Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in Mansfield, MA, and was the oldest of three kids. I had a really wonderful childhood and it definitely shaped me. I also went to 12 years of Catholic school which gave me a strong spiritual foundation. Now I consider myself very spiritual and I think that’s due to learning about spirituality early.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

I wish I would have realized that no one is thinking of you as much as you are. That is good because it means you can take the chances and go for the big goals and no one really cares. And it also means that you have to be your own best advocate because you care about yourself the most.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

This is a tough one. I’m not sure that I can think of one. I do think that every piece of advice or recommendation has a yin/yang component. For one person it could be perfect and the key to success and for the other, it could be a distraction from what they should be doing. I think it’s really important to figure these things out for yourself.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

For 20 years I LOVED being a trial attorney. And then I didn’t. When that happened, I didn’t know what to do. And I”d spent all that time advocating for my clients and my colleagues but didn’t know how to advocate for myself. I felt stuck and lost and was really hoping someone would come to rescue me. Then I realized that it was time for me to start advocating for myself. When I did my whole life changed. I learned that I have to advocate for myself and my needs with the same preparation and passion I use when I advocate for others.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

I think the greatest contributor to my success is my enthusiasm. When I’m enthusiastic and my energy is high, everything flows. So I do what I can to maintain that energy. I try to eat well, get good sleep, laugh a lot and look at things from the perspective that best serves my positive energy.

What is your morning routine?

I get up at 5 am. Before I got my puppy, the morning was time for reading and meditating. Now that still happens, but first I have to take the dog out, play with him to burn off energy, and feed him. Then I read some of whatever inspirational book I’m working on at the moment and I meditate. And then I work out. By that time it’s already past time to get to work!

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Meditation. I’ve been trying to meditate for over 15 years and I’m still trying. It’s one of those things that is hard because there’s no measurement of whether you’re doing it right or how well you do it. I just tell myself I’ll do it every day, and I have. It definitely helps me to find a pause between reacting and responding when things get tough.

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

I plan out my week ahead of time with pretty specific time blocks for different events. I work to stick to those blocks as best I can, and during those blocks, I put away all distractions (phone!) until I’m done with the time block. When I stick to this plan I have no choice but to be efficient.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

So so many books have influenced my life and my work. My favorite book as a child was The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I thought it was amazing that she maintained her perspective no matter how well or how poorly things were going and it definitely impacted the way I wished to be in the world.

Marianne Williamson’s book The Law of Divine Compensation is my favorite book of all time. It’s a little book full of wonderful ways to remember that the Universe is supporting you at all times. Marianne’s work is inspired by A Course in Miracles and this is a good primer.

I also love Dan Pink’s book To Sell Is Human. I agree with his premise that no matter what you do, you’re selling. This book helps you do it well.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

My mantra is “Doubt less. Believe more.” We often think we have to be doubt-free in order to do the things that scare us. This reminds me that I just need to work to doubtless.

I also like “ What you see is what you get” I believe that your perspective determines your results. Period.