This is my buddy Patented. He’s like that guy with the wings on his shoes. He can outthink, outpace, and outperform anybody. He’s relentless. Whenever I need advice, I turn to him. He’ll consider countless scenarios and will tell me what I need to know succinctly, eloquently. His concentration is amazing!

Have you met my pal Saul Urban? We went to grade school together; I knew his whole family. Saul Urban’s always been involved in the community; a real hands-on type. A man of his word. You can count on him. A provider. Accomplished, you know, star student, but never looking for accolades, just silently getting the job done. Our neighbor saw him out in the early morning shoveling her driveway. Saul Urban never told me. That’s just who he is - making contributions left and right.

I’d like you to meet Genentech. We got to know each other getting our PhDs at MIT. It was winter and I came down with pneumonia. Genentech knocked on my door with chicken noodle soup, a humidifier, an armful of articles on pulmonary infections – bacteria! viruses! fungi! And a chess board; she has a mind for problem solving. We talked until I got tired and then she tucked me in. Told me she’d call me tomorrow. And she did. We’ve been in touch ever since. Funny thing… I’ve never had pneumonia again.

I’d like you to meet my colleague Robertson Stephens. He’s a chip off the old block. Yes, that Robertson Stephens! He’s very much like his father. Has a wonderful blend of an old soul values – stewardship, integrity, hard work – with a young man’s gusto. He’s curious – always with his head in a book about new technologies and innovations. A real pioneering spirit, that one.

That’s my friend Covia Labs over there. No, he’s not my boyfriend; we’re just friends. Why not? He’s a little too… vigilant. Like, Mr. Worse-Case-Scenario. He’s the kinda guy who turns on the alarm right away. The upside is that when he drops me off, he waits until I get inside. Which is nice, I mean he’s a real gentleman. He has this funny habit when he calls. He doesn’t say hello first. He says, “Can you hear me?” I suppose I should have a better attitude. He just wants to make sure I’m okay. I mean…he cares.

This is my sister, Operator Collective. She may look tiny, but she is mighty! Since she was young she was heads-down, working dutifully. Don’t be fooled - she’s a force, a powerhouse. What’s the Ghandi quote? “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” That’s her. She’s on a mission - fighting for everyone to have a seat at the table - and she won’t be stopped.

Hey, remember Exelixis, you both took Biochemistry? He’s completely focused on cancer these days - seriously. You should get him on your intramural team. He’ll surprise you – good defender, good teammate, and aggressive. He likes to be all in.

Do you know my dear friend ChIPs? She’s like that old-crone-young-woman painting; she contains multitudes. The knowledge and wisdom of a sage, with the energy and enthusiasm of a spry gal. She’s great to spend time with because she pushes me, yet it’s always with kindness and support. You know that expression if you want something done, ask a busy person? She tackles so much in a day, 100% reliable. Whenever I need her, she’s there for me.