Michelle Woodward Hodges ─ global leader with deep experience in designing, building and managing channels, alliances’ sales teams, and programs around the world...
April 21, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Michelle Woodward Hodges
Advisory Board
AchieveUnite
(Previously—Vice President, Worldwide Channels
GitLab, Inc.)
Are you looking for a global leader with deep experience in designing, building and managing channels, alliances sales teams, and programs around the world? We know the person — Michelle Woodward Hodges.
Michelle is the Vice President of Worldwide Channels with Gitlab. In prior roles, she has held leadership roles at a range of technology companies with postings in EMEA, Singapore and India. The cornerstone of her expertise is be the change agent driving impact and growth across strategies, programs and GTM channels and alliances across all global markets.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman, Michelle Woodward Hodges.
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 know I am a big sports fan, but people are always surprised to know about my love for car racing, particularly Formula 1.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Before the pandemic I flew between 150K and 200K in a year - and I miss it terribly.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Either snake gall bladder in China or sheep’s head (all parts!) in France.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
The first was at VMware when I had the opportunity to pitch a business plan to its COO, Carl Eschenbach. I learned the truth in the phrase, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”. I also learned the value of leveraging sponsors and coaches while gaining support from stakeholders when trying to drive change.
The second is one of my earliest lessons about leadership. I had a great boss who was a big fan of “Catching you doing something right”. When I told him, I wanted to be a manager, he began catching me after meetings or over email, saying to me; “That was how a leader act”. For any team member that has ever asked me that same question, I deliver the same.
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?
While in graduate school, I interned for two summers in France for a woman, Marie-Josephe D'Argent. She had an amazing career in Marketing & Sales within the Oil & Gas Industry and had traveled all over the world. I learned from her the hard lessons of self-reliance, investing in your job with passion and balancing work & motherhood.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Figure out what you need to keep your head clear so you can stay away from freaking out ;) If its coaching, therapy, exercise, family time - whatever it is; invest in it like your job depends on it - because it does.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
If someone takes the time to ask for advice, I make the time to answer. If someone has said they want to be in leadership or management, I help them build their roadmap and provide feedback.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Over the last 5 years, I have spent time with the Board of Directors of the companies I work with. Their perspective, breadth of experience and desire to support my success has always been appreciated.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
For several years, I have had an executive coach and we are constantly working, refining and defining my success. It's been an impactful investment in my success and that of the companies I work for.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
My challenge is to support GitLab’s growth through its channels and alliances and to drive growth for my area faster than market growth to benefit from the 'goodness' our partners’ offer. Growing faster than high growth is challenging, but I have the team to do it!
