Dolores Priegnitz

I think my success comes from my ability to adapt into a fast-changing technology environment. I made the leap from consumer products into the high-tech world of Silicon Valley, where change is constant and you're always looking at the next version, the next iteration, what the competition is doing. Being able to not just keep up but thrive in that environment, and then taking that expertise globally, has been key. I traveled internationally in a global role to introduce changes and help people adapt across different cultures, which taught me so much. The cultural differences were significant, and learning to work with people in Asia-Pacific, understanding their perspectives on why something might or might not work, really shaped my approach. I also invested heavily in my education, going to night school for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees while working, and then pursuing my doctorate with a focus on Asian Pacific leadership so I could better serve the regions where I was working. It's been about continuous learning, adaptability, and genuinely caring about helping people through transitions.

You can have a successful career in helping to implement change which is always moving quickly in the business tech field.

You too can have success just work hard and never give up

The biggest challenge and opportunity right now is learning AI and adapting to new advances in technology. As I've gotten older, it's harder to find roles in this fast-changing field, and AI is completely transforming how we work. I'm actively taking classes on AI to learn how to use it, and I want to build a website without needing a webmaster or web designer by using AI tools. It's a challenge because the technology moves so quickly, and I've always tried to learn and stay current since I worked in high-tech, but it's hard. At the same time, it's an incredible opportunity because AI can help us implement changes more effectively and efficiently. The key is staying committed to being a lifelong learner, even when it feels difficult, because that's what will keep us relevant and able to serve our clients in this digital world.

The most important value to me is making a difference and helping others implement change effectively and efficiently. I'm driven by the desire to help people transition successfully, whether that's adapting to new tools, services, or ways of working. In my personal life, I value staying physically and mentally active as a way to maintain my health and well-being. I've been a lifelong runner since 1976, when it wasn't even cool for women to run, and I ran the Boston Marathon 30 years ago for the 100th anniversary. Even though my knees bother me now as I've gotten older, I still walk regularly because staying mobile and healthy as I age is so important to me. I'm also a lifelong learner, which shows up in my love of reading everything from novels to books about different ways of communicating and thinking. I'm constantly trying to learn new things, including technology and AI, because I believe in continuous growth and adaptation. Health is wealth to me, and I want to stay physical, healthy, and mentally sharp so I can keep contributing and helping others.