Karine Elsen ─ Accomplished partner marketing leader delivering predictable results...
September 15, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Karine Elsen
Vice President of Partner Marketing
Avalara
Are you looking to work with an accomplished partner marketing leader to deliver predictable results? We know the person—Karine Elsen!
Karine is Avalara’s Vice President of Partner Marketing, and is responsible for leading marketing strategy and execution of its partner ecosystem. She has dedicated her career to all aspects of partner marketing including alliances, distribution, programs, architectures, and service providers. Karine combines her experience with clear communication to transform partner marketing to deliver mutually beneficial results for partners and the company. When she is not leading a global partner marketing team, she is sharing her expertise at industry events and mentoring the next generation of partner marketing leaders.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Karine Elsen!
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 a competitive gymnast for 10 years.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
60,000.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
A boiled chicken with the head still intact in Guangzhou, China.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Moving from Europe to the US in my twenties with no job and no work permit taught me that you can take a risk, get creative and work around obstacles even when they look insurmountable at first.
In the same vein, I have learned that staying too long in one position or company may really slow down your career.
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 can’t say I had a strong mentor or influencer early on but I have certainly learned from many peers, bosses, colleagues. I learned both from good and bad leadership examples.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Be the captain of your own ship. Don’t wait for others to take you where you want to go. Take charge of your destiny.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I love mentoring early in careers as I regret that I did not really have strong mentors to lean on early on. I seek them out whether they work for me or not and make sure they know they can always reach out for advice.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Using data to establish the marketing maturity of partners and then developing the enablement and resources aligned with their marketing capabilities. I started this approach many years ago and have been fine tuning it over the years.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Slowing down and being thoughtful. We are all moving so fast. I am making a conscious effort to not just react to what is in front of me but taking the time to think it through and respond thoughtfully.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Finding the right talent. The IT market is hot right now and job seekers have many choices.
