15 minute read
alumni stories on discovery
DISCOVER entrepreneurial innovation
chase feiger ’07
Chase Feiger is an entrepreneur focusing in the technology and healthcare fields. He co-founded Parsable, a startup to digitize manual workflow operations for industrial firms. After completing medical school, he is now pursuing areas of innovation in healthcare technologies.
tell us about your current pursuits. Currently, I am the co-founder of a stealth-mode company in the overlapping areas of life science, health tech, and enterprise software. I came together with a team of life scientists, doctors, former Google product designers/ engineers, and top investors to change how health care gets delivered. This new company enabled me to combine everything I learned from building and scaling Parsable with my experience in medicine. I'm also running an early-stage VC fund, focusing on healthcare, enterprise software, and consumer tech companies, as well as serving as a contributing writer for Forbes. To date, we've done over 20 investments in consumer companies such as Masterclass and Botkit (acquired by Microsoft) through enterprise software and health tech companies like Memora Health and Dynasty (acquired by Appfolio). Previously, I co-founded Parsable, which raised ~$80 million in funding from top Silicon Valley funds to develop the world's first Connected Worker platform. Today, our platform is used in more than 100 countries across Fortune 500 industrial, aerospace, food & beverage, energy, chemical, and automotive manufacturing companies.
can you recall any “moments of discovery” at greenhill that have informed your journey today? The foundation for my way of thinking largely came from conversations with classmates, many of whom are entrepreneurs themselves. It also helped to have teachers at Greenhill who supported my outside-the-box way of thinking. My "moments of discovery" really did not hit until I was in my sophomore year at University of Pennsylvania. Thus, my advice to those future entrepreneurs who have not yet had a "moment of discovery" is don't worry! It's never too late!
what would you tell greenhill students now who are interested in pursuing fields in tech startups? I would tell them to focus all of their attention on market timing and customer development. Many entrepreneurs build overly complex technologies that will never achieve product-market fit due to poor market timing. Additionally, many entrepreneurs think they understand the pain and problem of a customer because of their own personal interaction with that pain. You do not understand the problems of your customers until you spend time with them. Get out of your home, office, lab, or classroom and go collect data!
are there any greenhill teachers that you credit for instilling in you a sense of discovery/curiosity? I will credit Michael Legacy and Jack Oros who were not only outstanding math teachers, but two individuals who became my friends outside of the classroom. Furthermore, I will credit David Lowen and Trey Colvin who really support an individual's ability to "think differently." Lastly, Corbin Doyle and Michael Manes who really opened the creative side of my mind.
DISCOVER your bank of ideas
zoë marshall ’11
Zoë Marshall is a writer for both film and television. In 2014, Zoë’s short film Passing was featured in the Short Film Corner at the Cannes International Film Festival. Since graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Zoë has worked on a handful of shows and pilots, including WGN’s Underground, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, and Counterpart on Starz. She currently writes for Charmed on The CW and is serving her first term on the Board of Directors for the Writers Guild of America, West.
tell us about your current pursuits. I’m currently writing on Season 2 of Charmed, developing a pilot for HBO and in rewrites of a feature film. All of my current projects are led by strong female characters of color, and look at the largely overlooked experiences (love, coming of age, family dynamics, etc.) of people of color in fun, nuanced ways.
can you recall any “moments of discovery” at greenhill that have informed your journey today? It’s not a particular “moment” but I’m infinitely grateful for the way that Greenhill always encouraged my creativity and wide (borderline unfocused) array of interests. I played violin, spoke French, performed theatre, choir and debate, dabbled in oil painting, film production, read endless books and wrote many a (melodramatic) short story. Never once was I told to “pick one”. When it was time to apply to college, I was admittedly overwhelmed because I couldn’t pinpoint a singular pursuit for a course of study/career. But as it turns out, my exploration of science, arts, literature — anything — is what led to my writing career. My job as a TV and film writer is to create worlds in my head and put them on the page. For example, I created a TV pilot that centers around high school debate. The lead of my current film speaks fluent French. I still play violin at home to release stress from work. No experience at Greenhill (or in life) is wasted. what would you tell greenhill students now who are interested in the fields of writing, empowerment, cultural competency, breaking down barriers, etc.? Pursue anything that interests you. Creativity springs from experience. You never know when a story will come from a night swim or a road trip. Anything that challenges you is a deposit into your creative bank of ideas. This is easier said than done, but don’t fear the first draft. The most helpful writing advice I’ve ever been given is that all writing is bad until it’s not. Writing is re-writing. As you revise drafts, you shave away what makes a piece of work bad to fashion it into something excellent. Just get something on the page. That’s the first (and always the hardest) step. Everything only gets better from there.
