When you began your career did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role like you have now? What advice would you give your younger self?
You know, I did! I don’t have a traditional leadership role — I’m not a manager, and I don’t plan on ever being one. Instead, I’m our union steward. In 2000, my mom was the treasurer of CRONA, the Stanford Nurses’ Union. They went on strike over the summer, and I spent every day on the picket lines with her. I was 9, but I learned the power of negotiation and how important collective bargaining is in the workplace. My advice? Instead of doing arts and crafts during mom’s union meetings, take notes.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. Steve Irwin was and will always be my hero. His enthusiasm for life and nature was contagious. Irwin’s shows were popular around the world, not just because he wrestled crocodiles, but because he did it so genuinely. Looking back at my lifelong admiration of Steve Irwin and his family, what stands out is that genuineness. The best leaders and mentors in my life have all been authentic and sincere like Steve Irwin was. Take my boss, Chief Meteorologist Scott Connell, truly the nicest human on earth, and what you see on TV is exactly what you get in real life.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
Well, I really didn’t step into leadership so much as it stepped into me. If you count my role as union steward — I was told I would be doing it. Sara Machi was leaving for Chicago, and when I asked her who was taking over, she looked at me and said, “You.” And that was that.
Have you experienced any hardships and how did you overcome the obstacles. When did you know, the business was going to make it?
Oh sure, I almost quit. When I was in Portland, Oregon, I didn’t like the job and I didn’t feel at home in the city. I was depressed — really depressed — in a way I had never felt before. I went to a doctor, got on Prozac, quit the job, and immediately started feeling better. Sometimes it’s really scary to quit something, but in your gut you know you need to take the leap. That’s what I did in Oregon. Ten days after quitting, I had a new job in St. Louis. I loved KSDK and loved being back in the Midwest. As my producer here says when things get tough, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” I’m glad I didn’t quit my career outright.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success…
You know, I don’t really think of myself as successful. But I suppose having a job — and a job I enjoy — is a success. I’m not in a main role in the newsroom, but I love the role I’m in. I hope to work weekend mornings — usually considered the smallest position on the weather team — for my entire career. I truly love the shift. Success doesn’t have to mean a big fancy title; it can simply mean loving the position you’re in.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
I actually ask this of any leader, regardless of whether they are a woman or a man. Please look over your payroll and make sure people in similar roles have similar pay. The gender pay gap is getting slimmer, but it shouldn’t exist at all.
Other items you would like to highlight
A little word of advice from a journalist. If a reporter ever asks you for comment, answer them. Nothing is worse than “no comment.”
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