I’m sure at some point you’ve caught wind of that ridiculous thong news story that made it’s rounds on blogs around the world a couple of weeks ago. If you haven’t, here’s the gist of it.

Los Angeles traffic cop Macrida Patterson is suing the multi-million dollar lingerie chain Victoria's Secret for an eye injury she said she sustained from what she alleges to be a defective thong. As she was putting on the garment, a piece of metal "popped into my eye," Patterson said. "I was in excruciating pain."

If you take a look at the accompanying msnbc video interview with Today host Meredith Vieira, the defective metal piece in question is a tiny decorative heart resembling any random piece of jewelry. I’m surprised this woman hasn’t impaled herself every time she’s reached into a jewelry box. Patterson’s lawyer professed that his client endured severe pain and suffering as a result of this ordeal. Having not disclosed a dollar amount that will cure her pain and suffering, they’ve stated they simply want to make Macrida whole again.

Macrida looks pretty whole to me. In fact, I was half expecting to see her wearing an eye patch of some sort à la Pirate of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow. And, she doesn’t seem to have any problem with the Victoria’s Secret Miracle Bra she’s wearing to pump up her cleavage for that interview.

Personally, I feel only really sexy well-toned bodies should be wearing a thong, and not to insult LA’s finest, but from the looks of Macrida, she had no business wearing those panties in the first place. You should know right from thong Macrida. There is nothing worse than jello-butt or cellulite coming out of a thong. Perhaps her husband or boyfriend would have better luck winning a lawsuit suing Patterson for eye injuries he sustained after seeing her wearing said thong.

That couldn’t have been pretty.

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Last month, the Catalogs.com team packed up our offices and went Orlando or bust to attend the DMA’s: the Direct Mail Association’s Annual Conference for Catalog & Multi-channel Merchants. It wasn’t our first DMA excursion. In fact, not to brag, but I was a contributing panelist a couple of years back. It’s usually a fantastic experience offering opportunities to learn, grow, network and rub noses with thousands of future catalog clients as well as other internet professionals. That’s all it should have been, and more. In actuality, I regret to report, The DMA trip ended up being worse than a trip to the DMV.

We went through hours upon hours of prep including renting a van, filling it with swag, designing new brochures and schlepping 5 of our employees up north with us. Ultimately, the event ended up costing us $10,000 and then some. Little did we know we’d be faced with one giant detour once we got there.

Upon arrival at the convention center, we soon realized we were victims of the old switcheroo. Months earlier we had contracted for a specific prime booth location and lo and behold, we ended up in an isolated row off to the side with no other exhibitors and zero traffic. Nowhere land. It was the restaurant equivalent of the table in the back where you constantly get whacked by the swinging kitchen door. That’s right folks, we were the Thanksgiving kiddie table of the DMA’s.

We were misled, and felt taken advantage of. What good is having a contract, whether it be verbal or tangible, if it isn’t going to be upheld? We paid good money to be showcased and should have at the very least been notified of the change and given the opportunity to amend the situation. It’s all about ethics, isn’t it? After arguing with the guys in charge to no avail, we decided to take matters into our own hands. Sans permission, we ended up moving ourselves to a bigger, better location where we could re-join the land of the catalog living.
Business picked up, contacts were made, and we left with our heads held high, smiles on our faces, and a valuable lesson.

DMA conference fees - $10,000.00

New client revenue while stuck in nowhere land - $0.00

Standing your ground and refusing to give in – priceless.

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Rather than going the usual tie/casual shirt route this Father’s Day, my daughter was inspired when it came to gifting. She gave my husband a priceless piece of artwork. I know what you’re thinking… How much of an allowance are they giving this kid?

Allow me to clarify. It wasn’t a purchased work of art. It was made by her own two precious little artistic hands. It’s a still life of a single sunflower in a vase with a stunning blue background. It’s lovely. It’s exquisite. It’s already up on our office wall. Every time I look at it, I stifle tears and marvel… my daughter is the next Vincent Van Gogh.

Scratch that. Maybe the next Frida Kahlo. I would hate to imagine her going crazy and chopping her ear off twenty years from now à la Van Gogh, but there’s no denying it… the kid’s got talent. What’s more, she knew what to get for the man who is utterly impossible to shop for.

