In an exclusive interview with Penny Philpot, Vice President of Ecosystems EMEA at Red Hat, the remarkable milestones that Red Hat achieved in 2023 in terms of ecosystem building and operations in the EMEA region were discussed. Moreover, Penny offered insights into how to expedite the transformation process for Red Hat's customers in the EMEA region, while also highlighting her unique position as a woman in leadership within the ICT field.
What have been the milestones of Red Hat in 2023 in terms of ecosystem building and operations in the EMEA region?
I joined approximately five months ago, which has been a fairly short period. However, we are highly focused on our partners and striving to align our resources and sellers more closely with them. In our current fiscal year, we have placed a strong emphasis on partner-centric business practices, recognizing the value each partner brings. Moving forward into the next fiscal year, we intend to further enhance partner competency and enablement facilities for our partners to ensure better end results and customer success. These areas, along with program evaluation and improvements in both internal operations and external market strategies, will contribute to our mutual growth. The feedback we have received from partners and the momentum gained last year have fueled our determination to take our efforts to the next level in 2024.
With 2024 on the horizon, how will Red Hat continue to accelerate the transformation journey of its customers in the EMEA region? How do you plan to grow the company’s ecosystem further next year?
So, in essence, our partners present a significant growth opportunity for us. It's not just about having talented individuals within our organization but also expanding facilities and leveraging our partnerships. This distribution occurs through various activities with our partners, who are interested in gaining insight and manipulating cloud-based systems. By leveraging our distribution partners, we can create a marketplace and drive initiatives that promote our product line. Our well-rounded business model allows us to continuously approach and leverage these opportunities.
With the introduction of OpenShift, we have gained even more empowerment, especially as we transition into multi-cloud and hybrid cloud models. This is crucial for many of our customers. And collaborating with hyper scalers adds further value. We must consider all these factors when making decisions. Additionally, our customer base plays a vital role. And, without overlooking it, automation is a clear area for growth. Therefore, we are actively pursuing growth not only in terms of products but also by improving our routes to market. This way, we can provide the best possible service to our customers and ensure their success.
As a woman holding an ICT leadership role, what are the key learnings you can share with fellow women? What unique and significant contributions do women make to the ICT industry?
I have been working in this industry for over 35 years, and during this time, I have witnessed significant changes in acceptance, culture, and more. However, it is important to note that these changes can vary from place to place. Nevertheless, the key aspect is to remain true to your own personality and not deviate from it. Additionally, in various situations, if you have a question but lack confidence in asking it, chances are that others are thinking the same question. So, by being brave enough to ask, you provide a voice to those who didn't speak up.
I recall a piece of career advice I received from a female CEO of Oracle. She told me to always remember that if something doesn't make sense when reviewing it, it probably means it truly doesn't make sense. Trust your instincts and be courageous. Moreover, as a woman, you possess an increased level of empathy that can be leveraged when working with people, customers, and partners. It's essential to utilize this quality to your advantage.
However, it is worth mentioning that even after all these years, we are still actively seeking more women to enter STEM fields. This message hasn't changed, and it remains a significant focus. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoy working with diversity. Regardless of gender, I have had the privilege of collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, races, ages, and experiences within a single management team. The invaluable input that comes from such a diverse group is remarkable. Therefore, embracing diversity is crucial.
Being a woman in this industry, you have a unique set of skills and perspectives to contribute. Tap into your arsenal and make the most of it.
