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LEARNING

For me, education is a never-ending process.  I enjoy learning, and I raise questions that often expand discussions, lead to insights, and reveal opportunities.  I also believe in sharing knowledge, without expecting something in return. 

 

Below you can find out about some of my learning history, and find some resources that might spark some new ideas for you.

Formal Education

 

I majored in chemistry, earning a Bachelor's degree, cum laude, at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  My favorite topics in my major were analytical chemistry and organic chemistry, but my university studies covered a broad range of topics, from environmental chemistry to international dance, from computer programming to therapeutic massage.

 

​I considered pursuing a higher degree, but decided that I'd need some work experience to decide if a career in chemistry was going to be right for me.

Application Development

 

Having done some ion chromatography in college and having heard good things about Dionex, I pursued a position there.  I hired on as an applications chemist, where my job was to figure out how to use instrumentation to solve difficult problems, such as

determination of trace anions in concentrated sodium hydroxide, determination of trace cyanide in alkaline absorber solutions, and gradient separations using sodium hydroxide eluents.

 

The work was interesting and challenging, but I did get tired of waiting for results and handling caustic solutions. Seeing opportunities to improve the instruments, I jumped at a chance to become a Product Specialist.

Product Management

 

I knew I'd found my calling when I went into Product Management. Here was a role full of action and variety—taking responsibility for making things happen, interacting with all parts of the organization and with customers, and balancing demands of product development, product promotion, and product support.

 

Wearing a lot of hats gave me the opportunity to learn—and learn fast—about research, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, order administration, sales, customer service, training, finance, legal issues, international operations, and more.

 

After many years of being a Product Manager, I still enjoy the work, and I expect to keep doing it for many more years. 

Short Courses

 

Throughout my career, I've taken advantage of opportunities to strengthen my skills through short courses in a variety of subjects. For a list, click here.

 

 

Professional Organizations

 

I've attended many meetings hosted by professional organizations such as Silicon Valley Product Management Association, SDForum (now SVForum), WebGuild, and BayCHI.

 

From 1999 to 2004, I chaired the Marketing Special Interest Group (SIG) of SDForum.  I recruited speakers and organized a highly successful series of monthly educational presentations on diverse topics related to Marketing, from which I and others learned a lot.

 

For a list of topics covered in the Marketing SIG series, click here.

 

Independent Study

 

I've read many books related to business, marketing, and technology, from which I've picked up many great ideas.

 

Click here for a list of recommended readings.

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