Home: Des Moines, IA. Profession: Data, tech, trust. Organization: Salesforce. Title: Chief Data Officer. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My husband, David. Alma mater: Miami University; Drake University; University of Iowa; Harvard.
Current project: Building trust in everything I do. Recent recognition: Forbes; Top Women in Data; 40 under 40. Latest accomplishment: Just signed my second book deal! Last book read: Radical Candor, by Kim Scott.
Personality profile: INFJ “The Advocate”: always advocating for a better world. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Courageous. Moral compass: Jesus. How do you define a perfect friendship? One led with love. How do you define an ideal business relationship? A trust-based relationship where we all succeed together. What is your greatest joy? Being a mother – to six! What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Psychology.
What was your first paying job? Bussing tables at a 50s diner and making milkshakes. What was your favorite college course? Information Systems. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Inspirational quotes and Bible verses. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Don’t wait for conditions to be perfect—just go for it. What is your favorite app? YouVersion. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Being adopted as an infant.
What is your big idea?
That business will pivot to everything being viewed through a trust-centric lens. Any company that lacks trust will eventually lose customers and ultimately success.
What change would you like to see in the world? Loving others no matter our differences. What message do you want to send out into the world? You have the ability to be the change you want to see in the world. Reflect what you want to see. What widely held belief do you reject? That anyone is inherently “good” or “bad”. I believe we are a reflection of our circumstances and we have the opportunity to evolve throughout our lives.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? I’ll Be There for You. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My father, who passed away when I was nineteen. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A teacher. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Photos. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? At home, with my family, snuggling on the couch. What advice would you give your younger self? You are enough. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day(s) I reunited with my biological family.
Personal mission: Doing good by landing the impossible with grace. Favorite quote: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT).
