Margret Schmidt

Schmidt is an important voice in the greater design community. This year, she joined the industry faculty for UC Berkeley’s Engineering Leadership Professional Program, teaching ways to approach design and innovation that result in delighted and passionate customers. Her favorite trick for unwinding? “Watching TV, of course!”

What’s the most important aspect of mentoring?

I think we need to be looking for opportunities to be ‘sponsors’ (not just mentors) for other women — sticking our own neck on the line to say, “she is ready to take on this challenge”.

What/who inspires you at work? What/who inspires you outside the office?

At work I’m inspired by the energy and love our customers have for our products.  Outside the office it is watching my son learn about the world as he puts the pieces of history and culture together, especially as we travel — it is refreshing to experience life through a child’s eyes.

Your favorite trick for unwinding?

Watching TV of course!  Even the anticipation of the next episode of the show I’m binging (currently ‘The Mindy Project’ — only 49 episodes to go!) relaxes me a bit, just knowing there will be a reward for making it through the day.  (And since I use the latest TiVo beta software, I get to count it as ‘work’ as well.  Guilt-free unwinding.)