A: That’s a tough question because I’ve received a lot of great advice over the years. One piece that stands out came from a mentor I met through a private equity firm. After hearing me express frustration in a meeting, she told me: Sometimes you have to think like a man and then interpret it and present it as a woman.
She explained that women often advocate for teams, families, or projects rather than for themselves. There’s a lot of ‘we’ in how women in business communicate. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of balancing this while still advocating for myself.
A: Yes, it has happened many times. One of the things I appreciate about working with Ted Kramm (Chief Executive Officer at LUX Infusion) is that he focuses on having the right person in the right role, regardless of gender. But I’ve been in banking meetings where someone will direct a question to him even after he has pointed out that it’s my area of expertise. He’ll just look at them and say, I told you to ask her. That kind of support is invaluable.
A: I have several mentors. Dave Mauer (Chief Growth Officer at LUX Infusion) and Morgan Harber (Chief Administrative Officer at LUX Infusion) have been instrumental in my professional journey. Dave’s focus and commitment keep me grounded, and Morgan’s depth of knowledge and ability to contribute at all levels is inspiring.
There’s also Susan Weaver, a LUX Infusion board member I admire for her presence—she doesn’t need to command a room aggressively, but she still exudes confidence and leadership. Then there’s Rebecca Shanahan, who served as Chairperson Board of Directors at LUX Infusion. She has an incredible network and career trajectory that I admire.
A: It’s not about being a man—it’s about learning from different perspectives. The real secret? An unwillingness to fail. Setbacks happen, but if you are always looking for a way through, failure is not an option.
A: I don’t know if it’s a ‘secret sauce,’ but I think being a female leader means understanding things differently. For example, if a woman cries in the workplace, it’s often seen as a weakness. But I recognize that women cry out of frustration, exhaustion, or even anger—it’s just a different emotional response. I try to create a space where that’s understood rather than dismissed.
I also think it’s important to protect employees from burnout. Some people are so dedicated that they would work themselves to exhaustion if I let them. As a leader, I have a responsibility to ensure they find balance.
A: It depends on the environment. In more corporate settings, you have to read the room. There was a time when women avoided hugging in business because men didn’t do it. Now, even men engage in the ‘bro hug.’ As long as both parties are comfortable, I think there’s more flexibility now.
A: Two things:
Invest in yourself. Keep learning, whether through sales training, self-motivation, or therapy-area knowledge. Don’t wait for opportunities—seek them out.
Value your downtime. Work hard when you’re on the clock, but also be present in your personal life. If you’re in a meeting, be fully engaged. If you’re spending time with family, put your phone down. Be here now.
A: Thank you—it was a pleasure!
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