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

When I was a little girl, I was fascinated with deep-sea exploration and archaeology. I would daydream about the fact that 80 percent of the ocean remains unexplored and imagine being an oceanographer discovering an ancient shipwreck. When I visited Egypt in my 20s, I got that feeling all over again. I learned that only 1 percent of Egyptian ruins have been excavated—how crazy is that? The idea of being on a dig site, the first person to touch and uncover something that hasn’t been seen in thousands of years…it’s absolutely mesmerizing to me. I’d love to experience even just one day in that world.

It would also be cool to be Beyonce for a day, but I digress.

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

It’s inspiring every day to watch what happens on the ‘Auana stage. Nothing can quite compare to the excitement of live events in the entertainment industry. After 15 years in live music, I’ve always been drawn to the atmosphere, raw emotion, and connection between performers and the audience. At ‘Auana, the stakes are even higher. It’s not just a performance but an immersive cultural experience, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in live entertainment. What we’ve created is beautiful and utterly captivating.

One of the most exciting aspects has been the collaboration in bringing ‘Auana to life. The team, made up of artists, designers, technicians, and creatives from all over the world, came together with a shared vision. It’s been inspiring to witness the skill and dedication that goes into creating a world-class Cirque du Soleil show.

Of course, there are challenges. Believe it or not, running a circus is incredibly complicated. The pressure to deliver a flawless show night after night—and to fill the seats—is constant. Each act requires intricate coordination, and balancing the artistic vision with technical and business realities can be difficult. But there’s never a dull moment, and that’s what makes this job so rewarding.

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

I’m a daughter of two music teachers. I grew up playing piano, French horn and viola (I still play the latter to this day). I loved the arts and music, but I knew I didn’t want to teach. However, I recognized the importance of aligning my work with my true interests. A key turning point came when a college professor invited me to join the administrative team for a student-run jazz festival. Over the next two years, I ended up running the entire event. That professor challenged me to take on responsibilities I wasn’t sure I was ready for, but that’s when I truly started to grow. He didn’t just offer advice—he let me take the reins, giving me the space to make decisions and learn from mistakes.

Looking back, I’m incredibly fortunate to have learned early on that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. I was never fond of public speaking, so I forced myself into more speaking engagements to overcome that fear. I used to shy away from confrontation, but now I embrace difficult conversations (though, I’ll admit, I still don’t love them). That mindset has been fundamental in helping me reach my current position.

What’s your go-to song or playlist that gets you motivated for a busy day?

I’m usually at the mercy of my preschooler’s musical preferences while driving her to school. But I got to tell you, the soundtrack to Disney’s Descendants kind of slaps.

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

Is getting up at 4:30 a.m. to drink coffee alone before my five-year-old wakes up considered self-care? But in all seriousness, living in such a beautiful place gives me the chance to step back and recharge. I focus on giving myself grace and carving out time to be truly present with my family. We spend time at the beach, take staycations, and simply enjoy each other’s company. It’s a constant balancing act, but my health and family always come first. For me, time with them is the most rewarding form of self-care.