Tara Ridley─Passionate sales executive who has built her career on relationships and trust
February 23, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Tara Ridley
VP Alliances & Channels ANZ
Salesforce
Are you looking for an ANZ leader who can deliver partner sales growth, account management and ecosystem development? We know the person—Tara Ridley!
After a ‘sliding doors’ moment that could have easily led her to become a marketer, Tara forged an impressive career in sales recently joining Salesforce as the Vice President of Alliances and Channels for Australia and New Zealand. She has spent much of this career leading enterprise and channel sales for IT leaders including Hewlett Packard, Macquarie Telecom, and Cisco.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Tara Ridley!
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?
The one that most influences my outlook on my career is that I am a single mother to a six and a half year old son who I conceived with the help of a donor. My son gave me a game-changing perspective to my work and what’s important.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I am not one to track air miles, but working in the technology sector, I have made many trips to the San Francisco Bay Area. In a personal capacity, my son and I spent time in Hong Kong, Spain, England, Ireland, Greece and celebrated my mother’s 70th birthday in Mallorca. It feels really special to have had that opportunity now that my family is spread all around the world and we are unable to travel.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
While on a career break, I travelled to Australia from the UK and spent time in the Northern Territory where I tried crocodile. I can confirm it tastes like chicken.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Seven years ago I presented to around 7,000 people. It was way out of my comfort zone, but I quite enjoyed presenting. It taught me the importance of continually stretching yourself, because once you get over the fear and accomplish that thing that feels like the worst, everything else seems easy by comparison.
The other thing that has shaped my journey as a leader has been building resilience. Like many, I’ve had times in my career where I have been passed over for a new role or promotion and it can be easy to get caught up feeling hurt or disappointed. What I’ve learned is the best thing to do in that moment is to dig deep, build a plan, and keep pushing your career forward.
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’ve had many mentors, including some amazing female mentors who inspired me early in my career. What I took away from watching them is that if you can see it, you can be it.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to take every opportunity. Earlier in my career I was presented with the chance to work in Germany, and I was also head hunted to work for a partner turned competitor. I said no to both of those things. I wish I had said yes to both because it would have enriched my career.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
As someone who has had so many amazing mentors, I feel a responsibility to give back and I make time to provide mentorship both formally and informally. One of things I enjoy the most is when past connections reach out for advice. It is an absolute privilege to help them.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
My current project at Salesforce is one of the reasons I joined the company. We are opening up our Cloud Reseller Program to partners in New Zealand which will allow them to sell Salesforce licenses directly to small and medium sized businesses. It is an incredible opportunity to elevate the relationship with our partners, get scale and bring the Salesforce platform to many more customers.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I have signed up for The Company Directors course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I would love to give back to the community by participating on the board of a not-for-profit or two.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Time management. It can be hard to carve time out for yourself and your family during the day when you are not actually leaving your home. We spend so much of our day on back-to-back calls that we are missing that time to absorb those discussions or de-brief with our colleagues. Finding a new way to structure our days and weeks will be key as we return to the office.
