The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast (Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu)
Explore every episode of The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07 Feb 2024 | Navigating a Tech Career with Ruba Borno: From Engineer to Executive | 00:32:51 | |
In this insightful session with Dr. Ruba Borno, we uncovered the transformative power of mentorship and diverse leadership in tech. Ruba shared her remarkable journey from an electrical engineer to the Channel Chief at Amazon Web Services (AWS), inspiring us with her commitment to lifelong learning and her approach to intentional mentorship—for a reason, a season, and for life. She highlighted the importance of finding your voice and how seeking help, along with mastering communication, can propel your career forward. We delved into her four pillars of effective leadership: empathy, emotional intelligence, resilience, and accountability, and learned how these are essential in creating a culture of inclusivity and psychological safety. 06:18 Leadership is about helping people realize potential. 07:27 AWS partner creates community impact function, trains 5000. 11:18 Embrace collaboration and seek help for success. 17:10 Responsibility, learning, mentoring, and reflecting for success. 18:55 Mentoring requires intention and clear objectives. 22:36 Self-awareness, complementing strengths, vulnerability, and resiliency. 26:45 Inclusive document discussions in meetings break hierarchy. 30:22 Importance of mentorship, leadership, and humility discussed.
GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | Igniting Leadership Excellence: Vanessa Smith's Blueprint for Aspiring CROs | 00:33:47 | |
Welcome to GrowthQ, where we tap into the wisdom of business leaders to fuel your ascent. Today, join me, Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu, and our exceptional guest, Vanessa Smith, President of Servicenow.org. Vanessa gave us a masterclass in career agility, detailing her journey from GE to the forefront of value selling at SAP, and now, driving change at ServiceNow. She shared her secret sauce for success: a unique blend of operational insight and brand ambassadorship. She reminded us that confidence and preparation are the cornerstones of leadership. For aspiring CROs, her message is clear: know your strengths, foster learning and nurture relationships. Dive into her insights, as Vanessa maps out the playbook for leading with impact in the ever-evolving tech landscape. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 07 Feb 2024 | Dear Future CRO Season 2 Teaser | 00:00:32 | |
Dear Future CRO Season 2 GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 21 Feb 2024 | From Lawyer to Tech Sales Leader: Shannon Redd's Unique Career Journey | 00:34:25 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ, where we bring you insights from sales leaders who are shaping the future. I'm your host, Esther, and in today's episode, Shannon Redd takes the spotlight. Shannon's career has been a remarkable journey from advocating for social justice as an attorney in family law and criminal justice, to a sales leader revolutionizing the public sector. Today, she's here to share her story of transition, diving into how her law career provided a unique foundation for her unexpected rise in the world of technology sales. Join us as we uncover how Shannon's ability to connect with people and solve complex problems helped her pivot from the legal field to thriving at Cisco, even with no formal sales training. From navigating new territories to surpassing sales goals, Shannon's tale is a masterclass in leveraging one's innate skills and passions to forge a path to success. Don't miss out on this dynamic conversation with Shannon Redd GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 28 Feb 2024 | From Healthcare to Tech: A Chief Customer Officer's Take on Customer-Centric Leadership | 00:32:47 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast. I'm your host Esther, and in this episode, we have the incredible Sandy Hogan, recently named Chief Customer Officer from SADA. Sandy took us through her inspiring career journey—from her roots in healthcare to her pivotal Tech career at companies like VMWare, Rackspace, HERE Technologies, and Cisco. She shared the importance of innovation in customer interactions and a customer-centric approach in the tech industry. Her insights on creating specialized roles and driving yearly growth are a testament to her strategy. Tune in to learn how understanding customer-centricity and quick recovery from setbacks can define your leadership success. You will not want to miss this enlightening conversation
GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | Susan Rothwell: Embrace Change and Propel Your Career as a CRO | 00:41:47 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast, where we unlock the secrets to career growth with industry experts in Sales. I'm Esther, and in this insightful episode, I dive deep with Susan Rothwell, a Go-To-Market luminary with nearly three decades of experience across tech, media, and healthcare. Susan shares her journey of evolution, shedding light on how staying ahead of the curve transformed her into the CRO at Epsilon. We discuss the importance of mentorship and the game-changing role of sponsors in scaling the corporate ladder. If you're aiming for that C-suite or looking to bolster your team's performance, this is your playbook for success! Tune in to distill wisdom from Susan's era-spanning career and elevate your professional game today! GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 13 Mar 2024 | Marine to Meraki Americas Sales VP: Cedric Lockhart's Revenue Leadership Career Journey | 00:44:42 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. I’m Esther, and in our latest episode, we sat down with the seasoned powerhouse - Cedric Lockhart. From his tactical beginnings in the Marine Corps to shaping sales strategies at Cisco Meraki, Cedric dives into the essence of scaling billion-dollar businesses and the significance of sales methodologies that derisk and amplify growth. We uncovered the rhythm of his success, from forecast calls to customer partnerships, and the power of a collaborative approach in the complexity of technological sales. Cedric provides a masterclass on leadership, stakeholder management, and the value of continuous learning. Whether you’re navigating startups or giant corporations, Cedric’s insights are a goldmine for any aspiring Chief Revenue Officer. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge that proves invaluable for those aiming to serve customers with excellence and drive industry-leading revenue growth. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | Unlocking Your Potential: Strategies from Katharina Matsui's Rise to SVP of Sales | 00:34:46 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast, where we unlock the secrets to career growth with industry experts in Sales. This episode is a compelling conversation with Katharina Matsui, a mastermind in the sales landscape and the global SVP of sales for One Trust. Against the conventional, Katharina proved doubters wrong about her ability to deliver professionally in leadership roles with her unconventional background. Esther 🌱 Ayorinde (ENFP) and Katharina also discuss the delicate balancing act of work and motherhood, the benefits of her multilingual capabilities in a global role, and the importance of adaptability and operational excellence in her varied responsibilities. So join us as we unpack Katharina's invaluable advice for rising professionals, her approach to stakeholder partnerships, the necessity of a solid support system, and how she turned her learning limitations into a career that plays to her strengths. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | Kathy Saye’s Guide for Aspiring Leaders and Working Parents | 00:34:32 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In our latest episode, Kathy Saye, an exemplary leader from Cisco, shared profound insights on authentic relationship-building, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and the art of balancing personal and professional life. She unveiled the secret behind transitioning from sales to leadership, emphasizing that it's not about the titles but the impact we create. The episode promises to enlighten future Chief Revenue Officers and any professional striving for growth, as Kathy offers her seasoned perspective on risk-taking and career exploration. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | DEAR FUTURE CRO | Ep 001 | by Culture Crunch x GrowthQ - Paula Hansen | 00:46:30 | |
Welcome to the #DearFutureCRO Podcast, where today we’ve had the inspiring Paula Hansen sharing her wisdom on rising through the ranks to become a Chief Revenue Officer. She’s reminded us of the power of mentorship across all career stages, the vital role of sponsorship in unlocking potential, and the significance of building a diverse team committed to growth. Paula’s journey from engineering to leading sales at Alteryx showcases the blend of continuous learning and customer connection. Her advice to future CROs? Invest in people, champion diverse talents, and always nurture your relationships. Tune in to grow, connect, and lead right alongside the trailblazers of today. Remember, your future as a CRO starts with the steps you take today, so keep learning, connecting, and advocating for change. Dear Future CRO Season 1 was brought to you in collaboration with Hunters and Unicorns x Culture Crunch. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | Leadership and Learning with Umesh Lakshman: A Guide for Aspiring CROs | 00:33:19 | |
Welcome to Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, our exclusive guest Umesh Lakshman, Vice President, Solutions Architecture, National Mid-Markets and Channels at Lumen Technologies, dove deep into the transformative power of mentorship, continuous learning, and the art of delivering value by truly understanding customer needs. In this heart-to-heart with GrowthQ CEO, Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayorinde (ENFP) , we’ll explore Umesh's unique approach to job interviews, the value of building relationships, and his insights into navigating cultural landscapes within the first crucial 90 days of a new role. He also discloses his strategies on networking, continuous education, and the importance of understanding customer-centric solutions beyond pure selling—an ethos that reflects the evolving shift from hardware to a predominantly software and services model within the tech industry. Join us as Umesh recounts career-defining moments, the transition to leadership, the pivotal shift after two decades with a technological powerhouse, and the lessons learned from his inaugural year leading a team. It's an episode replete with advice for future CROs, stressing the significance of embracing our identity as a superpower to unlock our fullest potential and empower others. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 17 Apr 2024 | The Power of Networking: Marjorie Martin's Key to Professional Advancement | 00:35:18 | |
Welcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we are honored to have Marjorie Martin as our guest. Marjorie is an expert in technology sales, who started her career unexpectedly at VMware and is now the Area Vice President of Enterprise at Juniper. During this episode, we will learn about Marjorie's inspiring journey, and how she overcame challenges, led teams, and changed careers. Marjorie will share her experiences on how she leads, networks, and helps teams succeed in the ever-changing world of the tech industry. We will explore the importance of a non-linear career and authentic expression, as Marjorie reveals how these elements have been instrumental to her growth, from public speaking engagements to key roles at major companies like Google. Marjorie will also discuss how she overcame challenges, embraced curiosity, and developed strong communication skills. Her insights are vital for those looking to lead with empathy and strategic insight. Join us for this powerful session filled with actionable advice, as the talk unfolds between GrowthQ CEO, Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayorinde (ENFP) and Marjorie about navigating the path to CRO with determination and authenticity. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 10 Apr 2024 | Chris Richardson on the Power of Authenticity and Leading with Empathy | 00:36:40 | |
Hello and welcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we’re honored to host Chris Richardson, Cloud Transformation Sales Leader at Google Cloud - a luminary in sales and go-to-market strategy. Renowned for his engaging personality, Chris is not only recognized within his professional sphere but also sought after as a speaker. He inspires others by sharing insights on how experiences, even the traumatic or difficult ones, can be the catalyst for success and growth. Chris’s story resonates widely, reminding us that the path to accomplishment is often paved with the bricks of perseverance and the courage to use life’s trials as fuel for our aspirations. Get ready to explore the importance of a non-linear career and authentic expression as Chris reveals how these elements have been instrumental to his growth, from public speaking engagements to key roles at major companies like Google. Chris shares his experiences with overcoming challenges, embracing curiosity, and the crucial development of strong communication skills. His insights are vital for those looking to lead with empathy and strategic insight. Join us for this powerful session filled with actionable advice, as the talk unfolds between GrowthQ CEO, Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayorinde (ENFP) and Chris while he imparts the wisdom of navigating the path to CRO with determination and authenticity. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 22 May 2024 | Kelly Wright on Driving Sales Success with Culture Driven Sales | 00:39:33 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In today's enlightening session with Kelly Breslin Wright, we dove deep into the heart of transformative sales and the power of a people-first approach. Kelly's journey, from door-to-door book sales to the pinnacle of tech industry disruption, highlights the essential blend of passion, perseverance, and people skills needed to excel in this ever-changing landscape. By championing a culture-driven sales strategy, Kelly reminds us that aligning with a company's mission and vision isn't just good practice, it's imperative for success. If you want to connect with Kelly after the podcast, you can find her at culturedrivensales.com and on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kellybreslinwright. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 01 May 2024 | Winning in Sales with Heart: Lessons from Frederick DeWorken | 00:30:57 | |
Welcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we are honored to have Frederick DeWorken as our guest. Frederick is an Investor and Co-Founder of a Data Services Company. In this episode, we uncovered the unconventional career path of a man who transitioned from the Peace Corps to becoming a trailblazing executive in tech. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 08 May 2024 | Mentorship, Motivation, and Moving Up in Sales with Travis Cox | 00:33:56 | |
Welcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we delve into the compelling career journey of Travis Cox, Global Vice President of Sales at HeroDevs, detailing his transition from big corporations to medium-sized companies, and then to the vibrant world of startups, all driven by his goal to become a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 15 May 2024 | Scaling Success: Insights from Mark Niemiec on Leadership and Revenue Growth | 00:37:40 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Niemiec, Chief Revenue Officer at Salesloft, who dives deep into the challenges and strategies of aligning sales goals with customer needs. Mark shares invaluable insights from his journey—from his philosophy background to leading sales at a tech forefront, emphasizing the critical role of understanding customer adoption and the importance of values in sales success. We also explore the essential blend of leadership, technology, and project management skills needed for a CRO. For anyone aiming to elevate their sales career or lead a revenue team, this episode is packed with guidance and inspiration straight from the trenches of sales leadership. Don't miss out on these game-changing strategies! GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 07 Aug 2024 | Delivering Tomorrow’s Growth Today: Rhonda Henley’s Leadership Mission | 00:32:36 | |