In the age of gift cards and e-greetings, it’s so easy for gift giving to become impersonal and detached. Our girl knows it’s not the price tag that matters, it’s the sentiment behind the gift that really racks up the brownie points. I’m stocking up on all the art supplies we need to keep our little Frida/Van Gogh/Picasso smocked up and painting. It’s so important to support our kids and encourage them creatively and artistically. Whether it’s a homemade greeting card, a dozen expertly baked sugar cookies, or a t-shirt decorated with fabric paint, let your kids know their creativity is appreciated, valued, and worth more than a million bucks.

Plus, my daughter’s painting is going to pay for her Dad’s and my retirement once it’s hanging at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Thanks again honey.

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To iPhone, or not to iPhone… that is the question. Apple has done it again. Everyone and their grandmother is anxiously awaiting the release of Apple's new gotta-have gadget. It didn’t take long for the iPhone to get an upgrade with the new 3G model. Along with all of the features of the original, the new bigger and better iPhone promises faster data speeds as well as built-in GPS.

I don't have a great sense of direction, so the GPS will certainly come in handy. I have Mom on constant speed-dial so she can help me get to where I need to go when lost, driving aimlessly on I-95. Hopefully the new phone has better business applications on top of the new GPS (i.e. I use mine 90% for calendars and business contacts, 10% for talking with friends and kids). Hey, I just read the iPhone software upgrade will allow users to access their corporate mail with Exchange support and VPN. Now we’re talking.

My dilemma is, do I buy one now… or do I wait until the next upgraded iPhone comes out with even better features? I am a Shopaholic after all, but sometimes it's better to hold out until something better comes along. The g4 model will probably do my taxes, feed the dog and give me a mani-pedi.

They’re highly anticipating long, unbearable lines outside Apple Stores on July 11th when this new must have device of the year is unveiled.

Personally, I would NEVER wait in line. I've gone so far as to send my gynecologist a bill for keeping me waiting 3 hours in his office. I told him that if he ever keeps me waiting like that again, I will find a new doctor. My time is just as valuable as his (and he gets the benefit of watching me spread my legs open!).

In summation, the new iPhone is worth a look and I don't wait in lines for anything!

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No Camp Picnic.

Summer Camp. A time for hot fun in the summertime. A time for making new friends that will last a lifetime. A time for swimming, kayaking, s’mores, ghost stories and enjoying all of those fun camp pranks (Saran wrap on the toilet seat, always a winner). For the kids, camp is a blast. For adults…not so much.

Flashback. Two weeks ago I was schlepping through Target with my two daughters, an unruly shopping cart and a list of camp supplies clenched in hand. It was a nightmare. The girls were all over the place. Bickering and fighting, focused on different items in different aisles and I…I needed a Xanax. I kept hearing the same words in my head as if replaying on a loop…over and over.

“Why didn’t I order everything online?”

It’s that time of year again. My two girls are off at sleepaway camp for four weeks, and I’m still recovering from all the work it took to get them properly outfitted and ready to go with their endless supply of camp gear.

I should have known better. I’m a founding partner of Catalogs.com for goodness sake, where was my head at? Just browsing through our list of catalog titles I realize I could have ordered everything we needed at the click of a button, at better prices to boot. Camp clothes, bathing suits, swim caps and goggles, sunscreen, sleeping bags, flashlights and stationery for them to write sweet letters home to dear old Mom and Dad.

If I had only thought ahead I could’ve spent more time loading up on hugs to last me the four weeks they’d be gone instead of wasting time and energy playing peacemaker through the crowded aisles of Target. Oh well, no use crying over overpriced camp gear. You live and you learn.

Next year, I order early…Or maybe the girls should stay home with me next Summer. Mom’s suffering from a severe case of the Kids at Camp blues.

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I’ve been pretty positive in my last few posts. Okay, except for the line about whacking unmotivated people in the kneecaps with a sugar cane stick, but for the most part I’ve been in good spirits and feeling rather inspired. I’m due for a rant, so hold onto your hat.

I am a business woman. I help run a successful online company that is growing and expanding every day. On average I receive anywhere between twenty to seventy-five voicemails a week. That’s right, I barely have enough time to crank out this blog. It’s a little overwhelming at times, but there’s something about returning messages and clearing out my voicemail that gives me a sense of accomplishment. Like having a clean desk. Or a clean linen closet.

*Note to self, clean desk and linen closet.

I know I’ve touched on this before in earlier posts, but apparently no one is catching on, so here I go again. I strongly believe that there is a fine art to leaving a good telephone message. When leaving a message for anyone, whether it’s the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or my sixteen year old babysitter, I am always clear, succinct, and to the point. If only everyone were as considerate as yours truly. I absolutely loathe it when people leave rushed phone messages where you can barely make out the area code to call back, much less the entire phone number.

