Life Lessons From The Exceptional Women Of The Bay

Lara Druyan, 1994 MBA

Lori P. Mirek, 1989 MBA, technology executive:

“There is a saying that I’ve heard repeated in many different variations, but the version that I like the best is: ‘Of the five balls you juggle as a woman (work, health, spirit, friends, and family), only work is made of rubber and can bounce back while the rest are made of glass – the most important being your family.’ There will never be a perfect time in your career to start a family, so you need to choose to have children when it is the right time for your family. My two amazing daughters are the absolute best part of my life’s journey!”

Gloria T. Chen, 1994 MBA , vice preident, office of the CEO at Adobe:

“Personally, I feel delight and pride in making a difference in someone’s life. I remember being a young consultant on a cost-cutting project for a midwest manufacturer, a client filled with macho, consultant-hating employees. There were days when I was subject to in-your-face finger pointing and nasty tirades. A month after it ended, I received a letter from Gary, a quiet, 40-year-old, shop floor expediter who had worked at the factory since he was 18. He wrote a two-page letter thanking me for teaching him Excel and basic financial analysis during the project. He told me that I had changed his life, allowing him to move on to a better paying office position. The letter made me cry. Years later, I don’t know if the project helped our client’s bottom line, nor do I really care, but knowing I had that kind of impact on someone’s life is priceless.”

Lara Druyan, 1994 MBA, general partner of G&B Partners:

“I wish that someone had told me these three things. First, you cannot overestimate the role that luck will play in your career (and in those of your peers and classmates). Second, nothing is set in stone. You can and probably will change careers, and don’t be afraid of that. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, when evaluating your bosses, find out what their wives do. My best bosses had wives who were smart and worked outside the home. Why is that true? That’s probably due to the fact that they valued having a smart, driven woman around, making them more likely to enjoy having me around.”

Lisa Spinali, 1990 MBA, freelance consultant:

“Your life is not a linear trajectory. There will be winds and curves and detours. Make sure to look up because if you don’t you will miss some of those forks in the road and it is in those opportunities that life is most interesting. And, if that opportunity scares you, that’s a sign that you have to do it!”

Mary Cunningham Agee, 1979 MBA, president and founder, The Nurturing Network:

I wish that someone had warned me that fear, suspicion and jealousy can be provoked when a woman gains access to the top management of a Fortune 100 company. My promotion to Vice President of Strategic Planning in the early 80’s sparked a media firestorm fueled by gossip and sensationalism. At that time, few women had been given the opportunity to advance quickly through the corporate ranks. I wish someone had better prepared me for the dangers of penetrating the infamous glass ceiling.”