What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was working on our family poultry farm. My earliest memories date back to age six or seven. I can recall how good it felt to contribute and the satisfaction that came from working as hard and as efficiently as my older siblings. I loved working right alongside my whole family and feeling a part of something important. This feeling has set the tone and expectation for all my work experiences. To this day, I only truly enjoy work when I feel like I'm doing it in lock-step with others and that together we're building something 'big'.

What inspired you to choose your current field or the position you currently hold?

I have always been drawn to battles. The opportunity to compete head on with Microsoft had tremendous allure. I was drawn to this job not only because of its scope, but also because it met two distinct needs: my desire to build something from the ground up and my desire to prove that Oracle could compete on Microsoft's turf and win. I'm 10 months into the job and I'm still eager to start each day.

Why would you encourage other women or young women to choose careers in your field? What advice would you give someone who wanted to choose your career?

I believe that the software industry, and in particular software sales, is a terrific career for women. My rationale for this is quite straightforward: I believe that sales is one of the quickest and most satisfying ways for women to fast-track within high-tech organizations. Sales success yields credibility and credibility leads to decision making responsibility and upward mobility. My advice is simple: don't be afraid to start out at the bottom; pay attention to how and why people make technology decisions; hone your listening, collaboration and closing skills; and last, always look for additional responsibility and more significant ways to contribute to the organization's bottom line. Through this process, you are learning what your company values, while demonstrating your ability to quickly impact organizational goals and priorities. Once you've mastered this skill, there's no stopping you.

What motivates or inspires you on a daily basis in your field or job?

As I mentioned before, I am inspired by the opportunity to build things. Looking for market opportunities, developing the strategy to go after these new markets and then delivering on the tactical day-to-day execution of a business plan are all tasks that engage my mind. Working both internally and externally, with partners and customers, to solve business & technology problems makes my work tangible and real. It is this sense of accomplishment that comes from merging the abstract business plan with market and customer development that motivates and inspires me.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?

While I love the strategy development aspects of my job, I come alive in the actual building and motivational phase. Inspiring others to shift their thinking and behavior and go after the business in a new way is perhaps that most interesting and psychologically challenging part of my work.

Why is your field important to society?

At Oracle, we provide the foundation for information exchange. The way people live, work, think, learn, interact, communicate, and make decisions is all dependent upon the information that they have access to. I believe that our ability to ultimately provide full information access at a low cost to people of all socioeconomic classes across all cultural and political boundaries is nothing short of revolutionary.

What values are the most important to you, and what do you value in others? How do you prioritize these values in your daily life?

I value integrity, a generosity of spirit and action, the desire to do and be your best, and the ability to laugh with others and at oneself. I try to bring all of these into both my work and personal life. I surround myself with people who are intelligent and competitive but who aren't destructive to themselves or to others. I try to create a community - both at work and at home - of colleagues and friends who are motivated, high energy, thinking human beings.

What do you think are the most important character traits to develop in order to succeed professionally?

Integrity, ambition , a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, and passion.

Who is your hero, mentor, or person you most admire, and why?

I've never had a single hero or mentor. Rather, at different times in my life I have admired different people for the different qualities that they possess. If I were to look for a pattern, I would have to say that I tend to admire people that are strong and dynamic leaders that have demonstrated that they can use their power judiciously and graciously. I'm in awe of people who can drive social change. I think it's a skill I want to develop.

What is your favorite book, and why?

Herman Hess' "Siddhartha." It keeps me balanced and focused on what's important in my life. It's a powerful yet quick read - so I pick it up whenever I feel like I need to regain perspective.

What book would you recommend to someone who knows nothing about your field, but would like to know more about it?

"Accidental Empires"

What technology has improved your life professionally or personally?

I'm torn between saying the cell-phone or the 'under 4 lb.' lap-top. I love mobility.

What are your future goals?

I have so many goals and they are so varied that I don't know where to begin. I know that I want to be a good parent. I want to run my own company. And, sometimes I still think about a political career (my childhood fantasy). I've just started to play tennis and already I have delusions about someday being really, really good.

What do you do to relax?

I play with friends. I ski, I hike, I play tennis, I read fiction. I visit with my family. I nap.