FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
In my mind , there is no gender inequality when it comes to capabilities .
DEE CLINTON , HEAD OF PARTNER SALES AND ALLIANCES , ASIA PACIFIC AT VECTRA AI
Can you tell us a bit about your role and how you ended up in your current position ?
I began my career in IT in 1997 , working for a Microsoft reseller . I eventually ventured
Dee Clinton , Head of Partner Sales and Alliances , Asia Pacific at Vectra AI into the security space about 10 years ago and haven ’ t looked back since . I have built a career working in the channel and find it truly rewarding .
Vectra ’ s unique approach of using AIdriven network detection and response for cloud , data centre , IoT and enterprise , rather than basic anomaly detection , is a game changer , so this really caught my attention and is a big reason that I decided to join the company in the summer of 2019 . My role at Vectra is to work with channel partners across APAC that have a requirement to support their customers with a Network Detection and Response ( NDR ) solution . My role aligns closely with our sales and marketing teams and the channel to deliver world class AI-driven security solutions to market .
Why is the technology industry such a male-dominated field ?
Like all industries , a lot of it has got to do with the ingrained cultural aspect ( that we are all working to change ) but this is particularly true in IT and within the wider IT discipline , specifically security . We all have a role to play in developing women ’ s interest in STEM subjects early in life , encouraging women to pursue a career in technology ; something they might not have traditionally thought of , and advocating for companies to walk-the-talk when it comes to equality in hiring and compensation .
The good news is that we are already seeing positive changes with more female representation on company boards , and I know of several amazing individuals and organisations that are working hard to affect change . I will always do my part to help .
Have you faced challenges within the industry because you are a woman ?
I can ’ t say that I specifically recall any major challenges being a woman in the industry , though one area that needs improvement is equal pay . I long for the day when I won ’ t get
I long for the day when I won ’ t get asked questions around why men and women in our industry aren ’ t equally compensated . asked questions around why men and women in our industry aren ’ t equally compensated . That aside , overall , being aware of my environment , speaking up ( this is always top of mind ) and having male and female champions of change around me have always given me the confidence and have allowed me to excel in the various roles I have held over the years .
What advice would you offer women who might be interested in pursuing a career in technology and in particular , the channel ?
Rule one , do not hesitate ! Do your research on organisations that have a world class channel programme and team , reach out to a contact within those organisations , ask questions and remember everyone around you is a resource . Ask if you can shadow a channel leader for a day or a week . One of the aspects I love the most about working in the security channel is the ability to interact with people from a myriad of cultures ; technology tends to be a common language across all cultures .
AMANDA ADAMS , SENIOR DIRECTOR , EUROPEAN ALLIANCES , AT CROWDSTRIKE
Can you tell us a bit about your role and how you ended up in your current position ?
As the leader of CrowdStrike ’ s European Alliances Organisation , I am focused on establishing , enabling and growing CrowdStrike ’ s partner ecosystem . Our partnerships include solution providers , MSSP partners , technology alliances and cloud partnerships . I have been with CrowdStrike for over four years – always within the Alliances organisation . In January 2020 , my focus shifted from leading our Nationals North American team to European Alliances , in order to build upon and grow our channel team across Europe . I wasn ’ t the typical person you would expect
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 37
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