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 Maureen O’Connell, Director of Partner Sales, Northeast Division at Comcast Business, a connectivity and technology solutions provider.
O’Connell began her career at Comcast Business as a Sales Supervisor in 2011, where she was responsible for training and developing a team of inside sales representatives to achieve organizational and sales goals. Since then her talent for sales and management has elevated her up the leadership ladder to her current role. O’Connell has been recognized for her achievements on multiple occasions, including CRN’s 100 Female Rising Stars Award Winner (2020), CRN’s 2020 Women of the Channel, and ACW’s 2020 Lead Award Winner.
Why did you join ACW Local Chapters Committee?
I’m a firm believer that we need to continue to build up one another by sharing ideas and opportunities. I joined the ACW Local Chapters Committee as I saw an opportunity for women in the Mid-Atlantic to become better connected and learn from one another.
What has been some highlights of being part of your Local Chapter?
We are about to have our “virtual” kickoff event on Cinco de Mayo. We have a fun and informative agenda, which includes an inspiring talk presented by leadership coach Helen Ober.
What do you get from your committee participation?
It’s been an excellent opportunity for me to network with other women across the country, learn more about ACW, as well as learn from some great leaders in our industry.
How long have you been in the channel?
I’ve been in the telecom industry for 17 years and have spent 11 of them supporting the indirect channel.
If you were to give yourself advice when you graduated from high school, what would it be?
To take more risks early in my career. I can remember interviewing at the end of college, and one of the jobs would require me to move halfway across the country. I was fearful of this risk and turned down the offer. In hindsight, I wish I had taken that risk as I think it would have helped me become more well-rounded in my career later in life.
What’s the best book – fiction or nonfiction – that you’ve read recently and why?
“Verity” by Colleen Hoover. This book contains one twist after the other and leaves you stunned at the end. I recommend it quite often and consistently get text messages from those that read it saying, “Wow!”
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Before COVID, my hobby was traveling. My husband and I often travel for work, but we always plan one “big trip” that we can enjoy together. We are hoping the Peru trip from 2020 happens in 2022 at this point. Fingers crossed!
During COVID, I’ve been reading much more, which has provided a good mental break from the overall anxiety that many of us have being feeling while at home. I also bought a Peloton and have become one of those obsessed Peloton users that asks others upon finding out they also have a Peloton, “so who is your favorite instructor?”