If you could swap jobs with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be and why?

I would work for a foreign aid organization distributing vaccines or healthcare to children and families in any of the devastated areas in our world right now. I could immediately contribute to improving someone’s life, and even a single day being present with people in such challenging circumstances would further shape my world outlook, desire for advocacy, and future actions. I recognize the fundamental importance of helping families and providing quality medical care, and I would relish the opportunity to contribute toward those causes.

What has been your greatest struggle?

Finding balance between the variety of goals I want to accomplish and accepting that there are phases of life where one task, passion, aspiration, or even person should be prioritized above another.

What inspires you or is most exciting about your job, business, and industry, and what are the biggest challenges?

My professional goal has always been to lead motivated people in accomplishing challenging goals that matter. As CEO, I get to do this every day with vastly different departments and at all levels of the organization. I have an exceptional team of motivated people who bring their hearts and professional experiences to bear in building and supporting our operation.

One of the biggest challenges of the job is also one of the most rewarding aspects: I don’t get to rest on my laurels. I have to learn about new topics and solve different problems each day.

The most exciting part of the industry is the opportunity to serve our employees with reliable benefits and positive company culture, and our customers through quality service—“goals that matter” from above. The details in caring for a building are important as proper maintenance and upkeep of sites ensures safety of the community of people living or working there and ensures the structures and materials will last.

What’s your best beauty tip?

Be kind to yourself. Nothing is more beautiful than the calm confidence that comes from compassionate self-love.

What were some important turning points in your career that helped you attain your current position?

I came to HBM after a career as a Navy Submarine Officer, where I led diverse teams through deeply uncertain operations under time-critical pressures. Those experiences honed my decision making, stress-tolerance, and ability to prioritize myriad tasks. The turning point came as I transitioned out of the military when some key mentors helped me use those skills to pivot into broader organizational leadership.

Also, motherhood solidified my need to shift careers so that I did not have to leave my family for extended periods of time. It also gave me a window into the vastness of experiences I didn’t have and expanded my leadership ethos to include an emphasis that employees deserve an understanding and adaptable environment so they can come to work as whole people with their own concerns and needs.

Use three words to describe yourself.  

Analytical, Empathetic, Inexhaustible

In a workplace that demands your utmost, what do you do for self-care?

I journal at my desk for even a few minutes each morning before logging into my computer. It helps keep my mind centered and provides a self-check-in for my daily outlook. Truly though, nothing restores my soul like my family. Focusing on playing with my kids or talking with my husband melts my stress away and refocuses me through a lens of love. But when all else fails…Jeni’s Darkest Chocolate ice cream.

Do you believe people are at the whim of destiny, or can they create it themselves?

I believe life is built on the risks you take, opportunities you pursue, and your reactions to what luck or destiny may try to bring your way.

How do you use your voice, heart, and platform?

I try to use my heart to understand how I can improve the situations and lives of those around me, then use my platform and voice to advocate for changes that eliminate unnecessary misery. One thing I look forward to most about my current role and stage of life is the opportunity to engage deeper with the community to learn, grow, and help in as many ways as possible.

I feel like a boss when…

I get to bring focused and solution-based reasoning to people who feel frazzled or at a loss with uncertain situations.

What has been your greatest triumph?

Learning to set boundaries for myself—personally and professionally—so that even in stressful situations or hectic periods of time, I don’t lose sight of what my priorities should be.