WeAreDelphix: Meet Ann Togasaki

What do you do at Delphix and what inspired you to join the company? 

I’m a program manager in the engineering organization. Program managers do a wide variety of things all in support of shipping our products. We get involved in everything from the tools, legal matters such as licensing, software release and distribution, beta testing, security alert management, internal training, documentation, and more. 

I joined Delphix for three primary reasons: the people, the engineering culture, and the value of the product. Today, every company is a data company. As more companies face the risk of a breach or data-related challenges that come with building new products and services, I strongly believe Delphix offers a unique solution that boosts confidence and creates business value for enterprise companies. 

You can ask me anything about…?

You can ask me anything about Jira. I’ve become more familiar (than I care to admit) about all the power and limitations of this tool. It’s a very powerful and flexible system that comes with an equal amount of complexity.

You can also ask me about how to launch or grow a career in program management or the philanthropy program at Delphix!

What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on at Delphix? 

I’ll highlight the masking project as it has a special history. It started as an exploratory project that has grown into a real product that has matured in profound ways. When we first introduced the masking product, it was a strategic partnership with Axis Technologies. There were only 2 people who were assigned part-time to work on this new product offering. We minimally re-skinned the product and bundled it with ours. My role was managing product issues, license administration, sales tracking and recognition between companies, support coordination, and legal compliance.

Sponsorships Available

Sponsorships Available

Sponsorships Available

In 2015, we acquired the company and brought the product in-house. Today, the masking team is a core part of the business with a dedicated engineering staff. These days my role on the masking team is much higher level. I help them with beta programs, release-related items, and special requests. They now run as a well-oiled machine.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

The best advice I’ve received came from my father. He always had lots and lots of advice, but one that has come in handy in many ways and over many years is to embrace change. Don’t get stuck and be set in your ways. Rather be open minded to change but with a critical eye. There are almost always opportunities in change, so look for the good ones and run with it.

The software industry changes constantly and rapidly. Looking to learn new things, question old things, and move with the times has served me well. Embracing the changes makes it fun.

What’s your secret talent?

Pottery! I’ve been making wheel thrown ceramics for over 20 years. I enjoy making functional ware in the style of Japanese folk art primarily, but I also experiment with many others as well. I love pottery because it exercises all parts of the brain and body. Throwing a piece is very technical, where you have to consider clay consistency, alignment of molecules, and the centrifugal and centripetal forces. Creating the shape is very tactile, and decorating your finished pieces exercises your chemistry knowledge in conjunction with your creative, artistic skills. There are always new challenges and frustrations, just like life. I see pottery as a full body workout in the truest sense. 

What drives you everyday? 

Similar to most people at Delphix, I’m motivated by working with great people, learning new things, and making an impact. When everyone is working hard and becoming smarter together, it’s really fun delivering something amazing.