Channel Futures Reveals 2024 Circle of Excellence Inductees
Channel Futures is honoring 15 executives for their vision, innovation and advocacy of the channel.
February 23, 2024
Jennifer Anaya
Senior Vice President, Global Marketing
Ingram Micro
Jennifer Anaya is senior vice president, global marketing at Ingram Micro. Serving as the company’s chief marketing officer, she is responsible for leading the strategy and direction of the company's brand, as well as driving growth through enhanced customer experience and digital marketing functions.
Channel Futures: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Anaya: Two are top of mind:
More international engagement within Ingram Micro's Trust X Alliance community and bringing in an emphasis on how to grow stronger together using Sales Advance and Technical Advance.
Building a marketing engine within the Ingram Micro Xvantage platform to provide more resources and personalization to our channel partners and their employees which allows them to market more intentionally down to their end-user customers.
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Anaya: To keep moving ahead, channel partners must realize they can't do everything, and they certainly can't do everything at once. Learn to say "no" more often, especially to projects outside your specialization or that may distract you. Say no to perfectionism. Embrace being perfectly imperfect and moving forward a little more each day. Celebrate the small wins and be "in service" of the customer.
CF: What have you done in the last year in support of the channel that is unique and/or a differentiator for your company?
Anaya: Our digital experience platform, Ingram Micro Xvantage, is changing how we work as a team and how we work with our partners. It’s moving our relationship from transactions to interactions and removing friction from the day-to-day to bolster the experience for everyone. Xvantage is the first digital twin of any IT distribution partner and the feedback from our customers and our vendors reflects the positive business impact Xvantage is having on their operations and ability to do more.
Jonathan Borella
Senior Manager, Channel Events & Engagement
Verizon
Jonathan Borella, a veteran of more than 23 years with Verizon, was recently named senior manager, channel events and engagement. He is an events and operations professional with proven success leading cross-functional teams to build, negotiate and activate dynamic events and programs to drive sales growth, build efficiencies, and increase brand affinity.
CF: If money were no object, what would you do for an entire year?
Borella: I would take time to pause; to think about all of life's successes and challenges, and to reflect on my journey thus far. I know that for myself it is hard to slow down and enjoy the small moments, so I would allow myself that time — time to spend with my wife and our children. I would welcome the opportunity to travel with my family; be my children's full-time chauffeur and be the first one to sign up to volunteer at their school and go on class trips.
CF: What memorable lesson(s) have you learned from a mentor that has led to your success?
Borella: Be kind, be honest and work hard. These three "simple" phrases have shaped who I am in both my professional and personal life. I know that the relationships that I have built and the time and effort I put into my career have been shaped by this focus. My mentor early on reminded me that it will not always be easy, but it will always be worth it, as learning from success and failure makes you a stronger person. I truly believe that my accomplishments stem from the importance I place on relationship building and trust.
CF: What inspires you most and why?
Borella: I am inspired by the desire to be a good husband, supportive father and dedicated son. Growing up, my mother was dedicated to giving me a life that allowed me to believe there were no limits as to what I could accomplish. I know that for her, it was not always easy. Still. she always put my needs first. I did not truly understand her commitment and sacrifice until I had my own family and realized that they are what drives me to be a better person and work hard. At the end of the day, I want my children to know that I am inspired to do better because of them, so that they can one day reflect on their childhood with as much gratitude as I have for mine.
Carol Davis
Lead Events Manager
AT&T
A veteran of nearly 10 years at AT&T, Carol Davis is the senior member of a visionary and creative team that is setting the bar for how B2B, B2P and B2C product management, marketing, sales and service delivery is done in a compelling and effective way. A business-oriented professional with a cross-functional skills set, she’s worked in R&D, product management, sales, marketing, and operations roles throughout my career.
CF: What do you think is the best high-tech invention ever?
Davis: The telephone, which changed the world by improving communication and connectivity. It continues to reshape business practices, facilitate faster decision processes and strengthen personal relationships.
CF: If money were no object, what would you do for an entire year?
Davis: Travel the world and see all the places I’ve read about.
CF: What inspires you most and why?
