PERSONAL LIFE
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I am introverted—not shy. Despite spending my career in sales leadership, with days full of presentations, customer connections, and industry engagements, I always carve out time for quiet reflection, whether it’s reading, cooking, or simply floating in the pool. That balance is what prepares me to fully embrace laughter and connection with family and friends.
What is your life purpose? Do you have a personal mission statement for this phase of your life?
At this phase of my life, my purpose is to create opportunities—for my team, my family, and the next generation of leaders. It’s about using my experiences to inspire and guide others, helping them unlock their potential while continuing to grow and challenge myself along the way.
What drives you?
More than anything, I love the chase and the challenge. I thrive on being the underdog and proving what’s possible. Personally, my biggest motivator has always been creating a better life for my family and offering my son opportunities and experiences I didn’t have. Professionally, it’s about the satisfaction of quietly succeeding and surprising others with meaningful results.
What have been the most valuable lessons you have learned?
Resilience is everything. I’ve learned to focus on what I can control and not dwell on what I can’t. Success is rarely linear, and the ability to adapt, stay curious, and move forward with purpose has been a guiding principle in both my personal and professional life.
Do you have morning rituals or daily habits that enhance your life?
Yes, I start every day with quiet time to gather my thoughts and plan ahead. I’m a firm believer in organization, so making a to-do list is a must—it gives me clarity and sets the tone for a productive day. I also believe in starting the day early; those peaceful moments before the hustle begins allow me to feel grounded and ready to take on anything.
What are your non-negotiables?
Integrity and follow-through. I believe in being true to my word, both personally and professionally. Respect for people’s time and effort is paramount, and I hold myself to those same standards.
What habits have you built into your life that increase your stamina and help you power through long days?
Early to bed, early to rise—that has always been my rhythm. I start my mornings with quiet time, whether it’s enjoying tea or organizing my day. It’s my time to feel grounded and prepared. I’m also a list-maker; there’s something to be said about accomplishing the items you set out to do that day and staying focused. It gives me the energy to move on to the next thing!
How do you decompress or unwind?
Travel is my ultimate escape. My work has taken me to incredible cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. I have also been fortunate to have some exciting personal trips in the US and abroad, too. My son lives in Chicago, and I love to visit him there. It was our favorite city to visit when he was young (so it’s no surprise he moved there after college). We’ve traveled together to places like London, Paris, and Barcelona, and I recently had the privilege of exploring Greece with my family. Immersing myself in new cultures, food, and history recharges me and broadens my perspective. Next on my bucket list? Italy.
Where do you find joy?
In the little moments—whether it’s watching my team thrive, seeing my family happy, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with a good book or bad TV. I am ashamed to say I am a Real Housewives junkie!
Who do you look up to?
So much of who we are and who we become is shaped by our life experiences, particularly those in our formative years. My parents shaped who I am today. My parents both passed away too young. My mom at 49, after an extended illness, and my dad seven years later at 62. My dad taught me the value of hard work and humor, even during tough times. My mom embodied grace and composure, showing me how to accept challenges and move forward with resilience. Their lessons, though subtle at times, remain my foundation.
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who made a meaningful impact—someone who uplifted others, achieved with integrity, and created opportunities for the next generation to succeed.
WORK LIFE
Tell us about your business.
At Sterling, we’re more than an IT solutions provider—we’re a team dedicated to delivering value through our core values: ethical, predictable, consistent, and transparent. These principles define who we are, guide how we work, and shape every interaction with our customers, partners, and employees.
Being ethical is at the foundation of everything we do. We prioritize integrity and fairness, ensuring that our decisions and actions align with our commitment to doing what’s right.
Predictable means our customers and partners know they can depend on us. From delivering solutions on time to maintaining clear communication, reliability is central to the Sterling experience.
We pride ourselves on being consistent—in the quality of our work, the relationships we build, and the results we deliver. This consistency is what fosters trust and drives long-term partnerships.
Lastly, we are unwaveringly transparent. We believe in clear, honest communication that ensures everyone is on the same page, whether it’s within our team or with our clients.
As VP of Sales, my role is to bring these values to life, ensuring that every interaction reflects our commitment to excellence. Sterling may have its roots in Siouxland, but the impact of our work extends far beyond. It’s an exciting place to grow, innovate, and create lasting value for our customers and our team.
What’s the meaning behind the business name?
I love it when Sterling’s owners, Brad and Jean Moore, share the company’s story with new employees, customers, and partners. One detail that always stands out is how the name Sterling was chosen at random by the original founder simply because she liked it. Throughout the past 27 years, that name has evolved into a powerful symbol of our reputation in the industry—something we strive to uphold in every interaction. It’s a name and brand we’ve truly grown into.
