What was your route to the top? Right after law school, I started working for a boutique firm handling landlord/tenant issues. Soon afterwards, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my priorities shifted toward survival. Fortunately, I had great partners who supported me and allowed me to continue practicing law throughout my treatment. In 2004, I joined a new law firm where my practice included resolving title and escrow claims, negotiating business disputes, managing contract negotiations, trials and handling several adversary proceedings in bankruptcy. I continued my real estate practice for about 10 years and became the only female-minority partner of that firm. In 2014, the opportunity to go in-house presented itself where I served as vice president/trial counsel and later as vice president/underwriting counsel for a national underwriter based in San Francisco. In 2016, I was asked to join North American Title Company to serve as VP Regional Counsel to provide legal, underwriting, settlement and regulatory compliance support to NATC operations in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. I don't know if I've reached “the top” yet, but I'm definitely having fun on my journey.

What keeps you up at night? (i.e. What are your biggest business-related concerns?) From a business standpoint, my biggest worry is losing good employees. I'm happy to see many of them take on new adventures and I'm so proud when they take on elevated positions (even if it's with one of my competitors). But sometimes I'm still sad to see them go. I've know some of my colleagues for quite some time and finding good people like them to work with can be quite an adventure. We've taken time cultivate these relationships and we've built up respect and trust. Although we find a way to fill that gap (and sometimes the replacement is even better), I still miss the camaraderie with my former colleagues.

What is the best leadership advice you provided, or received, and why do you think it was effective? When my friends come to me for advice, repeat this phrase to them: “Don't Self-Sabotage.” Sometimes we are so self-conscious that we start to doubt our own abilities and we forget how great we all are. If we continue being afraid of rejection or failure, we will never experience anything new and will miss out on opportunities. Be brave enough put yourself out there because you are amazing.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession? I wish I knew about other resources available for attorneys. For example, I wish I knew about the California Women Lawyers association during law school. Through CWL, I've been able to advocate for certain bills going through the legislature that address women's issues. I've learned the importance of sponsoring fellow colleagues through the legal profession, either by referrals or recommendations. Michelle Obama once said, “Success isn't about how much money you make, but the difference you make in people's lives.” CWL has helped me find my voice.