Home: Bothell and Gig Harbor, both in Washington state. Age: Old enough to have grown up without internet. Profession: Technology services. Organization: Valence. Significant other: Getting it right the second time with Erik. Alma mater: Washington State University. Go Cougs!
Current project: Growing our consulting business to our next big milestone. Latest contribution to others: Volunteering for the Crisis Text Line to help those acutely struggling in the world. Hobbies: Traveling, hiking and watching terrible reality TV. Recent travel or adventure: Doing a 22-mile hike through The Enchantments (look it up). Recently viewed and recommended: Yellowstone. Recent unique acquisition: A beautiful gold bracelet to celebrate our anniversary.
Personality profile: Hilarious, loyal, cuttingly sharp; but also, so warm and caring. Moral compass: I trust my gut. Always. What is your greatest joy? My two boys, whom I think the world of and am so proud of. What is your guilty pleasure? Fresh sourdough bread with salted butter. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Any home décor shop. What is at the top of your bucket list? Greece. What is your go-to workout? I love a good Alex Hip Hop ride on my Peloton (@girlfrompnw).
What was your first paying job? As a busser at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, getting paid under the table. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Barbies, hands down. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Just ask, the worst thing they can say is no. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Done is better than perfect. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Instagram. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Divorce. An excruciating, humbling process; at the same time, freeing and liberating.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
If done right, sales can add enormous value to both a buying and selling organization.
What change would you like to see in the world? Less politicking; more listening and trying to understand one another. What mega-trend most excites you? The increasing datafication of our lives. There is so much data about what we do and how we live; surely, we can do something amazing with it! What mega-trend most concerns you? The rise of artificial intelligence. I prefer humans over machines.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandma Lyons. She died when I was young and I would love a chance to get to know her. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A waitress. That was apparently a disturbing career goal and led to me getting a Dr. Barbie from my dad. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Photos of my kids when they were babies (before digital cameras existed). What advice would you give your younger self? Believe in yourself. You’ll always know the right decisions to make.
Personal motto: Be a good human. Favorite quote: “Don’t be a follower, be a leader” (Eazy-E). Desired epitaph: I hate to leave you all behind, but we’ll meet again one day.
