4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
My parents have been the most influential people in my life. They provided me with the understanding that there isn't anything I can't do unless I choose not to. They helped me develop a solid foundation in my life so that I could complete that foundation with my input and style. They gave me the freedom to make my own decisions and to learn from my many mistakes. These lessons taught me that it's okay for people to make mistakes as long as they don't make the same mistake twice and they learn from the experience - an important lesson which I apply to my management style.

Another influential person in my life has been my husband of 18 years who continues to be my very best friend and confidant. Having his support is all I need to keep going!

Lastly, the CTO of our technology division has been very influential in my life. He continues to empower and support me in directing the Women's Network for his division. This is a great honor and demonstrates respect! This is a man whose leadership talent and stand-up communication skills I truly admire.

5. What lessons have you learned that would be valuable to women beginning their careers in technology?
First, don't proclaim to know everything - that's why we hire subject-area experts. Learn from everyone - learn what to do and what not to do!

Also, work smart and be proactive, not reactive. Follow process and have good project management expertise in place. Keep a central repository of all documented processes, procedures, documentation, etc. Enable your employees and yourself to do "one-stop-shopping" when looking for information that pertains to their job, etc.

6. What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Know your priorities and plan accordingly. Always know what's ahead of you. "Get in front of the eight ball," I always say! When you can project what's ahead of you, you can plan to allocate the appropriate time and schedule that would be more conducive to you as an individual.

Remember that you are human and you can only do so much at one time. Multitasking is great as long as you can complete each task with quality results.

Stop and think about the things that are important to your family not just your job. Make room in your life for fun!!!

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?
TV Net. I go back to that "one-stop-shopping" metaphor. In the convenience of your own living room in the flip of one or two buttons, you can watch TV, surf the net, go shopping online, trade online, etc.

However, this technology may also have a negative impact, as future generations will perhaps miss out on trips to the library or store and miss out on socializing and networking opportunities. Perhaps they won't go the extra mile that we do today.

Marianne Sarcone 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?
4. What was the last book you read?