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

My first 'real' job was with the U.S. Small Business Administration as a typist in a typing pool while I was going to college at night. I learned to ask questions for clarity, do high quality work, and to take things off of my boss' 'to do' list rather than to add things to it. If I wasn't busy I spent time helping others and learning lots of different jobs in the office, which helped me to develop relationships and to be better prepared for growth and promotional opportunities. I continue to apply these lessons learned in every job I have today.

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

I don't have just one person. I respond to this question from a place of humility. Each and every one of us has had a different set of life experiences that contribute to who we are. Each and every one of those experiences is rich and noteworthy. I believe that I have an opportunity to learn from and connect with everyone with whom I come in contact. These gifts come in many forms ­ intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual. I honor and respect these gifts in each of us.

What is your favorite book?

I am an avid reader, so, once again, I have many:

For career planning, my favorite book is The Path by Laurie Beth Jones. It goes beyond the workplace and describes a way of "creating your mission statement for work and life." My personal belief is that work is only one aspect of a woman's life and we need to tend to all aspects.

For leadership, my favorite book is Managing from the Heart by Hyler Bracey, Jack Rosenblum, Aubrey Sanford, and Roy Trueblood. I like this book because it talks about our relationships with others from a deeper, more human place.

For accountability, my favorite book is The Oz Principle by Roger Connors, Tom Smith and Craig Hickman. This book moves you out of a "victim" place and into one of true accountability.

For process, I like Peter Block's book, Flawless Consulting. It provides a very practical way of entering into an agreement for deliverables from a place of integrity and predictability.

For life learning, my favorite book is Half Time by Bob Buford. It reflects on how we spend the first half of our lives looking for the traditional symbols of success ­ how much do I make, how big is my house, what kind of car do I drive, etc. ­ and the second half of our life looking for significance ­ why am I here?, what is my purposes?, how do I want to be remembered?, etc. The real question is for me was, "where am I in my life, and when does the second half start?" For me, it started when I read this book.

And last, on creativity, I love the book Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie. He sub-titles it "A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace." I think that says it all.

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

With the technology world changing so rapidly, the one thing we can count on is change! I am not smart enough to predict all of the wonderful things that technology will bring us, therefore, it is my belief that it is incumbent on each of us to become agile learners (rather than knowers). No matter what we know today, it can be obsolete from a practical standpoint tomorrow. We can choose to be agile learners, open to the possibilities ­ or we can be "jerks," pretending that we know when we know that we don't know ­ or we can be "aliens," sticking our heads in the sand and pretending that things aren't changing. The choice is ours!

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

The people!!! Because of the talent, intellect, insight and potential of the people at work, I have an opportunity to learn and grow every day. Creating an environment where people feel valued, connected, accountable and included is a challenging and rewarding one. The fact that we, as humans, are each unique brings a richness and diversity that is an inspiration to me.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Being a good mother and wife. No matter where I work or what I'm doing, I'm always my son's mother; and after twenty-five years, I wouldn't want to be anyone's wife other than my husband's. They bring me the greatest joy and comfort. They will always be first in my priorities.

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

Learning to validate myself. As a woman, I think many of us are raised to be nurturer and givers. As a result, we gain our satisfaction and, often, our self-worth from others. With all of the changes going on in our lives today ­ mergers, acquisitions, changing technology, downsizing, re-engineering ­ we must rely on our own abilities. My value system is very important to me. I will not compromise that value system to "go along to get along." There was no one event that led me to this learning, rather a lifetime of growing experiences. My leadership philosophy is, "It starts with me." I can't change anyone else, only me. Knowing who I am and validating myself allows me to grow deliberately and with purpose. That's very fundamental to my being "grounded" in who I am.

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

Be true to yourself. Be open to the possibilities. Care about other people. Act on your hopes and dreams. We judge ourselves by our intentions ­ others judge us by our actions. Be deliberate and purposeful about how you want to be "judged."