With 30+ years in various roles (IT consulting, engineering, sales, and sales leadership), Jillian Swenson’s expertise spread across hardware, software, and services at companies such as HPE, Dell, VMware, and AWS. She is a veteran sales leader with experience spanning the public sector, commercial, and telecom industries. A classically trained Enterprise Architect turned sales leader, Jillian pushes her teams to deliver comprehensive IT solutions with measurable business impact. Jillian is a lifetime resident of Hampton Roads and currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, Scott. She has served on various local boards such as Tidewater AFCEA and the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Jillian shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion in tech, the secret mantra behind her success, her favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Jillian. Can you walk us through your background and what you’re most passionate about in your work?
I started my career as a software developer then expanded my skill set to become an Enterprise Architect. Eventually, I moved to sales and then sales leadership with technology companies such as Dell, HPE, VMware, and AWS. I’m most passionate about building consistently high achieving teams and seeing how great sellers can help customers solve their most critical business problems.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
Watching my sellers gain/grow strategic sales skills. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to see our small, diverse partners grow their businesses by being agile, creative, and leaning into their AWS partnership.
What impact do you believe increased diversity and inclusion would have on innovation, creativity, and progress in your industry?
Part of my portfolio is our Federal Small Business team, which consists of woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, tribal-owned, and other small, disadvantaged businesses. Having that lens, I see the direct impact of diversity programs, such as the SBA 8(a) program, in allowing diverse partners access to government contracts. In exchange, they help the federal government procure quickly and often bring innovative solutions, especially in developing technology areas such as AI/ML.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top Women Leaders of Virginia Beach for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
My favorite business book is “The No Asshole Rule”. While the title is somewhat tongue in cheek, I believe in surrounding myself with a diverse group of smart, hardworking people for whom I have respect. The only thing I fully trust is my own ignorance. Working with people that have different perspectives, challenge my thinking, and genuinely enjoy being part of my team is the key to success AND happiness at work.
Who has been a personal role model or mentor to you throughout your career?
I’ve been fortunate to have several wonderful mentors throughout my career. However, my role model has always been Jane Austen. As an author she uses humor to challenge societal norms. Her female characters are strong and smart. However, she shows that there are many different ways for women to be strong. For Austen, there was no single view of successful womanhood.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
I am a voracious consumer of books, audiobooks, and podcasts across a wide spectrum of topics. You never know what will inspire you or give you a new perspective. As for motivating my team, here’s what they tell me. They are motivated to bring their “A” game because I’m authentic and transparent. When there is trust and a shared vision, you can ask people to do extraordinary things.
What is your favorite quote?
Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I want to continue leading sales teams in the technology industry. I like being on the technology forefront, so areas such as GenAI, Cybersecurity, and High-Performance Cloud Computing are particular areas of interest for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring women in technology?
Make your voice strong. For example, if you truly caused harm, own it and apologize. Otherwise, stop apologizing simply as part of your conversational style. It took me a year, but I removed the word “sorry” from my vocabulary. Men don’t walk around apologizing, so why should women?