Women Of The Year.

• Author: Bicknell, Lindsay

Business is never easy, but for the ladies in the boys' club, the obstacles on the path to success can be a little harder to overcome. Join us as we celebrate seven women who've made it their business to lead Utah forward and challenge what it means to succeed.

Carine S. Clark

President & CEO | Ember (formerly Canvass)

Carine S. Clark starts her day early. Up at 4:30AM, she begins with a swim, a walk, or a bike ride to get ready for the day ahead. Her calls start in the car on the way to the office, and she's in meetings until she leaves for the day to have dinner with her family. But as a four time president and CEO of high growth tech companies, she's used to busy days and early starts. Having worked with Allegiance, Inc., MaritzCX, and Banyan, Inc. before coming to Ember (formerly Canvass), she's passionate about not only building companies, but building teams.

A survivor of ovarian clear cell cancer, Ms. Clark is a fighter. "When you think you're going to die, it changes you forever," she says. And she's using that fighting spirit in her business. "Don't be bugged, be better," she advises, hoping that other women can learn from her experience. "Look for ways to lift others up in your personal life and in your career."

Ms. Clark is passionate about Utah's tech landscape, as she also serves on the executive boards of GOED (The Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development), Domo, and Silicon Slopes. "While there aren't many women in tech leadership in Utah, it's a wonderful time to change that," she says. And she's working hard to inspire young people to help work for that change. "If more women chose courage over comfort, we wouldn't have many of the struggles we face today. We'd demand equal treatment and equal pay. We'd show up at the table. And we'd start being the change we want to see."

Cindy A. Crane | Lifetime Achievement

Retired President & CEO | Rocky Mountain Power

Cindy A. Crane has never had a "typical" day at work. "In a single day, I could be working through billion dollar capital programs, meeting with governors or mayors, reviewing and approving foundation grants for the communities we serve, and discussing the business with employees," she says. And that's what made her work most exciting.

Retiring from her position as CEO of Rocky Mountain Power last year, Ms. Crane has overcome a lifetime full of challenges, but she has never shied away from any of them. "I was never afraid to raise my hand and take on assignments or challenges, and did so without expecting promotions or recognition," she says. "The experiences this gave me allowed me to be someone that others counted on." And when you're often times the only woman on the team, that's what's important. "Be willing to step in and take on things for the experience, not for the promotion or recognition," she advises. Instead of worrying about being one of the guys, focus on your own development and Internal satisfaction.

Now, as she enjoys her early retirement by spending time with her family, and she hopes her career will inspire and challenge others to pursue meaningful leadership and take risks. "I want to be remembered by our customers and employees as a leader who cared about them and their...