Christina Vuleta

Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Every week we spotlight one of our female disruptors and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This weeks Q & A is with Kat Gordon, Founder of The 3% Conference, a platform to spotlight the he lack of female creative leadership in advertising. In September 2014 the 3% Conference released research that shows female CDs now comprise 11% of the field. That’s more than a three-fold increase from the 3% figure that inspired the first conference! This year’s 3% Conference will take place in San Francisco on November 3 & 4th.

1. What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?

When I launched my own agency in 2008 it was a loud signal to the world that I was more than “just a Creative Director.” I had a deep knowledge about an important consumer segment (women/moms) plus I had the ability to lead teams on large projects.

2. Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

Cindy Gallop has been a supporter of my idea for The 3% Conference since its very first announcement. Her belief in me and the importance of the business issue I was tackling were both powerful booster shots for my confidence.

3. What is your biggest goal right now?

To put myself out of a job. With the traction The 3% movement is having, I believe we will reach a gender-equal creative workforce within the next 10 years.

4. How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?

I had been a temp in New York City every summer during college, working everywhere from Avon to a Japanese bank on Wall Street to USA TODAY. I was able to get an entry-level job at USA TODAY and started within a month of my graduation from college. My second job was a big win because it represented a new type of role, different from the one I was doing at USA TODAY. I landed that job (at Cosmopolitan magazine) by building a creative portfolio through night classes at School of Visual Arts. Cosmopolitan liked my work and hired me to handle all copywriting responsibilities there during their heavily publicized 25th anniversary year. It was an amazing opportunity, working alongside Helen Gurley Brown.

5. What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?

I wake at 7 am almost every day. 3 mornings a week I head out to exercise, either at outdoor Boot Camp at Stanford University or to play singles tennis. I used to make breakfast and lunch for my kids but now they’re old enough to do it for themselves.

6. How did you feel on your 30th birthday? What were you doing at that time?

I was a newlywed and working at Andersen Lembke, an ad agency in San Francisco. That was my favorite job of all time, so life was uncomplicated and very sweet.

7. How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

I am an avid reader and still love the feeling of a real book in my hands. So I rarely check devices in the evening and almost never turn the TV on anymore (my name must be mud in the ad world at this point).

8. What’s the best networking contact you’ve made? How did you make it?

Too many to pick just one. The very best networking contacts are made in person. We live in a world of so much lightweight communication (Facebook friends, LinkedIn contacts) yet nothing will ever take the place of in-person conversation. The best networking contacts are made by showing up at conferences, Meetups, and other events that interest you and talking to others there. Also, never underestimate the value of a real piece of fan mail — whether to an author, celebrity or business leader — where you express your sincere and specific thanks for their contributions.

9. What challenge / achievement are you most proud of?

I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary and that means more to me than any of the creative awards I’ve won. Having a solid partnership is the most important fuel of my life and, truthfully, the hardest to maintain. It’s so much work, but so worth it.

10. What was the last business book you read? 

“Darling, You Can’t Do Both” by Janet Kestin and Nancy Vonk. They’re the creative duo behind the original Dove Real Beauty work and this new book is a list of business rules that women need to break.

11. What cause do you most want to advance?

Early childhood literacy. Nothing gives a child a head start in life like being read to from an early age and many households are not realizing that. I wrote an ad campaign about this — urging parents to read to their toddlers. I still love the headline I wrote: “Learning to read comes later. Loving to read starts now.”

12. What song can’t you get out of your head?

Peter Gabriel’s “Shaking the Tree.” The best feminist song ever.

13. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

“If you are making everyone around you happy, then you are most definitely not doing great work.” This tidbit came to me via Michael Bungay Stanier and I have it posted in my office. It reminds me that winning a popularity contest in life will mean sacrificing reaching my potential.

14. What is your keep me going quote? 

I posted a quote to the 3% Conference page this year that got 87 shares. Not 87 likes, but 87 shares. It read: “The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.” The more that women tune into their own validation, the more they can change the world.

