Edward O'Lear is a partner of Charlestown Venture Partners, a private venture firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. "We start up companies in the life sciences in an incubator facility and actively participate in their management," says O'Lear, who has nurtured four successful start-ups and is the president and CEO of Cancer Genetics, Inc., and Advanced Microbial Solutions Corp. "I'd say the most rewarding and disappointing aspects of my business have been people." While he admits that some of his ventures "have caused me to question my sanity and judgment," O'Lear says it is "very satisfying to participate at a senior level in the planning, organization, execution, and success of converting an idea into a product."