1) In your late 40’s, you decided to become an entrepreneur by being a founder of the BOLD Industries Group. Tell us why you made this decision and what are the core activities around your Business? It is 4 separate businesses, correct?
After 20-plus years on the corporate side of education and health care, I was unknowingly suffering from burnout and resigned without having another role in place. I absolutely knew I needed to take a “big swing of bold” and create a new path. I founded my own company. I worked for many years in healthcare and education and am now using my skills and gifts in new and exciting innovative ways. During the pandemic, at 48, I successfully launched Bold Industries Group, Inc. (BIG). BIG is an S-Corp, conglomerate organization of four businesses, that encompasses my passion for positively impacting organizations, connecting and having an impact one-to-one with my clients, through design and curating experiences and with each company’s specific consulting engagement focus. All of BIG’s companies are united with the distinctive core attributes of design, creativity, and the importance of self, innovation, and originality. I am also a regular contributor to Forbes, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur, and have recently been honored as one of the SUCCESS 125 leaders and a SUCCESS 2022 Top 25 Emerging Entrepreneurs nominee.
I am often described as a creative strategist and a super-connector who brings together people and organizations while having the expertise to simultaneously unite concepts, innovations, and solutions to generate positive change faster than others. I have created a signature framework along with a signature service named D-90, which is a defined and measured strategic sprint that assists organizations with a 90-day plan and measures to achieve the goals we define and co-create together. It has had tremendous success across a variety of business types.
I am driven by tackling challenges that, when solved, make the world a better place.
My motivation through my work across organizations, speaking, and individual coaching clients is about empowering others to claim and create their bold path to reach the joy and happiness they deserve using my signature B.O.L.D. (Believe, Own, Learn, Design) Framework. Combining the intersectionality of mindset, well-being, and strategy, I believe being bold is owning your greatness and knowing you are the one to drive the changes needed, define the path, and create the map for your dreams.
2) You went back to school in your 40’s (?) to get a Doctorate in Business Administration (D.B.A.). What motivated you to take this midlife step in your education?
I am a lifelong learner and continually seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. I have three master’s degrees, but the one degree I wanted was a doctorate in business administration. I started working on it in my 40s, but due to my busy work schedule, I had to put it on the back burner. Now that I’m in my 50s, I have more control over my schedule and have been able to prioritize this critical goal. I’m now very close to completion! This has been a long-time goal of mine, and I’m excited to achieve it finally. This terminal degree will allow me to continue learning and growing throughout my career and life.
In addition to my formal education, I am also a big proponent of continuing education and professional development. I believe it is vital to stay current in one’s field and continually learn new things. I have taken many courses and attended seminars to keep my skills sharp. I’m always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow.
My philosophy is that learning should be a lifelong endeavor. It’s never too late to learn new things and to improve one’s skills, and I’m proof of that! I encourage others never to stop learning and always look for ways to grow.
3) Over the last two years, you have become a Founding Member of CHIEF Boston. Tell us about that involvement.
I was invited to join CHIEF in February 2021. CHIEF is a private network designed for the most powerful women in executive leadership to strengthen their leadership, magnify their influence, and provide them with opportunities to connect with other incredible women. The goal is to help these leaders excel in their roles and make a lasting impact, support others as they rise within organizations, and connect to a network of over 15,000+ successful executives.
They have offered me and the members across CHIEF exclusive access to resources, events, and programs designed to help us succeed. They also provide a platform for us to connect and collaborate on projects that make a difference. An essential gift that CHIEF has offered me is a true authentic community. A community of women genuinely supporting and empowering women.
I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this organization, and I know that CHIEF will continue to impact its members’ lives positively. It is an incredible organization doing so much good for women in leadership and beyond. I am truly honored to be a part of it, and I know that it will continue to impact my life positively!
