Off-Line - People

Telecommunications, Sept, 2000 by Gloria Everett

Industry leaders share their opinions, philosophies of life and off-hours interests

Soon after Gloria Everett's 1983 move from finance to operations at Pacific Bell, she helped start one of the first wireless companies, PacTel Mobile Access (now AirTouch Communications). "Working with a small, hut dedicated, team of engineers, we were able to implement the first analog cellular service, lust in time for use at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles," she said.

After receiving her bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of California, Everett became an assistant traffic equipment manager for Pacific Telephone but left after three months for a job as a marketing liaison. She ultimately enjoyed a 32-year career at AirTouch, serving as executive director of technology development and vice president of network engineering and operations. "I attribute my success in telecom to employers who supported self-development in the workplace, "she said. To complement her math degree, Everett completed the Executive Program at Stanford University. "I wish I'd taken this sooner. The program offered the opportunity to interact with more people and experience their varying perspectives."

Now senior vice president of operations at Globalstar LP, Everett feels her best tool is her skill at communications. "I prefer direct communication to e-mail, "she said. "Customers, partners and service providers can directly express their needs and requirements, and I can clearly listen to and understand those needs. "Everett believes in commitment and follow-through. "I have an open-door policy and feel that after people have had the opportunity to express what they can or cannot do, they should make a commitment. At deadline time, I expect those duties to be completed thoroughly as promised."

* What do you look for in a key executive?

* Competence, integrity and a positive outlook.

* What is your best advice to fellow telecom executives?

* Executives should broaden their base of experience and understand all aspects of the company's core business. Look at the present needs of the industry, employees and customers to understand and project the future. Be tactical in executing that vision and complete tasks in a high-quality manner on a daily basis.

* What do you think of all the astonishing IPOs of late?

* We live in a wonderful time when people are allowed to take an idea and quickly make it reality. IPOs make products and services that improve our everyday lives. Employees are challenged and companies become more competitive in producing the best and most useful products and services.

* In three words or less, describe your management style.

* Where do you want to be in 25 years?

* Collaborative, decisive, open.

* I'm a very active person. In 25 years, I might still have a paid job, be doing philanthropic work, or be traveling to Africa on safari, learning something new.

* What books are you reading or have you just finished?

* I've recently read two: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond and Going to the Top.' A Road Map for Success from America's Leading Women Executives by Susan K. Golant and Carol A. Gallagher, in which I was a contributor.

* What are your office hours?

* Usually I'm at Globalstar from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and take one to two hours of reading work home. If I travel on business, I often come into the office on the weekend.

* How far is your home from company headquarters?

* I live in the San Francisco Bay area, about 10 miles from Globalstar.

* What is the speed of your home Internet connection and which medium do you use?

* Dial-up.