Home: Des Moines, IA. Age: 43. Organization: LGI. Title: CEO. Significant other: My husband, Rob Sand. Alma mater: Cornell University; Harvard Business School. Languages spoken: English and Spanish.
Current project: Advancing smartphone-use restrictions in public schools. Recent recognition: Establishing an endowment to promote long-term sustainability for central Iowa nonprofits. Latest contribution to others: Serving meals to the homeless and coaching my son’s Battle of the Books team. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leading my family’s business, LGI. Hobbies: Running, reading, traveling and playing golf for fun. Recent travel or adventure: Taking my mom and sons to England and Ireland for her 75th birthday.
Personality profile: Kind, hard-working, curious, athletic, graceful, professional, determined. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Thoughtful. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Purpose-oriented with both sides bringing unique value. What is your greatest joy? My kids. What is your greatest fear? The negative impact of social media on young minds.
What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel. How do you relieve stress? Hanging out with my family.
What was your first paying job? Waiting tables. What was your favorite college course? Comparative History of Women and Work. What book have you repeatedly read? Call of the Wild, by Jack London. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A picture of my grandfather, Wally. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Surround yourself with people who have different perspectives. What is your go-to source of news and information? News Items with John Ellis.
What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life?
Being born into a family that was also growing a family business.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Reducing smartphone addiction. What change would you like to see in the world? Greater accountability for false information being spread publicly. What mega-trend most excites you? An increased focus on health and wellness.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandfather, Wally. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My running shoes. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family at Lake Okoboji, reading and relaxing. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? The pandemic.
Personal mission: Doing well and doing good. Favorite quote: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood… who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…” (Theodore Roosevelt).
