Nancy Lyons is one of the top entrepreneurial minds in Minneapolis. She’s a leader and a technologist, with a healthy balance of strategic thinking, thoughtful actions, and community involvement. She is the CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, a top Minneapolis technology firm, the co-author of Interactive Project Management: Pixels, People, and Process, and co-founder of Geek Girls Guide, an online outlet where she shares perspectives on the Interactive industry and demystifies technology for non-technical audiences.

Nancy’s philosophy on life and technology is one that will resonate with anyone in the industry, whether you’re a freelancer just starting out or an established agency owner: “Think strategically, act thoughtfully, be a good human.”

We’re excited to welcome Nancy to Prestige Conference Minneapolis 2015, where she will be speaking about Technology’s Dirty Little Secret. Get to know her before the event through our brief interview below.

In 3 sentences or less, please describe what you do for a living:

I am the co-founder and CEO of Clockwork - a Minneapolis based technology firm specializing in web and mobile application strategy/design/development for business. We solve business problems with people-first technology.

Why this career and not something else?

When I started there were more nerds than nerd herders. There was room for me.

Once you figured out where you wanted your career to go, how did you start making things happen?

Hard work. Solid relationships. Keeping promises. Being honest. Laughing a lot. Not taking no for an answer. Not letting other people’s fear become mine.

What were some of the biggest roadblocks you encountered in your career?

When I started digital wasn’t really a thing — it was not taken all that seriously. Getting people to think about it seriously as an extension of business and as having impact on the bottom line was tough. Now — we are digital first and in all things. It’s a very different climate now.

In addition to technology topics, you also speak frequently on diversity topics. What progress have you seen within the industry in the past few years?

The biggest progress has been around a willingness to acknowledge gender and racial disparity in the first place. And a real desire to address it. I think it’s a brave thing for an entire industry to admit failings and to work, collaboratively, to turn that around. To explore where and how to be more inclusive and welcoming and helpful. And to acknowledge that the work is better when we open it up to a broader contribution of talent and perspectives.

Over the years, who have been your most valuable mentors and how did you connect with them?

Industry professionals. Women in my CEO roundtable group. My business partners. My colleagues. I am fortunate to be surrounded by teachers and mentors and I never take that for granted.

What’s coming up next for you?

Clockwork is a constantly evolving cultural gem full of wildly talented humans. We’ve got some great new clients in the works.

I might be working on another book.

Any industry predictions for 2016?

Yes. So many.

Hopefully you’ll elaborate more at Prestige. Speaking of, what’s something you’re looking forward to about the conference?

Friendly nerd faces. Great conversation. Learning new things. Meeting new geniuses.

What books are you reading right now?

Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Just for fun - what’s your favorite junk food?

CUPCAKES!