Current home: Greenville, SC. Home at heart: Chicago suburbs. Birthplace: Wheat Ridge, CO. Profession: Executive leader and change agent. Organization: Michelin. Title: Vice President/General Manager. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: DePaul University (B.S., M.B.A.).
Current project: AI-driven supply chain analytics for business steering. Recent professional development: Became a Riley Fellow, graduating from Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative. Latest accomplishment: Back-to-back years of record sales and margin delivery on the business in 2021 and 2022. Latest contribution to others: Recognition and gratitude to family, friends, and colleagues every day. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? My career journey. Building 21st century skills and leadership experience through every twist and turn. Hobbies: The usual suspects – travel, sports, cooking, animals of all kinds.
Personality profile: Passionate, decisive, quick wit, right and left brained. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Low-maintenance, but highly engaged and focused on impact, along with plenty of laughter. What is your greatest joy? Any time spent with my son and partner. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers, hands down. What is your go-to workout? Walking. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? My travel companion(s).
What was your first paying job? Cashier at a Super Kmart while in high school. What was your favorite college course? Astronomy. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Best In Show. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My paternal grandmother. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be open to new opportunities, as you never know where they will lead you.
What’s the best advice you received in your career? Always leave the job in better condition than you found it. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Cell phones. Never has a single innovation replaced so many things. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Losing my mother to Leukemia when I was only 5. Life is short, so don’t waste it.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Digitalization in the tire industry. Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
What change would you like to see in the world? More than can fit in one sentence. What mega-trend most excites you? Sustainability. What mega-trend most concerns you? Misinformation and disinformation.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Kristen Bell. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Family dinner with lost loved ones, including my dog, Bosley. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An Olympic athlete. What advice would you give your younger self? Your ability to navigate change will become an immense asset, embrace it.
Personal mission: To enjoy both the journey and the destination. Personal motto: Your attitude determines your aptitude. Favorite quote: “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings” (William Arthur Ward).