What sets your business apart from the rest?
Our people and our culture set us apart. Sterling is built on trust, transparency, and a commitment to excellence. Our ability to adapt and innovate for our customers while maintaining the heart of a small, close-knit company makes us unique. We aren’t just delivering IT solutions; we’re building relationships that last.
What are you most proud of?
Professionally, I’m proud of the opportunities I’ve had to mentor and uplift others, especially young women entering the workforce. It’s rewarding to see the next generation rise and know that I’ve played a small part in inspiring their confidence. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunities that have been presented to me over the years. But I am also proud that I have found the courage to reach out and grab them. My career, with its roots in Siouxland, has taken me from Gateway, which gave me a foundation of learning and achieving that was irreplaceable, then to Dell, then a switch into a small healthcare company doing ground-breaking genomic research, to a full circle moment at Sterling…..but none of that is significant on its own. It’s the opportunity to let my experience highlight that anything is possible and to offer guidance to the next generation of leaders.
One of the great things about my role at Sterling is the opportunity to engage in the broader IT community as a woman leader. Tech companies have been working hard for many years to create more diverse teams, particularly as it relates to bringing more women into tech leadership; to bring that diversity of thought and experience to bear on their business and workforce. At Sterling, I’ve had the privilege to participate in events like Women of the Channel and Women in Tech; connecting with some of the most accomplished and inspiring women forces. The opportunity has been priceless.
Let’s talk customer service…what’s the client experience?
At Sterling, we have a customer-first mentality. That doesn’t mean the customer is always right, but it does mean we approach every interaction from their perspective. By understanding their needs and priorities, we can deliver a truly exceptional experience that builds trust and loyalty.
How do you approach obstacles or setbacks?
I believe in powering through challenges. While perseverance often gets me to the other side, I’ve also learned to give myself space to reflect and reset. Challenges are inevitable, but also opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient.
Mission/Vision Statement?
Our mission at Sterling is to be a trusted partner, delivering innovative IT solutions with a focus on being ethical, predictable, consistent, and transparent. Our vision is to empower organizations with technology that transforms their potential while fostering trust and collaboration at every level.
What have been the most valuable lessons you have learned in running the business?
Adaptability is key. External forces and unforeseen challenges will arise no matter how well you plan. Success comes from being prepared but also willing to pivot when necessary. Another critical lesson is that relationships are everything—whether with employees, customers, or partners. People want to work with those they trust and respect, and maintaining that trust through consistency and transparency is essential.
Advice for others starting out in business?
“The harder I work, the luckier I get,” is my mantra. A little tongue in cheek for a mission statement, but powerful. The message is that from the outside things may look like they come easy to some people. But the truth is almost always that a lot of hard work created the outcome…not luck at all.
My success has come from a balance of thoughtful planning and bold moves. It’s essential to take risks, but equally vital to know your values and stay grounded. Understand what drives you, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—just ensure it aligns with your long-term goals. I’ve spent the majority of my career working for Tech companies. However, I had one role leading a business unit in a company that did ground-breaking work in the field of genetic testing and genomic research. I had no experience in that arena. What I did know was how to organize a company’s resources to collaborate for business results. I was terrified! But instead of letting the fear paralyze me, it motivated me to dig in and learn the language of the business and ask for help from the doctors and researchers who were the core of the business. All of whom were generous with their time and knowledge.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to always ask for and accept help. I think it is much the same whether you are an employee or the CEO of a company: Have a plan, work on your plan, but always plan for a rainy day.
Have you ever had to change course? What are your thoughts on business evolutions?
Absolutely, change is inevitable, especially in the fast-paced tech industry. Business evolution is about recognizing when the market or customer needs shift and being proactive rather than reactive. At Sterling, our ability to adapt while staying grounded in our core values—ethical, predictable, consistent, and transparent—has allowed us to thrive. Whether embracing new technologies or finding innovative ways to serve our clients, evolution is an opportunity to grow stronger.
Who have been your mentors along the way?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from many remarkable individuals, including Sterling’s CEO Brad Moore, who embodies the importance of vision and preparation. Beyond that, I draw inspiration from strong women leaders in tech and business leaders, authors, and thought leaders who challenge me to think differently. One such leader I had the privilege of working for twice, once at Dell and then at a healthcare company in NY. He’s one of those people who is brilliant on a few topics but the most intelligent person you know on nearly every subject. He challenged me to not just understand the application of technology in healthcare and life sciences but to understand the customer’s driving goals, the interaction of the technology, and how it helped propel their business to serve their customers. He also coached and mentored me in a way that helped me see my gaps as a leader and have a forward-motion discussion, not feed self-doubt. Truly inspiring.
