How do you give back to your community?

I enjoy giving back to my community by volunteering, sharing expertise and thought leadership, and supporting charitable organizations. On average, I spend 20 hours or more per week supporting nearly 30 social missions, issues, and causes. Whether it is volunteering on boards, issue/advocacy groups, fundraising efforts or contributing financially, I am generous with my time, talent, and resources. My brand is impact. My passion and purpose are to serve.

What does giving back mean to you?

My motto, “I aspire to inspire, I live to give” informs all I do. For me, giving back is and always has been about “purpose.” It is my “why” and defines who I am. I find giving back to be fulfilling and rewarding.  

What’s the best advice you were ever given and who was it from?

“If you build an insatiable appetite for challenge, success is the only thing you will burp”—the best advice I received from my mom, my original mentor.  She encourages me to take on challenges and embrace uncertainty with an open mind and a smile.

What makes an authentic leader?

Authentic leadership is a practice, an “art” that connects people, passion, and possibilities to achieve positive impact, and driven by the aloha to serve. Authentic leaders tend to be servant minded and lead with empathy. While titles and accolades speak to a leader’s accomplishments, the true mark of leadership is in how they serve beyond their formal roles. By giving back, by having a positive impact on others, the community and beyond. Authentic leaders are also committed to nurturing future leaders.

How do you mentor and why?

I enjoy mentoring young professionals, emerging leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, small businesses, non-profit leaders, youth, those seeking to build their professional brand and networks, among others. I simply enjoy helping others. Mentoring is a great way to give back by helping others unleash their hidden potential. As a beneficiary of countless mentors in my own life, the benefits of mentorship can never be overstated.