WITI Women Survey Questions and Responses:
1. What was your first job in technology?
My first position was as a business/programmer analyst at Apple Computer.
I performed user and functional requirements documents, and C Programming.
2. Who has been your most significant mentor? Why?
The list is long, but at the top would be Phil Dixon, (currently CEO of
Colliers International), who was my first manager at Apple Computer. He
hired me straight from grad school, and always reinforced how much he
'believed in me.' He still does today, always checking in, offering
counsel, but most importantly, being a great listener.
3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome obstacles?
My greatest challenge was overcoming the constant reorganizations and
management changes while at Apple Computer. I was confused between total
loyalty to a company and doing what was best for my own career (and
sanity).
It was difficult to encourage partnerships with my own personal reputation
knowing that in a few months a new management team would be in place
redefining company and division objectives, reorganizing teams, and
effecting more layoffs. The strategies I used included getting involved
with
management to help create my destiny, as well as maintaining a positive
attitude for as long as feasible. I departed the company in 1996.
Teri Dahlbeck 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?