Denise Mathews - Executive Assistant

About Me

I'm an "HR for startups" professional with 6+ yrs experience in startups. I am both technical and creative and I love thinking critically and automating inefficient processes. I enjoy working closely with people to uplevel their employee experience at work.

My expertise spans from experience across each HR discipline (benefits, systems, programs, coaching) to end-to-end executive operations (calendar management, event planning) to building internal tools and websites, and creative execution (marketing content writing and video editing). I built this portfolio myself in raw HTML, CSS and Javascript! I really enjoy making things "sticky" and more user friendly.

Ideal roles:

First Non-Eng hire (Ops, Marketing, Sales Ops, Exec Support)
People Ops and Systems
Ops and fractional HR support

Featured Resources & Highlights

Explore my approach to work, key accomplishments, and tools I've created to support founders and teams.

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Creative & Technical Showcase

Explore my marketing content (videos, photos, blog posts) and internal tools I've built using Python, React, and other technologies.

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My Core Values

Discover the principles that guide my work: integrity, proactive problem-solving, and unwavering discretion in high-stakes environments.

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CEO Mindset Training Toolkit

Using the power of your subconscious mind to learn how to operate like a CEO.

Free Resource

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3 Biggest Accomplishments In My Last Role

Watch how I streamlined operations, coordinated high-stakes events, and built systems that scaled with the firm's growth.

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Managing Neurodivergent Employees Toolkit

A practical guide of how to support and empower neurodivergent employees in office and remote work environments.

Buy Now

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Recruiting Bootcamp for Early Stage Founders

Downloadable kit to source, interview, and close your first 5–10 hires.

Buy Now

Experience

Private Venture Capital Firm

Executive Assistant to Managing Partner

July 2025 - November 2025

Managed complex calendars for the Managing Partner, coordinating 20 meetings weekly.
Managed all aspects of travel for the Managing Partner.
Streamlined lead reachouts for the Marketing services.
Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive deal flow and investment materials.

Series A Blockchain Analytics Startup

HR Consultant

October 2025 - Present

Coaches executive team on complex employee relations issues.
Manages recruiting pipeline for open requisitions.
Launches engagement initiatives for camaraderie building worldwide.
Helps with event organization and execution.

Series B Blockchain Analytics Startup

People Operations

April 2021 - Jan 2024

First People hire for 26 emplolyee company, helped scale to 100+ employees.
Built out 40+ policies and processes to support compliance for worldwide employee base.
Owned onboarding experience, including systems integration, employee branding and swag kits.
Helped plan company and team offsites to facilitate employee engagement.

Core Competencies

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Calendar & Travel Management

Expert coordination of complex schedules, meeting logistics, and international travel arrangements for C-suite executives.

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Investor Relations

Managing LP communications, coordinating board meetings, and maintaining confidential investor documentation.

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Operations & Systems

Implementing efficient workflows, process optimization, and leveraging tools like Notion, Airtable, and Slack.

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Stakeholder Communication

Building relationships with founders, LPs, and partners while maintaining professionalism and discretion.

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Research & Analysis

Conducting market research, preparing briefing materials, and synthesizing information for decision-making.

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Project Management

Leading cross-functional initiatives, managing deadlines, and ensuring flawless execution of firm events and activities.