Home: Westport, CT. Age: 47. Birthplace: Trenton, NJ. Profession: Beauty and lifestyle brands. Alma mater: Fashion Institute of Technology.
Current project: Seeking to support at-risk youth on a volunteer basis. Recent recognition: A founder remarked that I was the soft-landing spot she needed after being acquired by my company and, through my leadership, made the integration successful. Recent professional development: Initiated and led two critical areas of growth in my last company. Latest contribution to others: Advising on the creation and development of a soon-to-be launched brand committed to gender inclusivity and non-binary humans. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Left an established company with globally recognized brands to a challenger brand in an entrepreneurial environment for a leader I admire greatly. Recent travel or adventure: Two weeks in Italy with four moms and seven teenagers! We survived 😊. Recently viewed and recommended: Ken Burns “U.S. and the Holocaust”.
Personality profile: Direct, witty, compassionate and courageous. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: Be impeccable with my word, trust my instinct and ask, what is my intention? How do you define a perfect friendship? Consistently committed to showing up and unapologetically supportive. What is your guilty pleasure? Hours flipping through magazines from fashion to fast company and sipping on bourbon. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Artisan. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Epicurean travel. How do you relieve stress? Yoga, running and meditation.
What book have you repeatedly read? The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My children. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Slow down your train so others can jump on board. What is your go-to source of news and information? Apple News app, podcasts and The New York Times. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Magazines, hotel bar architecture and my local library. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Being homeless as a child.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Demonstrating how EQ is as valuable to IQ in leading a successful company.
What change would you like to see in the world? More acceptance and less fear. What message do you want to send out into the world? Step back and examine your motivations. What mega-trend most concerns you? Rapid pace of information reducing the quality of life and relationships. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Martha Graham. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A dancer. What advice would you give your younger self? Seek out mentors, throw out expectations and be brave to surf what’s to come, you’ll enjoy it more. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The birth of my children.
Personal mission: To show up and be of service in every aspect of life. Favorite quote: “Feedback is more about the person giving it than the person receiving it” (a former executive coach).
