About

About Elaine Baran

Elaine Baran, MBA, is president/owner of Baraness Ventures and is experienced in the area of business venture assessment and corporate strategy. Working with a wide range of corporate and venture-backed clients, she has developed a unique approach to business modeling that incorporates cross-functional dynamics, comprehensive marketing planning, financial analysis techniques and an understanding of the impact of human relations on the organization to create effective business plans. A broad understanding of business dynamics and functional competencies forms the foundation for her approach to resolving business issues.

Ms. Baran has over 40 years of experience working with a wide range of corporate, small businesses and venture-backed clients, including over 25 years in the travel industry. Ms. Baran is the current president of Esprit Travel Corporation, a Nevada-based outbound tour operator of cultural tours and FITs to Japan and Asia. This role is the evolution of a number of increasingly responsible positions in the travel industry. Prior to re-joining Esprit, she was a Principal Consultant with CSC Consulting’s Strategy practice, located out of Waltham, Massachusetts. Ms. Baran was a manager with KPMG Consulting’s World Class Finance – High Tech practice in Silicon Valley during the dot-com boom. In addition to her consulting experience, Ms. Baran has worked in corporate finance and strategic planning in the hospitality industry, consulted in training and development methodology and worked in systems analysis and development for the Federal Government.

Ms. Baran is a graduate of the University of Chicago with a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Marketing. Her undergraduate degree in psychology was awarded Magna Cum Laude from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Additional studies include completion of a Masters in Counseling Psychology program from the University of Santa Monica.