As we celebrate all our Women to Watch in this issue, I thought it might be nice if you got to know me a little better!
What three words best describe you?
Passionate, fun-loving and naughty.
What is your recipe for success?
Hard work and passion. The harder you work, the luckier you get. One of my greatest contributors has been the ability to align my natural capabilities and my passion for my work. That makes me look at my career not as “work,” but rather as a place of living out my passion and being able to contribute to the greater good of our community.
What obstacles have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
I’m thankful that I have dealt with only one person in my entire life and career, thus far, that has caused harm and no good to those that I cared for on a professional level. I do believe things happen for a reason and that we are all on individual journeys. I have learned much from my own journey and it makes me the stronger person that I am today.
What is your advice to young people who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
Create your own path and avoid living a life based on other people. Make your own footsteps, and follow them. It is also important for young people to receive proper guidance and mentoring; it’s something I wish I had when I was younger. It empowers them, so they can make sense of and navigate their own lives.
How do you successfully juggle business and family obligations?
It can be difficult, but I try not to make my family suffer by working after hours or allowing work to infringe on family time. To achieve this I prioritize scheduling, and if I have a really pressing deadline, I work after everyone has gone to bed. The secret is not to take on more than you can chew. If something doesn’t contribute to my goal for the day, if it doesn’t add value, I skip it. I’m able to say no and be at peace with that decision.
What have been your proudest moments?
I’ve had a few, but I have to say being blessed with my two children, Lucas and Eva.
What is the one thing your colleagues probably don’t know about you?
There is lots they shouldn’t know! I adore music. Besides dancing at home, as often as I can with the kids, I sing wildly in the car … thankfully for most, it’s solo!
