1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is wrapping up a project in which a client is thrilled with the results — especially if the firm surpassed its expectations — and having the client come back to us for his or her next project or refer a prospective client to our firm. The most challenging aspect of my job is trying to maintain that healthy work-life balance while still meeting all of my clients’ expectations, and having a life outside of the office.
Every client is different, but I’m always learning how to better prioritize their expectations with everything I have going on outside of work, including serving as the current president of the Wisconsin Women in Government Board of Directors, which also requires a considerable amount of my time and attention. â¨
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I really admire Marillyn Hewson, the first female CEO of Lockheed Martin. Based on what I’ve read about her, those who work closely with her describe her as someone who is tough and knowledgeable, yet personable, gracious, and always willing to listen, which I think are key leadership qualities, particularly for someone who is in charge of one of the nation’s largest companies. I also love that she’s a fellow Midwesterner and seems to have never lost sight of that down-to-earth upbringing you see in a lot of people raised in America’s heartland. â¨
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
I’ve actually had a couple of high points in my career. First, after college I began my career on Capitol Hill, which had been my biggest goal since I first visited Washington, D.C., with my family while in the eighth grade.
More recently, I was chosen to serve as a co-chair of the 2014 Leadership Wisconsin State Seminar in which I helped coordinate a two-and-a-half-day program consisting of panels and discussions intended to educate the selected fellows about government. It was an honor to be selected and trusted with the responsibilities of organizing such a quality learning experience while giving back by sharing all I’ve learned throughout the decade that I’ve been working and involved in government. â¨
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4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I would say there’s no shame in falling flat on your face after taking a risk. Just pick yourself up, reset your goals and expectations, work hard, and keep trying until you finally get to where you want to be in life. â¨
5. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I think most people would be surprised to discover that I have a knack for picking up on other languages and learning them very quickly (if only I had that same ability in science and math). I studied French for six years between high school and college, which has certainly helped me in learning a few key words and phrases in other languages spoken in the countries that I’ve visited. In fact, I received a lot of compliments while visiting Italy last year for at least trying to speak some of the Italian I learned. â¨
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