4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
I think my Dad has been the biggest influence on me - he tells me he lives vicariously through the things I do. He is incredibly intelligent and amazingly creative. He is a fair and good person. Now, I think I may have also gotten my work-a-holism from him, which is not a good thing. But hopefully, as I find more balance in my life, I will positively influence him to change his.

5. What lessons have you learned that would be valuable to women beginning their careers in technology?
First lesson: You must believe in yourself first and know that you can do anything.

Second lesson: Even if you are the only female in your class or in your company or in your department or on a team, the very fact that you are there is so important and it is worth taking the responsibility to be a role model to others.

Third lesson: You cannot do everything yourself. Ask for help, learn to delegate, trust others.

Fourth lesson: Find a mentor and be a mentor - be in a constant learning mode.

I guess these things apply to anyone in any industry, but I found they all have helped me in this industry.

6. What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
The first challenge is to realize your life is unbalanced and to be committed to making a change. I turned over the leadership of my company to others and am working from home. I make sure I get outside several times a day. When I worked at the office, I got to the office around 10 a.m. or so and didn't leave until 9, 10, 11 p.m. or later, sometimes never going outside all day. I'm hiring a fitness trainer because I know that I need another person to motivate me to exercise right now. And I'm starting Yoga classes, something I had never done before but was invited by my nine year old cousin and loved it! I'm cleaning my one room studio apartment, throwing things out, and creating a more peaceful space for myself.

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 think whatever happens to the Internet and television will create an entire new way of living, doing business, communicating - it is already doing it but we're barely scratching the surface. I think that technology can be both positive and negative - it is up to people - people who create it and people who use it.

Aliza Sherman 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. If you could only subscribe to 3 magazines, what would they be?
3. What was the last book you read?
4. If you couldn't do what you are doing now, what profession would you choose?
5. Define success in 10 words or less.