Changing My Game

Life is full of changes. And I’m ready to make a big one. I’m retiring. 

Kind of.

Three decades into my career, I’m changing my game.

Last year, I joined the Iron Mountain (IRM) Board of Directors. This opened up an entirely new dimension of work that I want to expand and augment. So I’m stepping away from day-to-day operational work to explore the realm of advisory and board work.

My career now spans three decades of leadership roles at some amazing tech companies – from start-ups that went public or were purchased, to high-growth best-in-class-enterprises. My experiences encompassed exciting roles in sales, business development strategic deal making, product and global marketing. I’ve had the pleasure of diving deep into security, virtualization, mobility and cloud, all during a time when technical transformation was at the forefront and permanently changing how business operates, and how we, as humans, see our world. I’ve loved the experiences, intensity and overall journey and feel incredibly fortunate my path started here in Silicon Valley, the epicenter of tech. 

Although I’m leaving behind VMware, a company I love, I’m carrying forward all the lessons learned. I’ve been part of all stages of company growth and business transformation, from driving the first $10M in revenue at a start-up to crossing over $10B at VMware. Along this journey, I’ve been a member of teams that created new categories, built markets, and drove growth through many major technological shifts including hardware to software, on-prem to cloud, and physical to digital. I’ve developed as a leader, learning to be compassionate and authentic, while relentlessly driving measurable outcomes and results. 

So why change my game after so many years in a game-changing world? 

Because I am both young enough and old enough to leverage my experience and apply it to helping others as they navigate a changing world. Because after thirty years, I still don’t have all the answers – and that’s the point. It’s about the journey of learning and growing. I’m filled with renewed energy, confidence, and excitement about shaping a new decade of industry thru advisory and influencer roles.

By far the hardest part of taking this step is leaving the VMware team, and the deep relationships I have built over the years; leaving that comradery that only comes from being part of a tech tribe. To all those who have been a part of my journey as colleagues, bosses, advisors, adversaries, subordinates, partners and friends…THANK YOU.

I look forward to staying in touch as I shape this next decade of my career journey!