Women in Business: Diane Brandli

Diane Brandli is director of interior design at Ashley McGraw Architects. Here's how she built her career.

What obstacles have you overcome?

Going to work full time out of high school and spending nine years to get a college degree at night and making a mid-life career change.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

David Ashley. When I first met him 15 years ago, he eagerly explained how daylighting can improve building- occupant health as well as student test scores. Since then, it has been my great honor and pleasure to learn much from him.

How do you balance your home or personal life and work?

I give my employer 105 percent for 8 to 9 hours every day - 5 days a week - and then I go home.

What is your advice to other women who want to succeed?

Be a very good listener and never stop learning. Maintain your integrity. Be sincere. Have respect for yourself and those around you. Be a good team member.

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing women in business in the next five years?

The world of business is still dominated by men, and "breaking the glass ceiling," I believe, will continue to be one of the greatest challenges. Holding on to your femininity while competing in a man's world is difficult.