to put to use immediately, but having a broader framework for business
operations and strategy allowed me to become a valued contributor and help build and
define the business model. I have also been able to use my MBA education to write business
plans that have contributed to raising over $30 million in capital.
While the skills learned during my MBA education were helpful in being a valued contributor
for other organizations, I am just now beginning to realize another important benefit of
earning my MBA at the Merage School – the opportunity to tap into the school’s alumni
network that is helping me build a strong client base in the local community.
4. Can you describe your company Flexwork Connection, and your role as Principal?
FlexWork Connection is an organization I founded to address the need in the marketplace
to seek out part-time or flex-time positions for highly skilled professionals that have
opted out of the traditional work environment. In addition to finding flexible openings
and interim projects for professionals, we work to promote the concept of flexible work
arrangements at the professional level through events and seminars for local employers
and professionals. We feel that the current definition of work, a 50-70 hour work week,
needs to change to accommodate a changing workforce and can be a mutually beneficial
arrangement for employers and employees alike.
My role is to build a strong client base that will provide jobs for the growing number of
candidates that are finding out about FlexWork Connection, on terms that will meet both
parties needs. I also plan events that will address the challenges and promote the
benefits on the topic of flex work.
5. What particular skills do you think are critical for succeeding in the business world?
Staying focused on goals and objectives and making sure you spend your time on things that
are working toward those goals, is a critical skill. There is only so much time in a day so
it’s important to make sure efforts are not straying from what you are trying to achieve.
6. What are some of your hobbies and extracurricular activities that you enjoy?
I love spending time with my family- my husband and I love teaching our daughters new
things, sharing new experiences with them and watching them learn and grow. When I have
spare time, I love to read, paint, golf and hike with friends.
7. Is philanthropy important to you? If so, why?
Absolutely! It’s funny because philanthropy has become more important after I had
children, even though I am busier now than ever. I feel like I want to set a good
example for my girls and teach them the importance of giving back. I am afraid that
growing up in Orange County, they will take a lot of things that we have for granted.
So whereas merely contributing to fundraisers used to be the extent of my philanthropic
efforts in the past, I have started to play a more active role in non-profit organizations.
I am a member of Room-to-Read’s Orange County chapter and helped run our first
fundraising event last year and have recently joined the Junior League and hope to
be an active participant in organizing events and activities that help local,
disadvantaged children and women have a better future.
8. How do you stay involved with the Merage School and your local community?
Launching FlexWork Connection has been a great impetus for reconnecting with the
Merage School and local businesses. I have started to frequent the networking lunches
and other events which have been very helpful to growing my business. I also became a
member of the Dean’s Leadership Circle to help support the Merage School and gain access
to invaluable DLC events and networking opportunities.
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