What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
A volunteer librarian in high school. It was my only non-tech job, but it gave me a sense of the value of having access to information in our lives. I learned about the Dewey Decimal system and the value of organizing information so that it can be retrieved. The internet is doing what I did so much faster, without having to manage the physical asset.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
Leonardo DeVinchi, because he was able to succeed as an artist and then went on to succeed as a scientist. Leonard achieved recognition as a as both a left-brain and right-brain genius.

It is hard to grow in your career when you are put it a box that limits you. Even Leonardo had to be creative in launching his career in science by focusing on the scientific aspects of his artistic career when applying for a job.

Often you hear someone described as 'just' a technologist, artist or sales person. Interdisciplinary skills can help people approach situations in truly revolutionary skills.

What is your favorite book?
"The Little Engine that Could," by Watty Piper.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
Information and communication are traveling faster and faster. Today with wireless communications you can get almost anything at your fingertips.

I believe that soon communications will go beyond the transfer of data, it requires the understanding and exchange of ideas. This means that information will not be limited by language barriers. Today roughly 95% of all translation is done by humans which is not the most efficient mechanism for instantaneous communications. Access to information is critical to the growth and survival of all cultures and nations.

WordStream's technology will play a big role in this advancement.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
The ability to play a role in bringing an important and revolutionary technology to the marketplace.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
I would say one of my most interesting and different accomplishments was competing in Skeleton at the World Cup and US Nationals. (A bobsled sport, similar to luge but head first face down on the bobsled track.) Sports teach you a lot about yourself like your fears, ability to focus and determination.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
At one point I was launching a product and had a critical deadline. We had scheduled a media event [and] we could not change it. We still had a lot of work on product development and needed to close several contracts to launch the product. Someone close to me had a terrible accident and I spent several sleepless weeks commuting between intensive care and work. Together with my team we met our goals and had an extremely successful product launch.

If I had focused on the horrors of the situation instead of creating the plan for success, we would never have pulled it off. Life has ways of sidetracking us and you can feel sorry for yourself and be angry and bitter or you can create a plan and enjoy the rewards of successful execution.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
I run 6 miles every morning. My husband and I try to spend half our weekends just relaxing and being nice to ourselves. It helps keep life in perspective.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Follow your heart and be passionate about your dream and you will find the way. You will succeed but not without a few setbacks. You will need to be creative in solving your problems ... and remember nothing good comes without lots of work.