Michelle Chiantera ─ Working in lockstep with sales to capture market share and accelerate the growth...
May 26, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated September 15, 2022
Michelle Chiantera
Chief Marketing Officer
Alludo
(Previously—Vice President, Global Partner, Segment & Industry Marketing
Cisco)
Are you looking for a marketing leader to work in lockstep with sales to capture market share and accelerate the growth? We know the person—Michelle Chiantera!
Michelle Chiantera is Cisco System’s Vice President of Americas Growth Marketing and Global Partner, Segment and Industry Marketing. She leads a team of marketers responsible for increasing market share and accelerating Cisco’s growth. Her team strives to deliver an amazing customer experience through marketing innovation and cutting-edge technology while always championing customer experience.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Michelle Chiantera.
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 love sharks! I had the opportunity to be in close proximity to a great white shark off the coast of Chatham, MA. As the boat approached, the shark did not swim away, but acknowledged and adapted to its changing environment: something I believe we can all learn from in our day to day.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Having held global positions over the years, my work has taken me to places like Japan, Dubai, England, France, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, California, and more. While the mileage varied, the measurement of time was consistent, usually traveling two weeks out of every month.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
I visited Mexico City a few years ago and wanted to eat true authentic Mexican specialties. I was introduced to something called “escamoles” (ant larvae).
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
My proudest achievement is my ability to lead with authenticity over the years. I create a common purpose and inspire the team to be a part of it. While business acumen is critical in my role, I get my energy, learnings, and motivation from the people on my team.
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 firmly believe in maintaining a “committee” of influence. In your career, you need a mentor. You need a sponsor, where both parties need to commit to connecting regularly with a clear objective in mind, and you also need an advocate, who can speak for you when you’re not in the room. And everyone needs someone to simply vent to and be a sounding board. I call this my Chief Venting Officer!
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Everyone has a superpower. Be patient. It might take time to learn what that superpower is but when you find it, use it and it will have a major impact on your career and life.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
Because I have been fortunate to learn from inspirational mentors and sponsors throughout my career, I will always pay that gift forward to our early in career mentees.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
I have always understood the value of the partnership between sales and marketing. I share the learning and critical success factors with Cisco employees, partners, and my network. If we can get sales and marketing operating together, we will create a better experience for our customers, resulting in sales growth and increased loyalty.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I believe for senior marketers to have a seat at the C-suite table, we need to connect our work to the company financials. It’s not just building the relationships; it is being in the conversation.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
We need to be ready and focused for the biggest economic boom – perhaps in history. We need to be agile, relevant, and forward-thinking for our customers.
