Age: Fifty something. Birthplace: Honolulu, HI. Profession: Consulting and training. Organization: 9Q Solutions. Title: CEO & Co-Founder. Alma mater: University of California, Los Angeles (BA); Pepperdine University (MA, PsyD Psychology & PKE MBA). Languages spoken: English, French and I get by in Spanish.
Current project: Growing our company from primarily a B2C small business to a scalable B2B business. Recent recognition: One of my grown kids recently told me that they think I am strong and inspiring. Means the world to me. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Co-founding a company in my fifties. Hobbies: Hiking, traveling and adventuring around the world via culture, language and food. Recent travel or adventure: Soon heading out on the 222-mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. Last book read: The Henna Artist, by Alka Joshi.
Personality profile: Enneagram 3, the Achiever. Authentic and aspiring to be my best and inspire others to be their best. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Fierce. What is your greatest joy? My Bernese mountain dog, Sierra. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Wow! What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? On unique, special experiences, especially travel, fun and food. What is at the top of your bucket list? Machu Pichu with the whole family; exploring Vietnam with my partner. How do you relieve stress? Deep tissue body massage. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Learning or experiencing something new.
What was your first paying job? As a dishwasher at a local pizza restaurant. Lasted only three months, the time it took me to convince a local retail store owner that I would be her best employee if she’d give me a chance. What was your favorite college course? Psychology courses, just for fun. While studying business and economics. What book have you repeatedly read? The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Immersing myself in nature alone. Where do you feel most at home? In Hawaii and in France. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My mom’s sudden death more than twenty years ago changed the course of my life forever.
What is your big idea?
We can co-create a more beautiful way to live.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Empowering leaders and their teams to feel better while doing better. What change would you like to see in the world? Can we all just love one another and appreciate our uniqueness?
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? All In. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Charlize Theron. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mom, catching her up on my life, discussing how the world is changing, listening to her words of wisdom, laughing and feeling her arms around me. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A ballerina. Then, I was told I was too tall. What advice would you give your younger self? Your intuition is powerful; embrace it. And, don’t try to “fit in”. Your uniqueness is a gift.
Personal mission: To inspire and empower others while experiencing as much joy and adventure as possible along the way. Favorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou).
