I left my 20-year corporate career to give my life more meaning. I felt stuck, numb, bored, and burned out. I firmly believe you get what you give, and to make my life more interesting, I needed to be more interesting. I changed my life by founding two businesses, trying new things, developing new skills & creating unique products and services. My activities attracted fascinating people, who opened other doors for me. Many became dear friends. I am so grateful to have met them and for their help.

My core belief is that everyone is a little bit boring, which is amplified by our distracted minds. We live during a time when we can connect with anyone using a myriad of devices, yet we are more disconnected than ever before. Loneliness is skyrocketing worldwide, which is a significant problem for society, not only from mental and physical health standpoints, but we are collectively missing out on opportunities. We need more relationships, not less. People give us proposals, promotions, and propositions. We have to attract them to us, and we can't do that by being dull. If you ever feel trapped in your situation, you have not met the right person or built a strong enough connection with those you do know. Being stuck in a rut feels like being trapped in a vat of peanut butter. I was there, and I found a way out; I will show you how to free yourself from all that sticky stuff holding you back.

One of my businesses, The Interesting Conversations Company®, is focused on helping people think creatively, LAUGH, and build stronger bonds with others. All products and services deliver on that mission and are expertly delivered virtually or in person:

1. The signature keynote and course, How to be More Interesting Than a Cell Phone®, outlines ways you can be less boring to others, so you stop repelling them and attract them to you instead. This section is followed by the FIVE SKILLS needed to stand out from the crowd – to get those jobs, promotions, customers, employees, and captivate the object of your affection.

1. The Very Interesting Game® is an engaging and entertaining card game that reinforces the abovementioned skills. The original purple version is for sale on Amazon. More editions have been created and will be released after the book is published. I write new cards weekly and make them for companies sponsoring virtual and in-person events! These custom cards are a powerful way for potential customers to interact with your brand and learn more about your business.

1. The Very Interesting Game Show® is an amplified networking activity using the card game in a different way. Networking events are usually a little uncomfortable and boring. Well, not this one. Kick small talk to the curb. Delete all of your preconceived notions about "conversation starters," too. As the show host and game inventor, I lead several rounds of intriguing questions designed to make you think creatively, laugh, and build bonds. Throw accuracy out the window; the table with the most ridiculous, interesting, and creative answers wins! Game shows easily scale for any size audience – even thousands! Special note to the socially shy: this game is introvert approved. No pressure, I promise.

1. Shut Up and Say Something!™ podcast – Newly Released! These are interesting conversations with regular people who may not seem so regular after talking to them. The discussions and lessons focus on how you can lead a fascinating life without being a famous person. The first episode is with a Bigfoot researcher who works in I.T. during the day. Listen to it on all the usual platforms.

1. The Very Interesting Person Certificate Program™ - Some people get an MBA, and others earn certificates to prove they have specific skills. Showcase a unique certificate that signals to others that you are committed to living a more interesting life. Cohorts meet weekly via Zoom and are limited to a max of 10 people. All graduates of the program are inducted into The Very Interesting People Society®. Being a VIP means you belong to a network of interesting people and are invited to events and trips, like attending the next Bigfoot conference together.

1. The Book – COMING SOON! It is a deep dive into all of the above.

1. The Online Course – COMING SOON! An excellent complement to the book.

My second business, The Big Fat Tip® - is a passion project and nonprofit that surprises people working in the U.S. service industry with $1,000 tips. I started this organization with some of my own money, and it has grown from generous donations from friends, their friends, and total strangers. All donations go straight to the tips. We have given out $35,000 to people around the United States (half distributed in Polk County), and we plan to do many more. Please donate today to keep it going!

Although I changed my life, I am not done. I am looking for the next adventure. I want to broaden my horizons and deepen my relationships with people. I want to be where I can give back and positively impact the world around me.

About Me:

I grew up a Navy brat and moved every two or three years before age 24. I lived up and down the East Coast of the U.S., went to high school in England, and middle school in Japan. My constantly changing environment forced me to learn how to adapt quickly, try new things and embrace cultural differences. As a result, I need change and become quite restless without it.

I strive to be prepared in all situations, and I think others should do the same. For instance, I believe people shouldn't wear flip-flops while seated in the Emergency Exit rows on airplanes. You can't save the day in flip-flops.

I am a city girl who wears red cowgirl boots. I adore stand-up comedy and secretly wish it was my job. Nothing makes me happier than when I can help someone else find the humor in a situation and laugh. I love to eat exotic dark chocolates & listen to music on my headphones while strolling through art museums. Throwing a party and cooking big, elaborate meals for loved ones warms my heart – but only when they do the dishes.

I dislike limp handshakes and insincere hugs, having salmon forced on me "for the omegas," and listening to air whistle through dense nose hair. It grosses me out when people lick their fingers to hand me a piece of paper.

Branded an "Idea Machine," - people often ask me for new solutions. I am an explorer who thrives on operating in the messy and unknown. I specialize in building organizations and departments from the ground up and developing solid, happy, loyal, and productive teams. I'm a crusader for the underdog, a promoter of wild ideas, a connector of people and invisible dots. Running down dark rabbit holes is fun for me. Staring at spreadsheets all day is not.

Things happen. Stuff gets done.

Interesting conversations with strangers make my day. Making someone's day with a random act of kindness makes my year.