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 Tina Gravel, Senior Vice President, Global Channels and Alliances at Cyxtera.
Gravel has more than 25 years of experience in indirect and direct sales, and customer service/support in IT with an emphasis on Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), security and cloud computing. Gravel has a strong record of accomplishments with high-growth firms and those in turnaround mode, is channel savvy and a frequent public speaker. At Cyxtera, she recently oversaw the launch of CXD, a “colo on demand” product she describes as a disrupter. Gravel has a Bachelor of Science, Political Science, from the University of Massachusetts.
Why did you join ACW?
I started attending ACW events and realized I wanted to do more to participate with the awesome women I met.
What do you hope to get from it and give back to it?
I love connecting with younger women in the group to hear their challenges and offer ideas and suggestions if they request them from me. I also love to ask my own questions of members who have become great friends through the group.
Are you a committee volunteer?
Yes, I am on the recently established Advocacy Committee.
What do you get from your committee participation?
Our first endeavor is to advocate for equal pay. This is a critical need that will make our country a better place for everyone.
What difficulty have you overcome that impacted your career for the better?
My personality is big and bold, and I am extremely passionate about what I believe in. I have learned that in order to get my messages heard and really understood, I have to settle my emotional response a bit and take a deep breath before I say things.
If you were to give yourself advice when you graduated from high school, what would it be?
Don’t worry so much and things always work out.
What’s the best book – fiction or nonfiction – that you’ve read recently and why?
Given my own experience with Silicon Valley and startups, I enjoyed reading “Bad Blood” by John Carreyrou. But my true favorite is, “How to be a Woman in Technology” by Cheryl O’Donoghue. This book supports a movement and charity that benefits disadvantaged girls and women around the world. Disclaimer: I am in it as well as many of my friends in the channel.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love spending time with my dogs on the beach.
What is one personal and one professional goal you have in the next five years?
To help make sure Cyxtera Channel is the best it can be and give back more to others that have not been blessed with the advantages and experiences I have.
The ACW Membership Matters program is managed by ACW Communications Committee Member Anne McConnell, founder and president of The Stone Group. For information, contact pr@allianceofchannelwomen.org.
