Michelle Farabaugh

Cues and Views

Entrepreneurial executive Michelle Farabaugh, in brief.

Michelle Farabaugh

Home: San Francisco, CA.  Age: Prime of my life.  Profession: Entrepreneurial executive. Organization: Sommsation.  Title: CEO.  Alma mater: Bryant University (B.S., Marketing & Economics); Babson College, F.W. Olin School of Business (M.B.A., Entrepreneurship).

Recent recognition: 2020 San Francisco Yacht Club Yachtswoman of the Year; 2019 Top Women in Retail.  Latest accomplishment: Successfully launched a new wine tasting platform that connects wineries, sommeliers and customers.  Latest contribution to others: Mentoring women in retail to help them achieve their goals.  Hobbies: Sailboat racing, cooking, entertaining and anything outdoors with my husband and golden retriever.  Recent travel or adventure: Traveling throughout Southeast Asia for several weeks, just as the pandemic broke out.  Last book read: The Hill We Climb, by Amanda Gorman.  Recent unique acquisition: English Cream Golden Retriever, lovingly referred to as "Theodorable."

Personality profile: Achievement oriented, gregarious; a passionate leader.  What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Tenacious.  What makes you tick?  It's all about the journey and those that are on the journey with me.  I am a consummate learner.  How do you define a perfect friendship? Someone that is there for you in good times and in bad, without judgement.  What is at the top of your bucket list? Giving a TED Talk.  What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Experiencing life with the locals.

What’s featured prominently on your office wall? Photographs I have taken from my world travels.  Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My paternal grandmother.  What is the best advice you received growing up? Age is a state of mind; you can do anything you set your mind to.  What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Shared calendars and shopping lists.  What is your favorite app? Waze.  I am forever lost and in a hurry.  What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The Pandemic.  Don’t take anything for granted; life can be cut too short.

What mega-trend most excites you? Electric cars.  What mega-trend most concerns you? Cyber security attacks.  What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Digital transformation of the customer experience.  What change would you like to see in the world? Mutual respect for different ways of life.  What message do you want to send out into the world? Be kind to one another.  

What object would you save first from your burning home? Original paintings of where I was married and artwork painted by family generations ago.  How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Sailing on San Francisco Bay, playing with Theo as he swims at the beach and dinner with best friends.  What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff.  What day in your life would you like to re-live? My wedding day in Italy.

Personal mission: To be a leader who inspires those around them to be their best selves.  Personal motto: You can sleep when you are dead.  Favorite quote: "He who hesitates is lost" (from Cato, by Joseph Addison, 1712).  Frequently repeated by my dad.

 

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