Cristen is the Vice President of Physical Production at NBC Universal. Prior to being a production executive, she was the DGA Unit Production Manager on films such as American Beauty, Catch Me If You Can, Ali, Charlie Wilson’s War – ever hear of any of those? Fun fact: she also had this career while having three babies and breastfeeding. Even on location.

We talked about sending the breastmilk to LA with the film shipment, the frequently asked question, “don’t you want to be home with your children?” and coming full circle from her first interview with Kool Marder 20 years ago, to occupying that very same office as the executive. These are the delicious confirmations in life that you are on the right path.

And of course, this: “Cristen, get Tom Cruise off your lap and go fix the generator!” But, that’s in the bonus episode for next week on Cristen’s Tales from Trenches episode.

And in Cristen’s own words, “Aim higher, ladies, aim higher.”

And here is the much anticipated BONUS Episode. Cristen's Tales from the Trenches.