Bet on Yourself

Ann Hiatt’s parents taught her the power of strategic risk-taking and a “can-do” attitude. 

Ann Hiatt learned about the transformative power of ambition and persistence from her parents, who lived on Idaho potato farms during their formative years. Her father, Glade, fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an Air Force fighter pilot and was immortalized as “Goose” in the movie Top Gun. Her mother, Tammy, embraced the challenges that came with being isolated on a military base in Anchorage, Alaska, far from family and friends. She developed a neighborhood preschool program, made ceramics and oil paintings, and took her kids fishing and berry picking.

Hiatt’s resiliency and drive during her formative years compensated for what she considered a lack of innate talent. As the oldest of seven children, she learned to be organized, self-motivated and tactful – qualities that served her well throughout her career. Self-criticism and insecurity in her abilities growing up spawned an intense work ethic. Hiatt’s “can-do” attitude helped her flourish during an improbable career in which she worked alongside...