Davis: Making a difference. I’m motivated by the desire to make a positive impact and this inspiration allows me to utilize my creativity, whether it’s for an event or creating a solution for a business challenge.
Mike DePalma
Vice President, Business Development
Kaseya
Michael DePalma represents Datto at numerous trade shows and technology conferences throughout North America, frequently presenting alongside members of the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. The objective of these presentations is to connect with business owners and IT professionals to educate them on current cyber threats and the role business continuity plays in combatting these threats. DePalma has worked alongside the managed services community for close to a decade, helping them understand the technology landscape for the business community throughout the world. These partnerships have led to significant growth within the industry, as more and more businesses understand the value of working with an MSP.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
DePalma: We revamped our MDF program in 2023 and added to our Channel Enablement benefits with additional marketing materials, strategic planning and go-to-market best practices.
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
DePalma: The channel will continue to move upmarket, opening large opportunities in the co-managed IT space.
CF: What have you done in the last year in support of the channel that is unique and/or a differentiator for your company?
DePalma: The Channel Enablement team's entire focus is helping our partners grow. I was on more than 100 one-on-one strategy calls with our partners in 2023 where the goal was to share my knowledge on what successful MSPs are doing to reach their growth goals.
CF: What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am a die-hard Disney fan and watch every new release on opening weekend.
CF: What memorable lesson(s) have you learned from a mentor that has led to your success?
DePalma: Don't go to events with the sole intention of trying to find new business. It is more important to develop as many meaningful relationships as possible, even if it's with other vendors or MSPs that you might never do business with. You never know where those connections can lead to in the future.
CF: What inspires you most and why?
DePalma: My children are my inspiration. When things are tough, I always remember that the reason I work hard to is provide the best life for my children.
CF: Can you name a professional or person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? How did this person impact your life?
DePalma: Matt Scully, a senior channel development manager and one of my direct reports, has massively impacted my career. Most people will point to a previous boss, but it is important to learn from everyone on the team. Matt has been the channel chief at two other companies and his insights over the past 12 months have been a key reason why the team was successful in 2023.
Arsalan Eizadirad
Senior Manager, Global MSP Strategy
Lenovo
Arsalan Eizadirad is a seasoned technology enthusiast boasting an impressive track record spanning more than 18 years. He has been in the channel for five years, the last two with Lenovo where he directs worldwide strategy. His role involves not only envisioning innovative strategies but also translating them into actionable plans that drive success on a global scale. Eizadirad’s journey is an embodiment of his relentless pursuit of excellence, his penchant for fostering innovation, and his unwavering commitment to propelling both himself and his field forward.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Eizadirad: I have spearheaded the development and introduction of our Lenovo 360 for MSP program, revolutionizing how we support our MSP partners in the channel. MSPs often have distinct needs compared to traditional VARs, GSIs or telcos, and our Lenovo 360 for MSP program addresses these needs by offering tailored enablement and growth tools. Our program empowers MSPs to leverage our comprehensive portfolio of solutions, from pocket to cloud, all delivered through the TruScale as-a-service (XaaS) model. This ensures that MSPs have the resources they need to thrive and succeed in today's dynamic market landscape.es and possibilities for humanity.
CF: How will AI and/or ChatGPT change the world?
Eizadirad: AI is poised to revolutionize the world by driving unprecedented advancements in technology, business and society. We'll witness AI-powered innovations transforming industries from health care and finance to transportation and agriculture. AI-driven technologies will play a pivotal role in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, health care accessibility and cybersecurity. As AI continues to evolve, it will redefine how we work, live and interact, ushering in a new era of unprecedented opportunities and possibilities for humanity.
CF: If money were no object, what would you do for an entire year?
Eizadirad: I'd set off on a year-long adventure, exploring the globe and crossing off destinations from my bucket list, like the Maldives, Madagascar, Tasmania, and Laos. Along the way, I'd devote a substantial portion of my resources and time to environmental conservation and humanitarian efforts in these regions.