Hello?! Where’s the fire? How am I supposed to call you back? Deciphering your message becomes as difficult a chore as solving the DaVinci code, which I unfortunately don’t have the time for. I can barely handle Sudoku.

Here’s a word of advice, especially if you’re leaving a phone message relating to business. Take your time and leave your number in a slow paced one-potato, two-potato count fashion. Or better yet, leave your number twice. That way if I can’t make it out the first time, you can possibly redeem yourself the second time around. Then I won’t have to *star 69 you. I really hate that. And you might mention the best time to reach you or an alternate cell phone number too, just to cover your bases. Get the message?

Hopefully we won't need a Phone Etiquette Take Four.

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As I’ve written about in past posts, my Mother has had a tough time medically. She is an amputee and has been undergoing even more serious health battles in the last few weeks. Sometimes I think to myself, hasn’t she had enough? Really, how much can one woman take? One thing about Mom though, she never gets depressed. She gets pissed off. Over the years I’ve been amazed to see her anger turn into drive. Instead of whining about doctors visits, biopsies and blood tests, she looks up physical activities and exercises on the internet. Instead of going on a shopping spree to drown her sorrows in retail therapy, she donates to non-profit organizations and charities.

Mom has taught me so many things…how to brush my teeth…how to sort my laundry so everything doesn’t turn out pink…how to make a killer brisket. Most importantly, she’s taught me how to give back. One of the charities she’s involved with is AAC (Adventure Amputee Camp), a volunteer based charity that dedicates their time to giving limb deficient children the summer of a lifetime.

It warms my heart when I come across people who donate their time, money, and energy to serving charities they have a personal involvement or attachment to. Donating money and time to charities is so important and should be part of EVERY person’s life no matter how much you make or how busy your calendar is.

I make it a point to teach my kids how to give back as well…just like Mom taught, and continues to teach me. Whether it’s donating clothing and shoes they’ve grown out of to those in need, buying and delivering brand new packaged Toys for Tots come Christmas time, or selflessly donating hair to Locks of Love, my children realize they are fortunate enough to have shirts on their backs, plenty of food on their table, and warm beds to sleep in. Not everyone is as lucky.

I try to express to them that giving to others is giving to yourself as well. It may not provide you with anything material, but it’s giving you pride, a conscience, a sense of community…and self worth. You can’t buy that in a store.

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I mentioned recently that one of my daughters just accomplished an incredible feat. My little girl just received her black belt in karate. It seems like only yesterday I was feeding her strained peas in her highchair. The good old days when she couldn’t stand up without toppling over and falling on her tush. Now she was standing in plié position for what seemed like hours, without wincing while being smacked with a sugar cane stick by her sensei. Yes, Mr. Miyagi would indeed be proud of my Karate Kid.

I was thrilled when she received her white belt. Ecstatic when handed her red belt. Awhile later I thought her purple belt would go great with a little denim mini. When I saw her waving her black belt over her head with pride, I couldn’t contain myself. She had committed to something, and mastered it.

There are so many reasons why I enrolled my daughter in karate classes. One - it’s a great form of exercise, promoting good health and fitness. My heart swells with pride when I see her practicing her martial arts moves instead of plastering herself on the couch watching tv or playing video games. Two - Self defense. No bully is ever gonna mess with this girl. Three - Sharpening mental discipline and prowess.

My daughter’s discipline astounds me. I myself still haven’t gotten past the first of my New Year’s resolutions. In order to receive her prized belt, my girl performed 500 push-ups, 500 sit-ups, 1000 jumping jacks, and performed wheelbarrows and other boot-camp worthy combative drills across the length of a soccer field.

We all know what happened when I tried spinning.

It makes me realize how motivation can begin young, and it’s so important to encourage our kids to reach for the stars and work at something until they master it. You can never be too young to prove yourself, or too old. I’ve noticed how some adults can also be equally motivated to succeed in their careers if they possess that internal motivation from within, that fire in their belly. It’s only those who give up trying and blame the world for their problems that make me sick to my stomach. I have no patience for them and think they all deserve a swift sugar cane whack to the kneecaps to get them back in gear.

Lookout Jose, I’ll be at spinning class first thing tomorrow morning.

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Normally my social calendar conflicts with my family’s social calendar, and I don’t always make it to as many personal “Mom time” events as I would like. Last Thursday night was different. I caught the first three quarters of my daughter’s black belt karate test (which she rocked by the way), and rushed to a 45th birthday party celebration for one of my oldest and dearest friends Carolyn.

