Home: Kenilworth, IL. Age: 42. Birthplace: Kalamazoo, MI. Profession: Retail executive. Organization: Paper Source. Title: CEO. Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: David Myszkowski. Alma mater: Michigan State University. Languages spoken: English.
Current project(s): Merging Paper Source with Barnes & Noble; finally planning to travel again and figuring out post-pandemic parenting. Recent recognition: "Mom, I love you more than you could ever imagine." Recent professional development: Promoted to CEO, a job I always coveted. Now leading the organization and our team through a period of tremendous change. Latest accomplishment: Finding balance in work & life. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring talented women whom I have worked with throughout my career. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Moving my family back to the Midwest from NYC. We made that decision before either of us had a job in Chicago, but knew we wanted to be home. Hobbies: Pilates, reading, decorating, cooking. Recent travel or adventure: We are heading to Europe this summer. First stop: Stockholm. Last book read: The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave. Recently viewed and recommended: Inventing Anna, and while late to the party, Ted Lasso. Recent unique acquisition: An antique tête-à-tête for my eat-in kitchen.
Personality profile: Happy, calm, caring. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Thoughtful. Moral compass: Do the right thing for people. How do you define a perfect friendship? Laughter and tears; raw, steadfast. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Honest and respectful. What is your greatest joy? My kids. What is your greatest fear? Losing those I love. What is your guilty pleasure? The Bachelor. What natural talent have you neglected? Party planning. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Travel agent.
What three emojis best describe you? 😉 🤷🏻 ️🤩.
What is at the top of your bucket list? Show my kids the world. How do you relieve stress? My Peloton or taking a walk. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Art, good coffee, good company; a city and a lounge chair. What is your go-to workout? Pilates or Peloton.
What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Family Stone. What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall?A picture of my late father-in-law's trench coat, by The Heirloomist. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My parents. What is the best advice you received growing up? You can be anything you want to be. What is the best advice you received in your career? Always be yourself. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? iPhone. What is your favorite app? My Google calendar. What is your go-to source of news and information? The Daily, The Skimm, Apple News. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Instagram, my friend Jess, any Interiors magazine. What company or organization do you most admire? Apple.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Listening more at home and at work. What change would you like to see in the world? More kindness and an appreciation for other cultures. What message do you want to send out into the world? Follow your gut, it’s your greatest asset. What widely held belief do you reject? That it’s impossible for women to do it all. What mega-trend most excites you?The redefinition of work, post-pandemic. What mega-trend most concerns you? The metaverse.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Garner. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandmother. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A fashion designer. What object would you first save from your burning home? My family photo album. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? On the beach with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? You are enough! What day in your life would you like to re-live? My wedding day. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Not one of them. Each has made me who I am today.
Personal mission: Create joy. Personal motto: Try your hardest and be kind. Favorite quote: “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly” (John F. Kennedy). Desired epitaph: She loved hard.
