Tracy-Ann Palmer ─ Innovative leader staying ahead of market transformations while accelerating growth…
December 7, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Tracy-Ann Palmer
Vice President Partner Experience, Programs and Distribution
VMware
Are you looking for an innovative leader with a track record to stay ahead of market transformations while accelerating growth? We know the person—Tracy-Ann Palmer!
Tracy-Ann Palmer is the Vice President of Partner Experience, Programs and Distribution at VMware. With over 25 years of global experience for the most innovative IT companies, she is consistently recognized for her strong leadership and ability to stay ahead of market transformations while accelerating growth. She holds a wide range of responsibilities, including accelerating VMware partners' cloud adoption and formulating VMware's Customer Lifecycle Incentives Launch. Tracy-Ann was recently named to CRN’s 2021 Power 100 for Most Powerful Women of the Channel.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Tracy-Ann Palmer!
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 love to create and have numerous pieces of art using different mediums including oils, charcoals.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
100K+ miles.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Ostrich in South Africa and rabbit in San Francisco.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
- Taking advantage of a great opportunity in my twenties moving from South Africa to the US with an amazing company that supported me, taught me entrepreneurship, grit, sales and was the foundation of my success as a leader. An incredible experience.
- Taking a new leadership role, moving my family cross-country after 15 years and within the span of two months, leadership had changed including the CEO, my role was changed. I was responsible for enormous transformation to deliver in unprecedented timelines and challenging circumstances. This made me realize what we are all capable of accomplishing when put to the test.
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?
Yes, I have been fortunate to have mentors, advisors, executive sponsors throughout my career. My first mentor taught me to take advantage of opportunities, stay focused with a sense of urgency, believe in myself and my capabilities, to work exceptionally hard and the speed of the captain is the speed of the ship.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Own your career, be deliberate. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Always do the right thing. Never hide the parts of yourself that are unique. A flower shrouded in darkness only withers, it does not bloom.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I mentor others formally and informally at work and outside of work. I believe in paying it forward and supporting others along their career journey. I founded a non-profit called “We Build Character” which is focused on building future leaders through executive mentoring programs.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Taking on the role of Vice President, PXPD at VMware, we are transforming our GTM strategy and our partners play a significant role in the future of VMware. We are evolving our Incentives, programs, partner services, enablement and distribution. It’s incredibly exciting!
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
It's critical we never stop learning. Keeping abreast of market changes, trends, customer needs, and overall business landscape. Participating in monthly leadership workshops, reading and podcasts on topics like leading through change, leading with empathy, building EQ, Coaching and mentoring, and building a strong culture of high performers.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Developing and retaining top talent in a highly competitive market.
