Lori Cornmesser ─ Global channel leader driving channel success…
December 7, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated September 15, 2022
Lori Cornmesser
Senior Vice President,
Worldwide Channel & Alliance Sales
Deepwatch
(Previously — Vice President of Worldwide Channel Sales
CyCognito)
Are you looking for a game changing leader who knows how to execute a successful global channel strategy and inspire sales teams? We know the person – Lori Cornmesser!
Lori Cornmesser is the Sernior Vice President of Worldwide Channel and Alliance Sales at Deepwatch. Previosuly, Lori was CyCognito’s Channel Chief and first Vice President of Worldwide Channel Sales, where she led the security innovator’s global channel strategy, which includes building CyCognito’s first Partner Program and establishing high-impact relationships across the channel partner ecosystem. Lori is an accomplished worldwide business leader, specialized in Channel and Commercial Management. Her 28 years of sales excellence extends across multiple high-tech markets, including security, test and measurement, managed services, and networking. In 2020, Lori was once again named to CRN’s “Power 100” and “Women of the Channel” lists. She is also recognized for advocacy around diversity, equity and inclusion, and is a new member of The Channel Company’s 2021 / 2022 Women of the Channel Advisory Board.
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?
In high school, I was #1 in speech and debate for Monterey County for four years.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I traveled every other week with 220K miles a year. This was my time to read and to be innovative and imaginative. For a few hours, I was in the sky and no one could find me by email text or phone.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
My trips to Asia are always pushing the limits of my palate. The Balut is a dish made by boiling a live, fertilized duck embryo. You can even see the incipient duck's body as you eat it. The dish is served in South East Asia.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
My father was the greatest leadership teacher I ever had, even though he was never in a formal leadership position himself. He taught me about unconditional love and at the same time set very tough standards for achievement. That combination brought out the best in me, and I have used it myself to bring out the best in others.
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?
Two of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during my career are:
Feedback. Taking feedback is no simple task - for anyone. The feeling of being exposed and discussing “weaknesses” or perceived weaknesses, can be frightening and most certainly uncomfortable. My mentors always made me feel safe, but accountable.
Pay it forward. I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career. The act of giving back to a new employee is very important to them and something they take great pride in doing. I have learned and continue to do the same.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Happiness is what we are all trying to accomplish. I have learned to focus on what I do well, and where I can add the most value in building my career. This has created satisfaction for me in my career, and I’m still very passionate about what I do.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I learned early on that successful leaders love being leaders – not for the sake of power but for the meaningful and purposeful impact they create. It’s about your ability to serve others and this can’t be accomplished unless you genuinely enjoy what you do. This remains very true for me.
Lastly I surround myself with “lifters and other leaders” – the types of people who can broaden my sphere of influence.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
At Infoblox, we were challenged to build the SaaS go-to-market I found it very interesting to be able to learn and develop a new business model and successful engagement model for our partners and customers.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Gratitude is an oft-overlooked aspect of leadership, but it is so important for cultivating the proper spirit and mental attitude to lead. When you begin your day from a place of gratitude, it informs the emotional state of the rest of your day.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
In business: It is always growing revenue, increasing profits and making an impact. In life: Getting older (coming off a milestone birthday) and the death of loved ones.
