Manon DeFelice connects time-crunched parents with flexible work

Did Manon convince you in her 60 seconds? Will you recommend her staffing innovator to your talented mom friends? Read on to find out more.

Here are 10 questions for Manon.

Where are you from? Old Greenwich, Connecticut. I grew up outside of Boston. My mom emigrated from Czechoslovakia as political refugee; my dad is French-American.

Why is your Pitch a game changer? Historically, it’s been difficult for high-achieving women to find flexible job opportunities once they have children, and Inkwell offers a solution. I believe we’re the only staffing company devoted to tapping the unique talents of women and mothers. We also fill a need on the part of companies that can benefit from exceptional talent for less money.

First job? In high school, I worked at a florist shop and as a waitress. In my first professional job, I designed compensation packages for the top five executives at Fortune 500 companies.

Who is your biggest advocate? My husband. He’s my wing man. He helped put me through law school, and he let me quit my job to start Inkwell. He pitches Inkwell to everyone he meets.

Light bulb moment? In my previous job running a nonprofit company, I hired my old boss from the New York City mayor’s office for 20 hours per week for $35 per hour. She was a very experienced woman willing to do a highly skilled job for well below market rate — because it allowed her to work from home. This was an aha moment for me.

Where do you do your best work? I love working on trains. I’ll work from my iPhone wherever I go.

Favorite female-led entrepreneurial venture outside your own?Ellevate, a global professional women’s network dedicated to the economic and business engagement of women worldwide. It’s the brainchild of Sallie Krawcheck, a corporate executive-turned-entrepreneur.

In 10 years you will be… Traveling. Preferably on a boat off the coast of Croatia.

Guilty pleasure? Cocktails. Long lunches. Luxury travel. I’m a sucker for a five-star hotel.

Favorite book?The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I cry every time I read it.

Socials:Twitter.