Inspiring Women - Liz Cantalamessa of Facebook

Liz Cantalamessa is a list-maker. Packing for vacation or presenting to a client, no matter the size of the task, she's a woman who likes a game plan. Long before her career in sales and marketing took her to Facebook, she was a girl who liked order and organization. "I never had a messy bedroom as a kid. For me, I need order and organization before I can get things done. At my job, that transcends into the business planning." Her job at Facebook is to serve as a US Agency Partner, where she manages one of the big six media holding companies and their relationship with Facebook and Instagram. "What that means is I act as the primary liaison, internal advocate and thought leader for my external agency partners," she says. She says the best part of her job is the camaraderie and the collaboration she is exposed to daily. "I work with some really smart people, clients included, and learn from them every day." She's a proud Penn State alum and last spring, returned to her alma mater to guest lecture at the Business School. She has plans to do it again this fall. A working mom who strives for balance between her job and family, she lives in Westchester County, NY with husband Mike and their 8-year-old son Dylan. 

What is your personal Mission Statement?

As a working mother, I believe in work/ life “integration” so that I’m a present wife and mother when I’m home, and a present employee when in the office. The notion of “balance” can be tricky. I strive to lead a fulfilling life both in and out of the office. I also believe in paying it forward. To me that means sharing what I have, whether it’s my time, information or resources.

What inspires you to create the life you live?

Living and working in New York is pretty inspiring. I take the train to the city and arrive in Grand Central Station daily which happens to be one of my favorite NYC landmarks. Looking up at that gorgeous ceiling brings a smile to my face as I start my day. At Facebook we consider our work environment to be a high performance culture. I think the same applies for working in NYC. It’s such a fast paced city that it pushes you to be the best you can be. And then there’s the obvious – my family inspires me every day. I didn’t create this life alone. I have a phenomenal partner who shares my same vision.

Do you use any daily disciplines or practices to energize you?

Not really – maybe we can skip this one ;-)

What is the one piece of advice or words of inspiration you live by?

There are several (many of which I’ve learned from my employer):

Be Bold

Plan the work and work the plan

Done is better than perfect

Pay it forward

I also try to differentiate between a problem and a “luxury” problem. Delayed flight? Rainy day on vacation? That’s a luxury problem. I really try my best to keep things into perspective. I’ve got it pretty good.

What helps you Have Some Fun Today - each and every day? 

I’m a planner and list maker (note the “plan the work and work the plan” concept above), so I love having things to look forward to. That might be something as simple as shopping for ingredients of a new recipe I’m going to try out on my family, scheduling a lunch date with a friend or planning a fun getaway with my husband.