When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I knew I wanted to be an artist since the first grade when I discovered a passion for drawing clowns. In fact, I illustrated a book featuring 100 different clowns that summer. For a very brief moment I also wanted to be Jacques Cousteau (oceanographer/movie director), mainly because I like the bright orange hat he wore.
What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?
Aside from wanting to join a famous rock band (The Stones),I would still be in advertising; leading creative for a trendy consumer product.
What do you like most about working in healthcare marketing?
I love discovering the connection between science, data and creativity, and bringing them to life in a way that inspires HCPs — and helps their patients.
What frustrates you most about working in healthcare marketing?
Having to pull back on great creative ideas because of legal regulations. But I get why.
Who was your mentor? What made her or him an effective mentor?
During the early part of my career, George Meredith of Gianettino and Meredith taught me everything I know about advertising; the creativity, the honesty and to be proud of what you stand for. Not only was he one of the kindest people I’ve ever known, but he was truly ahead of the times by supporting and elevating women in the creative industry during the late ’80s.
Today, Charlie Flax is not only my boss, he is also my friend and mentor. He taught me that vulnerability was not a weakness but a strength, and that being able to give that to others is a gift that builds trust and great collaborative relationships.
What are you doing to mentor others — to send the career ladder back down, so to speak?
The great thing about the mentor-mentee relationship is that we can continually learn and grow from each other. Being able to sit in a room and hear what they are thinking, share ideas, push them to dig deeper and encourage them to reach their full potential. I’ve learned over the years that it’s important to be vulnerable and share your experiences, both your failures and successes. It’s important to always be available. Find what makes someone tick, build trust, and help them grow professionally and creatively.
What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?
I am pretty much an open book. They know about everything from our family summer business, Bertrand Island Amusement Park, to my obsessions with Keith Richards and Steve Jobs.
What are the three things in your daily workspace that you can’t live without?
Twizzlers (red, of course); my MacBook Pro; my four dogs. (two Labs, one Frenchie and one ShihTzu)
What is your favorite book (or TV show, movie, band or song)? What about it resonates strongly with you?
Music gets me through a lot. It opens my mind and sparks my creativity. My favorite band, hands down, is The Stones. I love Keith and how he is truly the heart of the band, I believe he would do it even if he didn’t get paid. Mick’s strong sense of business along with his showmanship is second to none. They have been through it all and, in my opinion, are still making relevant music. One of the best moments of my life was getting to take my kids to see them in concert.
What’s on your to-do list for when you retire?
Who says I’m ever planning to retire? If I must (haha), I would love to get back to oil painting and have an exhibition in the city. And look forward to having more time to travel with my family.
