What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My very first job was a hostess at a local restaurant. It was very significant for me. This is where I established a work ethic and learned to take pride in my job no matter how seemingly insignificant and to do your job well. As strange as it may sound, I gained self confidence in my ability to add value to a position. Even as a hostess, a job is what you make of it and you are only limited in life by your own imagination... and a few rules.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
My hero is my dad. He is the wisest man I know. The things that I am sure he thought were said in passing or that were insignificant still guide me today as a parent, as a wife and as a professional.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
I think that advances in computer technology are only limited by the imagination of incredibly creative and smart people that are inventing it as we speak. I envision that in the future everything we do will be fully integrated and accessible virtually anywhere.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
The most interesting element of my work is the opportunity to meet and work with so many smart people from all over the world.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment has nothing to do with my career, although it is very important to me. My role as wife and mother is my greatest accomplishment. In a hundred years my success here will be what makes the biggest difference.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My greatest challenge is a challenge that I still face every day: The challenge of self-doubt and the fear of failure. It is hard to not let yourself be limited by these obstacles and believe in yourself and your abilities. Once I face these challenges and move beyond them I feel I can tackle almost anything. I have learned that sometimes you don't fully succeed but you live to "fight" another day and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Unfortunately, these aren't lessons you learn once. Everyday I need to learn again and learn more.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Very early in my career (like the second week) I asked my supervisor how do you know when to go home there is so much to do. She simply replied you just leave - the work won't go anywhere and you will never be done (truer words were never spoken). I still struggle with knowing when to go home, but I do know that the single most important thing for me is that when I go home I am home. Work stays at the office and home stays at home. The second most important thing is that you have to schedule balance into our ever faster paced life-styles. You have to take time for you and not feel guilty about it. I regularly workout, practice yoga and plan time to spend with my sons doing what they want to do.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
I would share two pieces of advice. One, believe in yourself first, if you don't believe you, why should others? Two, if you wait until you are ready, you will never do it. I have followed both of these my whole life and truly believe that is what contributes to my ability to overcome my greatest challenges. Allow yourself to be human but don't limit yourself because of it.