Work

"Chocolate became my medium to explore other cultures…through the senses. The chattering mind ceased and attention was devoted to the present…" — Katrina Markoff

Anita Sands ON Innovation

Chief Operating Officer, UBS Financial Services Inc.

Q: Innovation requires creative thinking: How do you tap into the creative thinking resources within your business?

A: I've always believed that “innovation is a mindset, not a department.” So to tap into the creative thinking within your organization, you have to encourage people to think differently and to take some risk. It’s important that as a manager you create the environment and a culture where that can happen. Thinking differently begins with always assuming there’s a better ... READ MORE »

Caryn Effron ON Negotiating

Founder, GoGirl Finance

Q: A great negotiation can be game changing for one’s business or life. Studies have shown that men are much more comfortable negotiating and asking for what they want compared to women. What’s your advice to women who are uncomfortable negotiating?

A: Keep in mind that, culturally, women are still not truly comfortable asking for more money. Most of us were simply not raised to talk about money and have not really been given the educational tools to feel confident around the subject. Linda Babcock, a professor of economics at Carnegie Mellon University and researcher on the subject of women and negotiation, co-wrote ... READ MORE »

Lauren Ruotolo ON Vision

Director, Entertainment Promotions, Hearst Magazines

Q: It’s hard to focus on the “big picture” sometimes because we can get caught in the weeds of work and life. When does visioning come clearest or easiest for you? Or what inspires your vision?

A: With a full time career in publishing and being an author I am not sure where I find the time for anything but I always find time to create a Vision Board and when I see things I either write them down or pull them out to add to my vision board. This way when I wake up and go ... READ MORE »

Katrina Markoff ON Journey

President & CEO, Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Q: Please share with us the story of how your professional journey began and has brought you to where you are today.

A: After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a focus on Psychology and Chemistry (thinking medical school would be my path) I returned to my culinary roots and declared my true passion for the kitchen, much to my mother's chagrin. Three days following graduation I journeyed to Paris and enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, later obtaining Le Grande Diplome in Cuisine ... READ MORE »

Somaly Mam ON Vision

Founder, Somaly Mam Foundation

Q: I love the quote “the bigger the vision, the smaller the first step”. Right now, what is the big vision you have for your career?

A: My dream is to have one world without violence, war, trafficking and slavery. READ MORE »

From Everyday Heroes- 50 Americans Changing the World One Nonprofit at a Time by Katrina Fried and Paul Mobley. Photographs © 2012 Paul Mobley. www.welcomebooks.com/everydayheroes

Nancy Lublin ON Journey

CEO, DoSomething.org

Q: Please share with us the story of how your professional journey began and has brought you to where you are today.

A: In 1996, I was a full-time law student … and I was miserable. Out of the blue, I received a $5,000 inheritance from my great-grandfather. I hadn’t earned that money. It didn’t feel like it was mine. It was a very strange feeling—and so, standing there in my building lobby with the check in my hands, I had the idea ... READ MORE »