Along the way, I've become fond of overcoming obstacles. Rather than viewing a challenge as a reason to stop, I choose to view it as a reason to build a more creative solution. This perspective is extremely useful in creating new value for my clients and with my partners. Because I have a reputation for creatively and optimistically breaking past barriers, people often come to me with their biggest challenges.
Viewing obstacles as challenges to overcome started when I was young. Mom was intermittently hospitalized for two years fighting breast cancer, and because Dad’s work required him to live out of state, I’d discovered I could manage life fairly well for myself and my two younger brothers. When a friend told me she couldn't have a sleepover, I sassily replied, “Did you negotiate with your mom? Moms don’t always know what’s best.” Mom heard and was furious. She grounded me because she didn’t want me to question her authority. Years later, after her anger had dulled, Mom and I had a good laugh about the incident, and she admitted that she was proud of me in that moment for questioning the status quo and being independent.
I love every second of the fast-paced tech job in Silicon Valley. My career has been thrilling and rewarding, and I have to say, W.O.M.E.N. in America exponentially transformed my career for the better. For me, the greatest benefit was transparency between WIA members. Engaging in WIA provided me an incredible personal board of directors, experience interfacing with the C-suite, and concrete professional skills. All of this ultimately solidified relationships with successful women executives, many of whom I consider colleagues and friends.
I'm a Stanford Graduate School of Business Sloan Fellow. I'm passionate about leaving the world a better place than I found it, and overcoming the gender barriers in tech.