Phyllis Waud ─ AWS Partner, Syntax, driving pipeline and delivering accelerated results…
November 29, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Phyllis Waud
Senior Director of
Channels & Alliances
Syntax
Are you looking for an AWS Partner with a leader who possesses a proven ability to drive pipeline and deliver accelerated sales results to customers? We know the person—Phyllis Waud!
Nominated to participate in IT Wondrous Women™ by the AWS Partner Field leadership, Phyllis Waud is the Senior Director of Channels and Alliances for Syntax, an AWS Partner. She is responsible for developing and nurturing partner relationships to drive pipeline and deliver accelerated sales results to customers. Phyllis's 20+ years of sales and sales leadership in the IT industry has given her a unique perspective on working with sales teams, allowing her to build confidence and trust while delivering success outcomes for customers.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Phyllis Waud!
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?
During covid I totally went outside my comfort zone and took a private concealed carry lesson from a brilliant military marksman.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I have no idea. For the most part I loved the amount of work travel I did before the pandemic and miss it dearly.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
I would have to go with escargot, and unfortunately my first location was not a location as exciting as France. It was in Columbus Ohio, where my husband and I lived early in our marriage.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
By far was the MCI Worldcom scandal and subsequent bankruptcy. I was the Sales Director of Northeast Ohio at the time, and the goal of our top leadership was to navigate our way out of this mess (which they did). My goal was to lose 0 employees and customers. We came together against the odds, and I’m proud to say we lost only 1 employee (who eventually returned post bankruptcy) and 50% of a customer. That one experience counts as 2+!
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 was fortunate to have an amazing mentor early in my career. The best lesson I learned from him was make it all about your team, listen to their challenges, spend the most time on coaching and helping them achieve their goals, and it will all fall in place. And always, always hire people that are smarter than yourself and bring experiences and capabilities far different than yourself.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Weirdly enough, not a lot. However, to my younger self I would say pick up a tennis racquet sooner, don’t wait until your late 40s! Love the sport, just wish I had started younger!
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
Staying connected with young adults, being present and in touch with their generation, asking questions and really leaning in on listening, recognizing and sharing their positive traits. I was very fortunate early in my career to have a couple pretty awesome mentors, and love the ability to give back.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
I started with Syntax in November 2019, prioritized on jumpstarting a significant relationship with Amazon Web Services. My goal was to immerse immensely and fortunately took advantage of the 3 months leading up to the pandemic to travel every week to meet as many colleagues as possible both with AWS and Syntax. That time and the relationships built were more meaningful than I would have ever anticipated, and put me in the path of so many amazing influential leaders that that were god sends once the pandemic came roaring into our lives.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I am not a big fan of the effect social media has had on our younger generation. In many cases it has stunted business relationships, and I try to be a big advocate in changing electronic communication and concentrate on phone calls / video calls / connecting in person.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
By far the biggest challenge for me has been limited in person meetings. As a leader in the partner / channel ecosystem, relationship building and trust is monumental in creating successful outcomes with my customers. Regardless, I can’t wait for our community to return to more in-person venues.