Juan Fernandez
Channel Chief
SuperOps.ai
With more than two decades of experience in the MSP industry, Juan Fernandez brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role driving SuperOps.ai’s commitment to supporting and empowering MSPs worldwide. He plays a crucial role in advancing the company’s channel strategy, expanding ts global presence and enhancing partner relationships.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Fernandez: The biggest focus in the past months has been partner enablement and education. We launched a series of MSP education events that brough huge value to our community, not to mention hiring a community manager to focus on our partners and their success. We fully launched several programs focused on our partners and vendors to enhance mutual value and build effective collaboration and community.
CF:What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Fernandez: 2024 will be another year of education for IT channel. With all the injections of new technology there will be a new era of "Managed" on the horizon.
CF: What have you done in the last year in support of the channel that is unique and/or a differentiator for your company?
Fernandez: Whether it was launching a new book, creating content for distribution, doing webinars, speaking, training, building classes, creating frameworks, refining process and sharing best practices. my goal and passion are to help everyone become the best they can. I strive to be a huge contributor to helping that change occur.
CF: How will AI and/or ChatGPT change the world?
Fernandez: AI will definitely change the world as we can see it. Automation will become commonplace, data will be our playground, enhanced customer and employee experiences will become a reality. But. new skills and a new mindset will also become paramount as the way we thought and worked will also shift.
CF: What memorable lesson(s) have you learned from a mentor that has led to your success?
Fernandez: My grandfather taught me: you can work hard and you can work smart but if you do both, you will have figured it out.
CF: What inspires you most and why?
Fernandez: People in need. My job isn't done until I help all those that can benefit from something i know.
Leslie Gipple
Senior Segment Manager, Channel Partner Marketing
T-Mobile for Business
A relative newcomer to the indirect channel (four years), Leslie Gipple has been with T-Mobile for 22 years. She came by way of Sprint, where she had worked for 14 years before it was acquired by T-Mobile. An energetic and experienced leader, she is passionate about driving improvements for employees and customers.
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Gipple: I predict a channel explosion! Given the complexity of technology and the demand for customized outcomes, businesses are realizing that they need the solutions, expertise and holistic vision that only channel partners can provide. At T-Mobile for Business, we are excited to experience all the 5G use cases that partners can enable.
CF: What memorable lesson(s) have you learned from a mentor that has led to your success?
Gipple: I’ve been blessed with several amazing mentors who have helped me grow personally and professionally. A trait common to all is that they all genuinely care. Following their lead as a mentor, I always take the time to learn about each of the people that I mentor on a personal level. I want to understand their “why” and I guide them to find success doing things their way (leveraging their strengths), not mine.
CF: How do you lead brainstorming and foster creativity among those you work with?
Gipple: Fostering an inclusive and diverse culture that enables creativity where all team members feel engaged and willing to share their thoughts and ideas is where it all starts.
Caroline Goles
Chief Marketing Officer
Pax8
Caroline Goles just recently completed her first year as Pax8’s chief marketing officer. With more than 15 years of channel, sales and marketing experience in the tech industry, her diverse career includes roles with Adobe and a 13-year tenure with Microsoft. She has been with Pax8 for two years. Prior to being named CMO, Goles was corporate vice president, sales strategy, charged with delivering scale and digital automation to accelerate Pax8’s revenue growth with innovative sales strategies.
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Goles: I think everyone even close to the channel can see the impacts of GenAI. This is the year where we cross the chasm from experimentation to implementation, and those that have not harnessed AI to drive real efficiencies in their business will be left behind. AI should be considered a utility for any company, a necessary resource for every part of an organization. Internally, AI will lead partners to new efficiencies and increased productivity. Externally, it will help partners transform their core value proposition as AI gets baked directly into each partner's core products.
More broadly, the age of ecosystem has arrived. I believe we will see greater partner-partner relationships. The world of cybersecurity is complex, rapidly evolving and the surface area is ever increasing. In tight equity markets of 2024, one cannot obtain expertise through acquisition, so I think we will see a lot more organic partnership and ecosystem development. Even if it is just banding together to share learning, peer-to-peer ecosystems will thrive in the coming years, out of necessity in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Last prediction: SaaS vendors will have to evolve their traditional channel programs toward this new ecosystem. Vendors need partners even more in today’s complex market, where security requirements are incredibly nuanced and require deep expertise to architect the right solution for each customer. The MSP is part of the new essential staff, to borrow a term from the COVID era. Their fundamental understanding of customers, particularly SMBs, is essential to SaaS vendor growth. Their programs and investments strategies need to evolve accordingly.
In 2024, the channel will be recognized as the fabric of SaaS go-to-market success.
CF: What do you think is the best high-tech invention ever?
Goles: Hands down, the silicon chip. It was the spark for all the innovation we enjoy today. The microchip underwrote the economic, geopolitical and business powers of today. The global impact of this innovation cannot be understated.
Pizza is a close second.
CF: How do you lead brainstorming and foster creativity among those you work with?
Goles: Modern marketing is the perfect alchemy of art and science, so we treat our marketing department like a laboratory and speak of it as such. Creativity needs a safe environment to thrive, so ensuring one’s team feels supported and encouraged to fail and learn is imperative. Celebrate those who, in search of new success, blow up the lab. Creativity needs encouragement and passion. Communicate broadly the successes and the triumphs of the lab experiments that went awry. Creativity also needs clarity, a clear understanding of the goals and priorities, to generate ideas. Clarity creates the calm and quiet environment to foment innovation.
Elaine Goodman
Global Leader, Strategy & Acceleration, Global Partner & Route to Market Sales
Cisco
Elaine Goodman is an innovator and connector who leads teams to successful execution. A senior business development and integrated marketing expert who drives business growth, she creates long-term relationships, and motivates high-performance via entrepreneurial leadership. Goodman was on the forefront of Cisco’s shift to software and XaaS as a strategy lead within the global partner organization.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Goodman: As part of Cisco's effort to help partners reach new buyers and capture new revenue, I have led Cisco's strategy and relationships with the technology services distributors and advisors. While Cisco has been a channel leader for over 25 years, we just recently began formalized relationships in this part of the channels, giving customers and partners incremental options.
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Goodman: We will continue to see a continued demand for suppliers to support additional commercial models and more types of partner relationships, not less. As customers continue to favor managed services and choose from whom and how they transact, there become exponential combinations of choices. That results in a need for additional partnerships that previously weren’t needed.
CF: What memorable lesson(s) have you learned from a mentor that has led to your success?
Goodman: One of the simplest lessons was passed along to me from one of my mentors (who received it from one of her mentors). Recognition is free. Do not put a limit on it. If you have such an unlimited opportunity with no cost, why not make everyone on your team feel great with a form of recognition? Take a moment to congratulate someone for an accomplishment in front of the team and see the amount of positive energy you create for everyone.
CF: How do you foster a positive work environment among colleagues and partners?
Goodman: There are very few initiatives involving partners that don’t require teamwork. Teams are not specific to one organization, but rather cross-organizational, multifunctional and highly matrixed. Because of those factors, three key working principles are critical:
Align objectives early: bring everyone together to document a shared understanding of where you want to finish and the teams operating principles.
Communicate constantly: being agile works for business efforts. Have frequent team meetups.
Fail forward: We know that it is not if but when we will see failure. Make that part of the team methodology: use it to build the team and improve the results (versus using it to drive a wedge). And then, reset and repeat #1.
Heather Hartland
Vice President, Experiential Marketing
ThreatLocker
Heather Hartland has more than 20 years of experience in the events and meetings industry, beginning her career in 1997 at Walt Disney World. She joined ThreatLocker in 2021. Heartland believes in achieving business results by creating, then translating strategy into logistics for impactful experiences
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Hartland: Simplification! In an on-demand world, buyers are looking for simple and efficient purchasing processes so they can buy what they want, when they want it and how they want it.
CF: What have you done in the last year in support of the channel that is unique and/or a differentiator for your company?
Hartland: In addition to our efforts to increase channel event participation and visibility, we've doubled down on our partner engagement. Marketing is sales enablement and by supporting our partners with customer-ready materials, facilitating MDF usage and providing training and expertise in support of partner customer acquisition campaigns, we are committed to helping our partners succeed in their sales efforts.
Christina Nairn
Director, Americas Regional Marketing
Sophos
As the director of Americas regional marketing at Sophos, Christina Nairn oversees the Americas demand generation and channel marketing teams with a focus on developing, driving and implementing strategic marketing activities within Sophos and its VAR and MSP communities.
