Education: B.S., mass communication, Miami (Ohio) University

What your college professors didn't teach you: "My marketing and advertising professors couldn't possibly have anticipated the transformation of the business driven by technology and fragmentation. If the major 'mass communication' exists anymore, it shouldn't."

First automotive job: Assistant media director on the Oldsmobile account at Leo Burnett in 1994

Most fun automotive job: "The role I've had being a part of the management team during the pitch and startup for GM Planworks in 2000."

Biggest mistake and what you learned: "Once you've made sure the mistake won't happen again, don't dwell on it."

Proudest achievement: "The opening and expansion of GM Planworks."

Current challenge: "Figuring out how to get ad-zapping, Web-browsing consumers to pay attention to GM."

On being successful: "Making a difference - to my client's business, to the culture of my company and to the individual people I work with."

What about the auto industry surprised you: "The sheer size and scope of advertising spending. A single automotive brand outspends entire corporations in other industries."

What women need to know for success in the auto industry: "I don't believe you need to change your approach or behavior to compensate in some way for being a woman. Your accomplishments and relationships will speak for themselves."

Job to which you aspire: "I love the job I have now - working in an exciting industry for a client with high expectations and powerful resources."

What you do to relax: "Playing with my two young kids - and to relax from that, Bikram yoga."