Home: Ripon, CA. Birthplace: Kiev, Ukraine. Profession: Marketing. Organization: Central Garden & Pet. Title: SVP Marketing. Alma mater: Indiana University (B.S.); University of Chicago (M.B.A.). Languages spoken: English and Russian.
Personality profile: Smart, approachable, creative, courageous. How do you define an ideal business relationship? A partnership built on trust where we challenge one another to create opportunities. What is your greatest joy? My two sons. What natural talent have you neglected? Painting and drawing. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers and artists. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel and food (ideally together). What ingredients are essential to your perfect vacation? Family, food and wine.
What was your first paying job? Lifeguard. What was your favorite college course? Entrepreneurial Strategy. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My art and art from my travels.
What’s the best advice you received growing up? Never be afraid to try something new. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Traveling to new cities and wandering in the areas where tourists don’t visit. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Emigrating from the Soviet Union as a child.
What change would you like to see in the world?
People becoming more open-minded so that we can all learn from each other rather than judge one another.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Everyone is interesting, listen and ask questions and you will find a more fulfilling life. What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The American Dream: One Woman’s Experience. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A dancer. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My computer with all our photos on it. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my boys and my husband, enjoying the beach in Costa Rica, eating great food and drinking great wine. What advice would you give your younger self? Listen to your heart, don’t worry about what people say, wear sunscreen.
Personal motto: Be kind, be bold, have fun. Favorite quote: "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts today" (Franklin Delano Roosevelt).
