Mechelle Buys Du Plessis, the Senior Sales Manager at Dimension Data Middle East speaks to Channel Post MEA about her career choice, balancing her professional and personal life and the opportunities for young women professionals in the MEA region
Please tell us something about yourself.
I am 43 and a mother of an incredible daughter, aged 16. I studied Nutrition & Diet Therapy at the University of Technology in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. I only fell in love with IT post completion of my scientific based studies.
Although I never used my studies in nutrition and diet therapy in my professional life, my student life and the nature of my studies, taught me to read continuously and to quickly summarise complex content – a characteristic which stood me well throughout my professional career.
I met my husband in the Information Technology industry during an exciting time in South Africa, the 1994 South African elections, that changed South Africa forever. I have been a career woman all my life and knew from inception that big business was my passion.
I have worked for Dimension Data, the largest systems integration company by footprint, globally, for 20 years. I never left as I never needed too! There was simply enough to do and Dimension Data never limited my opportunity to grow.
During my time at Dimension Data I was fortunate enough to work across multiple territories, continents and business disciplines. My career history includes technical pre-sales, sales, sales management, marketing and services. I have worked across several continents and have travelled extensively.
What made you choose IT / IT channel industry as a career choice?
I joined the world of IT on the 4th of July 1994. At the time, South Africa had just started implementing its first mobile network. The telecommunications market was regulated and we had just come out of being an embargoed country.
I chose an IT channel career as the exposure to large organisations, significant technology manufacturers and government, and my ability to translate complex technology into business benefits, matched my long term goal of becoming a contributing team member of a high performance organization.
The platform created by Dimension Data afforded me this opportunity and I have never looked back since. I was intrigued by a channel model as my focus was on the build of complex, cross vendor/manufacturer solutions that would meet client requirements. My forte has always been my clients. I build long lasting relationships with all my clients. In some cases, my relationship with my clients span more than a decade.
What sort of opportunities are present for women in the IT channel industry?
When I joined the industry 20 years ago, woman played much less of a role in the IT channel boardroom. Most IT experts came from an engineering background and the playing field was hence largely male dominated.
Today, the industry presents women with many opportunities at all levels within the IT channel industry. A career can be pursued at a management level, a sales level, a technical level or a support level. Experience and knowledge is key, hence focus on both needs to be maintained to ensure that women contribute value in the business.
Is it easy or difficult working with male co-workers especially in the day-to-day trading environment?
This is not a challenge. Again, experience and knowledge is what sets any individual apart. If you can speak with confidence and if you know your topic, gender is not an issue. It is key to remember that respect is earned, not given and therefore your contribution will reflect the way you are treated.
What challenges do you face on a day to day basis?
Like most Dubai residents, cultural challenges will always be the more difficult task. With more than 100 cultures around, ensuing that clear communication is in place and not miss-interpreted, is always top of mind. Doing business in the Middle East is somewhat different to other markets.
However, the recognition of my strengths and weaknesses and the utilisation of the best people for the best tasks removes most of the challenges. Effective time management is also a challenge as one can easily work eighteen hours a day. Putting clear ‘stop’ signs in place has become a huge priority for me.
Who is your role model? Why?
I have been fortunate enough to work with incredible leaders throughout my career. If forced to choose a role model, I would choose Dimension Data’s present CEO for Middle East and Africa, Derek Wilcocks.
Derek is an extremely balanced, well spoken, professional, diligent, committed, hardworking and inspiring individual. He is sincere and trustworthy at all levels. I had the pleasure of working with, and eventually, for, Derek for a number of years and his calm demeanour and respected opinion was always a benchmark for me to strive towards.
What would you term to be one of your biggest achievements in your career?
I reached an all time high when I was promoted to Head of Marketing for the Middle East and Africa regions. In this role, I reported directly to the board. I have also had many significant client wins for Dimension Data and it making a difference to the lives of our clients has always been my personal highlights.
In the late 1990’s, I was contracted to Kuala Lumpur as part of a team that project managed the build of a second Malaysian network operator. Although my role was insignificant in comparison to the overall team at the time, this also stands out as a significant highlight as the experience gained on this project, accelerated my career tremendously.
How easy/difficult is it juggling family and work life?
As a mother, you always feel guilty. You feel guilty when you travel, you feel guilty when you don’t travel, and so on. I can never have enough time for my child and my husband and balancing work priorities and after hour telephone calls with homework is a constant challenge.
Since my husband is in the same industry as me, his understanding of my work demands, and mine for his is easily managed. I have come to learn that family time is precious and should be cherished, never abused.
What is your advice for young female professionals?
Earn your space. Contribute everyday. Make yourself heard. Never stand back. Get as much experience as you can and be prepared to start at the bottom if this is what it takes. Finally, under all circumstances, always remain professional and in control.
What more do companies need to do in order to encourage women to take up top jobs?
Provide an environment that is equal in opportunity with a key focus on people development and cultural diversity. Dimension Data has put much focus on this and through this, have secured their ability to attract and retain key talent in the market.
