In the competitive landscape of business, women leaders are making significant strides, breaking barriers, and setting new standards of excellence. One such inspiring leader is Carrie White, Partner Account Manager at Vena Solutions.
Carrie’s journey from a young girl inspired by her father’s work ethic to a prominent figure in the tech industry is a testament to her resilience, passion, and dedication. In this article, we delve into Carrie’s early life, career path, and the experiences that have shaped her into the empowering leader she is today.
Early Life and Influences
Carrie White’s early life was profoundly influenced by her father, an IBM employee known affectionately as “Hollywood Bob.” “My father was an IBM’er, and I grew up watching his work ethic and his ability to create incredible relationships,” she recalls. This admiration for her father’s professional demeanor and the opportunities she encountered at IBM set the foundation for her career.
“I ended up in IBM, which was a phenomenal learning opportunity because at my fingertips were courses, mentors, and opportunities across a very large organization,” Carrie explains. This exposure to a vast array of resources and the early observation of channel relationships at IBM played a crucial role in shaping her career aspirations.
“Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Joining Vena Solutions
Carrie’s journey to Vena Solutions was driven by a desire for change and fulfillment. “I joined Vena because I was at an inflection point in my career,” she says. Despite reaching the senior vice president position at a small startup, she found herself disconnected from the action and immersed in board meetings and strategy with little execution. This realization led her to reflect on the aspects of her career she truly enjoyed, which included channels, relationship building, and partnerships. “I happened to see a LinkedIn post about Vena, and I realized I knew a few people working there,” she shares.
Her research revealed an exceptional company culture, which has continued to impress her. “My journey has been incredible. I’ve earned my position at one of the top sales awards, presidents club, and with it has gone on trips to places like Spain and Turks and Caicos,” she exclaims.
Partnering for Success: Carrie’s Role and Vision at Vena Solutions
As a Partner Account Manager, Carrie’s primary responsibility is to work with approximately ten business partners to generate new logo referrals to Vena. “This entails biweekly cadence meetings, quarterly business reviews, daily slack messages, reporting, sales training, and enablement,” she explains. She manages these responsibilities with a meticulous task list and frequent reviews of business plans for each partner. “I’m also ‘real’ with them and share as much information as I can to continue earning their trust,” she adds.
Carrie envisions a bright future for Vena Solutions. “Vena is on an incredibly steep growth journey,” she exclaims. The company’s full operational and transactional capabilities on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace and its pioneering use of AI in corporate performance management software are just a few of the achievements she is proud of. “I predict Vena will continue to inspire and garner gushing reviews from analysts for our product and services,” she asserts.
Triumphs and Trials: Carrie’s Path to Success
For Carrie, success is multifaceted. “Success in my personal life is having an extraordinarily strong and supportive community of friends, family, and loved ones who appreciate me for being me,” she asserts. Professionally, success means contributing to the growth of her team and the business while striving to be a top performer. “Helping the team and the business grow and with it, my ability to do the same is always a keen goal of mine,” she explains.
One of the major challenges Carrie faced was recognizing the discord she felt in her SVP role. “I thought I always wanted the big title and the big money that goes along with it, yet it was high stress, back-to-back meetings, low satisfaction, and little/no work/life balance,” she reflects. Overcoming this challenge involved reaching out to her network, writing, and contemplating what truly brought her fulfillment. “I left and decided to pursue an individual contributor role in alliances, and I’ve been thriving and the happiest I’ve been in years,” she shares.
“The best intentions are always the purest”
Mastering Work-Life Harmony
Carrie believes in work-life integration rather than balance. “Some days I will work early in the morning, then go to the gym, then work for the rest of the day, and get back online at night,” she explains. This flexible approach allows her to manage her professional responsibilities effectively while also dedicating time to her personal life.
As the Chairwoman of Women in Alliances, Carrie is committed to helping other women increase their skills and access mentoring and education. “I also spend quality time with my husband, our daughters Lindsay and Maegan, and our dog Dallas,” she adds. Her dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is evident as she makes it a point to visit the gym 4-5 days a week.
“Attitude defines altitude”
Leading with Purpose: Carrie’s Blueprint for Aspiring Women Leaders
Carrie’s advice to aspiring women leaders is to be proactive and willing to take on additional responsibilities. “Raise your hand for the willingness to lead, be a subject matter expert, do MORE than what you’re asked of every day,” she advises. She emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one’s core role to learn new skills and gain valuable experiences.
“I’ve taken on Junior Achievement, led sales enablement sessions, started a non-profit, and now serve as co-chair of Vena Solutions Network for Women,” Carrie shares.
Celebrating Achievements and Cultivating Culture
Carrie takes pride in her contributions to Vena Solutions, particularly in pioneering new programs and rollouts. “One example is our preconfigured solutions initiative where my partners were the first to create and bring to market niche industry-specific offerings,” she explains. Her achievements also include making it to the president’s club and being nominated for several Vena awards.
“I’m proud of how my contributions and experience make an impact on our team,” Carrie adds.
Known for her high energy, positivity, and welcoming nature, Carrie fosters a positive and inclusive culture within her team. “I recommend and, in some cases, create opportunities for our team to do team-building activities,” she says. Leading with respect, authenticity, and acceptance is central to her approach. “Also, what being a good Canadian is all about!” she exclaims with a smile.
“If you want to go higher, go together”
Continuous Growth and Motivation
Carrie continues to grow and develop as a leader through networking, seeking different opportunities, and stepping outside her comfort zone. “All of which keep me highly engaged and entertained,” she explains. Her passion for her work and her commitment to continuous learning are what keep her motivated and excited about her role every day.
Carrie White’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring women leaders who seek to make a significant impact in their industries. As she continues to thrive at Vena Solutions, her contributions and leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the tech industry.
