Home: Austin, TX. Age: Such a good age. Profession: Customer experience. Significant other: My partner in life, Russell Staker. Alma mater: Emerson College (M.A.); Texas State University (B.B.A).
Recent professional development: Joined the Chief network; expanding my women’s leadership learning and network. Latest contribution to others: Supporting our local school district and my kid’s school with recruiting volunteers to help with the significant bus and staffing challenges this year. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving a Big Four career and moving to Austin to work at a startup. Hobbies: Nature and travel photography; gourmet cooking and nutrition; wellness trends. Recent travel or adventure: Uprooted our family and lived in Park City, Utah during the pandemic. Recently viewed and recommended: Julia (HBO). The series is lovely and she was such a remarkable woman of her time.
Personality profile: ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Prospecting). Leo sign; passionate, loyal, fierce, independent with a deep sense of care for others. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Chill. Moral compass: The time is always right to do the right thing (inspired by MLK). What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel and experiences,. I can live without stuff. What is at the top of your bucket list? Japan, Australia and sailing the B.V.I. I’m taking my first sailing class soon, something I’ve always wanted to do. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Variety. Exploration, relaxation, gastronomy and the unique.
What was your first paying job? As a florist. I made the arrangements and then personally delivered them. I once sold flowers to Lyle Lovett who was buying them for Julia Roberts. What was your favorite college course? Statistics, economics and supply chain operations. What’s the best advice you received in your career? There is no straight path for your career. Go where there is good energy and try out every opportunity that is given to you, no matter the outcome. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? I am fascinated with design thinking concepts for creative thinking. What company or organization do you most admire? I like the concept of B corporations and admire these companies that align to the movement.
What is your big idea?
Helping people improve their mental, emotional and physical lives by making better nutritional choices through technology platforms that incorporate personalized metabolic data, peer coaching and behavior nudging with ease of local access to healthy food options that are affordable and convenient.
What change would you like to see in the world? Solving food insecurity challenges. What message do you want to send out into the world? Don’t assume. What mega-trend most excites you? Distributed workforces (i.e. work anywhere). Talent is not restricted by geography. What mega-trend most concerns you? The long-term impact of social media and gaming on our children.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? And So It Begins. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Connelly. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A roadie with U2. What advice would you give your younger self? Be like water, don’t stress so much, just trust and let life flow. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My college years and early twenties.
Personal motto: Don’t assume. Favorite quote: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths” (Walt Disney). My family lives by this.
