DTJ: Who inspires you? What leaders do you admire?
• My 10-year-old son, who still sees the world through rose-colored glasses.
• My dad, who at a very young age taught me what it meant to live your dream as an entrepreneur.
• Chuck Porter, (Chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky) for his never ending passion for the being the best.
• Shelly Lazarus (Worldwide CEO and Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather) and Linda Sawyer (CEO of Deutsch) for blazing a trail for women in advertising.
What is your advice for young people starting out in the advertising/marketing industry?
• Love what you do and do what you love.
• Never burn any bridges.
Not only is your job to build brands, it is also to build the people around you.
• A strong character and work ethic earns you more than you know.
• The best way to predict the future is to create it!
What is the most satisfying part of your job?
• Helping our clients achieve business success.
• Creating game-changing work that has a significant impact on our clients’ businesses.
• Developing talent.
• Constantly learning new things.
What is the most challenging part?
Finding great talent.
How do you keep your energy up given all that you do?
• Attitude is everything. I love what I do, I believe in the people I work with, and I see tremendous opportunities ahead for our clients. How can you not find this energizing?
• It’s also energizing when you are able to lead a team to five years of consecutive growth.
• Sleep, exercise, and drinking a lot of water helps, too.
• I also stay energized by giving back to my community and supporting non-profits such as Free Arts Minnesota, The Crisis Nursery, and Cultural Jambalaya among others.
How do you find balance between work and family?
• When things get too crazy, I take a deep breath and remind myself that although I love my job, my “number one client” is my family.
• I am also very lucky to have an amazing husband who helps me keep my balance.
• I survive by multitasking and prioritizing.
Any secrets you’re willing to divulge about how to keep the creative juices flowing?
• Great ideas can come from anywhere, including the most unexpected places. Always have an open mind.
• Be a cultural carnivore — explore, travel, read.
• Carve out time to clear your head and think — running is great for this!
