New York – January Member of the Month, Carole Bolger, ImageLab/ Hanesbrands

Hometown?

Born in Bronxville New York but grew up in Westfield New Jersey.

Prior job title and company? 

Creative Director of ImageLab / Hanesbrands – it’s first creative division!

Describe your career journey.

Started art lessons at 5 years old. Loved to paint and draw. I painted drawings on the walls and ceiling of my room as a teen. Off to fine art college…four years of creative heaven. Found my way in to graphic design to pay the rent. A college mate of mine and I started our own business of corporate event design. From there I landed big jobs building GAP and OLD Navy creative divisions that capitalized on my entrepreneurial spirit and creative talent. I was invited into Hanes to build their first creative division and today run my own design studio on the upper west side. I specialize in branding, communication design and I continue to paint and draw!

How has She Runs It helped you personally and/or professionally?

I’ve met some great women – I’ve learned so much about the digital space – and I hope it may introduce me to new career opportunities as I network with members.

Name a woman who inspires you and why. 

Pema Chodron – a Tibetan Buddhist nun. And get this – she was married with kids

then her husband left her. She was devastated. She followed an uncertain path and has grown spiritually to become an international Buddhist teacher and director of the Gampo Abbey, a Western Buddhist monastery in the Shambhala tradition in Nova Scotia.

Her lessons in being present, being of service and giving love has centered my being and I carry these lessons in all my affairs. She is also very funny.

Which three words would you use to describe your personality?

High spirited, fast, creative, funny  (oops that is 4) you pick!

You have been such a dedicated event volunteer, why should interested members become a part of that?

Volunteering is a great way to get to know more women in depth plus I believe I suporting the places that support me. Own it – give to it – thrive from it!

How have you benefited from being both a mentor and mentee  in the She Runs It Mentoring Program?

Mentoring a millennial has been great energy for me (a young baby boomer!) With the digital age moving in so fast it has been so informative…and it is great to share my years of managing and leadership to women. As a mentee I love the experience and guidance given me – and so generously…

As a member of the Leadership Development Committee, what are some exciting things you are currently working on?

As Secretary for the Leadership Development Committee I am working on making the best meeting notes possible! I’m also helping Laura Teich in creating a survey to better inform us in forming the group’s first social vehicle that will enable us to get to know each other better.