This Beauty Executive Wants To Change The Way We Talk About Aging

I am righting what I perceive to be a wrong. As a veteran and C-Suite executive from the beauty industry, it was my first hot flash that really threw me for a loop. I realized that changes were coming, but I wasn’t ready for them. In speaking with my girlfriends, we all agreed that we had no idea what was ahead of us. Why was no one talking about menopause and preparing us for this life stage? Why was there so much shame associated with aging and going through menopause? It was as though beauty stopped being relevant at a certain age, and this was just not OK with me. Anti-aging is a word of the past and I’m here to convince women that beauty gets better with age. The taboo surrounding menopause will be eliminated if I have anything to say about it.  

Power is being in control of your own destiny. Not having to rely on someone else for your success, but charting your own course. Power is also realizing that everyone can make a difference by holding true to their principles and never listening to anyone who says “it can’t be done.” I first saw the extent of my power when, as a very private 29-year-old, I had to confront an ex-military general to turn down a life-changing CFO job in Paris, France. The company didn’t offer domestic partner benefits and my partner would be uninsured if I accepted the position. Instead of this being a powerless moment, it became extremely powerful, as I became the business case for why domestic partner benefits make sense for the company and ultimately became the driving force for 100,000 employees gaining domestic partner benefits.

The key for me is clearing my head. This usually means doing something physical like an intense workout or kayaking. With a clear head, I’m able to start again and regain my power.

That’s an easy one: Beyoncé’s "Run The World (Girls)!"

If I could only name one, it would have to be RBG. She is such a powerhouse in so many ways and her journey to get to where she is today is incredibly inspiring. My other icons are all badass women and they include: Oprah, Helen Mirren, Jane Fonda, Emma Thompson, Angela Bassett, Michelle Obama, and Rachel Maddow.

My custom-made boots, tight black pants, black pull over, and my Philipp Plein skull and studded necklace. It’s all black and makes me feel totally badass.