Team Tough Day
We are a lean and mighty team creating the future of work with AI. Based in NYC with teammates working globally, we’re united by our shared values: trust, curiosity, collaboration, initiative, and resilience. We show up for each other, ask tough questions, tackle audacious challenges together, take smart risks, and adapt as we grow. When work gets tough, we get working.
Meet Our Team
Katherine “KVJ” von Jan
KVJ is the co-founder and CEO of Tough Day. KVJ is a pioneer in the “future of work” and a tech industry insider. Prior to Tough Day, she led innovation as Chief Strategy Officer at Salesforce. KVJ is a fearless advocate for a human-positive approach to building employee experience, trust, and success with emerging technology. Her views have been shared broadly in media including CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, Wall Street Journal, and Wired Magazine.
Alberto is the co-founder and CTO of Tough Day. Alberto is a technology and product leader who has founded, led and scaled several startups. His notable ventures include Sojo Studios, a social good-focused gaming company acquired by Zynga. At Cornell Tech, he co-leads the Startup Studio, coaching students as they launch their startups.
Alberto Escarlate
Annie Sherer
Communications Manager
Annie serves as the Project Manager at Tough Day. With a foundation in sociology from Cal Poly and a Master’s degree in UX Research and Design, Annie combines analytical insight with creative problem-solving in her approach to project management. Annie also led Content and Communications at Tough Day. Previously, Annie contributed to the growth of innovative startups like Yokyworks and Futurity Systems.
Jennifer is a Product Manager at Tough Day, building AI to shape the future of work. She brings experience across product, policy, and venture, including early-stage investing at Everywhere Ventures and research roles at the Atlantic Council, the Hoover Institution, and Stanford University. Jennifer’s expertise spans AI, DeepTech, and tech governance.
Jennifer Lin
Oliver Stubel
Oliver is the UX Designer at Tough Day, bringing over 30 years of creative experience across digital products, mobile interfaces, and interactive design. He’s worked with top luxury brands, delivering award-winning solutions that blend user needs with innovative design. Known for his hands-on approach and dedication to team success, Oliver crafts intuitive experiences that go beyond expectations.
Jaikar is the Lead AI Engineer at Tough Day, where he builds and scales generative AI systems to support employees in real time. With experience as CTO at Fourpillars AI and senior roles at Metropolis and MoEngage, he brings deep expertise in LLMs, NLP, and AI product development—blending technical depth with a founder’s mindset.
Jaikar Sakhamuri