FD Insights Issue 7 | Page 32

Meet First Distribution’s IBM ‘Software Angels’ Getting acquainted with the distributor’s talented, tough and successful team which is responsible for providing you with the best in IBM Software. From L to R: Preeyia Govender, Tania Draper, Michelle August, Rinat Dequcinis • Tealeaf Gain complete visibility into the mobile customer experience across your mobile website, hybrid and native apps so you can optimise the mobile channel. Tealeaf CX Mobile eliminates obstacles that block successful conversions or completion of business processes for mobile users. • Maas360 Provides secure cloud-based mobile device management, mobile application management, mobile content management, and enterprise app container capabilities. • Mobile First Helps manage smart phones, tablets and ‘ruggedised’ devices across your global enterprise. • IBM Trusteer Helps protect against account takeover. Provides compromised mobile device detection, complex device fingerprinting of mobile devices, and a global fraudster database. Preeyia Govender joined the IBM graduate programme in 2010, straight out of the completion of her B.COM in Marketing and Management degree at UKZN. During her stay at IBM, she managed the software incentive programmes within the channel, where she got to deal with most of her current set of business partners. Her IBM background has provided her with priceless tools in the workplace that have served her well in her career journey so far, and she joined the First Distribution family in February 2012 in her role as Account Manager for IBM Software. She enjoys being able to play a key role in the development of the software channel business, as well as actively participating in the development of her partners. Quirky Fact: She’s addicted to shoes. Tania Draper has been in the IBM Software division for seven years, and joined the FD family in the role of sales operations for the software team, before moving into account management and then ultimately into the role of Brand Manager. Rising through the ranks helped her tremendously, as she got to know the brand back to front and it assisted her to master all the processes and procedures that come with being a successful IBM VAD. Quirky fact: She has a pet hedgehog named Sonic. Michelle August has been with First Distribution since May 2012, and manages the IBM renewals as well as the incentive programmes for the business partners. She strives to make everyday a success and is a team member you can always count on. Quirky fact: She loves tanning. Last but not least, the social media analytics framework, as can be seen in the diagramme on the previous page. Rinat Dequcinis has been with First Distribution since June 2013 as a Senior Account Manager for IBM Software business partner accounts, and has had an illustrious 18 year IT sales career due to her ‘can-do’ attitude, whilst enjoying strong and trusting partnership relationships with clients. She is driven by people and enjoys assisting clients in achieving inspirational innovative solutions, while setting a personal goal of professionalism in every client engagement. Quirky fact: She loves dressing up in suits, as she says it makes her feel more professional. 30 | www.firstdistribution.co.za