Michigan Council of Women in Technology: Discussion Teresa Takai

News >> Discussion Teresa Takai Discussion with Teresa Takai about Mentoring

"It's important for us to have confidence in ourselves to really believe we can aspire to and achieve senior-level position," says Teresa Takai, who was recently appointed Director of the Department of Information Technology for the State of Michigan by Governor Granholm. "To realize who you eventually want to be. And that the system will let us even when inevitable setbacks occur."

While the system and its subsequent inevitable setbacks continue to concern many women working in what's still perceived by many as "a man's world," Takai has broken through that glass ceiling with a sledgehammer. Her impressive resume includes senior-level positions at EDS, Ford Motor Company, and Federal Mogul, and she was recently named one of Crain's Detroit Business's 100 Most Influential Women. Teri recently faced a difficult decision when Governor Granholm offered her the Director of Information Technology appointment, but ultimately accepted. Why? "This may sound hokey," she laughs, "but I admire Governor Granholm's ability to project her agenda and her charisma; I view it as a learning experience she's a great role model."

Takai has benefited from several role models over the years. She's quick to emphasize her good fortune to have worked for managers who took the time to guide and challenge her affording her a variety of learning opportunities. Other role models include women Takai does not know personally whose careers she follows through the popular press. She looks for women who are acknowledged as high achievers and tries to learn from their example, focusing on elements in their personalities and areas where they have made a difference, and uses that information as additional tools she can draw upon.

Although Takai began her career as a math major, she quickly realized she didn't want to teach. A family friend suggested she pursue a career in computers, and the rest is history. This is ironic; although Takai balked at the prospect of teaching math, she was more than willing to serve as a mentor a role that has been especially rewarding. "As a manager," she remembers, "I always encouraged staff to talk and ask questions openly. The feedback you get is invaluable. It taught me to be a better manager when a staff member asks a question, you really stop and think about it it cements your understanding, as well as theirs."

As Director of the Department of Information Technology for the State of Michigan, Takai will be responsible for the development of the organization as well as its 1,800 employees. Her most immediate concern will be grappling with the state's current budget deficit and developing measures for DIT to meet the demand for cutting costs. A challenge Takai is certainly capable of meeting inevitable setbacks and all.