Rebecca Brennan ─ Innovative sales leader with a talent for building productive and predictable partner networks…
December 7, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Rebecca Brennan
Sales Director
Carahsoft Technology Corp.
Are you looking for an innovative sales leader with a talent for building productive and predictable partner networks? We know the person, Rebecca Brennan!
Rebecca Brennan is the Sales Director for Carahsoft’s Splunk Public Sector Team. She and her team work as an extension of Splunk’s Partner Management Team, and are responsible for aligning with Splunk’s mission to build a productive and predictable partner network. In 2019, she helped grow Splunk’s Public Sector business by over 20%, and has made significant contributions to programs allowing Splunk to generate net new opportunities, nurture customers, and provide preeminent solutions to the public sector. This next-level commitment has led to Rebecca’s recognition by CRN’s Women of the Channel list in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Rebecca Brennan!
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 cannot and have not ever been able to do a cartwheel, but I can do a round off back handspring.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Maybe 15,000 miles.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Gas station barbeque on a road trip in college driving from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX. I think it might have been in Arkansas but it was delicious!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
I started working with the Splunk business when they were just starting to develop the Public Sector group and it has been such an enjoyable experience being a part of a very successful journey with them. In recognition of our contribution to growing Splunk’s business, we have won Global Distributor of Year several times.
When I look back at my career, I remember working with a very large OEM after having worked with several smaller OEMs. I remember having feelings of insecurity and nervousness as everyone who I worked with had twice the experience I did. However, it taught me to trust myself and my ideas, and gave me a boost in self-confidence. It was not always easy but when I look back it absolutely helped shape how I approach my business today.
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 am lucky in my career to have many wonderful mentors. The biggest lesson I learned from them was to SPEAK UP! If you have an idea, question, or want clarification, use your voice.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Deep breaths; there is always a solution.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I hire many young professionals and one of the favorite parts of my job is having 1-1 time each week with upcoming leaders so I can be a constant resource and mentor for them while they are learning to navigate the professional world.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
I rolled out a technical enablement team to run workshops and trainings for customers and partners. It started as a side project with one individual working towards technical certifications for a partner and turned into team-wide initiative to enable our ecosystem to become smart on these products. It’s now one of my largest pipeline producing teams.
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 constantly refining how I communicate effectively. In a digital world, it is easy to lose communication, even with all the tools available. I think modifying how I communicate with people is so important. It allows me to keep my personal touch and find new ways to make my team feel appreciated.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
My greatest business challenge today has been managing a team remotely and making sure everyone wakes up engaged and excited to do their jobs. My team was all in office and loved being together, so adapting and replicating that comradery remotely has been challenging.