A results-driven marketing professional and consistent top performer, Nairn brings a wide range of experience and leadership roles in marketing and sales strategy from her 20+ years in the technology sector, most of which has been spent focused on cybersecurity. During her more than 10 years with Sophos, Nairn has had proven success in the planning and execution of marketing programs that drive sales targets for both direct and indirect channels.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Nairn: My focus this last year has been on helping advance Sophos’ channel business through partner recruitment and enablement. I’m also determined to increase partner use of Sophos’ managed security services – Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and incident response. Sophos provides seamless integration with a broad, open ecosystem of technology partners to deliver superior cybersecurity outcomes. This provides partners and MSPs with countless opportunities to renew, cross-sell and upsell their existing customer base to provide best protection without the heavy lift of replacing existing security systems.
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Nairn: The complexity of modern operating environments and the velocity of cyberthreats alongside economic pressures pose a challenge for partners in 2024. It’s critical that channel partners have the appropriate security services needed to prevent breaches and attacks, and a vendor that is dedicated to their long-term success. The need for always-on security operations is imperative to the success of channel partners. As a result, channel partners need to look beyond endpoint protection and firewalls, and take advantage of managed services, specifically MDR and incident response services, for their customers to provide 24/7 end-to-end security. Not only does this ensure the best protection for their customers, but it also frees up internal technical resources to focus on strategic revenue-generating activities.
CF: How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
Nairn: Careers in technology in general — and cybersecurity in particular — are not for the faint of heart. The pace, thrill and excitement are often balanced with conflict and obstacles, but these moments are where we grow. I put a lot of emphasis on transparency and not being afraid to fail when trying something new. I also focus on how each of our roles and projects fits in to the bigger picture. Knowing that we are part of something bigger and that we are contributing to the success of the business helps pull us up when faced with obstacles. Conflict and adversity are inevitable, but how we respond and learn from these situations is key to our development, both personally and professionally.
Michelle Ragusa-McBain
Vice President, Global Channels
SonicWall
Seriously, who in the channel doesn’t know Michelle Ragusa-McBain? She’s a blogger, a world traveler (all seven continents!), a DE&I advocate and absolutely dedicated to the channel. During her more than 18 years of partner experience, she has successfully developed, led and grown channel ecosystems at Cisco, Office Depot | CompuCom and JS Group. She has led managed services, subscription/consumption models, distribution, and alliances programs. She and her teams have been recognized with numerous channel awards, and she has served on multiple boards and communities driving DE&I initiatives and developing the next generation of channel talent.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Ragusa-McBain: Partners have a lot of vendors in their stack and the threat landscape continues to increase. It can be a challenge for those partners to have enough time, money and resources to keep their customers secure and protected and keep their businesses growing. That’s why we launched our new SecureFirst partner program. We lowered the rebate threshold so more partners can earn money to put back into their businesses. We added MDF so partners can accrue and co-brand, co-market, co-sell and co-innovate with us. We also rolled in our MSP program, the flexible consumption and billing in arrears to meet our partners where they are. Then we continued to innovate our portfolio. We are expanding our technology road map through building, partnering and integrating acquisitions such as Solutions Granted and Banyan Security. Together we work to simplify and drive success as a 100% channel-focused company. Without our partners, we are nothing.
Marie Rourke
Founder & Chief
WhiteFox Marketing
Marie Rourke founded WhiteFox Marketing in 2005. One of the top channel PR strategists and marketing experts, Rourke is dedicated to bringing channel relationships, marketing, PR and communications to the forefront of companies’ business growth strategies and tactics.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Rourke: Channel partners want transparency from their vendies and disties. "Tell us what we want and need to know before and when we need to know it." Our team advocates for greater transparency, encouraging more enablement, automation, centralized communications and more everyday conversation and human interactions whenever possible. We push to remove the non-actionable corporate chatter, the biz jargon and just get to the point so we can make better business decisions together and keep business growth and the experience moving up and to the right.
CF: What is your prediction for the channel, overall, in the coming year?
