Age: Thirty-something. Birthplace: San Diego, CA. Profession: Advertising, branding and design. Organization: Grizzly. Title: Chief Operating Officer. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My partner, Brett. Alma mater: Loyola Marymount University (BA); Antioch University (MS).
Current project: Thoughtfully scaling Grizzly while maintaining our unique culture. Recent recognition: Joining Chief, a network of C-Suite women leading the future. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Transitioning from television to advertising. The hardest and best decision I’ve ever made. Hobbies: Pottery, cooking, traveling, yoga. Recent travel or adventure: Exploring Italy with a 9-month old. Lots of patience and lots of wine. Last book read: The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Didion. It never gets old.
Personality profile: Tenacious, inquisitive, genuine; always in it to win it. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dependable. How do you define a perfect friendship? One where you don’t need to speak every day, and can authentically be you without judgement. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust and transparency for mutual benefit, while still holding space to be human. What is your greatest joy? My marriage and becoming a mother. What is your greatest fear? Our nanny Norma leaving us! She allows me to do the work I love each day and I know my daughter is loved and safe every moment they are together. We would be lost without her! What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Mental health practitioners. What is at the top of your bucket list? Namibia. Plans for a recent trip got cancelled, but I’ll make it someday!
What book have you repeatedly read? Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. Required reading for my master’s program. I've never aspired to be a writer, yet her vulnerable words about perfectionism, and what it means to live a full life, hit close to home. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Notting Hill. What is your favorite app? Spotify. What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall? A print of Kobe Bryant by Jacob Weinstein entitled, "Chasing Perfection". Kobe has been an inspiration since childhood. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My family and my therapist. What is the best advice you received growing up? My mom told me daily to repeat “I believe in me.” It worked. What is the best advice you received in your career? If you’re not being challenged, you’re in the wrong place.
What is your big idea?
A healthy mind, body and spirit can change the world.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Giving as many women as I can seats at the right table, voices in the right rooms and positions at the top and keeping them there. What widely held belief do you reject? That women need to sacrifice all other aspects of their lives to be successful professionally. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media and the long-term impact it will have on all of us, especially young children.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Slow Down, Sister. 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? Kobe Bryant and my nana, ideally at the same table. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An OBGYN. What object would you first save from your burning home? Rings from my grandma.
Personal philosophy: A learner for life. Better today than I was yesterday, but not as good as I will be tomorrow. Personal mission: To approach life with eyes wide open. Failing hard and fast; loving hard and fast, growing along the way. Personal motto: Be here now. It’s all unfolding perfectly. Favorite quote: "You can do it like it’s a great weight on you, or you can do it like it’s part of the dance" (Ram Dass). Also, “Wherever you go, there you are” (Jon Kabat-Zinn).
