Below is part II of Girls in Tech’s celebration of Women’s History Month. This week we offer another exclusive interview. This time we’ll check in with an innovator in the technology field – Danielle D. Duplin, Vice President and Executive Program Director for the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology.
Cheers,
The Boston GIT Team
1. Name, title and your current job and/or mission in life?
My mission is to catalyze innovation. My goals are to educate employees worldwide on emerging trends in business and technology and create the conditions that inspire them to experiment, collaborate, and create new economic and social value.
2. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made and what did you learn from it that’s worth passing along to others?
My biggest mistake was to spend too many years early in my career heads-down instead of taking the time to build a professional network. Don’t get me wrong, focused devotion is important for building domain expertise and strong relationships with close colleagues. It’s just that now I realize how critical it is to also cultivate a broad network of peers, advisors and experts. My advice is to pro-actively connect with colleagues within your profession (not just within your company), and even more importantly across disciplines. The strength and diversity of your network provides a wealth of inspiration that can amplify your options and accelerate your dreams into reality.
3. What’s your biggest success in the workplace?
I am most proud of creating a Global Seminar series that has produced nearly 300 seminars featuring over 750 internal and external speakers that have been enjoyed by over 100,000 attendees. I love creating a culture of continuous learning and generating that spark of enthusiasm within our communities that could one day lead to a breakthrough idea. Every day is renewing and it’s a privilege to do it.
4. What’s your life or work motto?
Strive to wake-up in the morning with something to look forward to, and put your head on the pillow at night with something new to be proud of.
5. What woman in history inspires you most and why?
The 18th century founding families of this country are my heroes . . . the everyday women and men who banded together for a higher purpose to create a system of government that honors individual freedom. They put their fortunes and their lives on the line to create a better future despite the danger and uncertain outcomes. Their grit, resourcefulness and irrepressible spirit are a true inspiration for today’s innovators and entrepreneurs.
6. What piece of technology can you not live without?
My iPhone! If I left my wallet at home I might not go back for it, but if I left my phone I would race back!
7. What tech trend are you following for 2010?
Open Government has the potential to radically alter the ecosystem of public policy development and citizen engagement — having public access to this treasure trove of data will yield tremendous insights, valuable opportunities and revolutionary applications.
8. What one piece of advice would you give the Girls in Tech of tomorrow?
Smart is sexy and passion is attractive. Do something you love and pursue it with unbridled enthusiasm and determination. You’ll soon find that others will want to join you and wealth (the kind that matters) will come naturally.
9. What three items do you always carry on you?
Lipstick, credit card, and iPhone . . . you can go anywhere and do anything!
