Q. I believe you must constantly be in pursuit of your best self. How have you prioritized doing so over the past year with the world being in a state of constant chaos?
There are things from “normal life” that I’m dying to get back to, like seeing our Credo team in person, and eating INSIDE a restaurant with friends sounds so awesome – I can’t believe I took it for granted. Pre-pandemic, I traveled so much and was always in “go mode,” so now just being home, cooking my kids French toast in-between meetings, or walking my dog at lunch, I feel like I am living my actual life and it has been incredible.
Q. Where did you first discover that women were paid less than men?
I graduated early from high school and moved to the Caribbean to work on charter boats. I grew up sailing, and as I looked for a job, I knew I’d prefer being a deckhand – but people I met said I’d never get hired for that job as a girl. They said that I’d be better off working as a stewardess because even though they made less, I’d make good tips. Naturally, I was MISERABLE in that role, but I sucked it up to get paid anything.
Q. Tell me about one woman in your life whose impact you admire most?
I believe Michelle Obama held as much power as her husband. No man is able to do what he did without a powerful ass-kicker of a wife next to him like Michelle. She has such a strong and inspirational vision, it is infectious. She’s a queen.
Q. Any advice for women that want to advocate for pay equity?
Do what fuels your passion and don’t try to keep up with anyone else. Fill your heart up and work hard at something you love and build your life around that. Life is truly too short to “suffer through” anything.
Q. What’s your go-to resource recommendation for learning about business and/ or leadership?
I am a huge fan of the “How I Built This” podcast with Guy Raz. It is very real and the stories are typically not the usual path for successful entrepreneurs. It tends to be the actual fight-it-out stories and unusual paths. I got my GED; I didn’t graduate from college. I jumped right into work and took the path less traveled.