ABOUT ME

Who am I? The more important question is, who is that guy in the photo on the right? That's Aldo Gorlami Dahan-Smith, and he is our rescue puppy who arrived in December 2020. 

Anyway, back to me. More than anything else, I will always be a work in progress, aren't we all? According to the tests, I am equally right- and left-brained, oh yeah, and left-handed, which is another story. 

I am a C-level executive, a professional business builder, brand marketer, and product geek passionate about lifestyle products, especially performance apparel, footwear, and gear. I'm also a coach, a creative, an optimist, a dog mom, a Peloton nut, a member of the church of Ted Lasso, an amateur cook, a sourdough mom, an outdoor enthusiast, a really bad artist who is trying to improve, a really, really lousy golfer, a lifelong learner, and a lover of live music in small venues. As a decent writer, I often struggle with writer’s block and embrace being a snarky, opinionated lover of democracy. My superpowers include connecting truly good people with each other and maintaining long-lasting relationships, both personal and professional. As flawed as social media is, it has become a gift, allowing us to stay connected around the globe.

Professionally, I am a C-level executive and CEO for PE-backed mid-market companies in the lifestyle products and performance space. I've held senior marketing and product roles, managing business units at renowned global brands like adidas and Ariat. I LOVE what I do. I have been fortunate enough to work for several top brands, overseeing global product, design, marketing, e-commerce, and the overall organization. I believe in the power of a leader as a coach, which led me to attend the Hudson Institute of Coaching in Santa Barbara to obtain my coaching credential and ICF coaching certification. I am driven by creating exceptional lifestyle products, telling compelling stories, nurturing talented teams and individuals, and simplifying processes through clear objectives. When I am not working, I enjoy being creative. Whether it's cooking, gardening, DIY, writing, or painting, expressing myself creatively brings me joy. I also love being outdoors and deeply care about our planet's wellbeing. Travel is a passion that deserves more attention. In my free time, I engage with Peloton in every form, enjoy playful moments with my dogs, share laughter with my remarkable partner Peter, and play golf.

I believe that we all have the chance to set an example, good or bad, especially as a C-level executive influencing others. It's important to assume good intentions and take chances on people, just as others have taken chances on me and provided opportunities that have transformed my life and career for the better. I value substance over form and strive to embody both (see work in progress above). I also believe that each experience—whether positive or negative—is valuable for the sake of gaining experience itself. I still hold the belief in using a double space after the period at the end of a sentence (but I am letting that go). I believe that dogs teach us the significance of pausing to explore everything on our journey and remembering to wag our tails. Speaking of dogs, I think all dogs deserve a loyal human who treats them like family and keeps them safe. On a lighter note, if you want to put pineapple on your pizza, that's perfectly fine. Not only do I believe that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, but you should too—come on, it's a fact! Lastly, I believe in myself and my ability to encourage the use of innovative lifestyle products, as Ted Lasso reminds us of the importance of self-belief for all of us.

My favorite things… oh…so many!!! My boyfriend Peter is a remarkable human, deserving of songs written about him. All dogs, especially my dogs, past and present, bring joy to my life. I adore Maui and belly laughing until I cry. The Golden Gate Bridge and Jaws hold special places in my heart, as do Sutro Heights Park and New York City. I can't resist spicy tuna on crispy rice or the ocean's calming presence. My sous vide machine is one of my favorite lifestyle products, just like the Blendtec blender (no, I am not sponsored). Ted Lasso stands out as an inspiring series, and giving gifts always brings me happiness. I cherish shows like Somebody Somewhere and the entire cast, admire chef José Andrés, and appreciate classic films like The Godfather I and II, but not III. A great cast-iron pan and Trader Joe’s Platinum balsamic that appears occasionally are essentials for my culinary adventures. Super thinly sliced prosciutto, compressed watermelon, my gazpacho, and sourdough are staples at home. An ice-cold, filthy, dirty martini with Castelvetrano olives is my go-to treat. I also love summer tomatoes sliced paper-thin on sourdough toast with sea salt, fish tacos, and ice-cold water after a workout. Some of my favorite artists include Peter Frampton and Dave Grohl. I appreciate the innovation of Yeti water bottles and enjoy watercolor and acrylic art. Summer brings joy, and holidays like Christmas are special. My travels to Japan inspire me, and I love using my Peloton, especially with my Peloton friends from women-owned wineries. GSM and Syrah from those wineries always elevate my experience. My job allows me to interact with talented people and engage in creative food experiences. Larry David, Jenn Sherman, and the Bradley Rose Elton John warm-up ride are memorable moments, as is Christine D’Ercole's cool-down ride from 1/6/20 (which always brings tears, especially since they deleted it). My home, wherever it is, is a comfortable space I create for those I love. Mel Brooks and the Foo Fighters are also favorites, and I remember my parents, who are no longer here.

You don't have to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm. If your past is shady, perhaps it's best to stay in the shade. Be the C-level executive of your own responsibilities. Everything you have ever wanted, including the right lifestyle products, lies on the other side of fear. Life is a garden; dig it? - Joe Dirt. Be the person your dog believes you to be. I hope that either all of us or none of us are judged by the actions of our weakest moments, but rather by the strength we show when and if we’re given a second chance. - Ted Lasso. Embarrassment. An emotion so useless it should be embarrassed of itself. - Also Ted Lasso.