Home: Sausalito, CA. Age: It’s just a number. Birthplace: New York City. Profession: Public relations. Organization: Maven Communications LLC. Title: Founder. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: New York University (B.A.).
Current project: Building out an on-demand PR subscription model so emerging companies have access to PR. Recent recognition: Featured in Forbes on work and flexibility. Recent professional development: Thrilled to have been accepted to Chief earlier this year. Chief is a private network built to drive more women into positions of power, keep them there and mentor the next generation of women leaders. I wish there was something like this around earlier my career. Latest accomplishment: Beyond starting Maven, I am incredibly proud of the results we’ve been able to deliver on behalf of our clients. In particular, we recently helped a preeminent law firm achieve recognition in Fast Company's Most Innovative companies, a first for a law firm. Latest contribution to others: Volunteering at the San Francisco Food Bank. Spending a few hours a month to help get food into the community where it's wanting is the least anyone can do. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Launching Maven after being laid off during the peak of the pandemic. It was a difficult time, but I saw the opportunity, grabbed it and never looked back. Hobbies: Travel, hiking, gardening, anything outside! Also, I’m a wanna-be chef. Recent travel or adventure: Barcelona and then Ibiza for my birthday! Last book read: The Obstacle is the Way, by Ryan Holiday. Recently viewed and recommended: I switched to BBC as my main source of broadcast news and it has been a game changer. Recent unique acquisition: Found an amazing authentic vintage Chagall print at the Alameda Flea Market that has quickly become a centerpiece for my new home.
Personality profile: Curious, resilient, creative; a dreamer. What one word or phrase would your closest friend use to describe you? Passionate-driven-determined-surprisingly funny. Moral compass: Would I want it reported in the Wall Street Journal? How do you define an ideal business relationship? Collaborative, respectful, aligned, bold. What is your greatest fear? Frogs. It’s a long story but, suffice it to say, I’m not a fan. What is your guilty pleasure? Cheese of all kinds. What word or phrase do you use far too often? My team tells me I go through phases of using certain words in meetings. “Harbinger” is the latest. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Journalists.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling to far flung places. How do you relieve stress? My stress buster is taking long hikes on the coast of Marin. What is your go-to workout? Recently started OrangeTheory and love the efficient full body workout. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Culture, beach, food, music, outdoors adventures.
What was your first paying job? Worked a summer at my dad’s law office. What was your favorite college course? Journalism courses with Prof. Jay Rosen. A proponent of brevity waaaay before Twitter. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? A chemistry set given by my parents when I was about 10. What book have you repeatedly read? The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Sliding Doors. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be a leader not a follower (my mom). What’s the best advice you received in your career? Follow your instincts (my dad). What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Grammarly. Don’t write without it! What is your favorite app? Alltrails. What is your go-to source of news and information? BBC. Hands down, for their global perspective.
What is your big idea? On Demand PR subscription to provide more affordable and strategic PR counsel and services to emerging companies, non-profits and others. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Greater compassion and kindness in business. Not just for my profession, but in general. What mega-trend most excites you? Web3. What mega-trend most concerns you? Web3.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Nevertheless, She Persisted. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Lawrence. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? David Bowie. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A scientist. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My passport. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Surrounded by friends and loved ones, drinking really good wine and enjoying incredible food enjoying the view from my patio. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be so damn hard on yourself.
Personal motto: Live each day to the fullest and have no regrets. Favorite quote: “The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition” (Ryan Holiday, in The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage).