Topics discussed include: Giordmaine's education at the University of Toronto and his work on maser amplifiers with Charles Townes at Columbia University; his move to Bell Labs in 1961, as a research scientist; his early experiments at Bell Labs and his work in the field of nonlinear optics; Bell Labs' openness to long-term basic research principles during the 1960s, briefly discussing how optical fibers "won" over pipe and microwave technology in telecommunication development; experiences as a manager at Bell Labs and the complex managerial problems caused by separate research and development laboratories; the move to NEC and the ways in which he brought his research management experience to the Western-style basic research laboratory established by NEC at Princeton; Japanese research attitudes and the advantages and disadvantages of working within a foreign-owned company.