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

My first job after college was as a systems analyst/programmer for a small company in western Pennsylvania. The company culture allowed me to experience the dynamics of corporate politics early in my career. (It made me wish I had minored in psychology, rather than electrical engineering.) It began obvious that technology's true power was as tool that should be used to advance the agendas of both individual careers and corporate strategies.

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

I most admire my parents because of their unconditional love for me, their unwavering faith in my abilities, their constant support and encouragement of my dreams, and for the many sacrifices they made throughout their lives so that I could have the opportunity to succeed.

They instilled in me a belief that I could, and should, be whatever I had the desire to be. I was taught, through words and actions, that I was to be defined by my own actions and accomplishments - and to stand up for what I believed in (however unpopular).

What is your favorite book?

Lately my reading time has been relegated to consuming business literature. The most inspirational book, in that category, has been "Leadership is an Art" by Max DePree.

My true love is the classics - the stuff they made you read in high school (and you hated it). I collect children's books. Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is handed out with our company's employee handbook.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?

In the technology field, 10 years is a long time. Speed will remain the defining factor in all product development. The internet will not be what we know today (although that could be the case in just a couple of years!). Virtual reality technology will become mainstream (just like computers did). We will come closer to harnessing the power of the human mind in developing innovations that address time and space transportation - that will give telecommuting a whole new meaning.

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

As a business owner, the most interesting element of my work is creating something new, envisioning something and making it a reality. Ideas that come from "thinking outside of the box" are the most rewarding challenge of each day - whether it be a service offering to a customer, a benefit to the employees, or a software design.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplish is growing a business whose service offerings redefine the consulting industry and whose corporate culture recognizes the employee as the true customer.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?

My greatest challenge was growing the company from 1 employee (me) to a staff of 12 in one year - on a shoestring budget. I learned to always look back and reflect on what has been accomplished - it will give you the strength to tackle the rest of the stuff looming in front of you that needs to be done.

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

Have passion! You must inherently love what you do - it must exhilarate you. You will be constantly learning and redefining your role in the industry because technology will not stand still.