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

My first job was welding in a machine shop. I started to value very fast how difficult it is to make a decent living without a good education. It made me study engineering more.

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

When I came to the United States, I noticed a void in the cookware market. You had to choose between beauty and function. I wanted both, and because I was an engineer, I knew I could accomplish this.

Why would you encourage others to choose careers in your field? What advice would you give someone who wanted to choose your career?

Engineering is an excellent choice for women because it's the practical study of how to get things done. I also encourage women to start their own companies, because it's the only way to ensure that your ideas will translate into reality in the way you envisioned.

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

There are many things, but at the top of the list is working with and inspiring people. It's great to watch our team grow, develop and succeed.

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

The challenge of coming up with something new, season after season. Even though I have 13 different design and utility patents on Chantal from the U.S. and Germany, and even though Chantal has a unique niche in the marketplace, you can never stand still or you will fall behind.

Why is your field or industry important to society?

Food preparation is one of the most basic and vital human activities. If we can make food preparation and serving easier, healthier, more versatile and fun, we've done something important.

What is your vision for your industry's or field's future? What are some of the exciting things to watch for in your field or industry?

It will be very interesting to see what happens when more female engineers break into consumer product design. I was the first woman, and the first female engineer, to start my own cookware company, so I asked questions about cookware that my male counterparts never asked. For example, why can't we make cookware that's beautiful enough to serve in and is also completely convenient, durable and dishwasher safe?

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?

For me respect and understanding are most important, respect of other people's rights, differences and interests. This is the foundation for successful teamwork, which in turn is vital to our success.

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

The most important trait is perseverance. Whatever goal you choose, there will be obstacle after obstacle. Do not be discouraged. Simply figure out how to overcome them one by one.

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

I named "Chantal" in honor of Coco Channel. She was the first woman to succeed in what was then the male-dominated world of fashion.

What is your favorite book and why?

I don't have a favorite book. There are many books I enjoy reading. I like the South American authors such as Isabelle Allende and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. And I definitely prefer happy endings!

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

"Teaching the Buffalo to Fly" has been an eye-opener to me in my management style.

What technology has changed your life professionally or personally for the better?

The computer, of course!

What are your future goals?

I want Chantal to remain focused and to always deliver the best in cook & serveware. In addition, I want to give back to the community by encouraging and mentoring others through activities such as Chantal's Summer Intern Program and my volunteer work with The Women's Home of Houston, a shelter that helps women in crisis to become self-sufficient.

What do you do to relax?