GrowthQ Community, join us for an inspiring episode of the Dear Future CRO Podcast with Rhonda Henley, Vice President of America's Partner Sales at Cisco. Rhonda shares valuable insights from her remarkable career journey, discussing the importance of setting clear expectations, seeking feedback, and understanding what success looks like in a new role. She also delves into daily routines, productivity hacks, and the significance of accountability and staying true to oneself. Rhonda's candid reflections on missed opportunities and the constant pursuit of learning and growth offer powerful lessons for anyone navigating their career path. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Rhonda's experiences and wisdom. Head over to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ to catch the full episode now! 00:00 Professional admiration with a touch of restraint. 05:22 Moved to IBM, pivotal role in leadership. 09:33 Be clear on expectations; seek feedback. 10:34 Prioritize tasks, set clear expectations, and listen. 14:09 Prioritize partner and customer issues for growth. 19:39 Focus on business, not just working in it. 23:06 Expressing conviction, refusing to downplay past experiences. 23:55 Opportunities arise to learn and grow. 27:02 Sales leadership team learning from exposure and experience. 30:22 Future CRO, always choose improvement over bitterness. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 14 Aug 2024 | Allison's Journey: Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership | 00:38:23 | |
GrowthQ Community, in this insightful session with the amazing Allison West Hughes, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, Allison shares her transformative journey of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in her leadership style, thanks to the groundbreaking work of Brene Brown. We dove deep into the challenges and rewards of uncovering, the importancei of embracing your authentic self, being open about personal struggles, like disabilities, in the workplace and being intentional about what support and accommodations looks like.. Allison's experiences at Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Telcos, and ServiceNow taught her invaluable lessons about building trust, optimizing sales, and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics. Her resilience and intentional approach to professional development are truly inspiring. Allison's advice for future CROs? Embrace patience, enjoy the ride, and cultivate strategic partnerships within your organization. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on the wisdom she dropped in this session. Head over to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ to catch the full episode now!
00:00 Resilience is my superpower in career setbacks. 05:33 Excitedly explored technology, then transitioned to leadership. 08:04 ServiceNow growth, leaders' impact, career development opportunity. 12:36 Overcoming disability fear to seek global role. 15:48 Microsoft launched new roles, hired 500 sellers. 19:45 Microsoft's seasonal operations and travel for planning. 20:52 Satya emphasizes growth, innovation, and global diversity. 24:06 Global role at Servicenow expanded my mindset. 29:06 Embrace mistakes, acknowledge, apologize, and improve leadership. 32:12 Intentional career development through reading and curiosity. 34:21 Encourage future leaders to enjoy the journey and develop critical cross-stakeholder partnerships. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 21 Aug 2024 | Leadership Lessons from Tony Colon: Diversity, Instinct, and Financial Wisdom | 00:51:16 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ! In this episode, our host and Founder of GrowthQ, Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu engages in a compelling conversation with Tony Colon, SVP for Customer Success at ServiceNow. Tony takes us through his diverse career journey from his early life in Chicago to pivotal roles at Salesforce and Cisco. He emphasizes decision-making using both data and instinct, the value of ideas from diverse perspectives, and the importance of innovation within companies. Esther and Tony discuss the significance of learning from those making high-stake decisions and listening to frontline employees. They also dive into personal experiences, including handling racially insensitive situations, the impact of their upbringings, and building a sense of community at work. From the future of AI in customer success to Tony’s desire to educate future generations on financial management, this episode is rich with insights for aspiring leaders. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion geared towards shaping the future for Customer Success Leaders everywhere.
