WITI Women Survey Questions and Responses:
1. What was your first job in technology?
I was an MIS major in college, but my first job in technology was at MCI. As a product manager I was responsible for technical product development, coordinating with the IS teams. I enjoyed being able to combine my interest in marketing with my academic technical knowledge in a fast-paced environment.
2. Who has been your most significant mentor? Why?
I've actually had a couple people who've given me incredible nuggets of wisdom. One individual who comes to mind is a gentleman I worked for at Bell Atlantic. He taught me to network and develop relationships even if the benefit was not at first obvious. Many of the relationships I've developed before and since that time have been important to me throughout my career and at various companies.
3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome
obstacles?
One of my greatest work challenges has been in coming in to established companies and pioneering new business units. In one case, I encountered significant resistance due to fear of cannibalizing the current business. The way I overcame this challenge was to educate other departments on the opportunity that the new channel offered to the company and how their department could contribute. I also involved them in the development of the plans for the line of business and clearly communicated goals and results.
Beth VanStory 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 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. What was the last book you read? What books do you love to recommend?
3. If you couldn't do what you are doing now, what profession would you choose?
4. What is your definition of success?