Rourke: Many channel partners (VARs, SPs, MSPs, trusted advisors, etc.) will realize their worth and become more confident in their conversations with their partners/alliances, clients/customers — firing some, growing others. Channel partners will become more intentional with their circle of trust and the solutions they deploy and manage, as well as the new biz and "attached" relationships that they seek within and around the ecosystem.
As such, channel partners are also likely to reevaluate and refine their biz relationships with vendies and disties to accelerate and amplify select solutions and services.
In 2024, the industry as a whole will be more partner-centric than ever before, asking for more transparency, integrated tech and access to talent. The ripple will include greater accountability for the relationships and results we grow together with our channel partners.
CF: How will AI and/or ChatGPT change the world?
Rourke: AI isn't new. What is relevant is the impact AI is having on how we work, the speed at which we can assess, learn and share, and as you've seen online, how people are showing up which in some cases is a blend of reality and sci-fi supermodels with extra body parts.
My POV: The conversations need to come down to an actionable field level so we humans can have more conversations about how to apply AI securely and help others learn from it, protect from it and use it to build advantages. The high-level hyped pitch on AI is a saturated convo. How is AI being used in XYZ verticals? Where is it showing up and having real business, life impact? Show us the studies!
CF: What do you think is the best high-tech invention ever?
Rourke: That's a big title. When I think "ever," one of them has to be the computer and the other the phone. That's where the creation of these crazy industries took hold and then of course the internet set the innovation cycle on fire. Best-applied use of tech depends on your experiences and what's close to home. My vote goes to all the high-impact tech innovations in the medical field helping others live. A simple yet impactful one — hearing aids.
CF: What would people be surprised to know about you?
Rourke: I moved from SoCal to Idaho nearly five years ago and in recent months my "fur family" members have exceed the human ones living in our home. And my green thumb is seriously outta control. I love all the seasons and the plants, the florals, the trees.
CF: What memorable lesson(s) have you learned from a mentor that has led to your success?
Rourke: So many come to mind: Don't limit yourself to your role. Listen to learn and understand, not respond and rant. Earn the business every day. Be the glue that connects people and their success. Assume positive intent when you see, read, hear from others. Don't make an emotional decision, make a good one (that one is from my mom). Treat everyone with respect and be useful.
CF: What inspires you most and why?
Rourke: Learning about people who are helping others thrive and simply doing the right thing for no other reason than to do right by people and/or the business.
Connie Strouse
Vice President, Event & Field Marketing
Telarus
With more than 25 years of experience in administrative operations and event management, Connie Strouse is passionate about building strong teams that work cohesively to support and help scale clients’ business.
CF: If money were no object, what would you do for an entire year?
Strouse: I would travel. I believe there is so much to be learned from other customs. To be able to observe and participate would be both humbling and educational. To take these life lessons into my family and job would be very inspirational.
CF: How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
Strouse: Conflicts and obstacles in the event world are not a negative. They are an opportunity to learn how we can do something better. They are an opportunity to identify where we can fix, expand, enhance, eliminate, assess and more. A team stays motivated in events by not looking at the negativity of the words "conflicts and obstacles," but at the opportunity to grow in our skills. They are a second opportunity to deliver excellence. I always keep a quote from Walt Disney in mind: “Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it, they will want to come back and see you do it again, and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.” Use the lesson to get them back.
CF: What inspires you most and why?
Strouse: I have always drawn inspiration from being a team leader. The opportunity to mentor a group of individuals who are beginning their careers is a privilege. You have to treat this time with them as they are learning work skills and soft skills as a gift you have been handed. Teaching them to manage through difficult times, be able to see ahead, be creative, grow relationships and more will help them advance in their careers. The biggest compliment is to see them advance up and sometimes even out of a company, as it means you have done your job correctly.
Lily Weibel
Senior Director, Marketing & Events
Avant
A veteran of nearly 14 years at Avant, Lily Weibel works to promote the company’s goal of setting the industry standard for knowledge and navigation of the global technology marketplace.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Weibel: I may be a little bit biased, but I think Avant puts on one of the best conferences in the industry with our Special Forces Summit! It is my pride and joy, and something I take very personally — creating the best possible experience for our trusted advisors and our vendor community. I led the planning and execution of our Special Forces Summit (with an absolutely incredible and talented team next to me), which in 2023 included nearly 200 companies new to the event. The trusted advisors' feedback was outstanding, stating that it was some of the most informative and educational two and a half days they had spent all year. It's also a wonderful opportunity for our entire community to come together, network and build stronger relationships, both professional and personal. It’s really a joy to be a part of!
