As part of our new series Office Insider Spotlight, we will be introducing you to MVPs, creators, and tech leaders who love the Office Insider program. Office Insiders, meet Diane Poremsky!
Diane Poremsky
Poremsky has been working with Office and Windows tech and development for more than 20 years. She became an MVP in 1999 and has written countless articles and several books on technology.
She also owns Slipstick Systems, a consulting firm based in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area. Her firm specializes in helping small businesses make the most of Office and Windows applications. In addition to her consulting company, she provides assistance to users and developers through the websites she operates: slipstick.com, outlook-tips.net, and outlookforums.com.
Tell us about why you love the Office Insider program.
I love the Office insider program because it gives me a chance to test the latest versions and discover new features (and occasionally, bugs). The Insider program is better than the older beta programs because its open to everyone.
What is something you’ve created because of the Office Insider program?
This is a tough one. Although not actually creating something, I demo many of the up-and-coming features to my clients.
Tell us about your journey in tech.
I first started in tech in the mid-90s, learning and supporting Windows and Office. It didn’t take me long to discover there were not many people knew how Outlook worked and turned my focus to it. It’s hard to believe I’ve been doing this for about 25 years… it’s hard to believe that Outlook is closing in on 25 years.
What aspects of technology inspire you the most?
I like learning and experimenting, seeing what the programs can (and cannot) do. I enjoy helping others learn how to use the software.
What is one word that best describes how you work?
Only one word? That would have to be “multitask.” (Which is one reason it took me so long to finish this – it got lost in my inbox because I multitasked. ☹ )
Which superhero character do connect with in real life?
Wonder Woman, of course. 😊
What movies or books or other forms of art inspire you the most?
I dabble in sketching and watercolors, and my preferences in art museums is the same. Lately, my reading choices are historical novels. I’m not big on TV or movies.