Why Membership Matters to Margi Shaw

Jun 28, 2020

ACW is home to a vibrant community of channel professionals from across the country. We enjoy getting to know them at our in-person events and are happy to introduce you to them in this recurring Membership Matters Q&A. This month we’re getting to know ACW member Margi Shaw, COO at Nitel.

Shaw leads the expansion of Nitel’s customer solutions while focusing on reliable customer-centric service models. Her leadership and customer-first approach enables  Nitel to execute its vision in alignment with changing customer demands.

Throughout her career, Shaw has demonstrated the ability to lead high-growth technology companies by balancing strategy and innovation with customer-centric operations.  She brings more than 30 years of technology and leadership experience to Nitel, most recently serving as the president and CEO of First Communications LLC. Shaw also served as COO at CIMCO Communications, leading aggressive growth and tremendous transformation for nearly a decade. Following the strategic acquisition of CIMCO by Comcast, Margi led the team through the complex process of integration.

Why did you join ACW? 

I joined ACW to contribute to the career development of other women in the technology services industry.

 

What do you hope to get from and to give to ACW membership? 

I hope to give support, advice and coaching to other members. I will gain a sense of satisfaction.

 

Are you a committee volunteer?

Yes, I am the Co-chair of the ACW Advocacy Committee, and I also volunteer as a mentor.

 

What do you get from your committee participation?

I get to meet great people, who are builders and love to collaborate.

 

What difficulty have you overcome that impacted your career for the better? 

Early in my career I went through a difficult divorce and was on my own with my two children. I needed to dig deep to take care of my children. This drive led to some of my greatest accomplishments.

 

If you were to give yourself advice when you graduated from high school, what would it be?

Never underestimate what you have already accomplished and what you can continue to accomplish.

 

What’s the best book – fiction or nonfiction – that you’ve read recently and why? 

From a business perspective, I read “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable.” This is an older business book, but really takes you back to basics on the importance of your team dynamics and where your business can struggle with ineffective team leaders.

 

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I am an experienced yoga teacher and teach or practice yoga during my free time.

 

What is one personal and one professional goal you have in the next five years? 

I have spent time investing in real estate over the past six years. Many of our objectives focus on earning money. Once we earn money, however, it’s important to understand the best approach in investing to make our money work for us.