What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
While still in high school, I entered the corporate workforce as a part-time salesperson for Macy's Department Store. I worked in different departments, for example, the tobacco/electric shaver section (don't know why those two items occupied space together), and the silver service department. One time I sold a silver tea service, which cost several hundred dollars ­ a lot of money back then - and amazed my co-workers and supervisor. What I learned during my time at Macy's was the power of excellent customer service. I believe the main reason I sold that tea service, and was consistently successful at Macy's while still in high school, was because I listened very intently to the customer, finding as many ways as possible to please and delight.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
Hands down, Peter Drucker is my hero. It's astounding to me how absolutely in tune he is to today's international, economic, technological, and business environments. At 90 years young, he has extraordinary insight into today's technological and managerial scene and has an unusually holistic approach to assessing the world in which we live.

What is your favorite book?
I have favorite authors, actually. My three top favorites are Michael Crichton, Toni Morrison, and Leo Tolstoy. I think Michael Crichton is essential reading for technologists because from a technical and scientific standpoint, he does a great job looking at and understanding business systems and the challenges facing business today. Translating the economic, social, and ethical implications of the many real-life plots he uses for his books is fascinating to me.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
I see three big, big facets of IT that need to continue advancing in the next 10 years: security, standards and liability. It's predicted that 75 percent of the world's population in 2020 will be using the Internet, so we will take access to the Internet for granted wherever we are. Knowing that reality is upon us, a lot of work needs to be done in the next few years and beyond to deny hackers the ability to access the increasing amounts of secure information businesses and governments are putting onto web-based locations.

Standards in hardware and software have been instrumental in Andersen's success as one of the most innovative global professional services firms. Our people can easily communicate with each other via phone and computer anywhere in the world, ultimately at the service of our clients. The standardization allows us to truly "plug and play" with new and more advanced technologies, as a Firm. More broadly, standardization is needed for us as a country and ultimately globally.

Liability is at the core of many business initiatives, fortunately or unfortunately. As we've seen with the dot.com failures, the promise of success with new technology is broken somewhat frequently. If information is lost because of faulty computer parts or bad software, who is responsible? Technology can help assure good outcomes for business. Technology can also be a liability, if not properly managed, if not properly aligned with business strategy - if technologists don't understand the implications of their actions on the success of the enterprise. More importantly, this is a vital business issue that the business needs to take control of and manage.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
I have spent much of my career in the corporate world. In that world the exciting thing for me has been making process and products better using technology in ways it had not been used before. At Andersen I work with very bright, interesting people. The ideas flow, and it is such fun to come up with new ways to bring value to the firm and then implement these ways in record time, thanks to phenomenally intelligent and resourceful colleagues.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My two daughters. Sharon is a horsewoman. From a very early age she knew that was her calling. She owns and has built stables where she buys and sells horses, and is heavily involved in training and showing. Jillana has a Ph.D. from Rutgers. She teaches English and Cultural Studies at Northwestern University, focusing on how the Internet and language affect and are affected by culture. She and I talk often about how the Internet, which largely represents a North American culture, impacts cultures and languages around the globe. I really enjoy learning from her.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
When I was with Home Savings Bank, we decided to purchase a bank, which did business in areas in which we had little experience and no customers or infrastructure: business banking, business lending and cash management. We had to move quickly with our plans due to certain federal mandates. I led a six-month effort to put in place the necessary technology strategy and work plan. Not only did we not lose customers, we gained them! I enjoyed our challenging role, helping Home Savings grow in ways it never had before, and implementing new ways to operate and succeed.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Of course, that's tough sometimes. I do take a vacation every year with my husband. We love the water and try to take some time on the weekends to sail, with the only computer on board being the GPS. I make sure I talk to and see my daughters regularly. And because I believe in giving back to the community, I apply my business and life experiences as a board member of two non-profit organizations: the Fielding Graduate Institute and the Asolo Theatre Company.

Fielding Graduate Institute is an accredited distance learning educational institution located in California that offers graduate degrees in applied and behavioral sciences to mid-career professionals. The Board of Trustees is comprised of a wide variety of experts in education, media, insurance, etc. It's a great experience, especially since I chair the Technology Committee.

The Asolo Theatre Company is in Sarasota, Florida, where I live. Asolo is a rotating repertory theatre and is one of the most prominent arts organizations in town, benefiting from the generosity and commitment of longtime and new residents. I enjoy being part of such an essential organization in my community and, of course, getting to see such wonderful productions.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
First, I applaud the choice: IT is still new and more open to women than other, more mature industries.

Second, position yourself to excel in one of the new technologies. Specialties such as computer networks, imaging technology, massive data storage and artificial intelligence will have revolutionary effects in our lives, and are certainly broadening the possibilities for women's success in IT. Educational institutions continue to build their programs at the undergraduate and graduate level to ready students for technology careers.

Third, network. I say with all sincerity, organizations such as WITI have significantly increased awareness in the business world, education and government of the contributions women have made and can make to this incredibly interesting, dynamic field.