I wanted to be a doctor until I learned that there was blood involved. In high school, I turned my attention to journalism and public relations and have worked in related fields ever since.

Assertive. Self-aware. Intuitive.

Success is learning from failure and moving forward. In building a business (and in life), there are a lot of hiccups, missteps, and duct tape. The trick is not to get hung-up on what went wrong, but learn from the experience and build a better approach for the next time.

Failure is a necessary part of the learning curve. Everyone makes mistakes; not learning from them is the real failure.

I’ve made many, many mistakes over the years and I would make all of them again. My mistakes and successes have made me who I am today.

Two things: 1) Talk and listen more. In my 20s I wish I had spoken to more women, older than me or further along in their careers, to help me get a better sense of the proverbial road ahead and shape my longer-term goals. And, 2) travel. I didn’t take a semester abroad (big, big, big mistake!) and went straight from college to working full-time. Although I had the chance, I never took time to travel and see the world. Exposure to different people, cultures, and histories is important in the development of perspective and empathy. I’ve been fortunate to travel with my various posts and have spent time in some amazing places – but when you are working, it’s hard to truly immerse yourself in and appreciate another culture.

For her strength, focus and kindness, my mother is my heroine. In the face of adversity – from good ol’ boy politics to fighting ovarian cancer for more than a decade – her grace and poise never ceases to amaze, inspire and motivate me to be a better human being.

Forgiveness; forgiving yourself for not meeting self-imposed expectations is liberating and frees you to do and be your best. But the most important “trick” is to find a great partner in life. Mine, my husband, helps me maintain balance, perspective and, possibly and most importantly, a sense of humor.

With two young boys and a growing company I haven’t had much time to contemplate an alternate career … that said, I am passionate about empowering girls/women to achieve their goals and I am an advocate of anti-bullying and would love to work to further these
causes.

It’s hard to pick just one… When I was a child, I loved the adventures in “Tell Me a Mitzi” by Lore Segal and “In the Night Kitchen” by Maurice Sendak. More recently I discovered, with my boys, a beautifully imaginative and illustrated world created by Chris van Dusen. We started with “If I Built A Car” and our collection continues to grow.

Somewhere slightly remote with breathtaking views – beach or mountains – surrounded by my family, friends, good food, delicious wine, and great conversation.

1) Red Lodge, Montana
It’s a tiny, rustic, mountain town known as the “gateway to Yellowstone National Park” via the death-defying Bear Tooth Highway … I know it as home; it’s where my parents live, where I got married, and where the people smile and say hi to total strangers, because it’s the polite thing to do.

2) Mexico
I traveled to Mexico during college and lived in Cuernavaca for several weeks to study Spanish. I fell in love with the culture, the art, the food and the people.

3) Paris
Because it’s the most romantic city on earth.

4) Texas
Family, friends, my Longhorns, country music, Tex-Mex and margaritas. Need I say more?

5) New York City
No explanation needed.