A lightly edited transcript of an ask-me-anything I did with my team. Questions kept, names removed, nerves intact. I opened with a few facts about myself:

Is there a story behind the kidney donation?

When I worked at Wieden+Kennedy, a coworker’s husband went into kidney failure. They’d exhausted their personal networks and sent a very desperate ask out to the six hundred people in the Portland office. Randomly, that same week, I had just done a full donation registry — so I thought, why not, I’ll get tested. And I was a match.

How did you find out you’re a supertaster?

I can taste when food is turning long before it’s visible or gives off an odor. My parents thought I was lying, so they took me to the doctor.

What’s the worst thing about it?

Bitter flavors kill me. I hate not liking food or drinks, but I really struggle with things like arugula or Campari. And arugula is everywhere these days — especially mixed in with romaine.

Does being a supertaster make you a good cook?

I don’t think one guarantees the other. But I would like to think I’m a good cook.

What’s your go-to breakfast?

I love making snack-plate breakfasts: sauerkraut or kimchi, an egg, a fruit or cucumbers, hard cheese or cottage cheese, flaky sea salt — and maybe an English muffin or a slice of toast if I have them.

If you had to give a whole team one nutrition tip, what would it be?

Habit-stack your healthy choices — they build up. It’s not about perfection. Stop eating the snacks in the kitchen. And if you think you’re hungry, drink more water; if you’re still hungry, eat some protein.

What are your favorite things about the Mission?

It’s got the best microclimate, it’s mostly flat, and there are so many good places to eat and drink.

Where do you take people when they come to town?

Heirloom Café is the quintessential neighborhood spot with a great wine program. Good Good Culture Club is my favorite for vibes. Marigold for flowers and yummy coffee-focused bevs. And El Chato is a great bar.

Best burrito in the Mission?

I’m a taco girl, and the only answer is El Gallo Giro.

What’s your ideal vacation?

Somewhere warm, but not too hot. A great art and food scene. A place to walk around and get lost.

What’s a place you could visit over and over again?

My travel history would say Japan. But right now my heart wants Paris.

Tips for staying carry-on only, even internationally?

A capsule wardrobe and packing cubes. Depending on how long the trip is — or how much I want to shop — I’ve also mailed things home, which is technically cheating but consider it a pro tip. My ride-or-die is a Briggs & Riley global carry-on, because she can crunch down to fit Euro plane overheads.

Favorite era, least favorite era, most overrated era?

Midnights — but Lover and parts of Rep are strong contenders. Least favorite: Red. Most overrated: Evermore.

What’s your favorite zodiac sign in a coworker?

I’m a Leo, so honestly, I’m not thinking about your signs. Unless you’re an Aries, because we probably love-hate each other in a very obvious way.

Favorite episode of Abstract?

A tie between Olafur Eliasson and Ruth E. Carter.

If you had to pick one era of interior design?

It’s not my personal taste, but I loved studying Baroque interiors and furniture design.

Cats or dogs?

Both! Before I had Murphy, I had Gustopher, a fat orange tabby.

The teams you manage always have real team spirit. What’s your secret?

I want to engage with folks in a genuine way, and I find that approach makes the good moments great and the hard moments less shitty.