This is one in our series, Meet the Women of the Dell Partner Program, which provides insight into what drives the inspiring women of the Dell channel. Missed the first posts? Get to know Joyce Mullen (President, Global Channel, OEM & IoT, Dell), Cheryl Cook (Senior Vice President of Global Channel Marketing, Dell), Julie Christiansen (Vice President, Global Channel Marketing, Dell), Sheri Hedlund (Vice President, US Channel Sales, Dell), Kim Lasseter (Senior Director, Global Partner Marketing Enablement & Tools, Dell), Diane Brode (Director, Global Partner Marketing, Dell) and Heather Wilcox (CSG Channel Field Marketing Director) now.now.
Meet Shawn Trotter – Vice President, North America Channel Inside Sales
What is your current role/area of responsibility, and how long have you worked with the channel partner community?
As the Vice President of North America Channel Sales, I am responsible for 400 channel sales professionals currently servicing 44,000 partners. Over the past year, I am proud to say that once again, our team over-delivered on almost every target that was put in front of them, including significant growth, and improved internal and external Net Promoter Scores (NPS). My goal was to ensure that we continued to drive a positive employee culture, which translates into success in our partner relationships. These are both critical indicators of success of our future business.
What are your goals for your company’s channel business over the next year?
My goal this year will continue to be centered on being the best place to work and having the best channel team in the industry, period. Our team members will be experts on our world-class channel program and product offerings, providing our Partners and Distributors a competitive advantage. I not only expect my team to be the most responsive team in the industry, but also the trusted advisor who is committed to enabling partner growth. We will measure these objectives with both internal employee NPS and external partner NPS. Winning together with our partners and distributors is what we strive to do every day.
Outside of your family, please name a woman you admire and why?
Mother Teresa, as I am inspired most by those who sacrifice to serve others. She gave up worldly possessions and family to serve those whom no one else would care for. She opened hospices and orphanages for the poor so that no one would be alone. She inspired others to love and serve through her actions and not just through her words. My favorite quote from her: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” If we can all leave everyone/everything better than we found it, the world would be a better place.
What advice would you give to other women in the industry? Or men?
Work hard, be adaptable to change, be a perpetual learner and most importantly, be passionate about what you do. At Dell Technologies we believe that progress lives at the intersection of technology and humanity, that our role is to bring innovation to people everywhere so they can thrive in the digital economy. We have always believed that technology exists to enable human potential. Live it…become a trusted advisor for the customers that you serve, so that you can enable them to evolve and continue to change the world. If you are passionate about what you do, you will be successful.
Please share some words to live by that have helped you throughout your career.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. (Ghandi) I am driven by a desire to leave things better than I found them (work, community, relationships etc). I received advice from one of my most important mentors early in my career to take ownership of things I didn’t like and find solutions. Rather than allowing circumstances to control me, I enjoy finding solutions to problems. This not only allows me to channel creativity, but also keeps me positive.
What do you do for fun outside of Dell?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is spend time with my family. We love to travel, take long road trips, have family dinners and just hang out. Our favorite places include beaches or mountains. I also love to spend time working out. Exercise is one of the critical components of stress management for me. I rarely miss a day of working out, but I do vary the workouts. My husband (and sometimes children) love to join me, which doubles as family time. My workout regimen varies. I enjoy Orange Theory, Bickram Hot Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and sometimes even just a lazy walk outdoors or on the treadmill.
Traveling with family in Maui
Hot Yoga with my team during a healthy living offsite
