Q: What are you reading?
A: I recently finished “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek. Our organization mirrors the message that Simon writes about in his book. We start with the “why” and our goal is to be better this week than we were last week. The opportunity to be CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada came from a place within me. I want to come to work to inspire and I understand that starting with the why encourages greater optimism and innovation and will further advance our mission to bring more girls into our great movement.
I am currently reading “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg and “Settle for More” by Megyn Kelly.
Q. What is your favorite restaurant?
A: During my 25-year design career with Walt Disney Imagineering and an internationally recognized hospitality design studio, I have had the opportunity to experience and explore many restaurants near and far for their menu as well as their interior architecture. My favorite restaurants are usually based upon how interesting the interior environment is as well as the vibe it creates. In Las Vegas, we are so fortunate to have an enormous selection of celebrity chef experiences that makes it impossible to select one favorite restaurant. My bias is to the restaurants I have been involved with managing the design. CUT by Wolfgang Puck at The Palazzo is still so relevant and the menu is great. I also like Mr. Chow at Caesars Palace for its formality and simplicity. Ordering a wonderful Champagne from the sterling silver Champagne cart puts an instant smile on my face.
Q. Where do you take clients to dinner?
A: It amazes me that with so many dining options, I still can’t seem to pick a place to eat. But when I must choose, I usually select based upon delightful interiors or convenience. For an outdoor option, dining on the patio of Morels French Steakhouse and Bistro or Mon Ami Gabi would be my pick for dinner. Lunches with clients are more common, leaving the evening for exercise and family. Triple George Grill is a regular lunch spot and close to the Girl Scouts office.
Q. Where do you work out, or play your favorite sport?
A: Walking with friends is my physical and mental workout. Pilates with Shane Gagne at KSI at least once a week is a must to keep the core strong and back pain at a minimum. Most of my down time is spent at my son’s baseball tournaments. Those parents who have kids that play baseball know that the time commitment is extraordinary.
Q. How do you decompress after a hard week?
A: I am not sure how to decompress. A woman’s work is never done nor is it like clockwork where Friday evening is the culmination of the week. Relaxation is a luxury. My mind rarely relaxes and, like many, I feel time is flying by and there isn’t enough time in the day to do everything needed and dedicate time to learning more, reading, exercising and parenting. It is important to find ways to relax the mind and body because these are the moments my most creative thoughts flourish. Scheduling a massage twice a month is a commitment I made to myself which helps me decompress.
Q. What is the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years?
A: Las Vegas is an anomaly with robust tourism and excessive entertainment offerings juxtaposed with the dire needs and struggles of our community. Education is one of our biggest challenges. Las Vegas is one of the largest public-school systems and one of the weakest. Change is required to strengthen our public education. Girl Scouts provides girls in our community the opportunity to explore their potential, foster lifelong friendships, and learn from women mentors and leaders in our community. Our organization is girl-led and is the premiere leadership organization building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.