When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was young I wanted to work on Wall Street like my aunt. She would take me annually to her company’s Take Your Daughter to Work Day and I was captivated by the constant energy. I saw firsthand her being a strong female leader and the impact she had on her team, and I knew one day that I wanted that for myself.
What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?
I’ve always had a passion for working in advertising and PR. So, if I wasn’t specifically in healthcare, I’d likely be pursuing a different industry.
What do you like most about working in healthcare marketing?
The true sense of meaning to our work. Our ultimate end customers are patients either directly or indirectly. I like to believe that I play a part in helping to make people’s lives better, whether big or small.
What frustrates you most about working in healthcare marketing?
Individuals with closed minds to what the future can offer. Too often people look at a challenge or existing process with a narrow “this is how we’ve always done it” lens versus exploring the possibilities with fresh thinking by considering, “How can we look at this in a new way?”
Who was your mentor? What made her or him an effective mentor?
Nancy Beesley was my mentor when I joined HCB Health, now known as Boundless Life Sciences, in 2016. She and I instantly had a connection. She understood my communication style almost immediately, as well as my areas of strengths and opportunities for growth.
Nancy knew how to coach and bring out my best — even when experiencing impasses whether internally or externally. It almost always felt like she’s seen it all. I appreciated her ability to listen first, provide straightforward/direct feedback while still being empathetic. And, of course, her knack for always keeping things light.
What are you doing to mentor others — to send the career ladder back down, so to speak?
First, I find it crucial to get to know each person not only professionally, but personally. I find this helpful in understanding what motivates them and what they want to achieve.
Then I work to create an environment where my team feels comfortable and motivated to ask for what they want. This way, I can best match up opportunities at the agency with their individual career goals.
Last, I feel that by treating people as individuals, and acknowledging their individual strengths and styles, you can bring out the best they can offer.
What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?
At 12 years old I was the reigning surfing champion of Long Beach Island on the Jersey shore.
What are the three things in your daily workspace that you can’t live without?
Spotify, my wireless mouse and my mechanical pencil. Yes, that’s right, a mechanical pencil — I am always reprioritizing my to-do list based on shifting needs, and permanent ink just won’t work for me!
What is your favorite book (or TV show, movie, band or song)? What about it resonates strongly with you?
The Canadian show Workin’ Moms is by far the most relatable show to me based on where I’m at personally and professionally. The show finds a way to poke fun at such realistic daily struggles that no one talks about that are absolutely true. I see elements of myself in all of the amazing characters on the show. It’s a great light-hearted show to watch at the end of a long work day.
What’s on your to-do list for when you retire?
Split my time between the beach and mountains to relax, enjoy the slopes, sun and, above all, spending a lot of time with my children … and hopefully their families one day!
