Meet Mimi Sterling

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mimi Sterling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mimi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
3. Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?
I was raised in Boston, Indianapolis, and New York and have had the opportunity to live
on three continents. Servant leadership has been a core part of me since youth. My high
school motto was non sibi (not for self), and this has really stuck with me throughout my
career—whether serving a Neiman Marcus customer in previous roles or survivors of
domestic violence as I am today. I’m the happiest when I am serving others and have
found truly meaningful work in my role with The Family Place.
4. Risk taking: How do you think about risk. What role has taking risks played in your
life/career?
I always push myself to grow and venture outside of my comfort zone, but I don’t think
I'm a risky person. Instead, I consider myself to be adventurous and enjoy growing my
understanding of the world and growing my ability to adapt to other cultures.
5. What is the most important factor behind your success/the success of your brand?
Personally, the most important factors behind my success are hard work, deep
dedication, patience, putting in the work, and always having a mentor to talk to about
next steps and how to get there. The Family Place is successful because of our
passionate employees who give their best every day for survivors of domestic violence.

6. What value or principle matters most to you? Why?
Accountability and trust are the most important to me. Every interaction we have as
humans—whether personally or professionally—is significantly better with trust. Trust is
earned through accountability, which then fosters growth and success.
7. Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about
the balance?
This is everchanging for me. I love to work, but I also love time with my family. My
balance is more of an integration where both work and life are forgiving based on the
greatest needs at any given time. I try to be hyper aware of where my time is most
crucial.
8. What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?
I would like to lead a legacy of major community impact in the domestic violence space
by making lives in our community better. A key part of this includes being an employer
with highly engaged, happy employees. I’m constantly motivated by the positive impacts
we make at The Family Place and am optimistic about continued growth and progress in
the future.
9. Tell us about a book you’ve read and why you like it. What impact did it have on you?
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. This book articulates what good leadership in the
workplace looks like and how to leverage vulnerability for enhanced professional
success. It helped me learn that showing vulnerability and continuing to grow in the
workplace are signs of great leadership.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

10, How did you get to where you are today professionally?

My career started in public relations, first through a study abroad program in Italy and continued with internships at Missoni and Donna Karan. From there, I spent 15 years in New York City as a communications and public relations professional before moving to Dallas in 2014 to serve as head of public relations, communications, events and philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Group. My role evolved to leading corporate culture and corporate responsibility before further expanding to include diversity, equity governing and belonging and inclusion (DEBI) and environmental social governance (ESG). I also
oversaw the Neiman Marcus Foundation, which supported local and national nonprofits.

In September of 2021, I became the CEO of The Family Place. This role really brings together my recent foundation work as well as my corporate culture belonging and communications work in a meaningful way.

11. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Every career comes with challenges. In my experience, navigating the biggest challenges are made much simpler with good support at home, friends and family, and continued dedication and drive.

12. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

The most important lesson is that as you continue to grow, it is crucial to help others do the same. As you rise, pull people up with you.

13. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Behind every successful person, there is an incredibly critical support system. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had, but my journey would not be what it is without the supportive individuals that have been in my corner through the last 25 years.

I believe you can have it all. You can have a successful career and a family and have fun while doing it as long as you’re following your passion and remaining dedicated and hard working.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a weeklong trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places, or things to check out?

I love this question, because as a family, we try to continue to be tourists in our own city.
Top of the list would be to take them to a few of the incredible museums we have in Dallas:

The Perot, Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center.

NorthPark not only for the shopping, but also the art.

Dine at Loro, Uchi, Fearings, Yutaka in uptown.

Drinks at Bowen House.

If time allowed, I would add a visit to King Spa, one of my personal favorite in-town getaways.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
1. So, is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My shoutout goes to our 200 dedicated staff members who are the heart and soul of The Family Place. Their dedication to our mission of helping survivors of domestic violence progress from fear to safety inspires me daily. I appreciate them and their hard work immensely.

2. Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?

Without a doubt, my family. I can be successful at work because I have great support at home filled with lots of love from my husband, our three children, and my mom (who lives with us).

Website: https://familyplace.org/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimicrume/