WITI Women Survey Questions and Responses:

1. What was your first job in technology?
I have always been fascinated by technology and even spent a childhood summer at computer camp long before technology was in vogue. My first "job," (part-time while still in high school) exposed me to emerging medical technologies in the radiology departments of several large hospitals - at a time when medical technology blossomed. It was some years later when a career shift - to a "computer consultant" -immersed me full-time in information technology. I was thrown in the deep end - first doing support and programming and then architecting solutions; everyone said I took to it like the proverbial "duck in water." It wasn�t long before I decided to launch my own business and well, I suppose the rest is history.

2. Who has been your most significant mentor? Why?
I have been privileged through the years to be surrounded with outstanding mentors - personally and professionally. Personally, my friends and family (especially my parents) have been and continue to be, a source of inspiration, encouragement, support and love - setting wonderful examples and instilling in me a sense of what is "right." My parents taught me success and rewards result from smart, hard work. My late aunt, Leslie van Flymen, was a pioneering woman in business in South Africa and taught me I could do anything - that women could do anything - and do it with intelligence, creativity and style.

Professionally, my dearest friend Steven Kaplan has been my most significant mentor in the last few years. He has made me realize my potential is even greater than I ever believed, and encouraged me to take the calculated, informed risks that have led me down this career path. In addition to being my devil�s advocate, sounding board and business intelligence resource, he is one of my greatest cheerleaders! Steve challenges me, and makes me redefine the way I look at things - always demanding that I grow personally and professionally with each new experience. Everyone should be so lucky to have a "Steve Kaplan" in life!

And today, at Eviciti, I work with many talented women and men in technology who continue to nurture my intellect and spirit even if they are not formal �mentors.� I am indeed privileged to have such wonderful people in my life!

3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome obstacles?
I have had several challenges that have shaped me and enabled me to grow and become the person I am today. I think personally, my biggest challenge has been re-immigrating from South Africa to America as a single parent at the end of September 1998 and leaving my family and support systems behind. It is really tough to go from being a close-knit family and having close (in some cases life-long) friendships to living oceans apart. I am so thankful - as I�m sure are many of my family and friends - for email. My eleven-year-old son and I both enjoy learning - we adapt well, but I still struggle at times to balance my work and family life sans those old support systems. I think one of the biggest strategies in overcoming this has been to join an organization like Eviciti Corp. that values the concept of a balanced and holistic life and embraces it as a culture.

Professionally, I think the single greatest challenge was and still is staying on top of this constantly evolving information technology market space. When the rate of change is so great, and we are limited to twenty-four hours in a day - we have to be selective and creative... I have certain content "pushed" to my email and desktop, I read several magazines regularly and I have focused on areas of key interest and importance to me - specifically e-business and learning. I also read strategic business books to keep up with industry trends and strategy. I dedicate time each day for this - I feel it gives me an edge!

Debi van Flymen 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 were to choose a different profession, what would it be?
4. What is your definition of success?