Julie Thomas ─ Global leader specializing in innovative partner incentives and rewards…
November 9, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Julie Thomas
Senior Director, Partner Strategy & Programs, Global Partner & RTM Sales Organization
Cisco
(Previously — Director, Global Partner Organization, Strategy & Partner Experience Team
Cisco)
Are you looking for a global leader who specializes in innovation and execution? We know the person—Julie Thomas!
Julie Thomas is the Senior Director for Cisco’s Partner Strategy & Programs team in the Global Partner Sales organization. In this role, she is responsible for execution and alignment of incentives and rewards innovation for Integration partners. Julie has worked for Cisco for over 20 years, and her experience in multiple sectors gives her a unique and fresh perspective that she implements in her work.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Julie Thomas!
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?
Most people don’t know that I have a “side gig”. I run a small, non-profit that serves families facing eviction or utility shut-off. It is an incredibly humbling experience.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Probably not as many as most people. A good amount of my miles were related to how much I missed Paris. I can’t wait to go back!
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Sea Urchin in Paris. And, I would do it again.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
My first one was failing at a job – it’s when I learned that sometimes the role just isn’t a fit and to find what is. The second one was building a team from scratch that became a high-performing team – what a joy to be a part of that!
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 always had mentors and I always have at least one. The biggest lesson I learned early on was that my authentic self is more valuable than any self that I could pretend to be. Life changing.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Stop stressing about perfection. Be yourself, trust that being you is just right, relax and have fun!!!
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I am approachable (or so I’m told) and am often approached directly to be a mentor. And, when I see potential in someone, whether they are on my team or not, I try to see if they are open to a mentor and offer what I can to help them grow where they want to go.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
For sure it was how we need to adapt to changing business dynamics due to the pandemic. Using a combination of book smarts, experience and human compassion for a change that happened almost overnight was challenging!
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
How to develop the team in a completely virtual way – maintain morale, focus on new ways to recognize people, foster team connections when we have a new person on the team, etc. It is different and sometimes harder than doing it in person.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Keeping up with the pace of innovation on top of managing the day-to-day business and not ruining the work-life balance on my team.
