My Tech Idol By Michael Svolos

In this edition of My Tech Idol, we feature Michael Svolos, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Delivery at TekLink. In his role he is responsible for building effective and driven teams that delight customers. Additionally, he drives the strategic direction of the TekLink team, ensuring that they are poised to meet the demands of the future as they guide customers through their digital transformation journeys. Read on to see who inspires him when it comes to all things tech.

My Tech Idol is:

Margaret Hamilton

Margaret Hamilton is known for:

Her pioneering work as a computer scientist and software engineer, particularly for her instrumental role in developing the onboard software for the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) used in NASA's Apollo missions, including the historic Apollo 11 mission that landed the first humans on the moon. She coined the term ‘software engineering’ to emphasize the importance of a systematic and rigorous approach to software development.

My first memory of Margaret Hamilton:

Learning about her in a documentary about the Apollo missions. I was fascinated by her leadership and the critical role her team's software played in the success of the moon landing.

Three ways Margaret Hamilton has inspired me…

Determination and innovation: Margaret Hamilton's determination to develop reliable and groundbreaking software in the early days of computing is inspiring. Her and her teams’ innovative approaches to problem solving were instrumental in the success of the Apollo Missions.

Breaking gender barriers: As a woman in a male-dominated field during the 1960s and 1970s, Margaret Hamilton's trailblazing career reminds me of the importance of breaking gender barriers and advocating for diversity and inclusion in tech.

Legacy of excellence: Margaret Hamilton's legacy of excellence in software engineering serves as a constant reminder of the importance of rigor, precision, and attention to detail in the tech industry.

One question I would ask Margaret Hamilton at a dinner party and why:

I would ask, "What advice would you give to aspiring software engineers today, especially to young women and underrepresented groups who face unique challenges in the tech industry?" I believe her insights would be invaluable in encouraging and guiding the next generation of tech professionals, and her experiences would shed light on the ongoing importance of diversity and inclusion in the field.