1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
For me, it’s finding a candidate who is enthusiastic about Centare and having the team be just as excited to meet them. I’m passionate about finding talented people and seeing them grow and flourish at our company. It’s incredibly rewarding when I’ve made a good match and the person becomes a happy and thriving employee. It’s a great feeling when someone leaves our office following an interview and is eager about what we’re doing in Madison.
When it comes to landing a new job, it’s all about the timing. As a recruiter I know this can be challenging. Switching jobs is a big decision. I’m always eager to hear why someone loves their work, and glad to make a connection with them, whether or not they are in a career transition.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I have always looked up to Estée Lauder, who was a pioneer in the cosmetics business. She started as an entrepreneur who would do things that people at the time deemed “crazy,” such as giving away free products and services. There is a story of how she spilled a bottle of perfume in a department store to attract the attention of a buyer and it worked. Lauder created something she believed in and took a lot of risks, but they paid off. Her work inspires me to believe in what you have to offer. It will help you will succeed and attract the right people to your company.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
It was years ago when I had just started working for a company and was invited to speak at a national sales meeting. Even though I was new to my job, I was able to make a big difference in my territory right away. It was exciting to share my story with the entire company and it’s something I consider a professional achievement. That being said, I truly think the high point in my career is still to come, especially as I narrow down my passions and interests in terms of my career. I’m a person who believes in a positive attitude. When you’re happy in a job and work in a supportive environment, you feel like the next great possibility or “high point” could be right around the corner.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Be happy and enjoy your work. I know that sounds cliché, but if you check in and discover that you dread going to work and you’re not having fun, it’s a good way to measure whether it’s time for a change. We definitely owe that to ourselves.
(Continued)
5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
The people! I moved to Madison from Chicago this past fall and I have found the people to be nothing but friendly and encouraging. It’s really wonderful the way that I have been welcomed here both in and out of work. I’m looking forward to becoming totally immersed here through my business and personal interests. Madison has a lot happening culturally and community-wise without seeming too huge and overwhelming. It really is the best of both worlds.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I have a fine arts background and come from a family of woodworkers, quilters, and artists, so being creative and making things by hand comes second nature to me. When I was in college, I challenged myself to think creatively and that brought a lot to my career in terms of taking risks and not being afraid to try something new. I like to create collages and paint in watercolor — really, dabble in anything crafty. I also make essential oil perfumes (“The Collective”) and sell them at a friend’s shop, The Shudio in Chicago. Growing up, my family and I always laughed about my “sensitive nose,” which I turned into something productive by making perfume.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
I typically try to eat chocolate every day. I think that it’s important to do at least one thing every day just for you and not feel guilty about it! I also enjoy the occasional Netflix or TV series binge. I love shows like Game of Thrones and I think I watched all of Stranger Things over the course of one gloomy weekend.
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.
