Lisbeth McNabb’s enthusiasm for professional women’s development and online community networks led her to create w2wlink.com, an online community for career-focused women hoping to enhance their professional paths and work-life balance.
Though she founded the business just a year ago, McNabb is no stranger to the online world. As CFO and strategist at Match.com, she not only conducted research on women online, but also helped the Dallas company increase its profit and market share. Other companies on her résumé include Frito-Lay and Sodexho Marriott, where she also formed women’s networking groups.
As if running a company weren’t enough, McNabb stays busy additionally as a director of Nexstar Broadcasting. She travels the country speaking to women’s networking groups as well. And, if you haven’t been able to catch her speak in public, no worries; she also writes her own blog.
Age: 47
Title/Company: CEO/w2wlink.com
Tenure: 1 year
What was your first job? Cleaning up the dinner plates with my sister. I then progressed to clean the bathroom sinks while she dusted. As one of four kids, we all did our part.
What was your worst job? I made it one week at McDonald’s. The former military officer-turned-franchisee corrected my grammar. I said, ‘Can I help you?’ and he corrected me in front of my customers. I still remember thinking, ‘You cannot treat me this way.’
If you couldn’t say “the people I work with,” what would you say is the best part of your job? That I get to wear so many hats. Also, blending the vision-shaping with getting a short list of priorities done each day and week.
What’s the worst part? Having so many more opportunities and doors opening than we have the team and resources for. It’s the reality of a successful early-stage company, and the right problem to have.
On weekends, where would people find you? In my backyard with my boys and dogs; we have a new rescue pug. Also, at baseball games rooting louder than either son likes.
What book is currently on your nightstand? The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steven Blank, and Lionel Shriver’s The Post-Birthday World. I like reading fiction and nonfiction.
What’s your favorite TV show? The View. I love the mix of personality styles and range of topics from business, media, and politics to parenting values. I wish I were spending more time discussing these issues in my living room.
What web sites do you visit most frequently? I look at w2wlink.com every day. Stumbledupon.com shows me trends, The New York Times for daily news, and FrontBurner for local restaurants.
What is your greatest strength? My drive and passion for business and learning.
What do you consider to be your biggest weakness? Clearly impatience, but also my fast pace and high energy. Although it does a lot of good, many times I run through situations and people, missing the fun and connections.
What’s the best advice anyone ever told you? Go sell first. A professor who focused on sales and sales management at the University of Nebraska encouraged me to go sell into a channel and work my way over to marketing.
Why did you start this site? My vision of the market opportunity, my strengths in strategy and operational startup, and my passion to support women’s growth and find win-wins with business partners.
