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WITI Women | Tama Olver

WITI Women Survey Questions and Responses:

1. What was your first job in technology?

I was a programmer/analyst working for Control Data Corporation immediately following graduation from college. We developed some of the earliest wide band graphics and timesharing software. Our customers used the systems to solve problems in fields such as seismology and ship-building which were previously unsolved.

2. Who has been your most significant mentor? Why?
I can't identify a single, most significant, mentor. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people with special skills who have been willing to help me -- especially to help me see into my blind spots. Perhaps a manager about a decade ago who is still the best listener I have ever known contributed most by helping me become a far better listener.

3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome obstacles?
My greatest challenges have been managing change, especially in recent years when the need to change much more quickly has become so critical. It is especially challenging to work with a successful organization and achieve enough change, fast enough. To overcome the obstacles I use my experience. I also study what is going on in change management, seek advice from others facing the same challenges, and listen to industry leaders facing the same challenges. I saw Carly Fiorina of Hewlett-Packard speak at a conference last week and got a lot out of her comments about change at HP which I can apply.

Tama Olver 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?

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