What was your route to the top? I started my career as a litigation associate at a big New York law firm, where I spent some time working on labor and employment matters; I found myself enjoying them a great deal—in part because the legal team was smaller than a typical commercial litigation team and I had more client interaction. I left my first firm and joined another large firm known for employment matters. After being there for a year, I joined Viacom Inc., a client of the firm's, as a litigation counsel. When Viacom and CBS split into two separate companies, I transitioned to CBS Corporation, expanding my skillset by taking on new responsibilities in the compliance realm, and ultimately becoming the Corporation's Chief Compliance Officer in 2009. After 6 years in that role, I was promoted to GC at Simon & Schuster, a CBS business unit. I was six months pregnant with my second child when I started in the position but I did not hesitate in making the transition. I welcomed the opportunity to partner more consistently with a defined set of business clients. I also wanted a better understanding of the business from the operational side, which I would not necessarily gain from a seat in corporate.

What keeps you up at night? (i.e., what are your biggest business-related concerns?) Besides my nine-year-old and two-year-old sons? Smile. I constantly consider the ways in which our legal team calibrates legal risk, all while being proactive, collaborative and in alignment with our business objectives.

What is the best leadership advice you provided, or received, and why do you think it was effective? The best leadership advice I received is to be a good listener. We are much more effective leaders when we invite diverse voices into discussions, consider a variety of viewpoints and appreciate the perspectives of others.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession? I am a woman of color and a first generation American (my parents are from Barbados). Sadly, as I pursued my law degree, I did not know many attorneys of color and I did not see many in high positions in the legal community either. Thinking back to the outset of my career, I wish I had not allowed that absence to impact my perception of my career options.

What is the most valuable career advice anyone has ever given you? Two pieces of critical advice—surround yourself with people who dream bigger for you than you can dream for yourself. Trust your instincts and know that you have good judgment.