It wasn’t a regular birthday party. There were drinks involved, and delicious food, but bigger celebrations were in order on top of turning the big 4-5. Let me tell you a little bit about Carolyn...

Carolyn used to be a junk food junkie. She lived on fast food and never used a pot. Now Carolyn is an organic nut. Transformed, she will consume no sugar or alcohol and prides herself on being all natural. The birthday celebration was at a vegan restaurant no less. She has discovered a new, healthier lifestyle and is finally getting some use out of all those housewares that had been collecting dust. Carolyn also used to be a professional fundraiser. A working Mom like me who never seemed to have the time to complete all of the things on her ever growing to-do list.

Two years ago things changed. Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer. For two years now, having beaten the odds, the birthday girl has the proud distinction of being called a Breast Cancer Survivor. Now, Carolyn fills her days sending inspirational messages to other women and breast cancer victims and survivors…reaching out to others who are in need. Changing lives. To call her an inspiration just doesn’t do her justice. Through it all she’s managed to see the light, maintain her friendships, be a fantastic mom and keep her wicked sense of humor.

After we all took turns giving weepy speeches honoring our brave survivor warrior, Carolyn in turn took center stage and managed to turn the evening into a roast poking delicious fun at every single one of her sappy guests. My favorite jab- when she told one of our more petite girlfriends that she was so short she’ll probably end up tripping on her tampon strings one day. In five minutes time, she managed to turn all of our tears into laughter. That’s Carolyn.

I drove home in awe and made it a point from this day forward to not only stop and smell the roses, but to stop and call the girlfriends. I am a proud wife and mother, proud to devote as much time as I can to the family I love so dearly, but we all get carried away with our day to day lives and need to remember we have an extended family out there of sisters. Sisters who may not be blood related, but touch our hearts every day.

Happy Birthday Carolyn. I can’t wait to see what the big 5-0 will bring.

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I just had to throw each of my girl’s a birthday party. I refused to give in to society norms. I decided I was not going to rent space at a kids facility which caters to birthday parties (such as My Gym, Gymboree, LazerTag, Muvico movie theaters, the zoo, pottery making & painting boutiques). No, instead I thought to myself, “I have a beautiful backyard … let’s do “kid’s stuff” that will be a blast and won’t break the bank.

Idea #1: Obstacle Course: Divide children in teams. NEVER let the birthday girl pick the teams (this will avoid resentment and a feeling of being left off the best team). Pre-buy 2 colors of different bandana’s. Pre-type colors and throw into hat. Have kids pick the color of their designated team. Set up cones of different sizes, jump ropes, wooden eggs on spoons, thick dowels taped to different cones (I bought mine on-line) to jump over and climb under, trampoline, hoola hoops arranged on grass to jump with both feet in a zigzagged motion, bubbles to blow. Each kid must complete ALL of the obstacle course before running and tagging the kid in line that’s next

Idea #2: Bubble gum and Whipped Cream Contest: Set up a card table covered with a plastic cloth. Put a piece of Hubba bubble gum in the middle of a paper plate. Take canned whipped cream and cover the gum. Team against team, two (2) at a time. Each kid must keep their hands behind their back. Ready Set Go! Whoever can grab the gum with their mouth, chew and blow a 1-inch minimum bubble first wins. That team gets the point.

Idea #3: Capture the flag football. Buy a flag football set (I only paid $39.00 at Oriental Trading the Capture the flag belts and flags. Divide among teams, set up cones, and yell, “GO”. Whoever gets to the other side without getting their belt ripped off and captures the flag and runs back to the other side (all while staying out of jail) … that team gets the point.

Idea #4: Italian Cook-Off: Yes, your kitchen becomes a bit of a war-zone, but it’s worth it. Kids prepare an entire Italian feast (lasagna with a Béchamel sauce; homemade gnocchi, ravioli, stuffed manicotti). Again, don’t let the kids pick teams. Pre-type all the recipes and place into a hat. If you think the lasagna will take 2 kids and the manicotti 3 kids, place the correct number of the recipe names in the hat and let the kids draw. Afterwards, everyone eats the dinner they made.

Idea #5: Forget stupid party-favors in a bag (usually full of candy and crap kid’s don’t need). Pre-type the entire recipe booklet from the Italian Cook-off, bind it with pretty ribbons and bows, and upon them leaving … hand them the recipe booklet with the cover displaying your child’s name, Cook-off, birthday date and a thank you note for coming.

