Home: Washington, D.C. Age: 52. Birthplace: Erie, PA. Profession: Hospitality, travel, leisure, consumer. Organization: Performance Food Group. Title: Independent Director. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: Boston University.
Current project: Advising on strategy and business transformation. Recent recognition: Developed a highly food and beverage campaign for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts that became the standard for how we approached everything from the bottom up. Now known as EPIC (Excellence, Passion, Innovation, Creativity). Recent professional development: Continuing education at UC Berkeley School of Law and Harvard Business School. More recently, attended the Innovation Realized Global Summit in San Francisco hosted by Ernst & Young. Latest accomplishment: Completed registration as a citizen of my Native American tribe, Tonawanda Seneca, for myself and my son. Latest contribution to others: Continuing service as an advisor and investor to emerging entrepreneurs leading Five Iron Golf, Death & Co. and Immigrant Food, seeking to provide guidance and resources as they look to overcome boundaries to their own success. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Taking a position in mid-1990s as the controller of a publicly traded company despite not having a formal background in finance. Hobbies: Personal travel, learning about other locales and cultures; trying new foods and culinary forms; hiking and overall wellness. Recent travel or adventure: Visited twenty-one countries in the last five years including a tour of Thailand with my 14-year-old son. Last book read: Awe, by Dacher Keltner. Recently viewed and recommended: The New Look; Drops of God. Recent unique acquisition: Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge.
Personality profile: Adventurous, fiery, energetic; make things happen; INTJ. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Maverick. What is your greatest joy? Watching my son play hockey. What is your greatest fear? Regret. What natural talent have you neglected? Playing team sports. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Experiences rather than things. How do you relieve stress? Wellness practices and immersing myself in nature.
What three emojis best describe you? 🧗♀️🌎🎆.
What was your favorite college course? Economics. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Climbing trees. What book have you repeatedly read? The Outsiders, by William N. Thorndike Jr. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Top Gun. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Modern artwork of an iron tree slowly losing its leaves. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? High school sports coaches – three women – Sue Laurie, Sue Fargo, and Anna Sabol. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Work hard. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Let things play out. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Wearable devices. What is your favorite app? Oura. What is your go-to source of news and information? The Wall Street Journal. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Monocle. What company or organization do you most admire? Disney. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Time with my grandmother, Norma.
What is your big idea? Creating a conduit for female athletes to go back to being corporate athletes after their first career sunsets. It’s more challenging for women to make this transition than it is for men. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Bringing awareness to microaggressions women face that chip away at their confidence in the workplace and at home every day. What change would you like to see in the world? More grace, less hostility. What message do you want to send out into the world? While most people wake up in the morning wanting to be their best selves, it’s the outer influences - the things they do not control - that often set them off track. What widely held belief do you reject? Women gain more from having female mentors. What mega-trend most excites you? Globalization. What mega-trend most concerns you? Rampant misuse of technology to replace personalized service.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Seldom Rest. Captures my drive and passion to keep learning both at work and at home. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jessica Chastain. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandmother, Loretta, who had a profound influence on who I am today. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Computer programmer. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My puppy, Reba. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, surrounded by nature, preparing a meal together. What advice would you give your younger self? Dream until it’s your reality. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? State championships senior year of high school. What time in your life would you do differently, if you could? I would not have agreed to remain on board with my first company during the subsequent CEO transition.
Personal mission: To become a centenarian decathlete. Personal motto: You’ll never feel 100% ready. Do it anyway. Favorite quote: “If you walk into a room and you are asked to dim your light, excuse yourself immediately from the room” (Dr. James Rouse). Desired epitaph: Proud mother, Grateful daughter.
