Previously shes held tech leadership positions at Microsoft andBluefly, and she founded the social media platform Davai.
I grew up in a family of computer scientists in Minsk, Belarus.
Still, growing up I was passionate about math and thought that I would become a mathematician one day.
Then, at 19, I left home and came to the U.S. as a political refugee.
Away from my family, my focus shifted on supporting myself and building a career.
I realized that what I knew best and what I am good at is solving problems with software.
Later, I left Microsoft and started a data mining company focused on detecting commercial intent in social media.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
Well, Grubhub of course, but outside of that communications apps are important to me.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I have a standing desk, like many of my team members do, in an open workspace.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
I dont believe in multitasking, with one exception: working out and thinking.
I normally take an hour to work out in the morning.
By the time I am done with my workout, I have a game plan for the day.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
I think to-do lists are evil.
They zap mental energy and drag you down.
Luckily, I have an incredible team that can handle whatever comes our way.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
Also, as a leader, I am strongly invested in my teams success.
I work to make my team successful, and to help them feel supported.
What do you listen to while you work?
Got a favorite playlist?
Or do you prefer silence?
I spend a lot of time in meetings, so normally I listen to people.
When I am under pressure, heavy industrial rock works better than a triple-shot espresso.
What are you currently reading?
Or whats something youd recommend?
Recently I read The One Thing.
At Grubhub we often distill our goals down to one or two to make it absolutely clear whats important.
How do you recharge?
What do you do when you want to forget about work?
I love to hike.
My family and I go hiking pretty much every weekend.
We either go out of town or hike through the concrete jungle of Manhattan.
My 7-year-old has become a great hiker!
Also, playing piano was something that I always wanted to do, so recently I started taking lessons.
Its amazing how much fun it is and also a huge stress relief.
Whats your favorite side project?
I love food and I want to pass this passion onto my daughter.
She and I often cook together and try new dishes.
On weekends we try out new restaurants and I encourage her to order something new and interesting.
She has a very developed palate for a 7-year-old and makes Mommy proud.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early riser?
Before I was a parent, I was a huge night owl.
Now that I have a child, its lights out at 10pm and wake up at 6am.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Dont take things personally.
Actually Ive gotten this advice several times and it took me years to evolve.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
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