Q: What differences have you noticed between Denver and Detroit in terms of business climate?
A: There are so many people from someplace else who have come to Denver because they really want to be here. They bring a lot of new and fresh ideas, which is creating really strong visions for the future of Denver.
Q: What is the largest challenge facing the Downtown Denver Partnership?
A: Coming up with a strong identity for downtown – really defining who we are and who we want to be. We’re a lot of different things right now. We need to find a way to package it so that we can articulate it better.
Q: How is downtown Denver going to change in the next decade?
A: The number of residents is going to grow dramatically, and that is going to change the landscape in terms of retail. And you’re going to see more children down here. There are a lot of young couples with small children. What we need to do is create an environment that will keep them here through the next phase.
Q: Has your predecessor, Anne Warhover, given you any advice?
A: She has been extremely helpful. Anne shared that there have been many great leaders in Denver, including those who had the vision to bring the 16th Street Mall to reality. She encouraged me to “think big.”
Q: What do you consider your greatest strength?
A: I’m open. I’m open to being given feedback about my own performance, but I’m also open to being given feedback on how to do things differently. I like to really listen.
Q: You and your husband do mission work with orphans in Romania. What drew you to that?
A: We adopted our first son from Romania. When we were there, we realized how many children were there that needed homes or weren’t actually adoptable. So we started working with a group called Global Hope, which is based out of Broomfield. Now we go over there for a week to 10 days every year to spend time with the kids, just offer an extra set of hands to help get things done. It’s really satisfying.
Q: With two young sons, how do you balance your family life with a job that requires a lot of after-hours networking?
A: It’s always a challenge to balance one’s life – whether it’s kids, dogs, activities. But my husband and I are really good partners, so we make it work. I think you just have to keep your priorities in check.
Q: What is the most important lesson you want to teach your sons about the business world?
A: I’ll encourage them to make sure that all their technical skills are in place, but to find something that makes a difference. Unless you have a passion about what you’re doing and some inner purpose for why you’re doing it, all you’re doing at the end of the day is checking your revenues and expenses.
Edited for space and clarity from an interview by staff writer Julie Dunn.
