Life Outside of Work

When I am not working on research or parenting, I am usually thinking about the next place we can go.

My husband and I often talk about how we have a real shared passion for “adventuring.” Not just travel for rest, but travel that keeps us learning.

Being in new places, figuring things out on the fly, and occasionally getting completely out of our comfort zone keeps me on my toes in the best way. It keeps my brain moving.

I find that exposure to new people, new systems, and new ways of doing things always finds its way back into my work. It shapes how I think about problems, structure projects, and navigate complexity with teams.

Most recently, I flew standby to Scotland with my two young kids for a 3-day trip. It was not perfectly planned or particularly relaxing, but it was absolutely memorable. Lots of adapting, problem-solving, and going with the flow.

And I came back, as I usually do, with a slightly different perspective on everything.

I do not think we talk enough about how much our outside lives shape how we show up in our work.

For me, travel is not separate from what I do. It is part of how I stay sharp, curious, and creative.