What is your goal for WSA?

To be considered an absolutely indispensable resource for the people and companies in our technology industry.

What is the biggest challenge to the development of high tech in Washington state?

The lack of technical talent. We have members who are unable to find software or other technical engineers here, but can find them right across the border in Canada. We have to fix the H1B visa problem and exponentially increase capacity at our colleges and universities.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

I was a cook in a restaurant, and it was my first real experience being part of a team where everyone depended upon each other. I learned how satisfying it is when a small cadre of people can work well together. I also learned to make a pretty good crêpe dessert.

What is your idea of happiness?

Accomplishing things. I'm restless if I don't have a project to work on.

What is your most significant achievement?

I'm proud to have been part of a team that won the 1977 intercollegiate national debate championship. Debate really changed my life. It gave me confidence at a time when I needed it and helped me learn how to separate the soundness of an idea from my ego.

What business decision do you most regret?

Not taking an international assignment. Living abroad for a few years would have been a great experience

What talent would you most like to possess?

To play piano like Oscar Peterson.

What personal trait would you rather not have?

Impatience. I need to learn to count to 10 more.

What trait bothers you most in others?

A negative attitude ? it pulls the energy out of a room, and it's the one thing that all of us have the ability to control.

What is the most overrated virtue in an executive?

Being tough. Using the power of an executive position in an aggressive way to motivate is actually a fairly lazy way to get things done. A leader who is honest, direct and compassionate will not only get more out of an individual in terms of performance, but they'll also get their loyalty.

What attributes do you like most in a person?

Integrity, tenacity and kindness. What turns you off the most in a person? Insincerity, selfishness and rudeness.

If after death you could come back as another person or thing, what would it be?

Assuming my wife is around to take care of me ? one of my dogs.

What is your favorite place in Washington?

I very much enjoy the backcountry of the Olympics and Cascades. I'd have to say the Enchantment Lakes area near Leavenworth ranks very high.

When are you most happy?

Sitting next to a no-name lake in the backcountry of the California Sierras after a long hike, with my boots off and a martini in hand.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Jack Aubrey of the Patrick O'Brian literary series. He's a leader who built incredible respect and loyalty among his crew and a man of good humor and high integrity.

What is your most valued possession?

The archives of my parents from their time growing up in Europe and the Middle East.