I was five years old when my 39-year-old dad’s fatal heart attack made us (temporarily) a family of three. He didn’t have time to teach me a lot about life, but I learned that I needed to squeeze the most I can out of each day.
Growing up amidst the energy of New York City and the influence of high-achieving family and friends, I fostered a mindset to experience life fully and get things done at a world-class level.
After a year at Washington University in St. Louis, transferring to B.U. – and completing two internships in Boston TV newsrooms – propelled me into my first career. (It was a wild time to be in Boston as a journalism and film student; maybe we’ll chat about it one day.)
For 11 years I experienced the excitement and gratification of a TV news career filled with storytelling, appearing on camera as a reporter and talk-show host, and working behind the camera as a producer, assignment editor and bureau chief. Short version of my responsibilities at national and local media outlets: everything except for weather.
In the mid-80s I traveled the road blazed by countless newswomen and newsmen before me – I transitioned to the world of public relations and quickly realized that healthcare was the best fit for my journalistic background and interests.
That decision created the passion that still burns strongly today: inform various stakeholders about the promise of science and technology to enhance lives.
I’ve been in Chicago since 1990, working in several communications functions at some of the area’s top healthcare companies, including Abbott, Baxter, Searle and Shire. I also led Chicago-based healthcare teams at global PR agencies.
Eventually, I had an epiphany: If I was going to squeeze everything I can out of every day, I had to stop being a square peg in a round hole. I realized that I wasn’t cut out to be a full-time employee – not at a corporation and not at an agency.
Less than a month after my epiphany, I chose the entrepreneurial path of self-employment. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s the right course for me to follow my passion.
Since 2001, I’ve had the privilege to work with (and learn from) scores of clients and fellow collaborators. Together we have made a difference in the world by educating patients and physicians, motivating employees and persuading investors.
Along with family, friends and personal passions (music, sports, movies, books), White Oak Communications enables me to truly squeeze the most I can out of every day. I intend to travel this road for many years to come. Care to join me?
"No retreat, baby, no surrender."