geekGIRL: Our Interview with Tech Expert & TV Host, Katie Linendoll

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Jennifer Latkiewicz

geekGIRL is a new regular feature that highlights the most amazing, brilliant, bold and of course, fabulous women who are making a splash in the tech world and inspiring others to proudly let their geek flag fly.  So for our inaugural geekGIRL profile, it only made sense that we chat with Katie Linendoll: tech expert, Emmy Award winner and PEZ enthusiast (according to her website).

The epitome of “geek chic”, Katie Linendoll is so much more than a pair of trendy, thick-framed glasses. Possessing both style and substance, she feels just as natural striking a supermodel pose for the camera as she does appearing on CNN, where she’s a regular guest commentator.

By 14, she had already built a computer from scratch. At 18, she was enrolled at a top tech school (Rochester Institute of Technology) where she earned a degree in Information Technology New Media while moonlighting as the host for ESPN2’s SportsZone.

After graduation, Katie spent two years as HSN’s resident “Chic Geek” before blogging for Oprah.com and co-hosting the Emmy-nominated A&E series “We Mean Business”, where she and her team dispensed expert know-how to struggling small businesses.

Smart, informed, and totally down-to-earth, Katie found a moment to share what she digs about being a “geek”, her favorite tech trends and what the heck a “garbage plate” is.

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geekGLOSS: Have you found it to be especially difficult to be both feminine and taken seriously within your field? It seems like women in tech usually have two options: to be frumpy yet brilliant, or written off as a woman who cares more about her shoes. Do women in tech have to sacrifice their style and sexiness in order to play ball with the boys?

Katie Linendoll: I think we are starting to outgrow this a bit. I personally never think about it.  I’m a total techie, but love to be stylish and girlie whenever I want without a thought.  I definitely know when I am being prejudged based on my look and style and I love to flip that person’s mind.

gG:Do you think products like pink computers or rhinestone-encrusted mouse give female consumers what they want or somehow play into a stereotype?

KL: I think some girls like them, but they personally drive me nuts.  I hope we move away from the “pink stigma”.  My iPod Touch, iPad and laptop are skinned with robots and lasers.  However, while I’m not exactly trying to get any piece of tech Bedazzled – I will take some custom ColorWare any day. Big difference.

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gG: Any advice for those who are totally intimidated by technology?

KL: I constantly find that some techies make it way more confusing than it should be.  I try to give suggestions of electronics, gadgets and websites to non-techies that really can help make their lives easier. (retailmenot.com, flip camcorder, external hard drives, et cetera).  I think a lot of stuff out there is extraneous to the average user and seeing the bombardment of products these days can be overwhelming to them.

gG: As a co-host on A&E’s “We Mean Business”, what did you find to be the biggest issue or mistakepeople had/made as far as technology?

KL: A majority of our ‘clients’ did not back up any of their data.  A lot also said “I don’t know the IT guy handles that” to a lot of basic computer questions.  I encouraged them to better understand what they were handing over.  Also, I felt a lot of businesses that we had to makeover did not have good websites.  This was critical for some that had the potential to do way better business online.

gG: You began your on-air career as the host of SportsZone on ESPN2, while still in college. How did that come about? Until now, I thought the idea of a computer geek who’s also a sports buff was just an urban legend!

KL: SportsZone launched my career.  I auditioned when I was in college for the show and one thing lead to another.  I became fascinated with editing and putting together pieces and eventually worked for ESPN in the production department later, winning an Emmy for work on SportsCenter before going back to on-air stuff.  This really helped me be a better host.  The media world has always fascinated me from every angle.

gG: I have a ton of friends who attended RIT and spoke often of the “garbage plates”. Can you explain?

KL: Yes, garbage plates from Tahous were a college staple.  Cheeseburger, home fries, mac salad smothered in ketchup, mustard and hot sauce.  The grease usually soaked through to your clothes and not to mention you hated yourself the next morning.  I think we figured out at one point that each plate had over 50grams of sat fat deliciousness in them.  It was equivalent to smearing some Crisco on your thighs but so worth it.

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gG: What are 5 things a geekGIRL should never be without?

KL: Flip camcorder, LED umbrella, external hard drive, iPad, oxford shoes, LED alarm clock app, Polaroid Pic 300 camera.

gG: What new technology has excited you most in recent months?

KL: Phones.  They have become our most powerful device since we have them on us 24/7.  Models like the EVO, iPhone4, Droid X and Droid Incredible are totally breaking barriers.

gG: What does “Geek Chic” mean to you?

KL: It means the ability to be simultaneously geeky and stylish. Geek is now trending!  It’s so weird to open up catalogs and see big wired glasses, oxford shoes, bobby pins, etc.  I always wonder; “Does that make me cool?” …and then quickly realize “Probably not,” but I’ll keep living the dream in my mind.

gG: What geekGIRL you look up to?

KL: Erica Hill.  I think she is brilliant, funny, quick and articulate.

gG: Fill in the blank: “I knew I was going to be a geek when ______…”

KL: I had every gadget since I was little.  If it had a button, lit up or was totally extraneous, it was mine.  I was an early adopter since I could walk haha.
Also, I was the only girl in all my high school networking programs and the only female in 95% of my college classes (IT degree).  I reveled in that glory.

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For more info about Katie, visit her website or follow her on Twitter @katielinendoll.