Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/665995
62 michiganavemag.com The business world isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's a true passion for Mindy Mackenzie. "I love the corporate tribe," enthuses the former chief performance officer of Beam, Inc. As Mackenzie embraces her new corporate calling as a speaker, a CEO advisor, and the author of The Courage Solution (out May 3), she reveals her passion for leadership, her weakness for fashion, and why, after 18 moves, she's finally found home in Chicago. What's in a (nick) name? Mackenzie's Beam, Inc. colleagues affectionately called her the "Velvet Hammer" for her graceful yet forthright, truth-telling manner. "I joked that they would take a beating from me and come back for more, because they knew I adored them and was also fiercely supportive of the business." Leading the way. "I enjoy making a differ- ence. That sounds super-trite, but it just jazzes me up." Passion for fashion. "I love Dolce & Gabbana— those guys cut for a woman's figure." Fun fact. "I used to be a wedding singer back in my 20s, and I've cut a few CDs. My poor family and friends have suffered through all sorts of things." Sweet home. "Next year I will have lived in Chicago longer than anyplace else. I really feel like I have roots here, and will for a very long time." Book signing May 23 at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-446- 8880; thebookstall.com . Author Mindy Mackenzie at one of her favorite indie bookstores, The Book Stall in Winnetka. THE CEO WHISPERER Former corporate bigwig reinvents herselF with a new book and a new career as a motivational speaker to the c-suite set. By J.P. Anderson photography by Nuru KimoNdo (portrait) Scene AUTHOR, AUTHOR