1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most rewarding aspect by far is the people I get to work with every day. I am constantly inspired by the creative brilliance that surrounds me in both coworkers and clients. In turn, the most challenging aspect is finding ways to harness that brilliance within the parameters of a budget and a timeline!
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I’m inspired by the tenacity of female CEOs like Indra Nooyi — leading a billion dollar, global organization while raising two daughters. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak and was humbled by how “real” she was about the sacrifice it’s taken to get where she is. I’m also inspired by women like Liz Wiseman, harnessing a powerful intuition and understanding of human interaction to shape the way businesses coach their employees to greatness. At the end of the day I think this respect centers around all women — everyday women — who aim to break the stereotypes of what’s possible and find a path to success that is all their own (especially the ones without a million dollar paycheck).
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
I could point back to many different campaigns or creative executions that I have been proud to be a part of over the years. But honestly, returning to work as a mother of two young boys (and totally owning it) has been my biggest accomplishment yet. Finding balance between work and motherhood is a constant struggle. So when you find those (fleeting) moments of balance you feel powerful and unstoppable.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Stop thinking the world revolves around you. Everyone is human. Everyone is dealing with something, just like you. Early in my career I used to take the long hours and constructive criticisms so personally. I expected to be able to deliver perfection with very little experience. If I had to do it all over again I would be less judgmental and more appreciative of the guidance available to me on the journey.
(Continued)
5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
So many things! I love being a 15-minute walk or car ride from water — the perks of living on an isthmus! There is something so grounding about standing next to a body of water. It helps me keep things in perspective. Being fortunate enough to work downtown, I also love the energy the campus brings and having the ability to explore the eclectic local shops on the lunch hour. Transitioning from being an undergrad at UW to raising a young family in this city has been an awesome transformation. And now my husband is a Madison police officer, so I’ve gained even more exposure to just how many contributors help make this city so amazing.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
Secrets talents? Not so much. When it comes to me, what you see is what you get. But I guess some folks may not know I can bring a pretty serious lip sync performance. (Just one of my many tools to get people smiling!)
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Wine. And probably swearing. Both offer necessary (temporary) releases when the stuff you can’t control gets a little out of hand.
Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine – your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here.
