Linda Judd, 46
President, Automotive Retail Group, EDS
Education: B.B.A., Southern Methodist University
First automotive job: EDS account manager for Cadillac Division Sales and Service in Detroit, 1987
Proudest achievement: "It's the consistency of my track record at work. Over the years, with all the changes in technology and clients and my life, that despite those things and maybe because of those things, my projects have had reasonable success in a consistent way."
On being successful: "I'm successful because I figured out that I can't do much by myself. I need other people. I view myself as an enabler of other people. There are great people in this company, and if you can articulate to them what you want to accomplish and the way you want to do it, they are outstanding in their ability to do it. It's not about me; it's about them and about creating an environment in which they can be successful."
On being a woman in the industry: "The maleness of the auto industry was noticeable 14 years ago when I moved to Detroit. I came from Dallas and a white-collar working environment. There were more women than there are here. Coming here was like taking a step back in time. It wasn't a problem, but I was very aware of it. In my particular style, it doesn't impede me. I'm a win-win person. I look to find ground where all the players are served as well as possible. I'm not looking for the spotlight or awards. I don't feel competitive with men or women in the auto industry."
Career highlights:
Other positions at EDS include:
1992-98 Division Director, Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems, Flint, Mich.
1988-92 Responsible for EDS to Automotive Component Group (now Delphi) headquarters, Troy, Mich.
1982-86 Manager, training activities for EDS, Dallas and Plano, Texas