00:00 Excited for guest, Mr. Tony Colon, SVP. 03:49 Upholding family legacy, providing generational opportunities, diversity. 07:37 Proud of breaking through, connecting diverse cultures. 12:09 Creating community through shared interests and passions. 14:11 Craving connection, seeking real talk in loneliness. 18:31 Immigrant parents' struggle and financial focus. 23:01 Unintentional mentorship led to love for programming. 26:31 Shifted careers after ten years, joined Cisco. 27:45 Transitioned from Cisco to hardware, then software. 33:07 Microsoft's copilot, our digital assistant, aids productivity. 35:22 Fear of speaking up hindered career success. 40:28 Career journey, challenging comment, vulnerability, leadership example. 41:33 Reflecting on confronting racism and fostering change. 46:27 Encourage and support innovative ideas from everyone. 48:55 Tony recognized for generosity, success and kindness. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | Mastering Overlay Sales Leadership: Garrett Claridge’s Guide to Building Trust and Managing Teams | 00:43:56 | |
Welcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast," powered by GrowthQ! In today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Garrett Claridge, the Regional Sales Leader of the West Coast for Cisco Webex, based in Seattle. Garrett shares his invaluable insights on understanding your business's impact on customers and bosses, the essence of curiosity, networking, and being open to change for ambitious leaders. Garrett delves into his diverse career journey, from starting in sales with a small telecommunications provider to managing large accounts at Cisco during the financial crisis. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at transitioning from a specialist role to a leadership position, including the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way. We'll explore his experience as a global account manager at Amazon, the critical role of technical sales, and the collaboration between sales and product teams. Garrett also provides a candid perspective on the significance of building personal connections, establishing credibility, and driving change within teams. Join us as we uncover how Garrett's leadership style turned his team around during the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging remote work and cloud technologies to retain and acquire customers.
03:47 Found amazing leaders, intentional about career path. 07:49 Navigating complex sales roles with multiple stakeholders. 10:53 Importance of technical sales at Amazon highlighted. 15:47 Garrett's diverse sales experience and leadership journey. 17:53 New leaders must establish credibility and captivate. 21:36 Overlays support and overlap across regions. 24:32 Build personal connections by understanding team members. 28:44 Building relationships, understanding goals, and adaptability. 30:28 Team effort during COVID led to success. 35:20 Teams cover west, deep tech expertise, cloud. 37:47 Effectively communicate business impact for future success. 41:12 Networking is essential for achieving goals. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | Aligning Career Choices with Personal Values: How to Lead Authentically with Sharon Martin | 00:42:20 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ! In this episode, our host and Founder of GrowthQ, Esther sits down with the inspiring Sharon Martin, a seasoned systems engineering leader, to delve into the challenges and mindset shifts one faces throughout their career journey. Sharon shares her personal story of growth and resilience, from her early days as an enthusiastic individual contributor to her current season of intentional leadership. She reflects on the values instilled by her parents, such as perseverance, grit, and gratitude, and how they have shaped her approach to both personal and professional life. Throughout the conversation, Sharon and Esther discuss the importance of reframing career events as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. They share their own experiences of resisting change and learning to embrace it as a chance to develop and evolve. As a leader, Sharon emphasizes the significance of understanding oneself and aligning career choices with personal values. She discusses the shift from outward to inward leadership, stressing that genuine leadership comes from within and the ability to connect with others through emotional intelligence. Sharon also shares valuable insights on navigating the first 90 days in a new leadership role, balancing patience with driving transformation, and gaining the trust and loyalty of one's team. She highlights the need to operate on a sliding scale of tactical and strategic priorities, juggling immediate actions with long-term goals. Tune in to this engaging episode as Sharon Martin imparts her wisdom on embracing change, taking ownership of one's career, and the power of intentionality and clarity in becoming a better executive and leader. Get ready to be inspired and learn how to navigate your own career journey with resilience and grace!
