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

My first job out of college was as a scientific programmer in the Operations Research Department of American Airlines. I chose that job because of my interest in operations research and my desire to get the air travel benefits of working for an airline. I worked in Manhattan and shared an apartment on the East Side. I had interned as an actuarial trainee for Equitable Life Insurance the summer before . At that time, I had met the sister of a college friend who had held a similar airline job, and it piqued my interest.

I thought that working in the operations research field for an airline would be an ideal position because I could pursue both my academic and leisure-time passions with one job. From the standpoint of my personal life, the job was terrific. I took advantage of the travel privileges and flew on standby for free. In the course of a year, I visited Europe (three times), Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Far East.

The actual day-to-day job, on the other hand, was somewhat of a disappointment. Although I had majored in mathematical science (a combined major with computer science, operations research, math, and statistics), I found the actual work to be very tedious. I learned that I did not like doing strictly analytical work. I much preferred interacting with people and the external world. In less than a year, I took a new job as a sales representative for IBM. The company put me through a year-long training program that became the foundation for my career over the next twenty years.

Unfortunately, the career counseling and the courses available in school do not mirror the job opportunities in the working world. There were no courses on computer sales, nor were there any mentors who even understood that this was even a career choice. However, once I was actually in the working world, my horizons expanded and I was better able to match my strengths and interests with the opportunities available.

My first job selection was somewhat off the mark because I looked at job choices like class selection. Although I do not regret having taken my first job, because the fringe benefits were terrific and it was a unique opportunity, I should have conducted more thorough research on the job content of real jobs. I realize that I should have understood the difference between actual job content versus the academic subject matter.

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

My mother played a pivotal role in my development. She went back to school when I was about ten and got a Ph.D. in psychology. She then proceeded to develop a strong private practice that she ran for twenty years as well as becoming a popular speaker on the local lecture circuit. She valued intelligence, industriousness, and the need for women to have independent means. She combined her personal achievements with raising three capable children. Through her, I had a role model that told me I could achieve my career dreams as well as being able to successfully combine that career with marriage and raising my children.

What are you most proud of (either professionally or personally)?

I have always tried to have balance in my life. I have had a mixture of professional and personal ambitions. On the personal side, I was interested in having a family and a strong marriage. From a career standpoint, I was interested in achieving executive responsibility in a stimulating and rewarding environment. Today, I can truly say that I have accomplished the goals of my mid-twenties. I am proud of my ability to really drive my own destiny and accomplish my goals while being able to enjoy the process completely. Of course, I have to say that I have been very lucky as well and am appreciative of the fact that we live in a world where all this is possible.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?

Success comes from understanding who you are. The questions a young woman might think about in order to reach her dreams and goals, might be: What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What do you truly enjoy? What makes you unique? The sooner she understands herself and what makes her happy, the sooner she can look for the types of career opportunities that leverage her uniqueness. It is easy for a young woman to be influenced by what others feel she should do, or how others think she should look, or how others think she should act. The most effective and fulfilled people seek to fulfill their "true self."

What is your favorite book?

I enjoyed Geoffrey Moore's "Inside the Tornado" and "Crossing the Chasm." These are two excellent marketing books for high technology companies. I find myself applying the framework of both the vocabulary and examples on a daily basis within my work. Both books have become the basis for a lot of our strategic marketing thinking.

What is your favorite Web site?

I use Yahoo as the jumping off point for many things. It has become very complete and has become something akin to an electronic "Grand Central Station." Of course, I like NCD's Web site, since it is a reflection of what I spend most of my day doing. Lastly, I use www.techstocks.com to get the latest information about technology stocks and chat about them.

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

My work is tremendously diverse and that is the essence of what keeps me interested. I do a lot of work with customers, partners, press and analysts. I love representing my company, NCD, to the world. I work with a strong group of people comprised of both my direct team and my peers. I enjoy working with all of them toward the common goal we have of making the company successful. Our industry is very dynamic. There is a constant need to invent and reinvent strategy and it is very exciting.

What was your darkest moment (professionally) and what did you learn from it?

My first year at NCD was very trying. I was new to the vice president of marketing position, new to the company and new to the industry. NCD was in a very difficult period as well. I was not comfortable in my role at that time and questioned what I could really contribute to effect the situation. I almost left the company. Ironically, I feel that because I persevered through this very difficult time, I was able to establish myself in the company through what I could uniquely contribute. Because I stayed, my situation is very positive and fulfilling today.

What do you do to relax?

Over the last year and one half, I have taken up running. Having never run distance consistently before, I finally took it up as a way to incorporate regular exercise into my life. I now run three to five miles three to four times a week and I have run in two 10k races. I am still not very fast, but I feel more physically fit and it is an important part of my well-being. I also enjoy spending time with my family. My children are now 10 and 13 and are excellent company.