A very recent recipient of an MBA with a focus on leadership from Columbia Business School, Connie Gao earned her degree while working full-time as Book of the Month's Marketing Director. Though her career and academic life are both — alone and together — amply impressive, she still makes time to enjoy life's pleasures. A big fan of the Chelsea Market (and self-proclaimed "huge foodie"), Connie's often spotted perusing its boutiques on her way to "buy fresh seafood from The Lobster Place." In this interview, she describes the challenges she faced as a teen who grew up in China and landed at prep school in Connecticut, the qualities that make an excellent leader, and how her relationship with her mom has evolved over the years.

“Born in Santa Monica, Zoe studied film and U.S. history at Wesleyan University. She has lived in New York for six years and worked in marketing and social media at A24 for 3.5 years. Some of the campaigns she has worked on include Ex Machina, Amy, Room, The Witch, The Lobster, and Swiss Army Man.”

♫ LISTEN TO ZOE'S PLAYLIST | ⌨ LAST GOOGLE SEARCH

Top, Objects Without Meaning ; Pants, Rachel Comey

on her morning routine

I spend the first 5 minutes of every day in bed with my cat. She responds to her name so I can usually summon her from across the apartment. I feel great when I exercise before work so I try and do that a couple times a week. On the other days I spend the morning reading news (New York Times and Deadline) and catching up on articles I've saved throughout the week, usually from Jason Hirschhorn's Mediaredef emails and Ann Friedman's weekly newsletter, or things I've found on This. or Rex.

I get dressed and ready as quickly as possible. I try to look my best but I resent the effort it takes. The "getting ready" process is my least favorite part of being female. Getting unready is wonderful though. I love getting home from work, cleaning my face and putting on mask.

“I fell in love with movies in middle school. I got in trouble a lot but my parents were nice enough to recommend films to watch while I was home grounded. My dad told me about “All About Eve” and “The Third Man” and I just went down a rabbit hole from there. ”

— on her love for movies

on the start of her career

Before A24 I could not have told you what movie marketing was. I thought the only interesting jobs in film had to do with getting movies made. So I started interning at A24 while I was waiting to hear back from graduate programs. I was trying to go back to school and study film production. A24 was a new company with less than 15 employees. This was before Spring Breakers came out. I was at the front desk answering phones and at that point there was no one running their social media accounts so I took that on. By the time I heard back from schools I’d created a role for myself at the company. I thought if I waited for the right time I could turn what I was doing into a job. So I stuck it out a couple more months and they hired me. Getting a foot in the door at the right time was very serendipitous but once I was “in,” I could tell the company was doing something special and I wanted to be part of it. I remember reading about something Eric Schmidt told Sheryl Sandberg when he was convincing her to join Google. "If you’re offered a seat on a rocketship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.” This is all to say I did not set out to work in marketing.

“I’m one of those people who picks at their face the second there’s a blemish. It’s compulsive and insane behavior. Even though I know it will make things worse I still do it. It could be right before I’m going to a wedding there’s literally no stopping me. So I’ve started getting 30 minute facials once a month at a place by my office called Heyday. It’s helped a lot and I don’t pick as much.”

— on her beauty routine

on her beauty routine

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that there's some perfect beauty routine that will leave you looking amazing but I don't think that's true. I've settled on a few products that seem to work for me. I have dry skin and I've found Vintner's Daughter face oil at night and Glossier Priming Moisturizer in the morning keep things balanced and hydrated.

I also recommend Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Natural Sage Deodorant by Weleda, Rodin Olio Lusso Perfume, Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser, and Biafine.

on her shopping habits

I like wearing things I can move around in. I'm usually in jeans and sneakers or comfy pants and flat shoes. Black is my favorite color, so I've accepted there's probably always a bit of cat hair on me. One day I hope to design a portable lint roller that comes in a plastic case so it won't stick to the inside of your purse. I would market it to fashionable cat-ladies. I don't have a lot of go-to stores but I can always find something at No. 6. I love Duo for vintage.

Top, One Step Up ; Pants, Ganni — *Top, One Step Up ;* *Pants, Ganni*

top, carson potter ; pants, vintage (from duo) ; shoes, converse ; bag, clare v. — *top, carson potter ; pants, vintage (from duo) ;* *shoes, converse* ; *bag, clare v.*

zoe's favorite books

The Beach by Alex Garland, Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor, The Body in Pain by Elaine Scarry, I Love Dick by Chris Kraus, The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

zoe's favorite places in nyc

MIMI on Sullivan Street is my favorite neighborhood spot to get a drink. I like their Negronis and flourless chocolate cake.

Souen is great if I'm in the mood for something clean and healthy. The best burger is at Raoul's on Prince Street. You can order it at the bar and it comes with a side of fries and au poivre sauce.

When I'm meeting someone for work I like getting a coffee or tea in the library at the Nomad hotel.

Nails/waxing: Tenoverten. It's so close and open until 10pm!

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