Women in CO is about the women I meet, know, love, and admire—those who inspire me daily with their wisdom and strengths but also their vulnerabilities, complexities and humanity. Their voices offer insight, encouragement, and the kind of quiet reassurance that reminds us: We are not alone.
1.WHAT IS YOUR ROLE, AND HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK IN THIS FIELD?
I produce animated movies. I always wanted to make movies and was lucky enough to get a job assisting a producer on DreamWorks Animation's first animated film, Antz.
2. IN WHAT WAYS HAS YOUR WORK SHAPED YOUR IDENTITY AND PERSONAL GROWTH?
I see every project that comes my way as an opportunity to learn new skills and overcome challenges both personally and professionally.
3. HAS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS EVOLVED OVER TIME?
Yes. Success to me is being able to make a living doing what I love, and with people I admire.
4. WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED TO KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING?
I like a big challenge. If I am learning and growing, I stay motivated.
5. DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL, FEMALE OR OTHERWISE? WHAT LESSONS FROM THEM HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR PATH?
I surround myself with strong women, friends that I admire and hold close to my heart. One valuable lesson I learned from a friend is to remember that you are always the CEO of your own life.
6. HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED CHALLENGES/RESISTANCE THAT PERTAINED TO YOU BEING A WOMAN IN THE WORKPLACE? HOW HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO WORK OR LEADERSHIP?
Growing up in a competitive, male dominated business, I always had to prove my competency more than my male counterparts. This dynamic challenged me to build confidence and ultimately put me on a path towards self-awareness.
7. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE WORKPLACE AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME IT? COMMUNICATION? MANAGEMENT? TIME MANAGEMENT? MOTIVATION? WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
The biggest challenge I have had to overcome is learning how to deal with failure. Sometimes we go down the wrong path and it’s important to recognize when it’s time to reset, without wasting time blaming others. This is a true gift that you can only learn from failure.
8. WHAT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES OR QUALITIES DO YOU THINK WOMEN CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORKPLACE, AND HOW DO THESE INFLUENCE TEAM DYNAMICS?
I believe women are natural leaders; the hard part is to get them to believe it! A good leader, regardless of gender, is inspired and inspires others. Someone who cultivates an environment of trust and collaboration, lifts people up and motivates them to do their best work. Someone who is not afraid to fight for what they believe in.
9. WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD SHARED WITH YOU WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT?
Follow your inner compass. If you are on a path that is true to you, then it will be easier to believe in your ability to walk it.
10. WHAT’S ONE THING YOU HOPE YOUNGER WOMEN ENTERING YOUR FIELD FEEL EXCITED ABOUT?
I hope they are as excited as I am about the future of female storytelling. There are so many unheard voices and untold stories about women for women to tell. Recent years have seen a rise in female directors and writers, and I am optimistic that the rise will continue!
