The Editor in Chief of Marie Claire lives with purpose and perspective.
WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL?
It wasn’t until high school that I realized it was cool to be smart. In middle school, I found it very important to be popular and blend in, and hid the fact that I knew an answer to the question. I went to a high school where curiosity and engagement were valued and the whole “quiet pretty girl” routine wasn’t going to fly.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST PET PEEVE?
Complacency.
WHAT DO YOU WEAR THAT MAKES YOU FEEL STRONG?
My grandmother’s engagement ring. She was quite eccentric and had fascinating people to dinner all the time. She learned to dance with George Balanchine and carried herself beautifully. I often try to channel her dignity and sense of adventure. That, and a great pair of wide leg pants.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WITH A BROKEN HEART?
Girl, it will get better, I promise. You have to sit with the heartache and honor it for a little while, but time really will eventually work its magic.
WHAT IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
The Quaker Book of Wisdom — my daughter is going to a Quaker school next year and they gave it to all the parents! It’s on top of a stack of novels – I love Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and now I am onto Half of A Yellow Sun.
WHAT GIVES YOU GOOSEBUMPS?
Every time I hear the story of a woman deciding to leave her day job or her everyday and take the risk to start her own business. We cover these women in Marie Claire all the time and they honestly never cease to inspire me.
WHAT IS YOUR BAD DAY BACKUP PLAN?
I know at the end of each day I will walk in the house and see my (sometimes smiling, always beautiful) children. They really help me put the rest of my day in perspective. When they grow up and get complicated I will get a labradoodle to kiss me when I walk in the door.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Finding your purpose- When waking up each morning and going to work is exciting rather than boring or daunting.
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
“Whatever you are meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” – Doris Lessing
WHAT MAKES YOU FORGET TO EAT?
Absolutely nothing.
WHAT DID YOUR 8-YEAR-OLD SELF LOVE DOING?
Riding my bike, dancing, anything that put the wind in my hair.
FAVORITE WORD? WHY?
Clarity. I like the way it sounds, but I love the way it feels.
FAVORITE BOOK? WHY?
Anna Karenina. Because it’s exquisitely written, and because I have yet to find another author who matches Tolstoy’s profound understanding of the human spirit.
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