Home: Berkeley, CA. Age: 48. Birthplace: California native. I’m like a homing pigeon, I left but always come back. Profession: Operations (creative, people, company, anything that needs creativity, structure, and improvement, that’s where I shine). Organization: Brainrider. Title: Chief Operating Officer and all-around fixer of things. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: Yes, I have one of those. Alma mater: California College of Arts & Crafts; San Francisco State University, UC Berkeley Extension, and a ton of elective learning.
Current project: Focusing on building a people-focused team and putting the “human” back in human resources. Recent professional development: Just stepped up as COO of Brainrider. Latest accomplishment: Contributing to the rebuilding and re-thinking of our people programs and processes post-pandemic to support fully remote and hybrid work with the goal of engaging and supporting our global team. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Putting myself out there and sharing what I know. I’ve enjoyed being behind the scenes, but also know that we can all learn from each other. Learning Philosophy: Be curious and ask questions. Hobbies: Photography, hiking, wine tasting, playing the kazoo (the only instrument I know). Last book read: How to Talk Dirty and Influence People: An Autobiography, by Lenny Bruce. Recently viewed and recommended: Succession, Severance, Perry Mason, BMF. Recent unique acquisition: The medal I received for completing a Dri Tri (triathlon without swimming).
Personality profile: It’s all about continuous improvement. Just keep going and do your best every day. I’m also an introvert that loves socializing. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Weird. Moral compass: Listen to your heart…it worked for Roxette. How do you define a perfect friendship? One that brings out the best in you. Show up, be honest, kind, respectful, and real. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Collaboration, active listening, trust building, providing honest feedback. What is your greatest joy? My boys. They keep me on my toes and laughing daily. What is your greatest fear? Crocodiles or alligators. Same thing really; if it can eat you, then it’s scary. What is your guilty pleasure? Mothers Circus Animal Cookies. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Apparently. What natural talent have you neglected? I’m ambidextrous, which is weird, but useful at times. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers.
What three emojis best describe you? 😂🙌🌟.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling and eating out. What is at the top of your bucket list? The Northern Lights. How do you relieve stress? See Animal Cookies above, but a nice long walk works well, too. What is your go-to workout? OrangeTheory – one hour and it's done. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sunscreen.
What was your first paying job? Babysitter. Probably why I waited so long to have children. What was your favorite college course? College Algebra. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Spiderman Colorforms and pretending to be the Incredible Hulk. What book have you repeatedly read? Meditations For Women Who Do Too Much, by Anne Willson Schaef. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Amadeus. Wolfie was the first pop star! What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Cats and Freddie Mercury. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Cher. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be yourself. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Keep going. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Spell check. What is your favorite app? Instagram. What is your go-to source of news and information? NPR, NYT, The Washington Post, Mother Jones, Rolling Stone and an occasional People magazine at the airport. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Nature. What company or organization do you most admire? Patagonia. Putting the Earth first takes guts and integrity. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11 and watching the world change in the blink of an eye on live TV. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? The loss of a parent and a sibling leaves a mark. It also reminds you to value what is important every day and not to take anything (or time) for granted.
What is your big idea? I’m still thinking about that. What change would you like to see in the world? People focusing on reversing climate change and taking care of our planet. What message do you want to send out into the world? Kindness goes a long way.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dad. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? The Incredible Hulk, but since that was unattainable, a photographer. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? 1963 painting of the Golden Gate Bridge. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, eating cookies. What advice would you give your younger self? Get out of your head and take more chances.
Personal mission: Helping to raise independent children that can tell a good joke. Personal motto: Keep going. Favorite quote: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else” (Judy Garland). Desired epitaph: I’ll be back.
