4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
My mother has been the most influential person in my life. She is a wonderful human being and has an incredibly positive outlook on life. She has taught me how to grow with each life experience no matter how difficult it may seem at the time and that ultimately we control and determine our own happiness.

5. What lessons have you learned that would be valuable to women beginning their careers in technology?
It is critical for young women to go out and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the high tech world. Learn how to take risks, understand the world of finance as it relates to your field, gain experience in line management, sharpen your communication skills, and understand what it means to be a rainmaker.

6. What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
I am very focused and organized. While my career is important to me, I understand that life, family and relationships are more important and I try to make sure that I make choices that support those priorities. I've had to rely on my own inner strength and determination to be successful at it all. However, I also had an incredibly strong network of family and friends to help me along the way.

7. What new technology do you believe will have the most positive impact on the world in the next 20 years? The most negative impact?
I believe the Internet will have the most positive impact. It will level the playing field by providing equal access to information.

Gayle Crowell answers these questions:
1. What was your first job in technology?
2. Who has been your most significant mentor? Why?
3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome obstacles?
4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
5. What lessons have you learned that would be valuable to women beginning their careers in technology?
6. What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
7. What new technology do you believe will have the most positive impact on the world in the next 20 years? The most negative impact?

On the lighter side:
1. If you could have dinner with any 2 people (living or not), who would they be?
2. Define success in 10 words or less.
3. If you could only subscribe to 3 magazines, what would they be?

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