At GlobeFlex, our goal is to apply technology to any function - investments, trading, operations, client service, everything -- verging on the routine. To automate correctly, at the point of change, so you don't have to reinvent later on is the creative challenge of my job. The other part is day-to-day systems evolution: maintenance, no down time ever, and keeping our technological advantage.

I saw complexity close up as a technical account manager working with the IT departments of various Fortune 500 financial institutions. What is different about GlobeFlex is that we put IT at the core of our firm, not on the periphery. From the beginning, our process was geared to sophisticated customization, as opposed to the bandage-and-rehaul firedrill embedded in more traditional firms.

Our streamlined platform is as good as any out there but advantaged with tremendous ease of use at the front end. I am familiar with all the systems that make us run, making it possible to key in and design a structured plan of attack to increase efficiency. My job is to smooth out the whole system - to keep it well oiled and responsive to the demands from a creative culture, as well as the steady stream of requests from our clients.

Essentially, what the portfolio management and operations teams take for granted, I take care of. In contrast to Rick whose total concentration is on research side of the technology equation, my mandate is broad. I sit at the hub, between investing and trading, close to compliance and accounting - which gives me an ear to what's coming up in the queue, an insight on where we might customize, an ability to think ahead to the consequences for change. Because of our team structure, it is easy to reach a decision and once that's done, we execute. Then it's on to the next innovation.