Throughout my career, I have advised U.S. presidents, governors, CEOs and philanthropists, helping them solve complex problems across multiple sectors and industries. My professional life helped me manage my personal challenges while taking advantage of opportunities. What I learned in the business world, giving back and enjoying my work, were valuable lessons that helped me deal with my personal world.
I hope that the lessons I share will help you do the same.
It was at the tender age of 19 that I received my first political appointment, from President Ronald Reagan. I later worked at the Pentagon and White House while furthering my graduate studies at night. In my mid-20s, I left Washington, D.C., for Silicon Valley to pursue a corporate career.
By 40, I carried the rank of ambassador as the U.S. commissioner general to the 2005 Aichi World Expo in Japan, then came a post as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
While my career climb was successful, my life wasn’t always easy or glamorous.
In 1998, after a few failed rounds of in vitro fertilization, my husband and I were blessed to adopt our daughter. Months later, though, my husband, Jim, was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. For nearly a decade, my life was organized around medical emergencies and supporting his recovery, as well as the joys and responsibilities of raising a child.
In 2002, we made the decision to move to the Virginia countryside, where our daughter could grow up in a close-knit community. I had to zig and zag by stepping back from full-time work while also maintaining a fulfilling career. I only accepted short-term projects and joined boards with limited meeting schedules. To chronicle my experiences in hopes of helping others, I decided to write a book detailing how to use my processes, relationships and strength of purpose to balance unexpected challenges and opportunities. That book, Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things Are Going South became a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller. Last year I retired as CEO of FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education), but I am not stepping out of work completely.
Total retirement is not in my DNA. I mentor engineering students at Southern Methodist University and speak to leadership teams about relationship building and mentoring. More importantly, I have additional time to help family members who face health challenges.