When I first met Carrie Mack, she’d single-handedly assisted in bringing a wave of treefruit industry first-timers to the International Fresh Produce Association’s annual Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference. From an inviting smile to a shake-things-up attitude, and many fun qualities in between, I couldn’t wait to see what she would do with a handful of “What IFs.” Read on to get to know this maven in the making…
IF you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Your authentic self is enough. Believe in who you are, not what others want you to be.
IF you wrote an autobiography, what would be the title?
Trust Me: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger.
IF you could redo one moment or event in your life, which one would you choose and why?
Nothing. All the moments, good and not-so-great, have made me who I am.
IF you had $10 million you had to donate, who would you choose and why?
Domestic violence education and resources. Those impacted need a support system to escape to; often they have no idea what’s available.
IF you were another species in the animal kingdom, what would you be?
A dog. Many days, dogs are better than people. Note: It would have to be a single-dog family. I have been told I am high-maintenance a time or two.
IF you could bring one mythological creature to life, what would you choose?
For sure, Caladrius—what a gift it would be to have the ability to take sickness away and heal a loved one.
IF you were to have a produce tattoo, what would you have?
Anyone who knows me could probably guess: an apple! The apple industry has done so much for my career.
IF you had to choose now, what would your last meal consist of?
Not the healthiest, I know: chicken strips, sweet potato tots, and a cold IPA.
IF you had to choose one song to be the soundtrack of your year, what would it be?
Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”
IF you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Susan B. Anthony. So much to catch her up on!
IF you had a superpower, what would you want it to be?
Photographic memory. I would save a lot on sticky notes!
IF you could imagine yourself in a different industry, what would it be?
The hop industry. I think it is a fascinating business.
IF you could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you be?
Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Not only is it a beautiful location, but the people are so kind and friendly.
