1) Name:
Jenny Pletner
2) How did you get to gap intelligence?
Before gap (BG), I was an IT/IS project manager for serveral years. I managed teams of developers, integrated master schedulers, and all types of technical projects. I loved it but yearned to be a more integral part of the actual technical implementation. I enrolled in an intensive software development boot camp where I learned Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, SQL, HTML, CSS, and more. After graduating, I was hired as a software engineer for a healthcare focused tech company until one fateful day when I received an email inquiry via LinkedIn from one of the brilliant engineers on the gap product development team. Thanks Eugene! After thoroughly researching gap, I was blown away by the unique culture, inspiring mission, and heartfelt values. Opportunities at companies like gap don’t come along every day, so I jumped ship and the rest is history.
3) What values lead you and why?
The gap value of willingness, do your best and never stop learning, really resonates with me. I believe our purpose is to challenge ourselves at every turn while we work to be the best possible person we can be. The world is full of endless things to discover, especially in respect to technology. The predicament of course is choosing what to focus on next when there is such a long list of possibilities. I also believe it’s important to lead with gratitude and show consideration for others in everything we do. I hope to enhance the lives of the people around me on a daily basis and to make sure my loved-ones know I am always there to support them.
4) What skills are you bringing to gap intelligence and what skills are you excited to learn?
Besides my technical skills, I’m a resourceful problem solver, great at time management, and proactive communication. My years as a project manager and possibly a brief stint as the mall Easter Bunny has helped me learn to communicate with all project participants from engineers to executive level leadership. Dealing with minimal resources at small companies and wading through red tape at larger organizations has taught me to be resourceful in order to complete projects in a timely manner. These skills help me in my current role because they give me the benefit of understanding what stakeholders are looking for from their developers.
5) If you could have any superpower, what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?
I’d like to have super stealthy ninja powers, so I can always protect myself and others. It would also be ridiculously fun, AND my 7-year-old son would think I’m cool which may possibly encourage him to do things the first time I ask. A girl can dream right?
6) What’s the quirkiest thing about you that you’re willing to admit?
Well, I’m a klutz. Despite years of ballet at the performing art school I attended, I never quite achieved the level of gracefulness I desired. On my first date, with my now husband, I tripped and almost fell on my face. Obviously, he found it charming or just learned to embrace it because he’s stuck around for the past 14 years. Since then, I’ve learned to slow down a bit to give my body time to catch up with mind, but I still have the occasional stumble or spill. Perhaps that’s the real reason I want ninja super powers.
7) What’s your favorite thing to do in San Diego and why?
I love to soak up the sun while stand-up paddle boarding with my family and friends at the beautiful Kellogg Beach in Point Loma. For a treat, I go to Sushi Tadokoro in Old Town for an omakase style dinner. Omakase means chef’s choice and Tadokoro does it right. The sushi chefs are like artists, presenting an innovative and surprising selection of dishes. The best way to experience it, is to sit at the sushi bar so the chef can give you colorful tidbits about everything you’re eating. It just never gets old.
8)Where would you go in a time machine?
I would go back to experience some of the best times in my life. I would love to re-live just a few days of the thrill of being 21 and be surrounded by all the people I love, some who are no longer with us, on my wedding day. It was truly one of the best days of my life. I’d also like to hold my son as baby again. My favorite baby age was 9 months since his silly personality really started to show and I was getting a lot more sleep. If I could go really far back, I’d have to see how Egyptian pyramids and ancient Mayan structures were actually built without the machines we have today.
