About Me

I grew up in an achievement oriented environment where intelligence was king, faith was foundational, and perfecton was the standard. Social and emotional intelligence were undervalued. My dad spoke 8 different languages and worked with CIA Intelligence before becoming a pastor. My mom grew up in Brazil where her parents built an orphanage to care for and educate children in the Amazon. The inside of a person was all that mattered and anything else was considered unimportant or avoided. 

This unique background gave me a deep constitution and provided me with meaningful opportunities to interact with and appreciate all people- yet it wasn't complete. When I was interested in fun, health, beauty, networking, and success, I wasn't taken seriously. I chose to think and live outside the box of what was expected and pursue additional things that mattered to me. This "can do" mindset (and a whole lot of Grace!) allowed me to do more than I could dream or imagine- like become an innovative nurse, competitive athlete, Mrs. Alabama / America, and professional speaker / coach. My thirty years of experience in the business world, thirty seven years as a wife and mother of three sons, and compelling data all prove that it's not just one area or skill set that makes leaders successful-- it’s a unique combination. I have used this knowledge to develop an approach to authentic leadership that incorporates the whole person and is possible for anyone willing to do what it takes. 

It’s taken me a lifetime to understand that many of the things society teaches are not mutually exclusive-- you don't have to choose just one or the other. You can have intelligence and social/emotional intelligence, virtue and success, and kindness and respect along with achievement. We don’t have to settle for what is expected of us or what we are naturally good at, we can choose to develop ALL aspects of our personality and skill set. I’ve learned it's never too early and it's never too late to walk through barriers and embrace the beauty of growth.  You don't have to avoid it or fake it ‘til you make it- you can learn to master it. My passion is to meet you where you are and catapult you to your next level. Together with humility and strength, we can Live our best and pay it forward one person at a time.