Linda Myers-Tierney Founder and Principal Myers-Tierney & Associates As founder/principal of Myers-Tierney & Associates, Linda Myers-Tierney has provided a wide range of consulting services to technology clients ranging from start-ups to industry leaders. In her career, Myers-Tierney has also served as chief marketing officer of Eastman Software, in senior marketing, sales, and finance positions at Digital Equipment Corporation, and as a practice leader at International Data Corporation. A frequent author and speaker on industry topics, she is widely recognized as an expert in the areas of e-business, knowledge/document management, imaging/ workflow, and collaborative computing. She uses her vision and leadership skills in corporate governance, serving on boards of directors and corporate advisory boards. At Myers-Tierney & Associates, she provides her diverse client base with proprietary research as well as consulting services on critical issues such as product positioning, market segmentation/expansion, strategic alliances, and merger integration. Clients have included IBM, Lotus, Microsoft, Compaq, Digital, Netscape, Xerox, Novell, Oracle, FileNET, Documentum, and PC DOCS. As CMO of Eastman Software, Myers-Tierney led development of the company's e-business strategy, drove the business planning process, reinvigorated customer relationships, and executed all marketing activity to shift this Kodak division from a focus on commodity software tools to high value vertical e-business solutions. The success of these initiatives positioned the division for its spin-off as an independent company. At IDC, where she was recruited to implement qualitative analysis methodologies and expand segment coverage, Myers-Tierney launched and grew a successful proprietary consulting practice focused on the knowledge/document management market. She began her career in diverse finance, sales, and marketing assignments at Digital Equipment Corporation, including serving as director of finance & administration for Corporate MIS, Data & Telecommunications, where she played a lead role in the piloting and evaluation of advanced internal/external technology. 1. What was your first job in technology? My first jobs in high-tech were in Finance in Digital Equipment Corporation, initially in a product line organization, then as the Finance and Administration Manager for the Corporate IT organization, providing data networking, telecommunications, and knowledge worker technology tools like email and word processing to employees across the global enterprise. It was there I became captivated by the potential impact that technology had on people and organizations. Then and there, I committed to remain in high tech, targeting a career change to marketing. 2. Who has been your most significant mentor? Why? I've been very privileged to work with some very gifted people over the years, and I've made it a goal to learn something from everyone. Outside of work environments, my husband and women friends have provided perhaps the most significant mentoring, as their perspectives have resulted in practical insights as well as essential support and encouragement. 3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome obstacles? My greatest challenge has been in adapting to the constant changes that occur. My initial tendency was to hold on to the safety and security of the "status quo", even though I knew that precluded opportunities for me. I really had to look within to recognize and trust that whatever happens, I can adapt, and with the right perspective, even better things can result. This has really helped me welcome and embrace change for my growth. I have less stress and can develop more creative solutions as a result. 4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why? My parents have been an inspiration to me through their strength, tenacity, hard work, and faith. 5. What lessons have you learned that would be valuable to women beginning their careers in technology? Get as much education, training, and varied job experiences as possible, Always look for opportunities to volunteer, especially when new skills, experiences, contacts, and visibility opportunities exist, Set goals - both personal and professional and evaluate progress regularly, Develop a formal career plan in conjunction with your manager, gaining her commitment to your development goals and next steps Try to know your gifts, for if you are in a job that uses them, you will do well, have fun, be most natural, and succeed with less effort than if you are in a position that is less well aligned with your true strengths. 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? Of course, the Internet is a logical first reaction, but aside from that, we are on the cusp of dramatic breakthroughs in human genetic engineering. This area holds great promise in solving health problems and curing diseases. On the negative side, I worry about the ecological impact of "modern life" with its pesticides, pollution, and population explosion on global climates and clean water supplies. On a lighter note: 1. If you could have dinner with any 2 people (living or not), who would they be? William Shakespeare for his enormous creativity and ability to write prolifically. Mother Theresa for her boundless capacity for love, grace and wisdom. 2. What was the last book you read? What books do you love to recommend? I am a voracious reader, reading everything from the latest business books to new age spirituality. My favorite book is The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This book is the retelling of the Arthurian legends from the female perspective. For me it was a great eye-opener on the subject of perspective, illustrating how dramatically differing views can occur, and the benefit of looking at multiple sides of any issue. 3. What is your definition of success? My definition of success is using your gifts, because that means doing what you love, doing it well, and feeling fulfilled. For more 'WITI Women' articles, go to: http://www.witi.com/wire/witiwomen/ For all the latest news and information on women in technology, visit http://www.witi.com Copyright© 1989 - 2000 WITI All rights reserved.