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Michael O'Brien
RVP - Strategic Routes to Market at Fortinet
Professional Background
Michael O'Brien is a distinguished channel sales and alliance executive with a wealth of experience and a remarkable track record in developing and executing effective sales strategies that lead teams to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a leader in the fields of global and national channels, sales management, cloud technology, managed services, and both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). His expertise embraces a comprehensive understanding of customer needs across a broad spectrum of IT requirements, making him a sought-after figure in the technology and sales sectors.
Over the years, Michael has held numerous prestigious roles at leading technology companies. Currently, he serves as the Regional Vice President for Strategic Routes to Market at Fortinet, where he continues to drive success through innovative strategies and effective partnerships. Prior to his current role, he held the position of Vice President of Global Channel and Service Provider Sales at Silver Peak, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company's approach to channel sales.
Michael's impressive career is marked by his tenure with Aerohive Networks, where he served as Vice President of Channel Sales, leading the company's efforts in building robust channel partnerships and enhancing sales performance. His impactful contributions were also seen during his time at Dell Technologies, where he held various high-level positions, including Executive Director of Global Channels and Alliances, and Vice President of Channels and Alliances. His strategic guidance and leadership helped Dell harness the power of alliances to create valuable opportunities for growth.
Michael's early experience includes significant roles in Sun Microsystems, where he was involved with commercial channels and strategic sales for global system integrators. His foundational skills as a District System Engineering Manager provided him with the technical expertise required to excel in various sales and engineering capacities. Additionally, his career began at Intergraph Corporation as a Senior Application Engineer, setting the stage for his future successes in channel management and sales.
Education and Achievements
Michael O'Brien began his academic journey studying Mechanical Engineering at the State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota. This technical background laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in complex sales strategies and technology-driven solutions, demonstrating his commitment to understanding both the technical and strategic aspects of sales.
His extensive career has been characterized by numerous achievements and recognitions. Michael's ability to motivate teams and create a culture of high performance is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities. He excels not only in building strategies but also in fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment where teams can thrive and achieve their objectives.
Moreover, Michael’s experience encompasses working with diverse industry players, allowing him to develop a keen insight into market needs and trends. This insight has helped him position the organizations he led to capitalize on new opportunities, paving the way for sustained growth and success in highly competitive markets.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Michael O'Brien has demonstrated his capacity to deliver consistent results and drive success within numerous organizations. His strategic initiatives have led to improved sales figures, enhanced channel partnerships, and increased market presence for each of the companies he has been associated with. Among his notable achievements:
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Channel Development: At various points in his career, Michael has significantly enhanced channel partner programs that empower partners, boost sales, and create new revenue streams. His efforts in transforming indirect channels have been inspiring and have set benchmarks in the industry.
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Collaborative Leadership: Michael is known for inspiring and motivating teams to reach new heights. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and empowerment, which leads to high-performing teams capable of exceeding sales expectations.
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Strategic Partnerships: Michael has forged critical alliances with various companies that have resulted in expanded market opportunities. His knack for understanding partner needs and aligning them with organizational goals has been key in achieving mutually beneficial results.
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Innovation in Sales Practices: A forward-thinking executive, Michael has been instrumental in implementing innovative sales practices that leverage cloud and-managed services technologies. His approach to integrating these solutions has set his teams apart in fast-evolving technology markets.
In addition to these achievements, Michael's commitment to professional development has equipped him with insights into emerging technologies and market dynamics, ensuring he remains at the forefront of the industry. His collaborative approach combined with a strong technical understanding continues to drive success in the organizations he leads. Michael O'Brien exemplifies the blend of technical knowledge and sales acumen necessary for thriving in today’s competitive landscape.
tags':['channel sales','alliance executive','sales strategies','cloud technology','managed services','Software as a Service','Infrastructure as a Service','global channels','national sales','team performance','sales management','partnership development','technology solutions','customer IT needs','strategic market routes','leadership qualities','collaborative teams','executive roles','sales best practices','mechanical engineering','professional development'],
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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