Making Tough Calls at Motorola

I am currently a business development manager for the mobile devices business at Motorola, a large technology company based in Schaumburg, Ill. I negotiate and close contracts with software suppliers to get the best possible applications and components on Motorola's mobile phones.

I really wanted this job for two reasons. First, I thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up. How often do you get to negotiate million-dollar contracts for a billion-dollar company by the age of 27? Second, I was horribly uncomfortable negotiating with money and I knew that I needed to get over that if I ever wanted to start a company of my own, which is something I've always dreamed of doing.

I worked for Motorola before I went to business school and didn't expect to return. After three years of bringing emerging mobile technologies to market with Motorola, I decided to pack my bags, go to England, and get my MBA at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. I had originally intended to change industries after the MBA to diversify but just couldn't find anything that was as exciting as my original stomping ground.

The telecom industry is dynamic, and the technology, especially in the mobile phone space, is evolving at a rapid pace. Four years ago cell phones were basic, boring communication tools. Today they're must-have accessories that play MP3s, take five-megapixel pictures, and fit into the tiniest of pockets on your designer jeans.

I looked around at various opportunities and companies in the telecom industry but eventually decided to stay at Motorola. That decision was difficult, and it drove me crazy for weeks. Although I wanted work experience at other companies while it was still early in my career, there were so many business units, job functions, and work locations at Motorola that I'd never be lacking for a new or interesting position. Plus, my internal network of contacts and resources within the company made it easier for me to be considered for job roles -- even those in which I lacked experience.

Here is my typical day:

6:00 a.m. -- Alarm went off 30 minutes ago but intentionally snoozed since then. Time to drag myself out of bed and into the shower.

6:35 a.m. -- Eat breakfast while watching the news. Need to know how bad the traffic is going to be.

6:45 a.m. -- Hop in the car and start my long commute to work. I live in Chicago but work 35 miles away in Libertyville. If traffic is good, I'll get to work by 8 a.m. If traffic is bad, then I'll get there around 8:30 a.m. instead. "Please be good, please be good..."

8:05 a.m. -- Pull into the parking lot and walk to my desk while dialed into a conference call. Luckily I'm just there to listen, so I can keep the phone on mute.

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