Published: 16 November 2011
Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur and CEO
Susan Elliott
" We wore white gloves to work; some women wore hats. We sat in a big bullpen of gray desks. Men could smoke at their desks, but women were relegated to smoking in the ladies room. Everyone sang ‘Ever Onward IBM’ out of a hymnal at company events. When wives attended, the men with whom we worked daily avoided speaking to us. "
— Susan S. Elliott, Across the Divide, Ch. 2, p. 22

Welcome to the herBusiness program, where we interview inspiring businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we interview Susan Elliott, author of Across the Divide. Susan is a female trailblazer who went to work for IBM as a programmer back in 1958.

Susan shares:

  • what drove her entrepreneurial spark and made her want to start her own business in 1966
  • the importance of businesses staying flexible and adaptable
  • what it was like to be a woman in a man's world
  • why being the token woman on a board might be a good thing
  • her seven criteria for success
  • advice for the entrepreneur who's just starting out
  • what the opportunities are for women in technology today
    • the future of women in technology

Enjoy this interview with Susan Elliott.

 
    

Listen to this episode here or download for free from our iTunes store.

About Susan S. Elliott

Founder and Chairman, Systems Service Enterprises, Inc.

Susan S. Elliott went to work for IBM as a programmer in 1958 after graduating from Smith College. Her book, Across the Divide: Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur and CEO, captures the story of a woman pioneer in the man's world of technology from the time of data processing (DP) to information technology (IT).

After being forced to leave IBM because she was pregnant, she formed Systems Service Enterprises, Inc. (SSE) in 1966 and continued consulting. She refocused her business in 1983, undeterred by others' admonitions that PCs would never provide a solid business base.

Elliott grew SSE into a national enterprise recognised globally for its work in application development, education and network infrastructure.

Books by Susan S. Elliot

Across The Divide: Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur and CEO by Susan S. Elliot

Across The Divide: Navigating the Digital Revolution as a Woman, Entrepreneur and CEO
By Susan S. Elliott

Order your copy from Booktopia today and save on the retail price.

Connect with Susan

Email: sselliott@sseinc.com
Website: www.SusanSElliott.com
Facebook: The Across the Divide Facebook Page
LinkedIn: The Across the Divide LinkedIn Group
YouTube: The Across the Divide Channel


 

herBusiness is a podcast series presented by the Australian Businesswomen's Network. Each interview features an
inspiring business person's story and strategies for
success. New episodes are released regularly.
Subscribe on iTunes to receive regular episodes.

Subscribe to herBusiness - Australian iTunes Store
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