are there any greenhill teachers that you credit for instilling in you a sense of discovery/courage? Keith Nannie and Linda Woolley were impactful instructors for me. Mr. Nanny was my advisor my first year on the Hill, and gave me the support I needed as a new student to jump headfirst into the areas of study that interested me. I’ve loved French since I was a kid but felt behind the eight ball when I started in sixth grade because everyone else began learning the language the year before. I had to work twice as hard to catch up, but Mr. Nanny supported me (without doing my work for me) and it led to a strong command of the language. I still speak French to this day, and incorporate elements of French New Wave Cinema into the character development of everything I write. Mrs. Woolley is the most honest teacher I had. English and Literature were always my strongest subjects, but Mrs. Woolley held me accountable for my work in a way that kept me from resting on my laurels in my most confident subject. Her classes humbled me without crushing my spirit, inspired me without distracting me from the work that goes into great writing. From her it finally registered with me that being fully honest with myself and the caliber of my work is the only way I’ll write something good and worthwhile. It’s the reason I can check my ego at the door before stepping into the writers' room or on a notes call with the studio or network.
DISCOVER options in energy
stephanie fishman ’09
Stephanie is a judicial law clerk with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC’s mission is to regulate the nation's civilian use of nuclear materials and protect public health, safety, and the environment. Stephanie is an advocate of nuclear energy as a remedy to climate change, and she contributes to energy innovation by drafting regulation plans for advanced modular reactors. Before law school, she spent four years working for the U.S. Department of Defense securing nuclear material overseas. She leveraged language skills and a technical background to manage projects in Kazakhstan, South Africa, and Jordan. It was not until she assisted in the drafting of nuclear regulations in Jordan that she was inspired to go to law school and become a nuclear lawyer.
tell us about your current pursuits. My current position with the NRC perfectly bridges my technical nuclear background and passion for energy regulation. I am at the epicenter of energy development. I work on projects involving advanced, small reactors, high-profile enforcement cases, and compliance with a variety of federal energy and environmental laws. A lot of people are afraid of nuclear power. To promote innovation, it is important to discuss nuclear energy in our communities and normalize the language. In my free time, I participate on panels to dispel “radphobia,” and speak to motivate young women in pursuing fields of science and engineering. can you recall any “moments of discovery” at greenhill that have informed your journey today? Greenhill guides students toward aspiration and encourages freedom of thought. I am fortunate to have spent 14 years in an environment fostering that creativity. Senior year I took a painting elective. I recall the feeling of thriving – I loved creating something that would be shown for people to see. I joked that I would one day become an artist. And while intending to be funny, it was in that moment that I discovered it did not matter what my future profession would be. Rather than envisioning a title — wanting to grow up to be a doctor, artist, etc. — Greenhill instead taught me to think more about what I wanted my days to entail. I discovered that I wanted my days to include complex problems, creative thinking, and crafting unique solutions.
what would you tell greenhill students now who are interested in the f ields of writing or advocacy? Take it seriously. The writing program at Greenhill is rigorous and sometimes defeating. When I think back on Trey Colvin's English class, all I see is red. Red ink, red commentary on every page of a paper. And while it was difficult to digest (I never earned higher than a “B”), those technical notes and high expectations transcend into all future writing. That feedback separated me from the academic pack in college, helped me earn the respect of high-level officials at the Pentagon who received my briefs, and made law school assignments (almost) fun. Embrace the red ink because taking the English program seriously will equip you with a skill that impacts your everyday life.
Fill your summer with FUN! MAY 26 - AUGUST 7, 2020 Co-ed summer camps and classes Ages 3 – Grade 12
Artwork by Kaethe Thomas ’20
It’s time to fill your child’s summer with fun at Greenhill School! We welcome boys and girls, ages 3 to grade 12, for eleven weeks of summer programming, May 26 - August 7, 2020. Your child might conduct wacky science experiments, learn marketable babysitting skills, organize a lemonade stand with profits going to charity, practice mindfulness while making art, hone their athletic skills, design robots in STEM-focused makerspaces, dance hip-hop, and so much more.
