FGB: Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
NGM: I am the Senior Vice President of Membership for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). ASCAP is a membership organization comprised of over 560,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from the
University of Pennsylvania, and pursued my career in the music business while studying for my law degree at Brooklyn
Law School. Following
graduation, I actively practiced entertainment law for five years with the Middleton Law Group and then went on to become director of business and legal affairs for Jive Records.
In 2008, I joined ASCAP to head its Rhythm & Soul Membership Department as Vice President. I was able to easily transition into this role largely because of the relationships and knowledge base I built as a practicing entertainment
lawyer. In my role as Vice President of Rhythm & Soul Membership, I was and still am responsible for the oversight and daily operational
management of ASCAP’s rhythm and soul membership department on a worldwide basis. I have since taken on additional responsibilities including overseeing ASCAP's Symphonic and Concert team.
FGB: What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
NGM: I am most proud of being able to balance being a wife, mother (I have 2 children, ages 5 and and 4) and an executive.
FGB: What is a challenge that you've faced and overcome?
NGM: One challenge that I've faced and overcome is being able to navigate and deal with a variety of personalities. My role as SVP of Membership at ASCAP relies heavily on me interfacing with a variety of individuals in different capacities throughout the industry and having solid relationships with these individuals.
Lightning Round:
FGB: What do you do when you’re not working?
NGM: Spend time with my family. I travel a lot for work so when I am in town, my favorite pastime is spending uninterrupted quality time with my family.
FGB: If you could have dinner with one famous person - dead or alive - who would it be?
NGM: Michelle Obama
FGB: What is your karaoke song?
NGM: Shoop by Salt N Pepa
FGB: What is your favorite movie?
NGM: Love Jones
FGB: What book would you bring with you on a desert island?
NGM: The Bible
FGB: What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?
NGM: My shopping vice is surprises for my kids. If I won the lottery I would buy a home on an exotic island, most likely, Turks and Caicos.
FGB: Who is your Fairygodboss?
NGM: My Fairygodboss is my mom. She was my very first example of how to manage a family while still maintaining a successful career.
FGB: What is the #1 career tip you'd like to share?
NGM: Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to make your voice heard. There's no bigger advocate you can have than you.