Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Saak.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out as an engineer, studying materials science and engineering as an undergraduate and graduate student. Coming out of high school, I was interested in the idea of “making new materials.” And, indeed, I did do that through my Ph.D. thesis research, as well as with my first job. For almost 10 years, I researched and developed new high-temperature ceramic coatings for gas turbine engine parts. That’s where I was first exposed to government export controls regulations – the area that I built my consulting business around.
Engineering was a great foundation as I became interested in the larger business around the products I was developing. How did product management fit in? What about sales and marketing? I wanted to get a feel of all of the moving parts in a larger company. I actively sought out a role in the same company that would give me that exposure and experience. My next role, as a Six Sigma Black Belt, turned out to be key in shaping my career. My job was to create and implement a business process to help the company comply with a set of federal regulations – the export controls regulations. Years later, after building up a compliance team, I decided to start my own consulting business to help research universities and companies improve their export control compliance programs.
I enjoy breaking down a set of complex regulations and helping organizations figure out how to apply them in a simple manner. The regulations have a scientific-bend to them and require analytical thinking. My engineering background really helps in that way. Since childhood, I always dreamt of running my own business. Traliance is the convergence of many aspects of my life.
I’ve had strong female mentors including my faculty advisor in graduate school, various managers, and, of course, my mother. They have taught me so many life lessons along the way by their own successes and by just being who they are.
I’ve started a women’s business owners networking group called Concord-Carlisle Resources for Enterprising Women (CREW) that is based in Concord. We share learnings, tips, and best practices for developing and running your own business. It’s my way of paying it forward!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think everyone faces challenges as they figure what they want to do in life and in their career. There are always bumps in the road. I wholeheartedly believe it’s all about how you respond and handle those bumps. And when you add in family, spouses, and children, it gets even more interesting. One key struggle I had was how to spend more time with my daughters – and to maintain a career that I genuinely wanted to continue to develop. When I became a mom. I knew I wanted to stay professionally active while somehow carving out additional time to spend with my daughter. After my second daughter was born, I felt that even more.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that life doesn’t usually naturally present the choices that you might want. Sometimes you just have to create those choices. It requires knowing what you want…what’s most important to you at that moment. And it requires gathering your facts, developing a strong argument, and then having the boldness to just say it. Raise your hand, meet with your manager, and just say it. Clearly explain what you want and why it’s a good idea for the company and you.
I went from commuting 45 minutes each way, 5 days a week, to telecommuting from my home office 2 days a week. With my next role, I shifted to completely working from my home office and doing it part-time for a number of years. Really, all because I asked and kept my end of the bargain by performing well and solidly delivering in my roles.
All of that experience helped me develop the boldness required to start Traliance. Running my own business has been a life-changing experience where every day I learn so much, continue to feel challenged, and have all the flexibility that I ever wished for. Truly, despite the cliché, it’s a dream come true.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Traliance – what should we know?
Traliance is a boutique consultancy that provides export controls services to research universities, non-profit research centers, and technology-based companies. “Export controls” is a subset of international trade regulations that stem from the U.S. government.
We focus on bringing practical solutions to improve our clients’ internal compliance programs. Between myself and my team of senior consultants, we bring comprehensive, hands-on experience that includes conducting scientific research ourselves and implementing business process improvements in larger companies. We understand the day-to-day challenges, work culture, and rhythm in how both universities and companies generally work.
We very much customize our services, whether we are developing training on export controls or conducting a risk assessment of our client’s export controls compliance program. That level of personalized service – combined with the direct research, engineering, and university experience – helps us stand out in our field. Our clients value our ability to effectively interact directly with research faculty, engineers, and scientists – as well as upper management leaders.
We tailor compliance solutions for organizations across a wide range of industries. It’s exciting to work with clients on technology related to satellites, drones, aircraft, advanced materials, underwater vehicles, medical research, and more!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The ability to consider and create new possibilities has been key to my success. So many times, before and after I started Traliance, I was faced with what seemed like a “no” or a closed door. Not accepting those at face value – simply questioning them – has been instrumental to my joys and successes in my career and life. Once you start to question the “facts” presented to you, life really opens up.
Contact Info:
- Address: 60 Thoreau St, Suite 206
Concord, MA 01742 - Website: www.traliance.com
- Phone: 978-610-6519
- Email: info@traliance.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Traliance-LLC-462408007457248/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/traliance
- Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/groups/152091702094126/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/5191209/
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