Marleese Attilakos ─ A sales leader delivering a top notch elevator pitch...
September 23, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Marleese Attilakos
ANZ Country Leader
Cisco Meraki
(Previously—Sales Leader
Cisco)
Are you looking for a sales leader with a top notch elevator pitch? We know the person—Marleese Attilakos.
Marleese is a Sales Leader for Cisco who works to support customers in the commercial sector by helping them achieve business outcomes through impactful technology solutions. She’s also passionate about life-long learning, currently studying all things cybersecurity!
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Marleese Attilakos!
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?
Early in my career, I launched a start up in the transport sector with my husband. We found a niche market opportunity for a personalised delivery service of luxury goods. I was super lucky to be able to work with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. I wish I could say I got a free handbag out of it, but no, just some great learnings.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
As a family we travelled overseas twice a year. For work, I only made one annual trip to the US along with some interstate travel.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
In Greece, I tried Magiritsa soup made from lamb offal including the head, heart, liver, intestines and neck. Definitely an acquired taste!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Two practical tips I picked up along the way:
- Have an elevator pitch. Countless times, I would meet people in different settings and not take the opportunity to engage and introduce myself, I wasn’t sure what to say!
- I’ve learnt before walking into a customer meeting, use a search engine to check any breaking news. I was presenting to a customer once and didn’t realise they were all over the press. I would have changed the conversation and my approach had I known. I now religiously check!
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 been fortunate to have many mentors in my career. These have been informal partnerships and a collection of people I have picked up at many points who tell it to me straight.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Don’t feel like you have to earn the right to speak up, new ideas and diverse thought should be embraced no matter your experience and age.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
Being approachable, checking in and letting people know my door is always open for a chat. These are important partnerships; I find it’s an equal exchange of learning and perspective.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
One that has stayed with me was working on a trial that combined human expertise with the power of AI for Oncology with a Cancer Hospital to bring critical insights for clinicians.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I’m a life-long learner, about to complete a Masters in Cyber Security Management. I enjoy developing new skills and evolving my outside in view.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Finding the right balance of time between studying, family and still taking on those projects you just can’t say no to.