Your child will make new friends, broaden their horizons, and most importantly, have the time of their lives while learning. Please visit our website for an exciting range of summer opportunities in academic enrichment, artistic fulfillment, physical development, athletics, moral awareness, and community responsibility. Questions? Vicki Truitt Director of Summer Programs 972.628.5490 summer@greenhill.org
DISCOVER close connections to the people of Dallas
Mayor ERIC JOHNSON ’ 94
Since graduating Greenhill in 1994, Mayor Eric Johnson has always been an active and engaged alumnus. After graduating from Harvard in 1998, he went on to earn his law degree at University of Pennsylvania and his Masters of Public Affairs at Princeton University. Prior to being elected as the 62nd Mayor of Dallas last summer, he served District 100 in the Texas House of Representatives. He even met his wife, Nakita Garraway Johnson '02, through Greenhill and the couple is raising two young sons.
tell us about a typical day as the mayor of dallas. As mayor, every day is actually two days in one: There is the day you plan to have, and the day that actually happens. On Wednesdays, we have City Council meetings. Most days, we have meetings about issues that are of importance to the city. I speak with my staff, city management, council members, foreign dignitaries, other government agency leaders and heads of organizations. In between, I speak at events, talk to the media, and make calls. But seemingly every day, we also have to deal with unexpected challenges and issues that pop up. The job is incredibly rewarding, but the pace is relentless, and I also have to find time to spend with my wife and my two young boys. when did you discover within yourself that you wanted to serve in the public sector / run for off ice? After college, many of my peers were drawn to Wall Street and finance. I followed suit and went to work at an investment banking firm in Dallas. The money was great for someone like me who grew up in a working class family; I was making more than my parents had made combined during their peak earning years. And my friends and family were excited for me and proud of me. But something was missing. I didn’t love working on potential mergers and acquisitions. I didn’t feel like I was serving a purpose. I felt lost and rudderless. Everything I had done in my life outside of school until then was about community service, and the job I had was purely about making money. I wasn’t sure to whom I could turn to talk about my feelings. But I took a shot in the dark and emailed a young lawyer whom I had admired and had met once, briefly, when he came to speak at Harvard during my senior year. I asked in a long, rambling email what he would do if he were in my shoes. He told me to get out, and that I wasn’t disappointing anyone — I was just failing to be true to myself. I recommitted to public service and got an internship in the state Legislature. The rest is history.
what would you say have been your greatest moments of discovery since assuming the mayor’s off ice in dallas? Some of the greatest moments of discovery have been seeing how closely connected the mayor is to the people who he represents. I really get to see how the city government affects people’s lives. Serving in the Texas Legislature, I was always responsive to my constituents and felt closely connected to them, but I had less of a pull from them to be at different community gatherings, or to meet with them to discuss the issues impacting them on a daily basis. Within my first four months in office, I received over 2,000 requests for meetings and appearances. People truly want to see the mayor up close.
can you recall any moments of discovery at greenhill that informed your journey today? Kids in my neighborhood growing up went to school in the neighborhood, hung out with other kids from the same neighborhood, and stayed in the neighborhood for just about everything. Meanwhile, I lived in two vastly different worlds: my neighborhood and Greenhill. I got on a bus each morning to visit a completely different side of our city and meet kids from all different backgrounds, growing up in very different circumstances. I know that I would not be where I am today had I not had that opportunity, and it helps inform my understanding of all our city’s people and its challenges.
former college counselor 100-year-old Rhea Wolfram at a "Chat n Chow" with Assistant Head of School Tom Perryman '81 and Lifetime Trustee Molly Fulton Seeligson '60.
head of school Lee Hark meets Former Head of School Phillip Foote at the New York alumni reunion.
Molly Bruder ’07 and Sophie Levy Zuckerman ’07 greet Legend Ron Ivery with hugs during homecoming week.
Dear FellowHornets,
In keeping with our community theme of ‘discovery’ this year, I encourage you to discover something new at Greenhill since your days on this campus! The Alumni Board and I strive to create interesting and meaningful opportunities for you to interact with fellow alumni and the school. Our networking affinity groups are growing with the addition of two new industry-based connection events for those in the real estate and legal industries, along with the second event for alumni working in allied health. The Alumni Board recently announced the new Alumni Service Award in addition to the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Nominations are accepted year-round so I encourage you to view our website for details on these two awards and thoughtfully consider potential honorees.
This spring, I am concluding my term as Alumni Board President and welcoming our new President, Clayton Lougée ’03, who will begin his two-year service in July. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the Alumni Association, composed of 70 years of alumni classes.
As always, please stay in touch on social media to learn about social, networking, and volunteer opportunities. Your engagement and participation is important to us. The Alumni Board is here as a conduit and representative for you as alumni. We hope you will connect back to Greenhill School in a way that is meaningful to you.
Lauren Pritchard Goodman ’04 Alumni Board President, 2018-2020