CF: What do you think is the best high-tech invention ever?
Weibel: Haha, maybe not a high-tech invention per se, but I think the most genius app of all time is Shazam! I use this SO often and I always tell everyone that it blows my mind every single time! Being able to find any song that’s ever been created, in a matter of three seconds ... absolutely genius. I can't wrap my brain around it.
CF: What would people be surprised to know about you?
Weibel: I went to Paris for the first time a couple of years ago for my friend’s birthday and fell in love with the language. I've been taking French lessons every day for more than a year, making it the third language I'm able to speak. I have a long way to go until fluent, but ... J'adore le Français!
CF: If money were no object, what would you do for an entire year?
Weibel: I would go around the country and find a foster home for every single dog/animal that I possibly could. I'd most likely end up with a pack of my own. I've always said that if I ever won the lottery I would buy the largest piece of land I could find and turn it into an animal sanctuary. There wouldn't be any animal I'd turn away, no matter what it was! I'd look to hire the most loving, empathetic staff I could find and we would save as many animals as humanly possible. I hope one day I am at least able to do some version of this. Saving animals from abusive situations is so important and would mean everything to me — standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves!
Lily Weibel
Senior Director, Marketing & Events
Avant
A veteran of nearly 14 years at Avant, Lily Weibel works to promote the company’s goal of setting the industry standard for knowledge and navigation of the global technology marketplace.
CF: What key initiatives did you spearhead last year that culminated in improvements for your channel partners?
Weibel: I may be a little bit biased, but I think Avant puts on one of the best conferences in the industry with our Special Forces Summit! It is my pride and joy, and something I take very personally — creating the best possible experience for our trusted advisors and our vendor community. I led the planning and execution of our Special Forces Summit (with an absolutely incredible and talented team next to me), which in 2023 included nearly 200 companies new to the event. The trusted advisors' feedback was outstanding, stating that it was some of the most informative and educational two and a half days they had spent all year. It's also a wonderful opportunity for our entire community to come together, network and build stronger relationships, both professional and personal. It’s really a joy to be a part of!
CF: What do you think is the best high-tech invention ever?
Weibel: Haha, maybe not a high-tech invention per se, but I think the most genius app of all time is Shazam! I use this SO often and I always tell everyone that it blows my mind every single time! Being able to find any song that’s ever been created, in a matter of three seconds ... absolutely genius. I can't wrap my brain around it.
CF: What would people be surprised to know about you?
Weibel: I went to Paris for the first time a couple of years ago for my friend’s birthday and fell in love with the language. I've been taking French lessons every day for more than a year, making it the third language I'm able to speak. I have a long way to go until fluent, but ... J'adore le Français!
CF: If money were no object, what would you do for an entire year?
Weibel: I would go around the country and find a foster home for every single dog/animal that I possibly could. I'd most likely end up with a pack of my own. I've always said that if I ever won the lottery I would buy the largest piece of land I could find and turn it into an animal sanctuary. There wouldn't be any animal I'd turn away, no matter what it was! I'd look to hire the most loving, empathetic staff I could find and we would save as many animals as humanly possible. I hope one day I am at least able to do some version of this. Saving animals from abusive situations is so important and would mean everything to me — standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves!
Channel Futures’ 2024 Circle of Excellence inductees include some familiar faces in the channel and some new ones. They come from across the entire channel ecosystem, all helping their partners create business value for customers.
This year’s honorees will be honored at a special dinner during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo/MSP Summit, March 11-14, at the Venetian Las Vegas. It’s not too late to register for the world’s largest independent channel event.
Scroll through our slideshow above to meet the 2024 inductees (in alphabetical order) and to learn what makes them tick. We asked them questions ranging from their take on today's channel to what they would do if money was no object, and everything in between.
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