1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
I work quite a bit with small business owners and entrepreneurs so it is always a challenge to make the most out of limited time and resources. At the same time I am drawn to these types of clients for that very reason. We get to troubleshoot, problem solve, and be innovators in the marketplace. The can-do attitude is inspiring!
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
There are a lot of people who I admire in business! Everyone has his or her own style of management and execution. One person I learned a lot from was my former boss, Dan Smith. He is both inquisitive and pragmatic. I appreciate people who bring curiosity to everyday situations because I think it helps us relate better, find more effective solutions, and strive for improvement.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
I am not sure I could choose just one thing. This past year I realized how much of a network I had built over the years. Everything has come to a slow boil and I am seeing the impact of the effort I have put in. Business owners now come up to me and say, “Hey, I heard you did a great job helping out so and so and I’m wondering if you can do the same for me?” That is always rewarding. I love seeing results and having an impact!
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
When I was 21 I was finishing up my last year of undergrad at UW–Madison and working about 30 hours a week as a professional in the industry. I was really lucky to have so much opportunity to get ahead and learn. However, I wish I would have slowed down and spent more time with friends and family, which is really what life is all about at the end of the day. I have worked hard to find a balance. So my advice to anyone who is reading, especially women, is you can’t have it all and you will have to make sacrifices, but make sure you take the time to slow down and smell the roses!
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I work in food and agriculture so my response will be biased — the food and agriculture! We have some of the best chefs in the Midwest here in Madison, and we have access to amazing farms and farmers’ markets. I also love western Dane County, where it is a little hilly and more rural. We have great access to the outdoors. Also, UW–Madison — go Badgers!
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I am pretty easy to read so I don’t think I take anyone by surprise too often. But one fact that people are very entertained by is that my whole family was in a German polka band with a couple other families. We would play around the state with full costumes and everything. I played the clarinet. I also play the piano and still enjoy playing both from time to time.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
I wish I had cute guilty pleasures that were really becoming. Truthfully, I have a group chat going on with my girlfriends right now about the last episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Beyoncé. Diet Coke is a weakness. Additionally, I am listening to “The Longest Time” by Billy Joel right now.
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