“I believe in moving ahead and trying all that is out there.”

I want to share a very special interview with my mother, as pictured here with my own daughter, as we look ahead to Mother’s Day. My sisters and I were incredibly lucky to be raised by an incredibly kind, thoughtful and smart woman and I’m thrilled to share her wisdom here.

Is there one piece of advice that you wish your 9 year old self would give you today that would make an impact on your career?

I would tell myself to have fun while being successful in my career until it was no longer fun and successful. Then try another career that looks interesting.

Was there a time you messed up and felt like you’d failed? how did you bounce back?

I have had many jobs and several careers. I viewed a job as something to strictly make money to get me to the next step whatever that may be. It was a process starting my own business and I wasn’t sure I would “make” it. So, I changed the business model several times searching for the one that I loved, made money at, and felt great working at it. Finding that combination isn’t easy, but worth it!

How did you learn to embrace risk-taking?

That was easy. My parents encouraged me to try everything-ride a horse, go sledding, learn to ice skate, learn to ski. It was all risk-taking. I believe in moving ahead trying all that is out there.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned and how has it proven invaluable?

I was not sure I could stand up in front of a large group of adults and make a speech, but when my daughters were in grade school, I thought all children should have the opportunity to hear the Boston Symphony so I stood up in front of the parent group and asked for the money to do it. It turned out to be simple and every child went to the Symphony. While my daughters were in high school, the school needed to raise money for athletics. I went to local commercial businesses for donations and I was the auctioneer. It was a success raising more money than ever thought possible. From then on, I knew, I could accomplish anything.

What is the most fun part of your job?

My career as an interior consultant was my best because I loved my work, and I mean loved it! I met a lot of interesting people in a variety of careers. I became friends with many of them. It was not only fun working with them, but we even met on weekends at restaurants. Relationships evolved and what could be more fun than that!