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When girls reach middle school age … planning the perfect birthday party without fighting, pettiness or cat-fights becomes challenging.

My daughter and I developed the “Perfect Birthday Party”, complete with a NO FIGHTING NO BICKERING guarantee.

Rule #1: Type out a DETAILED schedule in advance, and make sure your daughter has complete input and “buy-in”.

Rule #2: Keep them so busy they don’t have time to think.

Rule #3: Devise outside strenuous activities and divide into teams ONLY by picking Team A or Team B tickets from a hat (this avoids the typical “I want to be on your team”
And the “Don’t put me with her, she’s not any good.”

Rule #4: Don’t give out prizes (then neither team feels bad).

Rule #5: Plan enough outside running around games so that the next few “indoor projects” will be more appreciated.

Rule #6: Confiscate all cell phones and explain to the girls that if there is an emergency, you can use the house phone (this eliminates texting, outside interference, girls showing others photos and ignoring the birthday girl.) This is a MUST!

Rule #7: If sleeping over, lay down the rules while the parents are dropping off. Nicely say, “By the way, I am enforcing a strict lights out-no talking policy by 1 AM (or 2 AM), and if there are any problems you’ll have to pick up your daughter at that time” and by saying this in-front of the parents, the girls will be more inclined to listen to you at the end of the night.

Rule #8: The next morning, have a definite time for pick up (around 10:30 am)

Rule #9: The birthday girl can ONLY open gifts the next morning providing everyone’s dressed and all their stuff is by the front door. You’d be surprised how this can motivate the girls to listen and clean up.

Rule #10: Try to give out a memorable party favor (best if hand-made by the birthday girl) as it will be more meaningful.

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It is not often that someone sends you an email that will give you an "A-HA" moment. Well, I just received one. It was published originally on Financial Hack’s blog quite a long time ago (in December 2007 I believe). But ironically, it was just emailed to me (thus the beauty of a good solid posting … it is timeless).

What I took away from the article and I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you to link below to read it, is that our basic human nature is to be lazy, say it can’t be done, throw up our hands and say it’s impossible, or too difficult.

Why did this give me an AHA moment? Because once the Japanese defined the problem (Watermelons, big and round, wasted a lot of space in the grocery stores), they didn’t give up until a solution was found.

What sets apart a true entrepreneur and highly successful business woman or man is the following:

an innate ability to see the glass half full

to become the little Einstein who won’t give up

to try and try again.

even with failures … to keep pushing onward until you achieve a winner

Try sharing this watermelon story with your employees, co-workers and kids. Discuss how you should not assume that anything is too difficult, question and analyze your own habits, be creative, look for a better way, and realize that impossibilities often aren't really impossible.

Click Here to read the original watermellon blog

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Recently, I unfortunately learned a ton about Hospice Care. I never thought that I would need to call them (at least not so soon) but found that after my Dad was hospitalized for a long time, and upon his return home, his primary care physician of 10+ years recommended that we use Hospice.

With a gasp of surprise, she realized that I was of the “old school” and thought that Hospice is called in when someone is literally on his “death bed.” This is NOT the case.

In fact, nurses, physical therapists and home health aids are all available to work with families to help them in a variety of ways. EACH case is evaluated independently. If your loved one has an incurable disease and is deteriorating and needs medical assistance, it pays to CALL THEM.

Also, it helps to become extremely organized (especially if you are the daughter or son of the loved one needing help). Make lots of charts. Right down names and contact numbers, responsibilities of who is doing what and when, and most importantly … if you do not feel that the Hospice worker assigned to you is the “right” match, then by all means ask for a different case manager or a different aid. Not everyone “clicks” and gets along with your style. It is perfectly OK to request someone else to care for your loved one if you don’t feel the level of care is adequate or if personalities don’t mesh.

As the Hospice website states,

“When is the right time to ask about hospice? Now is the best time to learn more about hospice care and ask questions about what to expect. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for loved ones and family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. This can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice becomes apparent. By having these discussions in advance, uncomfortable situations can be avoided. Instead, educated decisions can be made that include the advice and input of loved ones. “

As for my family, well, sum it up to say that running a business, juggling 3 kids and a husband (often a kid himself) and dealing with 2 other sets of aging parents can be stressful. As a Mom and business owner being pulled from all sides, my only advise to others is to eat right, exercise, get a good massage, enjoy great sex in between running to and from the hospitals, and partake in a fabulous Merlot from time to time.