15. What is your secret indulgence? 

Baths. I take one every single day. This is a true confession because California is in a drought right now and I have to watch consumption elsewhere to continue this indulgence.

16) Who on the list of 2013 Honorees would you like to meet?

Kathleen Warner of Startup America. I live in Silicon Valley and see first-hand how entrepreneurial spirit can — and does — solve many of the world’s ills. And I’m excited by how many women are starting small businesses today.

Learn more the 3% Conference here and read Kat’s full #40over40 profile here

Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Every week we spotlight one of our female disruptors and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This weeks Q & A is with Janelle Maiocco, CEO, Barn2Door

1. What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?

Many years ago my husband shared with me some of the highlights of a book he was reading – John Adams. Including, his continual pursuit of his passions – from calligraphy to law to leadership – not knowing how they might culminate in his career, but trusting the process. I took that to heart. (As you know, he eventually became our 2^nd President and helped pen the Declaration of Independence).

I was a stay-at-home-mom for 15+ years – all the while deliberately pursuing my passions and developing my business acumen. I was a f/t mom, a p/t marketing consultant, and an intermittent student. While my sons were young I went back to school (MBA), authored a food blog for 8+ years, went to culinary school, became a proficient photographer, and even taught at a cooking school. I met countless friends in the food industry – from bloggers to chefs to farmers. I nurtured my understanding of food systems, big agriculture, sustainable food and the struggles of small farmers. I hoped my disparate interests would one day fold into a unified ‘a-ha.’

When my sons hit high school – I gave myself permission to increasingly focus on my career. They were about to launch – and it turns out so was I. I am still floored that I am in a role that is the culmination of my interests; the consistent pursuit of my passions and curiosities ultimately equipped me with the precise domain expertise, experiences and network to land where I am today.

2. Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

My spouse has been my biggest sponsor. It is a significant commitment to take on a ‘start-up’ with steep hours, no pay, and a lot of blood, sweat and tears. A spouse is fully engaged in that commitment – the highs and lows, the decreased budget, the sleepless nights and out-of-balance work/play ratio. So often we hear ‘behind every man is a strong woman.’ I am here to say: it applies both ways.

Too, our company has mentors and sponsors in the form of a business advisory board and Board of Directors. While valuable for our company, I believe it is important to pursue self-development in my role as a CEO. To achieve that goal, I have been pulling together an unofficial ‘personal’ board. This consists of a group of 4-6 individuals whom I meet with regularly; they know me, believe in me and push me, they ask compelling questions, give advice and recommendations. They are my personal mentors and muses. I highly recommend crafting a board of your own.

3. What is your biggest goal right now?

Success. That might sound like an amorphous umbrella term but I am keenly aware – and glad for the challenge – of leading a start-up past [statistically usual] failure to ultimate success. It is not lost on me that I am under additional scrutiny and pressure as a female CEO. Female entrepreneurs are less funded than their male counterparts. Too few women are on boards, in presidencies, in executive roles and running up the chain of command. Women-led companies are often overlooked – but there is also growing interest and gumption to support women in business, leadership and innovation. When we succeed at Farmstr Inc., we will help normalize investment in women-led companies.

4. How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?

When you say first job, a myriad come to mind including babysitting, cleaning a dentist office, picking berries, pasting wallpaper and working as a ‘bus-girl’ in a nearby restaurant. So much of who I am comes from my Dutch dairy farming roots and a notion of working hard and humbly. Each job included responsibility and lessons, managers and a tiny paycheck – appreciation for effort and human interaction. These early jobs are foundational and just as important as future, post-college jobs. I firmly believe in teens working and learning the value of responsibility, money, management and industry. Today I am still proud to think of berry-stained hands, heavy bus-tubs, matched wall-paper seams and accolades from the managers from my youth.

5. What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?

Normally I am a night owl. But for the past 6 months – en route to landing funding, on-boarding a team and having the pleasure / responsibility / pressure of a recently-funded start-up… I wake up at 5:30am every morning whether I like it or not. Eyes open. Brain humming. And a long list of things to achieve.

