Elizabeth Perlin ─ The wizard behind the curtain for executive and employee communications…
December 7, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated September 15, 2022
Elizabeth Perlin
Head of Executive & Employee Communications, Compute and Services Businesses
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Are you looking for a leader who works as the wizard behind the curtain for executive and employee communications? We know the person, Elizabeth Perlin!
As the Head of Executive & Employee Communications, Compute and Pointnext Technology Services Businesses for HPE, Elizabeth is responsible for leading communications, driving employee communications and engagement, while promoting executive visibility. For the past 20 years, she has worked as the “wizard behind the curtain,” partnering with executives to help them say what they mean and developing messages that make customers take notice. In every position she works, Elizabeth passionately weaves stories that are a creative force for executives to deliver communications that result in actions..
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Elizabeth Perlin!
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 a wanna-be extrovert. Although I have tried to game Myers-Briggs, it’s always the same, INFP. I am an introvert.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Maybe 10-20K, depending on the year. Working from home for most of my career, I have the remote worker thing nailed.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Something in Shang Hai. Not a clue what.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Years ago, I was new on the job when I had to pull together a live event presentation for a Cisco exec and was over the moon when I was given the opportunity to take my idea and run with it. The session had the highest scores of the event. When you want something, leap and grab it. When you need something, ask. Be bold.
On the flip slide, I made a careless printing mistake that would have been prevented had I put my ego aside and asked for help. (turns out proofreading is a thing). A leader understands that she is only as strong as her team. Empower them.
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?
My career has been defined less by any one person, and more by those who believed in me, taught me how to make the most of my quirky outlook, and encouraged me to take chances. If I consider, though, who made the biggest impression, unbeknownst to her, it would be Joy King with whom I worked at HP. She has an amazing presence, is incredibly supportive, and has remained a friend. Her tenacity with a smile is what I have always admired.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
When you’re handed an opportunity, take it, even if it seems a scary stretch. Someone knows something you don’t.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I enjoy reaching out to those, especially women, who are at the beginning of their career journey and developing their goals and aspirations. Being a woman in tech has had its challenges – there are times when I wished someone had advised me on managing different situations.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Wow! Right now is one of the most interesting times. We’ve seen our world upended and tossed around. As a communicator, I love the challenge of discovering new ways to communicate the crazy shifts and the accelerated digital transformation we have seen over the last couple of years.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Reminding myself to breathe and be more thoughtful – taking a moment before responding. Someone once told me, “when in doubt, don’t.” It’s stuck with me. Give pause.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Inspiring the Zoom-weary and getting people to focus on the why.
