Michelle Ayyuce ─ Dedicated marketing leader supporting partners, driving strategy and championing diversity…
September 15, 2022 • 3 Minute Read
Michelle Ayyuce
Marketing Manager, Service Provider Australia and New Zealand
Cisco
Are you looking for a dedicated marketing leader supporting partners, driving strategy and championing diversity?
Michelle Ayyuce is the Marketing Manager for Service Provider business in Australia/NZ for Cisco. She is passionate about diversity, innovation, and implementing strategies that prioritise the customer. With extensive experience working in small, and large businesses alike, she has built her career around delivering business impact across marketing, account management and operations role sin the IT industry. Outside of work, Michelle loves camping with her family, adores her Cavoodle, Murphy, and spends many hours running long distances.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Michelle Ayyuce!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I have been to way too many Bruce Springsteen concerts!
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Not that many, as my role was Melbourne based.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Guinea pig in La Paz, Bolivia. It had a tough texture and looked like roadkill…which is very disturbing reflecting on it now!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
- Starting my own business was an extraordinary learning experience. It moved me out of my comfort zone, allowed me to understand all elements to a business and expanded my network outside of the IT industry, which has provided invaluable insights for future roles.
- Another experience was taking on the role of Channel Account Manager for a large declining partner. It presented new challenges and opportunities, requiring greater persistence and aptitude to rebuild the partnership.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
I have never had a formal mentor but have had many good mangers and a strong network. The biggest lesson I have learnt (or continuing to learn) is to “say no”.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Don’t define yourself by your title. A title explains what you do, not who you are.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I focus my attention on mid-career women who have had a career break. Through my previous business ZIPWIRE I supported many women and continue to provide guidance and mentoring for those relaunching their careers. As a leader in this space, I also support and advocate best practices for engaging and supporting this segment, both within business and government programs.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
We recently ran a large hybrid event with a partner. Building a truly inclusive and engaging program across multiple locations, provided many new challenges and required a lot of planning and out of the box thinking.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I was recently appointed to a government advisory board, so I am continually building my knowledge, specifically across the career’s sector in Australia in relation to mid-career women and women in IT. I am also an avid Brene Brown follower and love her leadership podcasts and books.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Adapting to hybrid working and reconnecting with people to build personal connections beyond a task environment, that pure online working has created.
