Hope Galley ─ Global transformational partner leader focused on innovation and leading on the edge…
November 9, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Hope Galley
Global Channel Leader
Cisco Meraki
Are you looking for a transformational partner leader who builds next-generation capabilities and routes-to-market through innovation and leading on the edge? We know the person—Hope Galley!
Hope Galley is the Global Channel Leader for Meraki, one of Cisco’s fastest growing businesses. She is responsible for growing both Meraki’s resell and joint Managed Services with partners. Hope is known as a transformational leader who builds dynamic teams focused on customer and partner success. She is a champion for women in technology, obsessed with Partner and Customer Success, and loves innovation and leading on the edge. When she’s not leading a global business, Hope enjoys spending time with her family, throwing parties, and is known as a Disco Queen.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Hope Galley!
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 was both the Strawberry Princess and the Pumpkin Princess in the same twelve-month period. (Have to love the mid-west festivals.)
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
My travel was all domestic so around 50K.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Chocolate covered cricket in Las Vegas.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Early in my leadership career, I worked for a leader who would provide open and honest feedback after each meeting and interaction. At the time I thought it was too much, but I know that leader made me so much better than I would have ever been without them taking the time to make me better. A second experience was letting go of titles and focusing on what interests me. This has allowed me to have a broad career, meet amazing people, be a part of transforming critical business, all while having fun!
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 had two key mentors early in my career. The first taught me it is ok to show weakness and to say you do not know. The second taught me people value “real talk”, “real feedback”, not just the “fluff”. I have taken these two things forward throughout my career and they have helped shape how I interact with my teammates, peers, and leaders.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Trust your instincts and don’t always pick the safe choice…You will catch yourself before you fall.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I host roundtables with individuals early in career and do 1:1 mentoring. I prioritize making myself available to anyone trying to navigate their career. I also love sharing our lives on social platforms and really getting to know others.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Cisco’s shift from hardware to a software and services lifecycle company. In my past role, I led this effort for the America’s Partner Organization. Seeing our employees and partners shift business models and mindset to meet the needs of our customers was extremely rewarding. It was truly an honor to be a part of the evolution.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
First off, how we come across on video will continue to be top of mind for any individual in the digital economy, so I’m always working on my lighting; approach; and business presence on video. The second thing, is I continue to lean in on AI, data mining, and big data as for as technical learning areas. And third, and perhaps the most important is attracting and maintaining top talent through innovative leadership.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
My greatest business challenge is centered around people. At the end of the day, I’m in leadership to help people achieve their goals and desires, so making sure I’m doing everything I can to challenge myself each day to bring something new to do that is my top priority.
