Fast foward to spring 2000 and you would have seen me holding an event each month on topics that were based on articles I had written in a commentary column that were published in our school's daily newspaper, The Diamondback. Having also written for the paper during the previous summer, I also decided that I wanted to be an author, too.

Self-promotion is what made my career take off. After graduation, I had to continue "making myself a star" by sharing conversations with decision makers that ended with, "Would you be interested in me giving an informative and entertaining presentation or sharing my views by writing a book for you?"

I tell people that I determined what I wanted to do with my life by being an R.A. and columnist at The University of Maryland. As for that degree in finance...

Q: Do people find it puzzling that you're attempting to do what some do AFTER they retire?

A: While it is true that many people who retire spend their final years writing books and giving speeches about their successes, I say, why put off until 2040 when you can attempt to do it today? If the pieces fit, you're a hit, and I feel strongly that if the challenging game that I have been playing wasn't effective (working as if I were retired), I'd postpone my career aspirations until after my retirement.

Q: Do you honestly believe that you can succeed without what many people call, "A real 9-5 job?"

A: Mom, is that you? Kidding. Surprisingly, my most recent challenge has been attempting to succeed without working 18 hours a day, let alone the traditional 7 hours. I continue to remind myself that I moved across the country to San Diego to develop my career as well as to enjoy delightful weather and to live three miles from one of the most glorious beaches on the west coast. I've been prioritizing more and that has allowed me to focus on the greatest priorities in my life and career. As my step-father, Michael, has said in the past, "Less is more," and I'm following that piece of advice daily.

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Q: Are you a workaholic?

A: I don't feel that I'm a workaholic - anymore. I have faced the evils of "Dangerous Ambition," though my efforts rarely felt like work. Since my work was a real treasure to me, it sustained my independent, self-motivated interests and satisfaction in accomplishing so much in one day - all while allowing me to remember that there are other fun things to do other than work.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: Performance is my number one passion, so I often get most invigorated by playing the piano and singing one or two of my own songs to a small crowd at a San Diego restaurant. Otherwise, I love water sports, though, I'm embarrassed to admit that I've not done them in ten years. And I bet that you're shocked because I live up the road from the beach and the bay. As for entertainment, I love musical theatre and movies. Also, travel's a biggie with me, which is a good thing given my interests in touring the country in the future.

Q: You do what most people don't and you don't do what most people do. Whatever happened to that goal of yours in college: "To make a million bucks by age 26?" You didn't reach that goal, did you? Would you call that a failure?

A: Oh no, in college, I simply changed my mind. My passion for business in high school developed into a passion for performance, leadership and communication. That specific goal of making my first million by 26 was eventually terminated from my list because while at Maryland, my focus on making money developed into "making honey" ...the sweet stuff requested at luncheons, meetings, and conferences - me.

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