00:00 Leadership values rooted in family struggle and perseverance. 04:21 Challenging stereotypes and systems in engineering. 10:23 Leadership is about knowing yourself deeply. 14:53 Authenticity and intentionality are keys to success. 18:06 Balancing patience in leadership while driving transformation. 22:04 Assess, listen, establish; avoid missteps in leadership. 24:33 Continuous learning, adapting, and balancing short-term/long-term goals. 28:31 Adapting to change, learning, and personal growth. 32:32 Learning to accept others' limitations and grow. 35:01 Continuous learning through intentional daily habits is transformative. 37:31 Share tools with future leaders. Pass it on. 40:14 Passionate about success, Sharon pours into others. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 12 Sep 2024 | From Developer to Sales Leader: Lynne Doherty's Unconventional Path to Success | 00:38:41 | |
Welcome to another insightful episode of the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ! Today, we're thrilled to host Lynne Doherty, a remarkable leader whose unconventional career journey took her from a math and computer science major to a powerhouse in sales leadership. Lynne's philosophy? "Disruption is not a dirty word." In technology, it means innovations that reinvent how we, as consumers, experience the world. Lynne is not only an advocate for this kind of creative disruption but also a champion for accountability—doing what you say you will do. Currently, as President of a go-to-market organization at Sonar, Lynne oversees a comprehensive array of customer interactions, from pre-sales engineering to marketing. Her team at Sonar is committed to helping organizations and developers worldwide create clean, quality, and secure code, essential for accelerating mission-critical software development. With AI-generated code becoming increasingly prevalent, Lynne understands the critical role solutions like Sonar play in leveraging these advancements. In this episode, Lynne shares her transition from a developer to sales, driven by her passion for explaining technology in business terms, and how her technical background has given her a unique advantage. She reflects on her childhood in Philadelphia, where the values of hard work and gratitude were deeply instilled by her family, and how these principles have shaped her professional journey. We also explore her experiences with imposter syndrome, the impact of pivotal life events like September 11, and her shift from prioritizing perfection to valuing progress. Join our conversation as Lynne offers invaluable advice for future CROs on surrounding yourself with good people, balancing professional demands with personal health, and staying informed and connected. Tune in to hear Lynne Doherty's compelling story and practical advice for aspiring leaders!
00:00 Mom's influence on work ethic and family. 03:44 Professionally developing and not taking success for granted. 06:56 Skilled at identifying and collecting good people. 10:47 Underestimated sales rep role, but learned respect. 15:10 Planning for short, medium, and long-term goals. 17:46 Balancing schedules and priorities in a busy life. 22:36 Time matters; something is better than nothing. 25:24 Insecurities in career persist despite senior level. 28:09 Small decisions shape life and career path. 33:38 Maintaining connections through small, thoughtful gestures matter. 35:27 Closing statement: Dear future CRO, what's your career advice? GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||
| 18 Sep 2024 | How to Drive Change and Build Trust with CRO Denise Walter | 00:34:35 | |
Welcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ! In this gripping episode, host Esther goes deep with Denise Walter, the dynamic Chief Revenue Officer at Darktrace. Denise, a seasoned leader with a storied career in tech and sales, opens up about her relentless travels, transformative strategies, and the fine balance she strikes between long-term planning and tactical execution for public companies. Denise takes us through her pivotal career moments, including her early misstep that set her on a path of leadership development and mentorship. Learn how she motivates her teams by understanding individual needs, the powerful role of tailored recognition, and the synergy of aligning personal and company values. Dive into Denise's journey, from her roots as an individual contributor to scaling the heights of leadership at Cisco and now Darktrace. Get a candid look at her initial challenges in transitioning to her CRO role and the importance of embracing diverse skills for career progression. Through her experiences in various business environments—from startups to realignment phases—Denise shares invaluable insights on driving transformation, culture, and people optimization. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable takeaways on leadership, learning, and creating a thriving workplace. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! 00:00 Find strengths, embrace challenges, and pursue growth. 04:24 Great fit, felt like home, fantastic experience. 07:49 Career progression tied to diverse skills and experiences. 10:01 90-day role focused on people assessment and talent. 14:17 Constant change, optimization, and embracing opportunities. 16:27 Traveling and connecting with teams for change. 20:28 Reflecting on career success and meaningful relationships. 23:20 Took initiative, got a mentor, secured a leadership role. 26:26 Embrace your limitations and seek diverse expertise. 31:12 Align to core values, prioritize people intentionally. GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. | |||