Growing up in a small coastal town in Massachusetts, Joanne Webster always knew that she wanted to be in business. She studied mathematics and computer science at Boston College. Her first job after college was working as a programmer at a small software company. Life took a turn when she met her husband, Charlie, and moved with him to California, where his family owned a Double Rainbow Café franchise. Webster operated the downtown San Rafael location with her husband for 23 years. Her involvement in the local business community led her to become president and CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce in 2014. She and her husband live in Fairfax and have two daughters, Anna (28) and Meghan (24). When she is not working, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking and spending time with friends.
The compliment that makes me the happiest is when another woman comes to me and tells me how much I have helped them, either to achieve her goal or further her own personal and professional development. I’ve spent my entire career trying to share experiences and lessons with others, especially women, with the hope that I can help them and make a difference. So many women have helped me that I want to pay it forward.
What is the most memorable hike you’ve been on?
Any hike in Marin that I can go on with my girls is memorable. During the pandemic, we were so cooped up, that we would plan all-day hikes on Sundays to get outdoors and see beautiful Marin, whether it was to the end of the Limantour Spit or to Drakes Head to see the elephant seals. We even bought binoculars and explored birding together.
What is the secret to a happy marriage?
Communication, communication and more communication!
How has growing up with three brothers impacted your character?
My mother taught me to be a strong and brave young girl, and not afraid to speak up. I couldn’t just sit at the table; I had to lean in or I was going to get the smallest piece of chicken and never get the last piece of pie. I’ve been called direct and sometimes outspoken, but in my family, you had to be direct to get what you needed.
What do you miss most about your hometown? What do you love most about where you live now?
I miss summers at the ocean and long, warm evenings. But I do not miss the brutal winters. I love the community in Fairfax. My husband and I have been fortunate to find a community of lifelong friends here. It’s been 20 years and we are still one big, happy ‘family” who mountain bikes together. I love that we can leave our house on our bikes and in five minutes be on a trail, out in nature together.
What sports were you involved with growing up?
I played a lot of sports in high school, but basketball was (and still is) my favorite. My family is big on sports and the Celtics and Red Auerbach were like God to us growing up in Boston. But now I am a huge Warriors fan. Go Dubs!
What are the key qualities of a good leader?
A good leader empowers someone else to be a good leader. Mentoring, inspiring, and coaching others to be the best they can be is so powerful and rewarding.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
I love cooking shows. Tune into a bunch of British people baking cakes in the English countryside or Gordon Ramsey yelling at a bunch of home cooks, and I’m in!
