DISNEY INSPO
I like to think of my role as similar to a Disney sidekick, working alongside founders on their start-up journey. It’s important for me to understand their motivations so I can help make the connections across our portfolio and ecosystems that will scale the magic.
DO YOU REMEMBER?
Growing up, my parents played Earth, Wind & Fire records and we’d dance after dinner. We didn’t have any furniture in our dining room for most of my childhood simply because that was our dancefloor! The song continues to fill up my heart in different ways as I get older.
WE KNOW YOU LOVE DISNEY. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO THAT WORLD?
Disney brings unparalleled magic to storytelling and evokes such a range of emotion for me—love, hope, joy. I love getting lost in the magic and channeling the energy from a Disney song or movie into my role as a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
DOES THAT INSPIRATION CARRY INTO YOUR ROLE AS TALENT PARTNER AS WELL?
Absolutely! I like to think of my role as similar to a Disney sidekick, working alongside the heroes of the story: founders on their start-up journey. I spend quality time meeting entrepreneurs and their teams to understand their vision for their companies and cultures, and learn the story behind their founding. It’s important for me to understand each founder’s motivation so I can help make the connections across our portfolio and ecosystems that will scale the magic!
SHIFTING TO THE PAST FOR A MOMENT…WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR FAMILY?
My parents always had an appreciation for the little things that could spark joy, like surprising my sister and me with handwritten notes in our lunch pails, or sending homemade cookies across the country when I was homesick. I have a sign in my office that says, “Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things,” and my parents have shown me the little things you do for people make a difference.
I LOVE THAT. IS THERE A SONG YOU COULD PLAY ON REPEAT AND NEVER GET SICK OF?
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Growing up, my parents played Earth, Wind & Fire records and we’d dance after dinner. We didn’t have any furniture in our dining room for most of my childhood simply because that was our dance floor! The song continues to fill up my heart in different ways as I get older.
ON TO VMG. WHAT DO YOU MOST APPRECIATE ABOUT THE TEAM YOU WORK WITH?
I appreciate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This is reflected in how we hire internally, invest in underrepresented founders, and support and partner with organizations. I love knowing that the people I work with all want to create meaningful change in consumer and technology industries, and recognize we can do it with our voices and by committing our capital in the private equity ecosystem. This commitment to change was a big reason I joined VMG, and makes me super proud to work here!
OPTIMISTIC, SUPPORTIVE, AND LOVES TO BREAK INTO SONG AND DANCE.
I told you…I’m just like a Disney sidekick!
