Current location: Metropolitan New York City area. Age: 55, with my best work still ahead of me. Birthplace: New Milford, CT. Profession: Executive operations and estate management professional. Organization: Private family office. Title: Executive operations leader. University/alma mater: Johnson & Wales University.
Current project: Exploring how AI and technology can enhance estate management, preserve institutional knowledge and improve the client experience. Recent professional development: Expanding my knowledge of artificial intelligence, estate management technology and modern operational systems to better support family offices and private clients. Latest accomplishment: Transitioning more than two decades of executive and estate management experience into a broader leadership platform while preparing for the next chapter of my career. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring professionals interested in private service and sharing operational knowledge, career advice and best practices developed over more than 20 years in the industry. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? After more than 20 years supporting one principal and family, stepping into a new chapter of my career has been both my biggest challenge and my greatest opportunity for growth. Hobbies: Entertaining, boating, traveling, discovering exceptional restaurants, interior design, classic automobiles and exploring local history through antiques and architecture.
Personality profile: Calm under pressure, curious, intuitive, thoughtful, organized, service-driven and quietly determined. What is one word your closest friends use to describe you? Steady. Moral compass: I try to make decisions I would be proud to explain, regardless of who’s in the room. Define an ideal business relationship: Mutual trust, honest communication, shared accountability and the confidence to solve challenges together. What is your greatest joy? Seeing people feel at ease because everything behind the scenes has been thoughtfully prepared. What is your greatest fear? Wasting potential by becoming too comfortable instead of continuing to learn and grow. What is your favourite place (or way) to spend money? Creating memorable experiences, whether entertaining friends, traveling somewhere new or investing in tools and learning that make me better at what I do. What is at the top of your bucket list? Exploring more of the world while continuing to support extraordinary people and places in meaningful ways.
Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? The principal I had the privilege of supporting for more than 20 years. Watching how he approached relationships, business, philanthropy and life shaped my own philosophy of leadership and service. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Your reputation is something you earn every day. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Always leave people better than you found them. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Artificial intelligence—not because it replaces people, but because it gives people more time to think, create and connect. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Conversations with thoughtful people, travel, hospitality, architecture and observing how exceptional organizations create remarkable experiences.
What is your big idea?
The future of estate management lies in preserving institutional knowledge so exceptional service doesn’t depend on any one individual.
What change are you working to effect in your profession or field? Elevating private service from task management to strategic operational leadership supported by thoughtful technology. What message do you want to send out into the world? Great leadership isn’t about being the center of attention. It’s about creating an environment where other people can thrive. What mega-trend most excites you? The evolution from reactive service to anticipatory service supported by technology, but driven by human relationships.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Behind the Scenes. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Aniston...why not? Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Anthony Bourdain. I admired the way he connected with people from every walk of life. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? I dreamed a lot...a veterinarian, a flight attendant, a fashion designer. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on Earth? Around a large table with family and friends, sharing great food, great stories and plenty of laughter somewhere overlooking the water. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust yourself sooner. Hold yourself to high standards, but don’t expect perfection. Learn from your mistakes, extend yourself grace and keep moving forward.
Personal mission: To create order, build trust and help others live and lead with greater freedom. Personal motto: Excellence is found in the details. 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). Desired epitaph: She always showed up. Everyone left her table feeling welcome.
