CHANNEL CHIEF
Balancing , striving , relating
With close to twenty years in the industry , Claire Jones ’ ingredients for success continues to be valuing relationships , balancing life style , and team emphasis on honesty and fun .
Claire Jones is Director of Partner Sales for Middle East and Africa at Juniper Networks
Claire Jones is presently , Director of Partner Sales for Middle East and Africa at Juniper Networks , a position she has held since late 2015 . Claire has been involved in IT sales , channel strategies and business development for most of her career and has been aligned with vendor channel expansion where her skills are best utilised .
“ Juniper Networks has had a sharp focus on developing a strong partner base from the beginning of our operations in the region , and I take pride in building this out further . Developing long standing and mutually beneficial relationships with partners is the most satisfying part of my role ,” she explains .
At Juniper Networks , Claire is responsible for channel and alliance partner strategy and execution across Middle East and Africa . On a more , pan regional scale , Claire believes resellers are transitioning to new business models at a rapid pace .
Prior to Juniper Networks , Claire had a long stint at Cisco in the region , from 2005 to 2015 in multiple roles as Commercial Sales and Partner Manager , Regional Partner Manager for Strategic Partners , and Regional Manager . She has also previously worked at 3Com and BT .
So , what is Claire ’ s work style and what keeps her motivated and focused on her role ? She explains her workstyle . “ I work best in an honest , authentic , collaborative and fun environment . I embrace these values in my work style .” Other work attributes important for her are also influenced by the organisational culture and include open communication , honesty and a united team goal . Claire believes the Juniper Networks ’ work culture give her the opportunity to drive these values herself and collectively into her team .
Claire ’ s sense of achievement comes from having developed professional and personal relationships with channel partners across Middle East and Africa , who have gone ahead and grown over the years . “ Seeing how these partners have grown over years and having them acknowledge my contribution to their growth , gives me a huge sense of accomplishment .”
Claire extends the importance of relationships into her personal lifestyle as well . They are vital for her and she gains inspiration and happiness from her family and friends . She also works hard to give them priority in her life .
However , one of the biggest contributions that senior women IT executives like Claire do provide in a much bigger way is mentoring and encouraging other women to enter the field of information technology in the region . Claire points out , that IT is a maledominated industry , particularly in the Middle East , and presents challenges for female professionals .
And over the last twenty years there have been changes . “ I am pleased to see the progress made in terms of gender diversity . More women now choose to work in IT with the belief that they can achieve their career growth in this industry .”
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