What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

Some of the best advice that I have received is that a career is like a jungle gym rather than a ladder. Sometimes, you move down to then leapfrog two steps up. Sometimes, you move sideways so that you can see something from a different perspective. And sometimes, once you climb to the top, you actually want to start going in another direction.

What advice would you give us?

Many young women (especially in today’s social media society) are focused on their looks and their aesthetics. To the many young women who may be reading this: Your looks will change. You will age. But your mind, your sense of humor, your personality, your drive, your ambition – These are timeless. They last forever. Anchor yourself to the constant variables rather than those that change.

An essential quality to lead…

The ability to listen. To hear feedback. To then want to apply the feedback. To ultimately change. For the better.

What book, podcast, YouTube channel or any other type of content do you recommend us…

I regularly watch TED talks to see presentation styles, storytelling talents, and more.

What historical figure would you like to have on your team?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A woman who didn’t take “NO” for an answer. A mother. A groundbreaker. A moral compass. A leader.

Have you always been clear about your professional objective?

I grew up in a family with five sisters (I am one of six daughters), a working father and a working mother who was the breadwinner of the family. As a result, I always thought women were dominant (I existed in a 7:1 ratio). I also grew up as a sick child who spent many years in hospitals. Within the walls of hospitals, I fell in love with content and technology because this was my reprieve from all surgeries and treatments. And within the confines of beds and bathrooms, I promised myself that if I ever had the blessing of health; nothing would stop me, I would simply keep going. The combination of female empowerment + my curiosity about content/technology + appreciation for health + drive = where I am today.

What is the bravest decision you have made in our life?

After losing my first daughter, I tried to have a second child and I had my son. After losing a third child, I fought to have my daughter. Continuing to endure loss and triumph has been the bravest decision I have ever made in my life.

What is the most curious app you have on your mobile?

Perhaps the weirdest part about my mobile is that I have minimal apps. I am not on social media other than LinkedIn. I actually read the newspaper, HBR magazine, and books. Within Apple’s ecosystem (the apps that come with an iPhone) there are 27 apps. I have a total of 40 apps on my phone!

What do people assume about you, and that isn’t true?

I think people assume that I am naturally extroverted because they see me comfortably leading teams, speaking to boards, giving keynote addresses to large audiences, and attending conferences. However, I am also an introvert because I need to recede in order to refuel. Therefore, while I am seen as a public persona in my industry; you will not see me out after 5pm 🙂

What do you think will be the next revolution in your industry?

AI is influencing how customers search, select, and purchase. AI is also influencing how retail and content are consumed.

What do you admire and do not tolerate in a person?

I admire many qualities in people: Those who are honest, direct, have a sense of humor, know their personal and professional boundaries, those who are parents, those who are innately happy and appreciative for what they have. I do not tolerate negativity, laziness, or a lack of ambition/drive/work ethic.

Which three top managers would you like to nominate?

Joanne Bradford, Chief Money Officer at Domain Money, and Strategic Advisor at The Female Quotient and Wealth.com.

Sam Acunto, VP, Digital Partnerships at NBCUniversal Media.

Jason Brenner, Senior Vice President at Michaels Stores.