#followfriday: @marissamayer

#followfriday (or #ff) is a tradition started by Micah Baldwin (according to Mashable), whereby you name Twitter user your followers should know about. In addition to naming interesting users on Twitter, I provide a bit of background information on them in here. Enjoy!

Unless you have been hiding under a rock somewhere, you will have heard the news that Marissa Mayer stepped into the CEO role at Yahoo! Her twitter handle is @marissamayer

In an interview early in 2012, Marissa Mayer stated: ‘As long as there’s an exciting challenge, I’m here to take it on’ (see here). Well, she certainly meant it – turning this technology company around will not be an easy job. That, in itself, is an adventure worth following.

Marissa’s philosophy of success is certainly refreshing and one that I wholeheartedly agree with:

1. Work with smart people
2. Do something you’re not ready to do
3. Find a place where you can speak your mind
4. Work for someone who invests in you
5. Find out what you need to stay energized and not get resentful

Not only is Marissa Mayer a bright and very successful professional, but she is also interested in travel, art and design (for instance, see here). She challenges the stereotype of women in computing and, I hope, will inspire a new generation of young women to study engineering and consider careers in technology. In addition, Ms. Mayer and husband are expecting their first child later this year.

I, for one, am very interested in hearing from this young woman.

In the meantime, enjoy this video of Marissa’s talk on creativity at Stanford University:

Previous follow friday recommendations (in alphabetical order):

– @arjantupan – for a bit of poetry in your life (Mar., 9th 2012)
– @BBCBreaking – A reliable source of breaking news (Apr. 20th 2012)
– @ejtennant – Witty and entertaining posts from the creator of #virtualsecretsanta (Dec., 23rd 2011)
– @inesvarelasilva – Nutrition and health researcher, supporter of theatrical arts and Zumba fanatic (Jan., 27th 2012)
– @JamesLRamsay – Fresh thinking about business, leadership and entrepreneurship (May, 4th, 2012)
– @liveBarefoot – Redefining bookstores (Oct., 14th 2011)
– @markwschaefer – The latest insight into Social Media and what it means for businesses (Jan., 20th 2012)
– @mrsoaroundworld – For the hedonist in you (Oct., 21st 2011)
– @myographer – Management, pirates and personal branding (Oct., 7th 2011)
– @OxfordCityGuide – Helps you make the most of living in Oxford (Sep., 30th 2011)
– @PaulFennemore – For a strategic view on the potential and pitfalls of social commerce (Oct., 28th 2011)
– @PhD2Published – Academic writing advice and encouragement (Nov., 18th 2011)
– @ProfBangNguyen – Links to, and thoughts on, the latest technical developments and its consequences for marketing (Jan., 13th 2012)
– @pushingsocial – To help you make the most of your blog (Mar., 2nd 2012)
– @qualityhunters – A great example of how to engage with a community on Social Media (Feb., 3rd 2012)
– @Sidneyeve – Data and insight on digital popular culture (Apr., 6th 2012)
– @TMNinja – for useful tips to improve your productivity (Mar., 30th 2012)
– @tomfishburne – for a regular laugh about serious (marketing) matters (Feb., 17th 2012)

– @vanessasilva – views in design and user interface, and a daily dose of beautiful drawings (Jun, 29th 2012)