Barbara Colman
Barbara Colman is a seasoned finance professional turned creative artist, whose career spans decades of expertise in corporate finance, treasury, and strategic business management. With an A.B. in Philosophy from Stanford University and a Degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School, Barbara began her professional life navigating the evolving world of finance, developing rigorous analytical skills, and building a reputation for disciplined decision-making and integrity. She held key roles including financial analyst, treasurer, and ultimately chief financial officer, managing complex transactions and financial projections in a rapidly changing industry.
After retiring from finance in 2007, Barbara transitioned her focus to creative endeavors, discovering a passion for cartooning and storytelling. She writes and illustrates cartoon series such as Houseguests from Hell, Neighbors from the Nether Land, and Husbands from Hades through her own platform, A Gambol thru Gehenna Press. Her work reflects a blend of humor, observation, and narrative skill, engaging audiences while exploring imaginative and fantastical themes.
Throughout her career, Barbara has valued mentorship, collaboration, and service, contributing as treasurer to nonprofit organizations and serving on private school boards. She credits her success to curiosity, disciplined thinking, and the willingness to embrace challenges, whether in finance or in creative pursuits. Today, she continues to develop her artistic projects, combining her professional acumen with her love for storytelling, while finding joy in the creative process and sharing her vision with others.
• Stanford University – A.B., Philosophy
• Harvard Business School – Degree in Business Administration
• Treasurer, Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team
• Board Member, Private Schools
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, disciplined thinking, and the willingness to embrace new challenges. Maintaining an open mind and asking thoughtful questions allowed me to grow both professionally and personally throughout my career in finance and beyond.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I didn’t have a formal mentor, so I learned to listen closely and seek guidance wherever I could find it. Early on, I realized that philosophy doesn’t provide answers—it teaches you how to ask better questions. That skill has served me well in every boardroom and professional setting I’ve encountered.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I were advising young professionals today, my guidance would be straightforward: pursue solid credentials. Earning a CPA designation or completing a reputable business school program provides structure, credibility, and flexibility. While technology will continue to transform the workplace, it cannot replace judgment or curiosity, both of which must be cultivated intentionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Technology has reshaped every aspect of my field over the course of my career. Staying current is no longer optional—it’s essential for success. I began my career working with IBM punch cards, and witnessing the industry evolve so dramatically, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, has created both challenges and new opportunities for innovation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I prioritize completing every task thoroughly and being punctual in all that I do. Discipline, reliability, and follow-through are values I strive to uphold consistently in both my professional and personal life.
Locations
A Gambol thru Gehenna Press
Ridgefeild, CT 06877