Tech Search

I was fascinated with computers. They were really starting to take off. I've always liked the challenges of new and different things. I like the opportunity to solve problems. I felt like computers were a tremendous tool to help me do that.

I worked nearly eight years in the computer field. We had to do a lot of presentations to management. I was pretty good and had an effective communication capability. I thought I wanted to try the sales and marketing role so I could deal with customers and apply my skill set. I made the change. I went into marketing first. I really loved deciding products, understanding customer problems and translating that into the type of product we needed.

From there I was doing a lot of presentations to customers about our capabilities, so I decided to try sales. I found that my knowledge and understanding of customers and my ability to communicate it led to a more pointed focus on strategy, direction and vision for the company. I think that is a perfect set of skills and training to lead one to the chief executive position. A lot of executives come out from more of a finance background. I found my skill set in understanding the marketplace, and my ability to solve problems was a better skill set for chief executive training than coming from a financial background.

At one of the smaller companies, my boss decided he wanted to leave. The management thought my skill set was best for becoming chief executive so they asked me to take on the role. That's one of the things I found I really enjoyed, leading people. I enjoyed going into an organization, understanding the people, and watching them grow and progress.

I finally decided I wanted to go in more of a pure software element. So I went on to lead a couple of public companies that I felt had some real opportunity.

I started looking around thinking what I wanted to do next. I was offered quite a few opportunities. When I was approached by Online Resources, I liked the opportunity because I appreciated the marketplace they were in. I like the capability of the company. I think it has some great technology and a great product.

I desire to understand the strengths of the company and optimize it to generate the top and bottom line. I'm always looking for ways to put together a successful strategy to grow. I want the company to be the best at what we do.

-- Interview with Vanessa Mizell

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