When I started my journey at Harvard Business School, I was eager to broaden my business knowledge and strengthen my skills, particularly in marketing and branding. Coming from a liberal arts undergraduate background with limited exposure to business, I began my career as an Associate Consultant at one of the Big Four accounting firms (PwC), focusing on strategic planning in financial services, business services, telecommunications, and consumer products. It was during a product line analysis for a pet food company that I discovered an interest in marketing, branding, and product development—a spark that inspired me to pursue a career in marketing.

At HBS, I gained a deeper understanding of how businesses operate. While I entered with a focus on marketing, the exposure to all business functions helped me build a strong foundation for navigating the complex challenges of executive leadership. I learned the importance of balancing strategy with execution, and how to navigate unanticipated challenges. I learned the value of the alumni network—the willingness of HBS alumni to support one another, no matter where they are in their careers, has been remarkable.

After graduating, I started my marketing career in Gillette’s brand management training program. I was excited to combine analytical rigor with creative strategy and felt well-prepared for the challenge. The program helped me realize that while I loved marketing, I wanted to focus on products and content that enriched or entertained. I’ve always been someone who wants to brighten peoples’ day, and I sought to integrate that into my career.

I took on roles that combined creative development and strategic leadership, working my up to CMO, and then President and CEO roles. I worked on educational toys and entertainment properties (Hasbro), contributed to taking an early e-commerce company in the educational toy space through an IPO and strategic exit (SmarterKids.com), and helped develop TV shows and product lines for major networks like PBS, Disney, and Cartoon Network (CookieJar Entertainment). As President of Life is Good, I led a lifestyle apparel brand dedicated to spreading optimism. Later, I joined Katie Couric Media as President of Katie Couric Media Marketplace, where we collaborated with purpose-driven brands. More recently, I served as CEO of a private equity-backed beauty and wellness company.

Like many career journeys, my path ebbed and flowed. When my kids were young, I decided to step away from full-time roles and focus on consulting so I could be home more. While I wasn’t sure how or when I’d step back into full-time work, I found that maintaining relationships and continuing to add value were both key. Many of the companies I had worked with before brought me on in contract roles, which eventually led to full-time opportunities when I was ready.

Today, I’m a Partner at CEO Coaching International, where I work with CEOs to accelerate growth and profitability. My clients span industries like e-commerce, business services, apparel, media, and consumer products. I’m also a Senior Advisor to Katie Couric Media and other entrepreneurial ventures. 14 15

These roles allow me to leverage my experiences to help others achieve their goals, which feels like the perfect culmination of my career journey. I had some terrific mentors and advocates throughout my career, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to pay that forward.

Some of my proudest career accomplishments have been mentoring others as they navigate their own journeys and finding ways to combine my personal and professional passions. I’ve found that when you enjoy what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, work doesn’t feel like work, and I hope every HBS grad can find a way to follow their interests in the way I have.

Success isn’t just about the roles you hold. It’s about finding joy in a life that reflects your values.