Deanna Davenport ─ Building a consumption era engagement with customers…
December 7, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Deanna Davenport
Senior Director,
Lifecycle Services
ConvergeOne
Are you looking for a leader who knows how to build a consumption era practice with customers? We know the person—Deanna Davenport!
Deanna Davenport is the Senior Director of Lifecycle Services at ConvergeOne. As a Cisco Partner and leader of ConvergeOne's Lifecycle Services team, she is responsible for implementing Cisco CX's program and building a lifecycle go-to-market transformation program. One of her key responsibilities is to help customers embrace the emerging consumption era while aligning ConvergeOne's business practices to add value at every step of the customer journey. When not focusing on customer success and transformation, Deanna spends her time camping and exploring the great outdoors with her husband and 3 children.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Deanna Davenport!
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 am an open water certified SCUBA diver. Life under the sea is fascinating to me and a great way to clear your mind and soul.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Actually, not that much. I didn’t have a lot of Global travel for business and have probably spent more time in the car than in the air!
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
During one of my travels to the Hawaiian islands I attended a Luau and tried Poi. It is a staple in the Polynesian diet and outside of it looking like a grey paste, it wasn’t that bad!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Top Experience: Coming to the realization that as a Woman in technology I was often the only Woman in the room. Learning the confidence to stand on my own and believe in the work and value I bring to the table, gave me the skills I needed to become a stronger leader.
Top Achievement: Building an award-winning customer success team that is comprised of passionate team members with unique points of view, strengths, and drive to work better together.
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?
Yes! I am honored to have two, one of which is my husband. Both of them have encouraged me to listen with intent, ask questions, take risk, and most importantly believe in myself. Not having all the answers is part of the fun. The experience we are living today helps build who we are tomorrow.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to stop and ask questions and please do not worry about what others think of you! Oh, and before you make a decision…sleep on it!
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
Time is the most important thing we can give. For people early in their career, if you are approachable and just give them time, the value they take forward is to do the same.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Business transformation is a passion of mine. I like to look at all of the components and see how they fit together. Naturally, as Cisco and other leading OEMs made the shift to subscription and as-a-service, I saw an opportunity to help partners transform. I joined ConvergeOne two years ago to help build and execute a Lifecycle Services go-to-market. It has been a phenomenal and rewarding experience, mainly because of the amazing team I work with each and every day.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Well, I would say a skill I’m constantly refining is to treat myself with grace and kindness. All too often as a professional, wife, and mother my mindset is “I must do it all…every day”. I have to remember that life is about experiences and this is not a rehearsal. So work hard, play hard, and give yourself a break!
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Keeping the foot on the gas! Cisco and our customers are changing at a very rapid pace. Which means now business transformation, evolving to the market demand, is a way of doing business and not a one-time event!
