Home: Chicago, IL. Age: 49. Birthplace: Summit, NJ. Profession: Marketing. Organization: One North. Title: Managing Director. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: Northwestern University; Syracuse University. Languages spoken: English and French.
Recent professional development: Became a CHIEF. Latest accomplishment: I abstained from alcohol for 90 days. I didn’t think I could do it, but I did! What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Becoming a mom for the first time at 42. I love my son with all my heart but, wow, was that a massive change. Hobbies: Photography, writing, travel, guitar; finding new restaurants to try. Recent travel or adventure: Christmas and New Year's in Iceland. I went snowmobiling on a glacier. Last book read: A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. Recently viewed and recommended: Dopesick. I read Empire of Pain last year, so I wanted to watch Dopesick, too. Recent unique acquisition: A lunar module model for my son’s school project about Buzz Aldrin.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? I asked her and she said, “sensitive, but in the best possible way.” She meant it as: having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings. How do you define a perfect friendship? Someone who is kind, caring, whip smart and funny as hell. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Someone who inspires great outcomes by encouraging collaboration and innovation. What is your guilty pleasure? Summer House, Winter House, Below Deck … all the Bravo classics. What natural talent have you neglected? Songwriting. What is at the top of your bucket list? Antartica. I've been to every other continent, so that's up next. How do you relieve stress? A walk in nature or meandering through an antique store. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Exploration. What is your go-to workout? Walking, biking or a workout with my friend and trainer, Charles.
What book have you repeatedly read? The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Out of Africa. What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall? A print from a Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibit I saw at the Met in 1996. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My parents. What is the best advice you received in your career? Be inclusive. Think outside the box. Don’t take it personally (all wise words from my Dad). What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The Interwebs 🙂. What is your go-to source of news and information? Google News, BBC, Wall Street Journal and LadBible (don’t ask). What personal circumstance influenced you most growing up? My family moved to Paris when I was six and we lived there for about six years. We later moved to London. Growing up overseas opened my eyes to so much and has made me who I am today. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? I was in Russia on an 8th grade trip during Chernobyl. It taught me that you can’t control what is going to happen. Take the trip. Take the chance. Live your life.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Unity rather than division.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What mega-trend most excites you? Technological breakthroughs. What mega-trend most concerns you? Technological breakthroughs.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Nanci Griffth (singer/songwriter). As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A teacher. What object would you first save from your burning home? My Martin guitar signed by Joni Mitchell. What advice would you give your younger self? Be kinder to yourself. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My college years. While Syracuse is a good school, I wish I had gone to a small liberal arts college, as my mom suggested.
Personal mission: To be a student of life and open to new things. Personal motto: Strong. Getting stronger. Favorite quote: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Too often, creativity is smothered rather than nurtured. There has to be a climate in which new ways of thinking, perceiving, questioning are encouraged” (Maya Angelou).
