Founding Director

• Oct 2010 - Present

With a focus on managers and executives I provide structure, guidance and support to clients enabling maximization of personal and professional potential. Work with clients, both individuals and groups, observing and customizing an approach that meets their needs, while developing fresh perspectives on challenges and opportunities. Client skill development includes: ability to balance personal and professional life; enhanced thinking, communication and decision-making skills; increased confidence in leadership abilities; and a greater capacity to inspire and lead teams across sectors and cultures. Coaching practice includes tele-seminars, webinars, workshops and public speaking.

Owner/Partner

• Apr 2011 - Present

Co-founder and owner of a specialty tea company that imports fine loose leaf teas from small, family-owned farms and larger plantations growing exceptional, specialty teas from around the world. In addition to providing our clients with distinctive teas, zakti also offers accessories, training in tea preparation and service, and workshops and programs on the history and province of our teas. zakti whole-heartily engages in all of our professional activities, respecting the needs of our partners, customers and planet. We donate time, ideas, and a part of our profits to the communities where we work, live and do business.

Executive Director, Operations and HR

• Sep 2008 - Feb 2014

Developed blue ocean strategy business plan and financial data for groundbreaking health, entertainment and fitness start-up. Developed materials and decks for presentations and pitches, as well as follow-up with potential funders. Worked with the organization and its founders through the "pre-seed" and initial funding stages. Developed blue ocean strategy business plan and financial data for groundbreaking health, entertainment and fitness start-up. Developed materials and decks for presentations and pitches, as well as follow-up with potential funders. Worked with the organization and its founders through the "pre-seed" and initial funding stages.

VP Alterations/Tailoring Operations

• Jun 2000 - Apr 2008

Oversaw national alterations and tailoring department in 38 Neiman Marcus stores across the US. Recruited and hired six directors, 38 managers and more than 700 hourly positions in highly specialized field. Managed day-to-day operations of five regional alterations workrooms and 38 individual store workrooms with employees from 90+ countries throughout the world. Developed and implemented training materials for managers and hourly positions. Improved processes in production areas. Enhanced customer income for services provided. Reduced expenses to maintain and improve income to expense ratio. Oversaw bottom line profit and loss. Developed, maintained and published monthly statistical reports with analysis. Managed layout and design of new workrooms during design and building of new stores and regional facilities. Held responsibility for division’s future vision and strategy. Directed customized fashion department. Hired and trained staff, including one director, two managers and two staff positions. Worked closely with information systems division to maintain and improve system used to take body measurements, translate measurements into garment dimensions and electronically forward to vendors in U.S. and Italy to produce custom-made men’s clothing. Coordinated with 38 stores to ensure adherence to company policy and system procedures. Developed and maintained relationships with men’s clothing vendors in U.S. and Italy. Ensured garment consistency in garments ordered and delivered.

Director, Corporate Alterations/Tailoring

• Jan 2000 - Jun 2000

Director, West Coast Service Center

• Jan 1996 - Jan 2000

Found location and building to suit needs. Developed building operation plans. Worked directly with design team on layout, build-out and construction of interior of building. Recruited, hired and trained staff for services offered, including gift wrap, delivery and shipping, and alterations. Worked closely with region’s stores to ensure attainment of services. Created financial plans and budgets for operation. Opened service center for five of eight stores located on west coast. Expanded service to offer additional support to Beverly Hills store needing increase in selling floor square footage to keep up with area’s ever-increasing business opportunities.

Director, Chicago Regional Service Center

• Jan 1995 - Jan 1996

Devised and developed company’s first regional service center. Found location and building to suit needs. Developed operation plans for building. Worked closely with design team on layout, build-out and construction of building. Recruited, hired and trained staff for services offered, including gift wrap, delivery and shipping, and alterations. Worked directly with region’s stores to ensure achievement of services. Developed financial plans and budgets for operation. Implemented pilot regional service operation to improve productivity, reduce expense and improve customer service through improved quality and turn time in alterations division.

Operations Manager, Beverly Hills, CA

• Jan 1991 - Jan 1995

Oversaw day-to-day operations of number one sales volume store in company. Held responsibility for customer and credit services, restaurants, building maintenance and engineering, delivery and gift-wrap, receiving and stocking, inventory control and seasonal budget development. Oversaw $15 million remodel. Managed financial areas, including accounts payable and receivable for store. Oversaw bottom-line profit and loss.