THRIVE GLOBAL - Mar 19 -
Q: Tell us about your career trajectory?
A: I moved to LA to play music at 21. While law was a recommended career path for me, studying political science at Auburn University, I ultimately spent most of my time writing music and playing in bands. As I started to look for real work there was a person I knew from music who ran an advertising agency, Sandy Kaye. I told her what I was doing and she said, "I think you would be a good copywriter." I began creating TV and radio advertising, which was fun and difficult. After a few years, I got a call from a friend who asked me to work for eharmony. Over the next 15 years I did every non-technical job in the company. And, in July of 2016, the board asked me to be the CEO.
Q: What got you interested in the industry?
A: During the first TV shoot we did, I got to speak with the couples we were matching, and I was sold.
Q: What projects can we expect to see next under the Parship acquisition?
A: Right now, we're just putting the two companies together. It is a major undertaking to involve teams working between Hamburg and Los Angeles. We're looking at about a year of work to complete these changes.
Q: What in your opinion is the future of dating?
A: As long as consumers feel safe, artificial intelligence and other kinds of technology can make online dating more accurate and effective in specific ways. While I've seen presentations on the integration of DNA matching into an online dating, for example, I'm skeptical of people's willingness to provide samples.
Q: What would you tell your younger self?
A: I would urge my younger self to worry less and continue to make wise choices.
