Home: Huntington Beach, CA. Age: Never ask a woman her age. Birthplace: Zagreb, Croatia. Profession: Successful channel executive, with more than 20 years of experience in the software and telecom industries. Title: VP, Channel Chief.
Current project: Leading a team of channel leaders and interacting with the partner community to collaborate, expand their product portfolio and grow their business. Working closely with those partners to understand their business models and how best to incorporate strategic solutions into their plans for greater success. Recent recognition: 2022 CRN Channel Chief; 2022 Channel Futures Circle of Excellence Inductee; 2022 CRN Women of the Channel. Latest accomplishment: Due to the pandemic and minimal travel, I became that much closer to my teenage daughter. I learned a lot from her that made me grow personally, while she grew during this period into a beautiful, dedicated young lady, helping others around her. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Built a channel organization from the ground up during a pandemic. Hobbies: Running, hiking, working out daily with my trainer.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Selfless. How do you define a perfect friendship? Trust and laugh as much as you can. How do you define an ideal business relationship? One built on trust, honesty and listening. Always listen more, talk less. What is your guilty pleasure? Wine, specifically, Pinot Noir. My go-to is Russian River and Willamette, but I’m now expanding to international wines from New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Stitch Fix. I don’t like shopping for clothes anymore, so I use the app. What is at the top of your bucket list? New Zealand and/or Australia, to learn more about the culture, visit historical places and, of course, enjoy the wine!
What was your first paying job? At 15, working at the local KFC. I learned a lot about customer service and dealing with disgruntled customers. After that, at a local bridal shop where many of the customers were far more challenging! What’s the best advice you received in your career? Never give up, no matter what challenge or task is thrown at you. What is your go-to source of news and information? LinkedIn. I rarely watch the news. It’s depressing. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? My daughter. She is such an old soul, and her creativity in art and in life overall inspires me to be a better person.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Working with the younger generation, especially young women like my daughter, on social issues and mental health. In particular, I serve as VP of a nonprofit networking group, Alliance of Channel Women, where we will be re-introducing an outreach program for teenage girls. What change would you like to see in the world? More women with a seat at the table, being heard.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Elvis Presley. Need more be said? As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A fashion designer. What advice would you give your younger self? Stop pushing yourself so much and take a step back. Enjoy what’s in front of you, take time to find your passion. Do what you like and wake up loving what you do. The rest will all come naturally.
Personal motto: Live life to the fullest. Favorite quote: “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion” (Simon Sinek).
