Education: University of Missouri.

Favorite food: Copper River Salmon.

Hobbies: Hiking and backpacking, reading, trying new recipes.

Oddest job: I worked at Taco Via. I still remember how to make the food. I tend to avoid fast food now. Maybe because I remember how to make it.

What got you into this business? I was all set to take a job with a network news affiliate in Joplin, Missouri. But I was disenchanted with how negative the news had gotten. I decided that I wanted to use my communications skills in a more positive way. A friend got me a job interview at the agency where she worked. Somehow I talked my way into a job.

Who has had the most influence on your career? Whitey Kuhn and Dale Wittenborn. They taught me the importance of treating people with respect. They also taught me a lot about leadership. Dale has a saying: 'Leaders SEE - Set direction, Engender trust and Exude optimism.' I think that's a great philosophy in business
and in life.

If you were stranded on a desert island, name something you would miss.
Chips & salsa.

Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients? It's important to recognize that great ideas can come from anyone, no matter what their title is. Also, I try not to reject new ideas right off the bat. Often, with a little work, the best solutions come from ideas that seem really crazy at first.

What makes a great brand? Great brands are committed to making a difference in people's lives. They contemplate how their business model can help others win, too. A brand expert I admire calls it "mindful business" - stopping for a moment to really think about the ecosystem in which you operate, and what you can do to improve it.

What's a brand you admire: Patagonia. From their earliest days they've been committed to environmental activism. Their mission statement is admirable: to build the best product, do no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Then, they back it up with action.

What's your favorite thing about your job? I can honestly say that in 22 years, I've never had two days that were exactly alike. That unpredictability would drive some people nuts, but I thrive on it.

Pet peeve: Poor grammar that has crept into accepted conversation - like, 'We should have went to the party' or 'Where's the party at?

What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could sing.

What's your favorite sports team? My son's baseball team.

What's your point of view about politics? It's gotten too polarized. There's more focus on areas of disagreement than on trying to find common ground. I don't vote based on party lines. I vote for the candidate that I find the
most reasonable.

Tell us about your pets. Our house is a zoo. We can't say no when our kids want to bring home pets. Currently, we have two cats, a dog, a rabbit, a hamster and a snake.

What do you like to do when you're not working? Attend my kids' sporting events, travel, read.

What are your favorite web sites? www.fastcompany.com,
www.nps.gov,
www.dwr.com,
www.eteamz.active.com/insidesportskcblues

Claim to fame: I was the leg wrestling champion in 6th grade, and I'll still take
on anyone.

What's the first album you ever owned? Helen Reddy, I Am Woman.

Favorite blog: BrandMantra, but the person who runs it is bowing out. I need a new favorite. Seth Godin's is pretty good.

Person who makes you laugh the hardest: My husband.

Celebrity resemblance? Some people have said I look like the actress Mary Lousie Parker. I'm not sure I see it.