May 29, 2019

10 Questions With Nora Denzel, Director of AMD, Ericsson and Talend Software

Nora Denzel is a Silicon Valley software industry veteran with over 30 years experience in technology. She currently serves on the board of directors of AMD, Ericsson and Talend software. She retired from Intuit in 2012 as the SVP of Big Data and started her career in 1984 as a software engineer for IBM. She is also a trustee at AnitaB.org, a non-profit dedicated to getting more women in computing.

What’s the best lesson you learned?
Failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of it.

If you can describe your journey in one sentence, what would it be?
Anything is possible if you work hard enough. 

If you were to prioritize one aspect when hiring, which one would you pick: culture or skills?
Culture because skills can be taught.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to read and take classes.

What are your three biggest accomplishments?
I’ve worked for over 10 years with a non-profit to get more women into computing. I raised thousands of dollars to combat domestic violence in Northern California. I graced the cover of Computer Storage Magazine in the 90s.

What excites you about the future?
The changes technology will have on how we live and work.

If you had a rewind button, name one thing you would change in your journey?
I would have worried a lot less. It all works out.

What or who is your biggest support?
My husband supports me unconditionally.

Who is your role model?
Ada Lovelace. After reading about her, I decided to become a software engineer.

What advice would you give to someone starting their professional journey?
Make sure you’re enjoying yourself because time goes by so quickly!