Home: Bethesda, MD. Age: Older than I feel. Organization: Marriott International. Title: Vice President, HR. Alma mater: University of Michigan (B.A.); University of Pittsburgh (J.D.).
Current project: Positive Intelligence training program, which helps participants manage challenges and improve performance and wellbeing. Latest accomplishment: ACC Coaching Credential. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving a legal career to become a recruiter. Never looked back. Hobbies: Paint by Numbers. Last book read: The Way of Integrity, by Martha Beck; Nothing to See Here, by Kevin Wilson.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Spirited. How do you define a perfect friendship? Belly laughs, warmth and understanding; honesty and integrity. What is your greatest joy? Watching my kids grow up and reminiscing about when they were little. What is your guilty pleasure? Ice cream and reality TV. What natural talent have you neglected? Highly knowledgeable of 80’s music trivia. How do you relieve stress? Walking and listening to a book or meditation. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A good book, warm sun outside or roaring fire inside, days with no agenda.
What was your favorite college course? Art History. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Pitch Perfect. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Grandma Celia (Moochie), who gave me unconditional love and homemade pasta. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Just show up. What company or organization do you most admire? World Central Kitchen. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Motherhood.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Helping others show up authentically by amplifying one’s true voice and quieting the inner critic.
What widely held belief do you reject? That there’s a right way and a wrong way. What mega-trend most excites you? Social impact movements. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A back-up singer. To be with a cool band, but not cool enough to be the lead. What advice would you give your younger self? People will love you, not despite your vulnerability and imperfections, but because of them (Brené Brown). Be open to it. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My twenties.
Personal motto: Be authentic. Favorite quote: “You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn if for yourself” (Glinda, the Good Witch, in The Wizard of Oz).
