First job: I worked as an intern at a boutique high-tech public relations agency in San Francisco during the height of the dot-com era. I was responsible for doing competitive analysis for pre-IPO firms, throwing IPO launch parties without budget ceilings, and marketing copy for several startup accounts. We actually had to turn down Google because we said we already had Yahoo! The only account I worked on that has survived over a decade later is Salesforce.com.
Fun fact: I lived six years in a Buddhist monastic community called the City of 10,000 Buddhas, along with 200 monks and nuns, during my teenage years. I graduated in a class of six from Developing Virtue Secondary School and despite being valedictorian and alumni chair years later, I had survived three attempted suspensions for breaking rules (staging a coup, convincing an entire class to ditch meditation class, and fraternizing with the opposite sex at the brother school). Luckily, I was good friends with the principal, who I still regard and respect as one of my best mentors and friends.
Favorite spot on a Saturday night: It’s sad but true: Curled up in bed with the electric blanket on next to my 75 pound dog, Hobbes (okay, 85 lbs), reading my Kindle or playing jigsaw puzzles on my iPad.
Favorite movie: Too difficult to pick a favorite, but I’d have to say it is between Snatch (directed by Guy Ritchie) and Gladiator (directed by Ridley Scott). The former is a brilliant British action-comedy mashup and the latter is a historical epic with a good plot, great acting and even better costumes. I’d also have to add “When Harry Met Sally”
Music of choice: Warning, it’s diverse: Diana Krall, Phil Collins, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, Eagles, Lady Antebellum, Whitney Houston, Maroon 5, Enigma, and any kind of Cuban jazz.
Favorite place to eat: I was a vegetarian for 20 years until I went to the dark side after eating a steak at El Gaucho. Coming from the Bay Area, I appreciate seafood and ethnic cuisines, such as Indian and Chinese.
Motto/Inspirational quote: I really don’t have one, except for, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Also, “If” by Rudyard Kipling is my favorite poem and has stayed with me for over 20 years.
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