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OK, if you can’t tell by my recent blogs lately … I’m attempting to get back in shape. Why? Is it because of my New Year’s Resolution? NO

Is it because I want my husband to think I’m sexier and younger? NO

Is it because my pants no longer look “great” on my behind? NO

Simply put … I dragged myself to my Internist at Cleveland Clinic Hospital and she gave me a physical with blood work. Guess whose cholesterol is SKY HIGH? The doc says to me, “it’s not enough to just take your Lipitor and eat right … you MUST exercise 5 times per week and get your heart rate up to 145 for 40 minutes.”

I think she’s crazy … but I am committed not to end up like my Dad with 3 by-pass surgeries, and 2 heart attacks.

Therefore, at 7 a.m. yesterday I did my 2nd ever-cycling class (yes, I got up to 22.4 miles in 60 minutes - and was extremely proud) and today I did my 7a.m. YOGA class with Alain. Now ladies, just going to the class alone and watching Alain will get your heart rate up to 145 – and you don’t even have to move a muscle.

You see, Alain is this incredibly handsome, Afro-American body builder who wears very tight short black yoga shorts and a sleeveless tight-fitting muscle shirt. Alain probably could take on the Dolphins football team single handedly without so much as breaking a sweat.

So you might ask, “And Leslie, what were you wearing?” I was horrified. I truly need to start worrying about what I look like crawling out of bed, forgetting to brush my teeth and my hair, and showing up to Alain’s YOGA class wearing college sweats.

And to make matters worse, my gorgeous blonde girlfriend (who turns EVERY man’s head) was right next to me wearing the most stunning yoga pants with a skimpy low-cut work-out top that had spaghetti thin straps and cut-out lace going down the entire back. I’m wearing sweats!

Time to shop till I drop … here goes:
Hanes Classics™ TAGLESS™ Boy Chic Racer back Tank Top in beautiful soft pink, lilacs, soft blues and black, for just $9.00

Or, get a sexier spaghetti strap camisole for just $12.00, the
Hanes® TAGLESS® Ultimate Stretch Cotton Camisole. Match it up with a pair of light gray or black yoga pants … and even if you can’t complete all the yoga moves, at least you’ll “appear” to fit right in.

Best part -- shop online and get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more.

By next week, my shipment will have arrived and I'm psyched to go!

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According to the Wall Street Journal today, William Lauder of the Lauder family who turned a skin-cream line into one of the best-known names in beauty - Estée Lauder Company – shocked the financial world (but I PERSONALLY can relate why!).

As the WSJ stated, The 47-year-old William Lauder doesn't hide the frustrations that led him to abdicate the post he had been groomed for, the one his father had held for 17 years. He describes being beset by family members with differing agendas, long hours and fighting the perception that his success is only due to his legendary last name. Associates quickly attributed his career trajectory to nepotism, people close to the company say. "Any achievement I made was because of hard work," William says, bristling. "I had to work twice as hard for half the credit, just because I have this last name." Still, William says it "isn't easy" to have board members who remember you as a child and can call you at home anytime. "In my job as CEO, I have a responsibility to all shareholders," William adds. "Virtually all my family members have heard that, even though they don't always appreciate it."

Ironically, fresh out of college, I too worked for my Dad who owns an international air ambulance company. I, just like William, had to work TWICE as hard (yet I was the company’s top producing sales person, and far exceeded a team composed of 4 men – all in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s (yet I was only 22 years old at the time). Yet, all the employees thought that my success was due to nepotism, not hard work. I took call in the middle of the night, often worked 7 days/week. I sold trips, coordinated and scheduled Lear jets, Gulfstreams, Citations, and turbo props. I worked with doctors and executives worldwide, coordinated all aspects, while also helping do marketing.

William Lauder and I both shared one thing in common – we both had Dad’s that expected perfection and who wouldn’t let go of the power or the control - and would call us in the wee hours of thenight to discuss business ideas or problems!

When Fabrizio Freda, a Procter & Gamble Co. executive, will take over the new reigns of President, I wonder how William Lauder will wake up the morning after. I wonder if he’ll be remorseful, sad, bitter, angry with the board, and most of all – I wonder how his relationship will be with the rest of his family?

My only words of advice to William Lauder … time heals deep wounds. I can proudly and happily say that after I made the decision to leave my Dad’s company, at first we didn’t even speak. But today, we are stronger, and have equal respect and love for each other. I guess with Williams multi-millions of dollars, he won’t have the problem of finding a “new job” like I had to do.

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