International Women's Day - Client Spotlight: Anemoment
In honor of International Women’s Day, Leyton is spotlighting our client Elizabeth Osborn J.D., CEO of Anemoment. With Elizabeth’s contribution, Anemoment has designed the world’s smallest and lightest 3D ultrasonic anemometer, a highly accurate engineering tool for atmospheric monitoring, weather reporting, and ecosystem research. In an exclusive interview with Leyton, here’s what Elizabeth has to say about running a business as a woman in today’s competitive era.
Leyton: Tell us about your educational and professional background.
Liz: I have an undergraduate degree in Sociology. While in school, I actively participated in the community and student organizations to develop skills such as leadership, management, budgeting, and writing. Being women in business, we have to constantly improve and learn new skills, so even after having 4 kids, I continued to learn. In 2005, I went back to school and got a law degree. I also took tax courses and that knowledge saved us thousands of dollars. Finally, I was able to bring all of this knowledge to establish Anemoment and turn it into a successful family business.
“Being women in business, we have to constantly improve and learn new skills.”
Leyton: What inspired you to establish Anemoment?
Liz: You have to be ready and willing to roll with opportunities presented to you. When my husband moved on from his job at ultrasonic anemometry, we decided to start a family business together. It was my husband’s dream.
“I see myself as the ‘keeper of the dream.’”
Initially, we faced trouble making our product as effective as possible. I identified an issue with bouncing sound waves, then collaborated with mechanical engineers and patented the technology. In addition, I handle compliance matters, and taxes with our CPA, and that’s where partners like Leyton have been incredibly helpful. Because of Leyton’s R&D report, I am confident of claiming the R&D Tax Credit for my business. I have been with Leyton for 2 years and plan to continue to work with them.
Anemoment Remote Monitoring
Leyton: What challenges have you faced as a female business owner?
Liz: Like many women, I have to overcome imposter syndrome. I have to remember that I have worked for hard for this. I have organized, prepared, planned, and kept it together. The idea is mine. I also feel that getting a JD helps me be taken seriously as a woman. The credential helps a lot.
“Like many women, I have to overcome imposter syndrome.
I have to remember that I have worked for hard for this.”
Leyton: Why do you think gender equality is important in the workplace?
Liz: It is important to remember that the best decisions are made when you have broad input from people different backgrounds, experiences, gender, and race. We should make space for different ideas to be heard. We have to work through the discomfort, and be able to hear and be heard, see and be seen.
Our society often forgets about the role caregiving plays in business success. I am a strong promoter of quality caregiving. Businesses need to realize that planning and enabling quality caregiving benefits their bottom line. When caregiving needs are met, we are all in a better position to share experience and insight that we can benefit from, both in the business world and at home.
“We should make space for different ideas to be heard.
We have to work through the discomfort, and be able to hear and be heard, see and be seen.”
Leyton: Do you have any advice for women on International Women’s Day 2021?
Liz: I just want to tell women that they don’t have to choose between having a family or being an entrepreneur. They can choose both. And I want them to know that their participation, their ideas, and themselves are of worth.
“Be curious, because you never know what idea or experience is going to power your next opportunity!”
Elizabeth and her family at the American Meteorological Society exhibit booth in January 2020.