Home: Austin, TX. Birthplace: Germany. Profession: Product management. Organization: The Zebra. Title: Chief Product Officer. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My roommate. Languages spoken: English, German, Chinese.
Recent recognition: “Elite Women 2022” by Insurance Business America for changing the face of insurance through my leadership and dedication to building diverse and equitable teams and products! Latest contribution to others: Product mentorship and career advice to underrepresented groups. Hobbies: Adventure time with my two dogs. Recent travel or adventure: A two day, eleven mile hike (each way!) along the Napali coast in Kauai. Stunning! Recent unique acquisition: A foster puppy! We found her tied to a park fence with shoelaces. She’s a healthy weight now, knows a handful of commands, and just moved into her “furever” home.
Personality profile: Growth-mindset; ambitious, empathetic. What is your greatest fear? A mid-life crisis! So instead, I have a nano-crisis every so often, which challenges me to reflect and take action. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Nurses. Their steady strength and compassion is unmatched.
What three emojis best describe you?
🏃♀️💪🐾.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Consciously, aligned with my values. What is at the top of your bucket list? Multi-day backcountry hike by myself (and maybe with my dogs). How do you relieve stress? Sweat. There’s nothing a good work-out can’t resolve. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Pastries.
What was your first paying job? As a lifeguard. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Rummikub. It was my grandma’s, so we called it “das Oma Spiel”. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A painting by my sister of the two of us as children. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Feel the fear and do it anyway (by Debbie Leoni, my Chief core group coach). What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Moving to the US with my family when I was 11.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Challenging the notion that success is only achieved through a “traditional” or “pedigree” background. What change would you like to see in the world? More empathy and active listening.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Challenges Welcome. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Chief Flight Director in the NASA Mission Control Room. I wanted to solve fascinating problems, explore the unknown, and be in charge. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? The aforementioned painting of my sister and me. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t hold yourself back because you’re afraid of what others might think. It’s not about them; this is your life.
Personal mantra: I can! This started out during challenging workouts and now accompanies me in my personal and professional life, as well. Favorite quote: “Wish people peace, love, and clarity” (Amalia).
