Collaborative, supportive and driven - that's F5 Networks' culture according to the company’s Vice President for America Channel Sales, Lisa Citron.
Where Women Work caught up with Lisa to gain insight into her role and what she enjoys most about working for F5 – a global technology company that specializes in application services and application delivery networking.
An exciting time to work in the tech industry
Lisa is responsible for leading the F5 North American channel sales team and partner strategy for F5 Networks. Her role requires her to oversee relationships with partners, resellers, global system integrators, and cloud consulting firms who are an essential element of F5’s go-to-market strategy.
“Our partners help us scale our sales efforts to new customers, reach new buyers within our existing customers and develop new routes to market for our products. My team provides our ‘feet on the street’ to developing and maintaining these partnerships. We are one of the key lead generation engines for our company and a route for which our sales team transacts most of their deals,” explains Lisa.
Solving the biggest IT challenges for customers
One of the things Lisa finds most challenging about her role is the ever-changing IT landscape: “It’s an incredibly exciting time in the technology industry. From a challenge standpoint, the IT industry is going through a major evolution driven by the innovation and flexibility afforded by cloud computing. As a channel team it is our responsibility to make sure our sellers and partners have the education, tools and programs to adapt in this ever-changing time,” she comments.
However, Lisa enjoys tackling challenges like these head-on and says the best days are ones spent with her team in the field, understanding how F5 can help its partners solve their customers’ biggest IT challenges with F5 products.
“Meeting with our reseller, system integrator and distribution partners allows me to understand the opportunities they see for us to jointly address our customers’ biggest challenges,” Lisa adds. “From a skill set standpoint, being a good listener and asking a lot of questions has enabled me to uncover many opportunities for my team and our partners.”
‘BeF5’ - a description of how F5’ers operate
Lisa describes F5’s work culture as being collaborative, supportive and driven.
“At F5, we look to support each other in the mission to help our customers transform their businesses with our industry leading products. We are customer-obsessed but never lose sight of our team-mates,” Lisa reinforces.
“We couldn’t do this effectively if we didn’t have the support from our senior leadership. We call this ‘BeF5’ and it is our way of describing how as F5’ers we operate.”
A key benefit of F5 that Lisa says helps her to embrace the ‘BeF5’ spirit is working in an environment that enables risk taking and innovation.
“I have worked for some amazing leaders over the years, and the common denominator between these leaders is that they have all fostered a safe environment to work - where we strive for excellence but we make it safe to fail. We all fail at some time; failure means we are in the game but when you work in a great environment and it’s safe to fail…you and your team can soar!”
Making time to support women’s advancement
Helping to spread the ‘BeF5’ spirit, Lisa also enjoys the honor of being a global chair for the F5 Connects Women initiative. F5 Connects Women is the company’s employee inclusion group that focuses on helping women at F5 thrive.
“Working on this initiative I have met some of the most amazing women - women who have truly become my tribe,” states Lisa. “We are truly bonded by our passion to make F5 a more diverse and inclusive workplace.”
Key advice for women applying for jobs with F5
When asked for her advice to other women looking to apply for roles with F5, Lisa suggests authenticity and cultural fit as the most valuable qualities to demonstrate.
“The best advice I have for women looking to join F5 is be your authentic self when you interview. Cultural fit is such an important aspect of working for F5,” reflects Lisa.
“I focus a lot of my time when interviewing candidates on whether I think they will be a fit for the team and the company. You can teach people technology, how to analyze the business and how to get better at their craft - but you cannot teach people how to be a good fit for a company.”
Create a rewarding and balanced career with F5
When Lisa’s not absorbed in her work, she’s equally absorbed in her outside interests.
“My family and my dog keep me busy outside the office. When I am not with them, I love to do yoga. I have achieved my 200-level yoga teacher trainer qualification. And, in the winter you can often find me on a mountain skiing,” laughs Lisa.
An impressive woman and an inspiration to her colleagues, Lisa Citron is soaring to great heights.
Why not consider exploring where your strengths and experience might fit within F5, by researching their latest job vacancies and applying for a marvelous journey in the wonderful world of tech.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.