4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
My family. My parents, sister and husband all play important roles. They keep me sane and grounded and bring true meaning to my life.

5. What lessons have you learned that would be valuable to women beginning their careers in technology?
Don't be afraid. Hold your breath and jump into opportunity. The worst thing that can happen is failure� and as long as you learn from mistakes, they are good tools to have for future success.

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?
Online communities have the power to bring people together in profound ways. Communities can bring companionship, connections and access to goods and services. They can make the world a little bit smaller. Online communities, when inappropriately designed can also yield profound alienation between people and serve to replace human interaction.

Vanessa DiMauro 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?