1. What excites me about my job…
People! As much as technology is at the core of what we do, it is the people that are the heart of it.
2. What frustrates me sometimes…
When things move too slowly. I would much rather get things done and get things wrong versus not making any progress. I appreciate debate and caution but only to a point.
3. My secret dream job
A vet, dog groomer, or really anything with animals.
4. My top strategy for surviving a really bad day at the office
Reminding myself how truly lucky (and privileged) I am, ideally while taking a walk (and seeing some dogs).
5. The moment I find I am in the flow
When a debate comes together. It’s not about agreeing, but about reaching a conclusion and an execution plan together by using our “hive mind”.
6. Biggest success so far
Personally – choosing and living the life I want to live, unapologetically. Professionally – helping to take a company public in 2021.
7. My greatest defeat
I’m very good at getting things wrong and making mistakes, so it really is quite hard to choose one. We need a better failure culture in the industry, so that we can all embrace the decisions that make us successful in the long run.
8. Worst buzzword
“New Normal”. That may be my 2020 PTSD speaking though.
9. The best reward after a hard week at work…
Sleep, a long walk, time with loved ones, and petting dogs.
10. Home office or in-house?
Hybrid! I’m a big fan of enjoying both worlds. I can definitely get more things done in the quiet of my home office, but the face time and relationship building that can be done in office is invaluable.
11. The most important quality a colleague/business partner can have?
It’s a tie between integrity and an open mind. I want to work with people that are trustworthy and creative.
12. My creative hack
Speaking to my colleagues, across teams, roles, tenure, and levels of seniority. The best ideas always come from the people on the front lines.
13. The first website I check in the morning
It’s terrible, but truthfully the answer is Gmail.
14. My favorite digital tool
My mobile phone.
15. The book or series from which I have learned the most for my (work) life
The key is to take something from everything, so I can’t choose one book, but here are the top 5 that came to mind:
The Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Managing Transitions: Making the Most of the Change by William Bridges.
Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell
Financial Intelligence by Karen Berman and Joe Knight
Principles by Ray Dalio
16. Which series, book, or podcast I would generally recommend...
I love quirky documentaries. Life is really stranger than fiction. The last one I saw was The Pez Outlaw and it’s a good example of true-life stories that have a little bit of everything in them.
17. Most prominent follower on social media?
None – I don’t post much. I’m very good at sending funny memes or TikToks to my favorite people though!
17 and a half: What has always...
... occupied my thoughts is how to build a meaningful DEI program in my company that can really make a difference.
