Meet the First Lady of George Mason University, Dr. Beth Cabrera! She is a motivational speaker that helps organizations and individuals apply knowledge from the field of positive psychology to achieve greater success and well-being. She works with companies to help them create and maintain positive work environments where people thrive. She also helps empower women to live authentic, meaningful lives. Her approach is extremely effective in developing leaders, building teams, and advancing careers. Dr. Beth Cabrera currently works for the George Mason University Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and has her own website: cabrerainsights.com. Be sure to check out her website and connect with her on twitter: @bethcabrera!
1. Where are you from?
I was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina and grew up in Florence, Alabama.
2. What was your college experience like?
I went to Rhodes College, a small liberal arts school in Memphis, Tennessee, and I loved the experience. I learned a lot, both inside and outside of the classroom, and made life-long friends.
3. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
Frosted Mini-Wheats: a mix of healthy and sweet!
4. What advice would you have wished you had taken while in college?
Pick a major based on what you are interested in, not what you think will get you a job. Do what you love and you will do great work!
5. How do you motivate others?
Help them see how what they do makes a positive impact.
6. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
“Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow (Here’s why: http://cabrerainsights.com/?p=2742)
7. Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
Gatherer
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
Hopefully helping someone find more joy and meaning in their life.
9. How has George Mason University played a part in your life?
It has brought amazing people into my life and has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from great scholars who share my passion for well-being.
10. One thing you would ask a fairy godmother for?
The ability to transport myself anywhere in the world with a snap of my fingers.
11. What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
Nashville.
12. What has been the most gratifying experience in your life?
I moved to Spain barely speaking Spanish, landed a job at a great university, Carlos III in Madrid, and worked hard to become the first foreign professor to earn tenure.
13. In five years where do you see yourself?
I would love to still be working with the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at Mason and to be helping individuals and companies to thrive through my writing and teaching.