My morning routine? I wake up and either pull on my clothes to go to the gym or take a quick shower and drive straight to work. Favorite morning moments:

• The espresso left on the counter for me, made by my husband.
• The squawking of my urban farm hens who are announcing their desire to exit the coop and hang out in the yard.
• The gasoline smell of my 52 red dodge farm truck as I rev ‘her’ for my short commute to work (named Rosie – after Rosie the Riveter).

6. How did you feel on your 30th birthday? What were you doing at that time?

At 30, my sons were 5 and 6. I was coaching their basketball team, throwing ‘rocket’ and ‘chef’ birthday parties, had just graduated MBA, and started consulting for a number of start-ups. We purchased our first ‘fixer’ home; I did a lot of painting, tiling, spackling, and an occasional bout with a jackhammer.

7. How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

Since I am in early stage start-up mode, I am well aware that my life is and will remain mildly unbalanced for the foreseeable future – something I can maintain near-term and know to be worth it. My current goal is to take one day off on a weekend. It doesn’t always happen. That said, as a rule I insert vitamin size ‘unplugs’ including but not limited to: a pedicure, happy hour with a friend, an hour of gardening, a late night movie or an early morning walk. I would add sleeping in – but for now that isn’t an option (see #2 above).

8. What’s the best networking contact you’ve made? How did you make it?

This is a powerful question. I have learned to say yes to network opportunities. When an event arises, or coffee is requested or I am asked to speak at a conference – I do my best to say yes. I rarely regret time spent reaching out, making connections and meeting new people (please note I am naturally an introvert – so when I say yes it isn’t my knee-jerk response). In fact, I tend to say yes to things that terrify me or seem like a ‘personal stretch’ simply because I know: it will indeed personally stretch me. Say yes not no.

In that same vein: ask. You want to meet someone? You want them on your board or as a mentor? Ask. Until you ask, the answer is no. If you ask, the answer may be yes.

9. What challenge / achievement are you most proud of?

Capable, responsible, grounded children. I just graduated my first from high school – and the second is close to follow. Second to that: a successful marriage ‘for better or for worse’ (since we all know it isn’t always perfect and takes work). Third: raising a seed round for my start-up – as a first time CEO and female founder – from an impressive roster of angels and funds. #pressureison #I’mokaywiththat

10. What was the last business book you read? 

I just finished Lean In by Cheryl Sandberg, and am halfway through The Hard Things about the Hard Things by Ben Horowitz (highly recommend).

11. What cause do you most want to advance?

The rise of Little Agriculture. A change to our food system through direct support and sales of small farmers with high standards (nonGmo, clean food, no chemicals, no hormones).

12. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

I constantly receive advice. The trick is filtering all that advice to determine the true gems. Recently I read – with regard to being a good CEO – “no rearview mirrors.”

Probably a cross of a few of the books I am reading, but the gist is: take a moment to be angry / disappointed / offended or scared out of your wits. Then. Move. On. Make a decision, find the silver lining, craft an impossible solution if you must. Then don’t look back.

As a mother I often say to my children: you cannot change the past, but you can move forward. Keep being your best self – don’t dwell longer than necessary to digest a poor experience or mistake – then lead forward. Maybe to follow on Cheryl’s book Lean In, the next one should be called Lead Forward. If you take a moment to think of the leaders of a company or country – you will know what I am talking about.

13. What is your secret indulgence? 

A Manhattan [cocktail] and a movie. Brunch out. A long walk in a foreign city. gardening in silence for hours. Pilfering through a new cookbook. Finding ‘moments’ to photograph.

Learn more about at Farmstr, Inc. and read Janelle’s full #40over40 profile here

Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Every week we spotlight one of our female disruptors and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This weeks Q & A is with Hilary Weeks, Singer/Songwriter; Top 10 Billboard Chart; Motivational Speaker; Founder of BillionClicks.org

1. What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?

The moment I heard a woman say we think over 300 negative thoughts a day. My curiosity about the power of positive thinking had lead me to study the topic, but that number was news to me. I immediately wanted to know if I really thought hundreds of negative thoughts every day, so I bought a hand-held tally counter – a clicker – and began counting. What I learned changed my life and has been affecting the lives of people all over the United States over the last two years! Additionally, it launched me on a mission to teach others how to harness positivity in their thinking and on a quest to collect one billion clicks (one billion positive thoughts) at www.billionclicks.org (Editor note – site no longer active).

2. Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

This question gave me pause as many times I have wished for a mentor – another woman who could show me the ropes in business, giving insight and guidance in my decision-making. As I pondered this question and somewhat lamented over not having a mentor, I realized I most definitely have had a mentor for over 20 years – my husband! Tim is a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur. I have been well-guided in my fledgling business as I’ve heeded his advice. In addition he has taught me to be generous, to give the benefit of the doubt, to bend, to never burn bridges, that the answer may not be A or B it might be C, and kindness is always the best approach. Not to mention the therapist fees I have saved by bringing my concerns, issues and worries to him and listening to his sound opinion and insight!

3. What is your biggest goal right now?

My biggest goal right now is to become more involved with public and corporate speaking as a means of sharing what I have learned about the value of positive thinking. Positivity is the foundation of peak performance in the workplace as well as in our homes, neighborhoods and communities.

4. How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?

My mother was the self-proclaimed “work witch” – giving herself that title because she required each of her children to find a job the summer we turned 14. I complied and was hired on at the A&W in Anchorage Alaska. At a young age, I learned to show up on time, put in long hours, balance a bank account and save for the future. One of my favorite jobs came as a senior in High School. Applications for the job were accepted only after students took a ten-week course on the history, geography, politics, etc. of Alaska. Once we passed the course, we were allowed to apply for a job as a tour guide on the Alaska Railroad which traveled each day from Anchorage to Fairbanks. I was one of seven graduates who were hired. I loved talking with the tourists and answering questions about my beautiful home state of Alaska!

5. What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?

I usually wake up around 6:00 am. I spend 30 minutes in quiet study, meditation and prayer, which grounds me before starting my day. I like to exercise in the morning, otherwise I won’t do it! I tend to get in a breakfast rut and eat the same thing for months. Right now, I habitually eat a bowl of granola with strawberries, banana slices, blueberries and rice milk. I use an app called Duolingo to study German while I down my breakfast.

6. How did you feel on your 30th birthday? What were you doing at that time?

I felt old. Oddly enough, I felt less youthful and pretty on my 30th birthday than I did on my 40th. I even bought a book about how to keep yourself looking young and healthy! There were many tips, but a decade later I only follow two of them – “stretch each night before bed” and “wash your face gently to prevent stretching your skin causing wrinkles” (The wrinkles are still showing up!).

7. How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

I have two favorite ways to unplug – go on a date with my husband and digital scrapbooking. I love to eat out, so sharing a table with my husband and talking about everything under the sun makes me so happy! Also, I love the memories we create as a family and preserving them in a beautiful way brings me joy!

8. What was the last business book you read?

My incessant desire to learn more about positive thinking has lead me to recently read Learned Optimism, Strengths Based Leadership and The Happiness Advantage. I recommend any and all of them!

9. What song can’t you get out of your head?

Oh, this is a problem for me as a songwriter! Every song I hear gets stuck in my head! If my daughter practices her violin, the exercises stay in my head. If my daughter hums a tune at breakfast, I find myself humming the same tune while cleaning up the dishes! Even today, my youngest child made up a song to remember a code…and I found myself singing it!

 10. What is your secret indulgence?

Ice cream, root beer floats, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, fruit tarts, cobbler, donuts…anything sweet! The sad part is, it isn’t a secret – most people know desserts are my kryptonite! There is nothing I like better than a little treat at the end of a busy day!

Find more at HilaryWeeks.com and read her full #40over40 profile here.