Home: Dallas, TX. Age: Perpetually 22, but technically, 40-something. Birthplace: New York, NY. Profession: I work at the intersection of people, strategy and transformation. Organization: Industrious. Title: Head of People. Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: Andrew Chernack (my better half). Alma mater: Yale School of Management (MBA); Yale University (BA). Languages spoken: English, Hebrew and a little bit of Spanish.
Current project: Scaling up the People function at Industrious; teaching my puppy not to eat baseboards; transitioning back from pandemic life to something more exciting. Recent recognition: I’ve been on a panel and a podcast about HR and the future of work and I’ve been invited to a few more. Does that officially make me a "thought leader"? 😀 Recent professional development: Transitioned from a consulting partner role to a Head of People role, so I can bring my passion for People and Transformation to a growing, fast-paced organization. Latest contribution to others: I volunteer on a suicide/crisis hotline. Recently I helped somebody lost find her way home. What do you thrive on? Making an impact. Hobbies: Listening to podcasts at 2x; being the party aunt for my 14 nieces and nephews; HIIT; watching films; chasing my puppy around as she plays keep-away. Recent travel or adventure: Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Last book read: Raise a Fist, Take a Knee: Race and the Illusion of Progress in Modern Sports, by John Feinstein. Recently viewed and recommended: Binge watching Golden Girls. It still stands up after all this time!
Personality profile: Sharp, edgy, curious. How do you define a perfect friendship? Enjoying the poignancy and the absurdity of life together. What is your guilty pleasure? True crime on ID. What natural talent have you neglected? I’m a writer and I love to turn a phrase, but it requires more headspace than I have. What is at the top of your bucket list? A 100+ day cruise that docks in all the exotic ports of call. How do you relieve stress? Boxing gloves, heavy bag, GO!
What book have you repeatedly read? Darkness at Noon, by Arthur Koestler. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Graduate. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My parents. What is the best advice you received in your career? You always own at least 51% of your own career. What is your go-to source of news and information? Twitter brings it all together.
What is your big idea?
Bringing together schools, clergy, community orgs, and business to drive early interventions in improving the mental health of adolescents and young people.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Making the HR / People function one that delivers significant impact and value and is recognized as such. What change would you like to see in the world? More kindness and more laughter. What mega-trend most excites you? The Great Resignation (or Great Re-evaluation, or whatever you want to call it), which gives people the power and opportunity to rethink and reinvent their careers. What mega-trend most concerns you? Increasing polarization.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The Charming Curmudgeon. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A lawyer, but my lawyer father saved me. What advice would you give your younger self? Have more fun! There will be plenty of time to be serious later.
Personal motto: Get [stuff] done and have fun. Favorite quote: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken” (Oscar Wilde). Desired epitaph: I told you I was sick…
