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Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope: Advize Career Interview
A freshman seminar on decarbonizing the world sparked a career journey culminating in the co-founding and leadership of Gaiascope.
This path, marked by a double major in mechanical engineering and physics at MIT, internships in carbon capture and electric mobility, and a PhD in climate science, showcases a dedication to solving vital world problems.
The interview reveals the demanding yet rewarding reality of being a CEO, requiring adaptability, optimism, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
A key takeaway emphasizes the power of initiative and problem-solving skills, cultivated through a technical education and honed through experience.
The energy tech industry, while traditionally male-dominated, offers diverse entry-level opportunities for undergraduates, ranging from engineering to business development, welcoming those with resilience, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit.
The interview ultimately inspires with a message of empowerment, highlighting the potential to chart one's own course and make a significant impact on the world.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Kuntz
CEO and Co-Founder
Gaiascope
MIT
Harvard, PhD 2018
Biology & Related Sciences, Engineering - Mechanical
Energy and Utilities
Data and Analytics
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
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Career Path Of A CEO And Co-Founder At Gaiascope
Lauren's career path, beginning with an unplanned mechanical engineering and physics double major at MIT, was shaped by a freshman seminar focusing on decarbonizing the world, a question which became the central theme of their academic and professional pursuits. The journey, involving internships in carbon capture, electric mobility, and climate visualization, culminated in a PhD in climate science and the co-founding of Gaiascope after exploring "academia, postdocs, and startup life," driven by a desire to "get solutions into the hands of business leaders."
Main Responsibilities of a CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope
Lauren's main responsibility as CEO and Co-Founder of Gaiascope is "putting out whatever is on fire," a reflection of the constant uncertainty inherent in a startup. This involves facilitating problem-solving within the team and stepping in to address challenges, resulting in a diverse and demanding role where the daily tasks are varied and the success is constantly evaluated.
A Day In The Life Of A CEO And Co-Founder At Gaiascope
A CEO's day-to-day responsibilities are highly variable depending on company size and stage, with Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, highlighting the need to "steer the ship," addressing problems ranging from directly assisting engineers to liaising with investors and clients; ultimately, the role involves a lot of communication, problem-solving, and empowering others to find solutions.
Most Important Skills for a CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, identifies two crucial skills for her role: managing "uncertainty and ambiguity," and maintaining "an absurd level of optimism," essential for navigating the uncharted territory of a novel startup where success is not guaranteed and requires unwavering belief in the team's ability to overcome challenges. The ability to persevere with this mindset is key to leading a company creating something completely new.
Favorite Parts of Being a CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, most enjoys the "dream group" of hardworking and collaborative colleagues and the empowering ability to "chart your own course," even changing the company's direction when needed, a key aspect of leading a startup.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A CEO And Co-Founder At Gaiascope
Lauren's biggest challenge as CEO and Co-Founder of Gaiascope is confronting the daily reality that "if it's not working, it came down to" their decisions and actions, requiring constant adaptation and ownership of failures. This necessitates pushing their capabilities to solve problems stemming from past shortcomings, highlighting the immense pressure and self-accountability inherent in their leadership role.
Favorite Parts of Working in Energy as a CEO and Co-Founder
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, finds the most rewarding aspect of the energy industry is the opportunity to "solve vital world problems," contributing to climate change solutions. This larger purpose allows a more holistic view of success, extending beyond financial metrics to encompass impact and increased awareness within the field.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Energy Industry, According To Gaiascope's CEO
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, notes the energy industry's duality: "middle-aged white man" is the average professional, yet "a lot of young blood" and innovation are also present. Thriving requires resilience, curiosity, and humility, as success necessitates navigating established practices and collaborating effectively, "coming in with...a sense of, I am here to work with you."
What A CEO And Co-Founder At Gaiascope Wishes They Had Known Before Starting A Startup
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, candidly reveals that the reality of the role is "everything is harder than you think it's gonna be," a continuous struggle where "there has not been a day where I don't [think], I don't know if we're gonna exist in a year." This unexpectedly challenging experience, while daunting, ultimately underscores the normalization of struggle and the iterative nature of startup success.
Entry-level positions for aspiring energy tech professionals at Gaiascope
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, highlights diverse entry-level opportunities in the energy tech startup space for undergraduates, including "pure engineering," data science focusing on "building models and forecasting," business development analyzing market landscapes, sales requiring "being incredibly friendly and outgoing," and product roles bridging clients and the technical team. These roles offer a range of skill applications, from technical expertise to client interaction and market analysis, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the energy tech sector.
Significant Career Lesson From A CEO And Co-Founder At Gaiascope
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, identifies "you have a lot more power than you think you do" as a significant career lesson, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative even in seemingly insurmountable situations. This lesson, applicable across various career stages, underscores the ability to initiate change, build resilience, and overcome obstacles by simply "tak[ing] the first step."
College Experiences That Helped A CEO And Co-Founder At Gaiascope Succeed
Lauren's MIT undergraduate education provided a crucial foundation, not through specific classes or internships, but by fostering "problem-solving skills" and building confidence in overcoming challenges. This ability to approach obstacles, honed through a technical education, proved invaluable throughout a non-linear career path, enabling adaptation to unexpected opportunities and challenges.
How Identity Has Influenced a CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope's Career
Lauren's career in male-dominated fields, from MIT to the startup world, has presented challenges including "imposter syndrome," but also fostered strong bonds with female allies and mentors. This shared experience of being a "minority in a space" has provided invaluable support and shaped their path to success as CEO and Co-Founder.
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