Channel Post speaks to Claire Jones, Partner Sales Director, Middle East and Africa at Juniper Networks on her journey as an IT professional.
Channel Post (CP): Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy.
Claire Jones (CJ): I work best in an environment that is honest, authentic, collaborative, and fun. I try to embrace these values in my leadership style as well. With open communication, honesty, teamwork, and a sense of humor, I believe you can achieve success, both as a team and personally. It’s an honor to work with the team at Juniper Networks.
CP: What made you choose IT as a career opportunity?
CJ: I had never planned to work in IT; however, after joining the IT industry I was immediately attracted to the people that I worked with. Being surrounded by ambitious, talented people in a fast-paced environment was the perfect combination for me. I have never looked back on my decision and have had the opportunity to learn from and grow under the mentorship of some of the best business IT leaders in the region.
CP: How has your unique background prepared you for success in the industry?
CJ: I grew up in a multi-cultural, large family. Understanding different cultures helped me to quickly adapt to a multi-cultural work environment. Respecting and understanding the value that diversity brings to the workplace has helped me build strong, diverse teams. Success comes from the team that you build therefore, it’s important that you choose a team that does not replicate each other, but instead compliments each other. My proudest work moments have been when my team gained recognition.
CP: What was your most interesting job?
CJ: My most interesting job has been working with fresh graduates. This new generation has amazed me with their confidence, freethinking and ambitious nature. They always strive to be a better version of themselves each day. They are hungry to learn and keen to make their mark on the world. I have enjoyed mentoring and working with these talented individuals, and believe that they will change the world.
CP: What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of computer technology?
CJ: Working in a male dominated industry in the Middle East is never easy for any woman. Pre-perceptions are easily formed and judgments are passed too quickly. Being in the industry in the region for the past 20 years, I am pleased to see the progress made in terms of gender diversity. It is great to see more young women coming into the IT industry. It’s an exciting, fast paced industry where a woman can achieve success and personal career growth. My advice to women considering a career in this industry would be: remember to remain authentic, speak up and be curious.
Throughout my career, I have focused on supporting other women in enhancing their career in IT. At Juniper Networks, I am a core member of ‘Juniper Women In Network’ group. Our mission is to provide a networked community for all women in Juniper to support them in achieving their full potential and to develop Juniper into an employer of choice for women.
CP: What is the greatest transformation in technology you’ve witnessed in your career?
CJ: There have been so many amazing transformations over the past 20 years; the speed of change is exponential. The Internet of Everything has opened up a world where everything and everyone is connected. As a working mother, being able to always be connected to my children when I’m travelling, to be able to see them via video at bedtime, and to help them with homework whilst being remote has made the work environment a much happier place for working parents.
CP: What are your thoughts on the next transformation in the tech industry?
CJ: At Juniper Networks, we believe the world is beginning to move past the era of digital disruption and digital transformation, towards a new future. Juniper feels something we term Digital Cohesion is taking shape. Digital Cohesion is where business models become friction-free and technology automatically adapts to human behavior. User interfaces become natural, learning curves are eliminated and applications act on their own, connecting with each other spontaneously. We believe that this shift in the human/technology relationship will automate the mundane, anticipate needs, enable better decisions, and ultimately transform our personal and business lives for the better.
CP: Are you in any sort of volunteer work? Can you give us some details?
CJ: Giving back to the community is important to me, and this as one of my core values. It’s a humbling experience and reminds me of how privileged we are. I have participated in many charitable activities; however, the most touching and rewarding experience for me was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money to build a pediatric oncology hospital for the children of Palestine. Seeing the hospital built and ready to accept children as a result of people’s willingness to give to others was a testament of the fact that love and humanity still exists in the world that we live in today.
CP: What’s next for you in terms of your career in the tech industry?
CJ: It’s an exciting time for the tech industry. The only constant is ‘Change’. It’s disruptive, it’s inevitable and it’s necessary. We must be ready to embrace change with an open-mind and heart. The most important thing to me is to have a positive impact on the company and people that I work with. I am looking forward for what’s in store and ready to embrace the next phase in my career.