Helping firms streamline travel expenses

Elena Donio, president of Concur, is intent on making Chinese companies' cash burn procedures efficient

A shimmering satin dress, matching Chanel jewelry, a radiant smile on a lovely face... Elena Donio looks like a fashion icon at first glance. Only, she isn't - she is, in fact, president of Concur, a Bellevue, Washington-based firm that specializes in travel and expense management solutions, and is part of SAP, the software multinational.

When Donio holds forth on her passion - it is, of course, technology, not fashion - you begin to comprehend the impact it makes on the business world. Your inner focus shifts away from her external glamorous looks to the substance of her incisive views on technology.