Home: Philadelphia, PA. Age: 40-something, with an elaborate skincare routine, hence the youthful glow (or so I hope). Profession: Workplace performance expert, TEDx and global keynote speaker. Organization: Pryority Group. Title: CEO. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My husband, Ian Pryor. Alma mater: University of Delaware (B.S.); University of Virginia (M.S.); American University (Executive Coaching Certificate).
Current project: Writing my first book with the working title, “Good Awkward” to be published in 2023. Also, launching a new group coaching program for female leaders called The Masala Mastermind. Recent recognition: Completed my first TEDx. The whole experience was such a thrill and has led to several exciting new opportunities in my speaking career. Hobbies: Travel, live music, discovering new restaurants with my family, and spoiling my Cavapoo puppy, Ruby. Recent travel or adventure: Ireland this past summer. Some tough, long hikes in the Irish countryside nearly every day and so proud of my kids, who crushed it. Last book read: Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much, by Anne Wilson Schaef. Recently viewed and recommended: Ms. Marvel (Disney+).
Personality profile: High energy, easily amused, adventurous, dedicated. How do you define a perfect friendship? One where we can laugh over a margarita just as easily as we can cry over a deep, painful loss. What is your greatest joy? My two children, Laila and Zain. Smart, hilarious, delightful humans. What is your guilty pleasure? High quality, artisanal chocolate, although I don’t feel guilty about it. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Stand-up comedians. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel, always travel. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Novelty, including new places, new foods and new experiences.
What was your favorite college course? International Women’s Studies. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Charades and Pictionary. What book have you repeatedly read? Tiny Beautiful Things, by Cheryl Strayed. 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? Place small bets. These three words have changed the trajectory of my career.
What is your big idea?
Awkwardness isn't a weakness to fix, it's your greatest asset for personal and professional growth. Embracing our awkward is a catalyst for exponential growth.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Reclaiming words like awkwardness, bragging, clumsiness. There is so much power in these traits that have gotten a bad rap. What widely held belief do you reject? The use of the term “a natural” to describe those who have achieved a level of excellence or mastery at anything. So much more is involved.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jameela Jamil, for her acting talent and also her advocacy. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? All the devices that help me access the Cloud and the zillions of friends and family photos that live there. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? On Jost Van Dyke in the BVI with family and friends, chocolate ice cream in hand, enjoying a live band and sitting around a bonfire telling stories. What advice would you give your younger self? The sooner you can shake off the shackles of other people’s approval, the faster your success will come.
Personal motto: Do it awkward, but do it anyway. Desired epitaph: She was easily amused, laughed at everything and didn’t apologize for it.
