Deb Bannworth ─ Power house sales leader.
October 21, 2020 • 2 Minute Read
Deb Bannworth
Sr. Vice President, Partner Alliances, Inside Sales, Maintenance Sales & Services
Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc.
One of the most senior executives in a US IT partner organization is Deborah (Deb) Bannworth. With over 20 years of experience at Sirius Computer Solutions, she’s held key roles in territory and inside sales, support services, and partner alliances. She’s seen it all! She is also a mega Olympics fan and attends both Winter and Summer Olympic Games. Meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Deb Bannworth!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I’m a helicopter pilot.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you fly annually?
175,000 – 200,000 air miles/year.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
I’ve been tricked into eating adventurous food on many occasions, but one was Camel hoof in China in 2008. If I knew what it was, I probably wouldn’t have eaten it!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Rather than any individual experience, achievement or failure, my career path has been influenced most by a collection of many small experiences that by themselves, may not be individually memorable.
Consistently taking initiative and making sure I took full advantage of every opportunity given to me, no matter how small─that has been the real key to success.
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?
Unfortunately, I never had a mentor in my early years, but the biggest lesson I learned on my own was just how important it is to work with people you respect and trust, and how much you can learn from anyone.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Listen and ask why!
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
One of my responsibilities today is leading Inside Sales, which is our breeding ground for fostering young sales talent. I make it a point to be an accessible sounding board to help them in their journey. It is critical, however, that they take the initiative to reach out because initiative is an essential starting point.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
We have acquired a number of great companies in recent years and I have really enjoyed seeing and being a part of the merger process. Working on some of the pieces and parts that must come together has been an interesting and learning experience.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I am working to be more accepting of the next generation’s methods of connection and communication as a replacement for traditional in-person relationship-building.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Keeping younger people interested and engaged in a longer-term goal or vision; long enough to create real value and opportunity for themselves.
