Home: Miami Beach, FL. Age: 40-something and getting better with age, like fine wine. Birthplace: Canada. Profession: Corporate executive in professional services. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.
Recent recognition: Fortunate to have been recognized as a Top Business Leader in Tech for 2021 as well as several awards for my work and advocacy in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Early in my career, I saw an opportunity outside the safety and comfort of my role in a large bank and jumped to a private company as their COO. A stretch role at the time and a huge leap of faith; the risk paid off. Hobbies: Among many, fitness fanatic, music junkie, foodie, wine lover and avid people watcher! Recent unique acquisition: At Art Basel in Miami, I discovered a new artist from Columbia who created a fabulous art piece/sculpture that I fell in love with. It looks like a giant piece of crumpled paper with red wine laying in all the crinkles of the “paper” (you really need to see it in person!).
Personality profile: Myers Briggs - ENTJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging). Disc Assessment - DI (Initiator). What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Turtle. Moral compass: Do the right thing, even if it is difficult or challenging. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Built on authenticity and trust and from a place of generosity and value creation, not greed. What is your guilty pleasure? A Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (or, quite frankly, any combination of peanut butter and chocolate). What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Although I do have a couple of luxury brands that I spend too much with, I LOVE to spend money on experiences, e.g., travel, good food, wine and in the company of great people. How do you relieve stress? Working out and drinking wine (not at the same time, LOL!).
What was your first paying job? At a hair salon at age 11 (doing all duties EXCEPT hair!). What was your favorite college course? Philosophy. I love the search for understanding of the world and everything around us, but more importantly, the debate with those who have different perspectives. What movie have you repeatedly watched? P.S. I Love You. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Art. I love unique art and sculpture. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My early childhood. I was physically abused by my biological mother and later adopted by another family. This significantly formed the foundation for my drive and motivation, personally and professionally.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Actively working on creating (and educating others in the process) a significantly more positive work culture and environment, one that is closely aligned to purpose and values, more human-centered leadership and greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for all.
What widely held belief do you reject? Gender stereotypes and the expectations of roles and responsibilities for women and men. What mega-trend most excites you? The new ways of working – a radical reinvention of the ways people work, not just how or where, but the WHY people work. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media and how it has evolved from a positive method to stay connected and maintain relationships to a platform that promotes false information, encourages negativity and divisiveness, cyberbullying and creates harm and destruction.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Unstoppable: Living a Life of No Excuses (also my life philosophy). As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? I had plans of becoming a corporate lawyer until I fell in love with roles that allowed me to build a business and lead large-scale teams and operations. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Our passports. We love to travel! What advice would you give your younger self? That it is okay to be authentic and to also show your vulnerability, instead of hiding behind a mask. These are traits that promote close, trusting relationships.
Personal mission: To live a life filled with what brings me joy. Doing things that fuel my passion, and doing so with great compassion. Creating positive impact for those around me, and doing so with love and laughter. Favorite quote: “Everything you’ve ever wanted, lives on the other side of fear” (George Addair). Second favorite: “The question isn’t who is going to LET me, it’s who is going to STOP me” (Ayn Rand).
