Wendy Komadina ─ setting channel strategy and programs across APAC to grow partner success in the public cloud…
March 23, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Wendy Komadina
APJC Channel Chief
Cloudflare
Are you looking for a leader with deep channel strategy and program roots, and is now taking this expertise to grow APAC partner success in the public cloud? We know the person—Wendy Komadina!
Wendy was the former Head of AWS Partner Programs across APAC and has this year joined Cloudflare as the Head of APJC Channel Sales. She brings 24 years of experience in the technology sector to the public cloud. At the time we spoke to her, her team supported partners of all sizes, from global and local system integrator partners, to born in the cloud, ISV and startups. She is passionate about working with channel partners, a pug owner, a coffee lover and story teller.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Women, Wendy Komadina!
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?
At the age of 15, I decided I wanted to buy a house. I was earning $70 per week and would save $50 and keep $20 for “fun”. If I had change left, it would be added to my savings. By 18, I bought my first home.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Surprisingly never enough. I travelled mostly interstate. A short flight Syd-Mel took a long time to accumulate enough points to book a decent holiday and I’m not a fan of using points for upgrades. I always save my points to use for a family getaway.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Whilst travelling through Croatia, I tried live clams. Let’s just say I won’t be eating those again anytime soon.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
One of my proudest achievements was winning a Global Award for Culture. We spend more time at work than we do at home. I think it’s important to build a strong and positive team environment. I have seen valuable and smart colleagues leave organisations as a result of bad culture, and I made it my personal mission to make work a place that is inclusive and fun.
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 a few mentors in my career but honestly I found the most valuable way to learn is to shadow and have a set of trusted colleagues with different experiences that you can bounce ideas and insecurities with.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Early in my career I focused on taking on or staying in roles because I thought that on paper I needed to. I didn’t read enough to build my knowledge and I was scared to ask for guidance. My advice would be to pursue the roles that connect with your interests and read a lot. It’s easier to be successful if you aren’t fighting your inner self.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I am generous with my time and I don’t sugar coat feedback. I see no value in providing feedback that isn’t honest and constructive.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Across my career, the projects that I have gravitated to and that have been the most exciting are the ones that had a high degree of ambiguity, no processes, lacked resources and budget. My favourite thing to work on are the roles or projects that are scary, messy and nobody wants.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
My biggest interest lies in leaning in to ISV partners. The majority of my career has been working with consulting and distribution partners and I see an opportunity to build a deeper understanding in the SaaS space in particular.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Changing People and Culture are the biggest challenges many organisations face today. To set upon a journey of digital transformation, we all need to be bought into the goal of transformation, skills need to be built and goals need to be set top down to drive cultural change.
