Kathryn Hayley
Partner
Deloitte Consulting's Sustems Integration Practice
Nominated by: Stephen Sprinkle
Excerpt from nomination: "With over 17 years of experience in information technology, specifically in the planning, design, development and implementation of large systems, Ms. Hayley is responsible for tremendous growth experienced by the central region's Information Technology Practice. Since becoming its leader, the practice has more than doubled in size, to over 600 practitioners. Ms. Hayley helped create an internet-based service company. She led the team to define and develop commercial product, develop marketing strategy and build the organization to provide new transaction-based service. As a client-server partner with financial focus, Ms. Hayley worked with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the New York Mercantile Exchange, the Board of Trade Clearing Corporation, the Options Clearing Corporation and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong to develop a blueprint for the next generation of trade management and clearing systems, all of this accomplished while working to adopt her two daughters from China."
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a systems consultant. I learned a bit about consulting,
and a lot about technology. The biggest lesson was in adjusting to working
full-time and the structure that this introduces.
Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
My parents and my grandparents. They are very honest, modest, and caring
people.
What is your favorite book?
East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
E-business will transform business in ways that we probably cannot yet imagine.
What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
I love client service, and I love the constant change. Just when one
thinks they've hit their stride, the landscape changes.
What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My greatest challenges are in parenting. It is unpredictable, complex, and is
an aspect of life that cannot be fully controlled.
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your
field?
Persevere! It is hard work, but ultimately very rewarding.
