Home (current): New York City. Home (formative years): Vancouver, Canada. Age: In my fifties and loving it. Profession: Executive coach. Organization: ABstrategies. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: McGill (MBA); University of Sussex (Masters of Philosophy); University of British Columbia (B.A.). Languages spoken: French, Spanish, Italian.
Current project: Almost finished my book and it will be published by Wiley in 2023 - Coach Yourself: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior and Thrive. Recent recognition: One of the 10 Leadership Coaches to Watch in 2022 (The American Reporter). Latest accomplishment: Second in my age group at Hyrox NYC 202/23. A grueling fitness challenge of 8 kilometers running, alternated with eight tough fitness activities, like pushing and pulling heavy weights! Latest contribution to others: Proudly serve as a board member of Hot Bread Kitchen, a NYC based nonprofit that creates economic opportunity through careers in food. Upcoming travel or adventure: Hiking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route on my own. Last book read: No Bad Parts, by Richard Schwartz.
Personality profile: Energetic, positive, resilient, grateful, curious. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Energetic. Moral compass: My mother. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual vulnerability, deep trust, laughter, history. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Psychological safety, transparency, empathy. What is your greatest joy? My sons. What is your greatest fear? Not being fully mobile and able to see the world on my terms. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Scaffolding. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Front-line emergency workers; entrepreneurs.
What three emojis best describe you? 🤸😀️💃.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? On experiences with my family – dinner, travel, creating memories together. What is at the top of your bucket list? A multi-day paddle-boarding camping trip. What is your go-to workout? Yoga.
What was your first paying job? At a seniors home, serving dinner and tidying their rooms. What was your favorite college course? Art History 101. I still remember that the high point of the Renaissance was the School of Athens by Raphael. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A sign that says: “Stop being so busy and get into relationships.” Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Joanne Kilmeyer, my coaching professor and mentor. She sadly left us far too early. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? My journaling and conversations with creative, inspiring colleagues and clients. What company or organization do you most admire? The International Rescue Committee. Refugees deserve a future too.
What is your big idea? Build awareness, change behavior and thrive. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? How can I be part of helping the next generation of executive coaches to thrive? I just started thinking about what I can do specifically rather than just reactively. I have some ideas. What change would you like to see in the world? More attention to mental health. We are getting there, but still have a long way to go. What widely held belief do you reject? That aging means that your world gets smaller.
What summary would you like to see given for the movie about your life? She was very energetic and busy, then she slowed down, got wiser and helped others to realize that they are enough. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Julianne Moore (I’ve been told that we look alike). After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My laptop (not everything is in the cloud). What advice would you give your younger self? Believe that you are enough. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I left for a year in Europe and spent the entire day with my friends rather than any quality time with my parents. I just arrived home in time for them to drive me to the airport. Shame on the teenage me.
Personal mission: I am in service of helping others achieve their potential. Core values: Curiosity, gratitude, positivity, in service of, productivity. Desired epitaph: She helped others achieve their potential and she was grateful, every day.
