Sandrine El Khodry, Vice president, MEA, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, a leading networking, communications and cloud solutions provider, describes her management philosophy as focusing on people and considering their wellbeing, culture and workload. El Khodry explains how she is working with the channel partner ecosystem in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market.
Describe your current job role and the parts that are somewhat challenging?
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is under my leadership.The MEA geography is an emerging market where much needs to be done. As a result of its high potential for growth and needs, it attracts all kinds of companies, competitors and investors. As we compete in a highly competitive market, increasing our share is a challenge.
Can you explain how your company works with channel partners?
As our business model is 100% indirect, we sell through our channel partners, which puts them at the heart of everything we do. We work hand in hand with our partners and offer them the necessary trainings and certification, and ensure to keep them up-to-date on our products enhancement and roadmap. Many of our channel partners have been with us for more than 20 years and thus ALE has built a strong link of confidence and trust with our loyal partner community over the years.
How do you ensure channel partners flourish in a highly competitive market?
Our channel partners are part of the bigger ALE family, so we provide them the access to all the resources and assets, and offer them the required support to be able to deliver our customer needs in the most efficient way. Our marketing and communication department support them regularly and encourages on various joint initiatives for mutual success. Each of our partners have access to high-level support and R&D as well as high-level certification in our technology.
What are the latest trends you see emerging across the channel?
What is your management philosophy?
The focus of my interest is people. Considering their wellbeing, culture and workload is key. Team spirit is my slogan. We win as a team, not as individuals. So, we are all here to support each other on a daily basis. Success for one is success for all.
When you look back at your career, what has been the most memorable achievement?
In my previous experience where I oversaw the business for a specific sector, I was leading a multicultural team across the globe: APAC, Americas and EMEA. My challenge was to work hard to build a solid team by understanding the different cultures. I needed to be able to adapt quickly, build team spirit, and succeed in my goal. It is an achievement I am very proud of. This is the reason why I know that you can’t lead teams without considering their culture. This is despite having a very strong strategy. However, if culture is not considered, you will fail.
What made you think of a career in technology?
It was by coincidence that I stumbled into this field in the early years of my career. After a discussion with a friend, I started 27 years ago, and I am still in. There are two main criteria for success in this field: moving fast and never stopping learning. Challenges are interesting to me. I am never bored because I am constantly challenged.
What do you think will be the hot technology talking point of 2021?
A significant contribution to the future of the world can be made by Artificial Intelligence, which mimics the functions of the human brain. The technology has brought a wide range of opportunities and functionalities to diverse business sectors. Due to our increasingly digital and online lives, COVID-19 will act as a catalyst for a host of changes that have already been on the cards for some time. The only difference now is that they will happen much faster, driven by necessity. It is now a MUST to embrace digital transformation.
What are your personal interests and where do you like to spend most of your time after work?
I love traveling as it gives me a break from daily life, is rejuvenating and inspires me to see, taste, and try new things. While traveling, one can learn new things, get chances to meet and engage with different people. I love reading success stories and biographies. It gives insight into how successful people handled their crises and solved problems. One can gain so much from reading other people’s stories and experiences, and how to overcome difficult situations. They open our eyes to the world and help us make better decisions. I enjoy spending valuable time with my family and beloved ones this is where I am able to recharge my batteries.