From Partner to Vendor: Joining Palo Alto Networks

While I started working for Palo Alto Networks three years ago, I had a unique opportunity to begin working with them as a partner for almost four years. In that time, their incredible technology and selfless people set an impressive standard for working with cybersecurity vendors and driving mutual success.

I chose to join Palo Alto Networks at an inflection point in my career. It was a chance to focus on my passion for cybersecurity and work for what I believe is the best company in the industry. My new role also allowed me the chance to work on the ‘same team and different side of the ball’ in support of partners building successful offerings with Palo Alto Networks technology. Having a partner’s perspective brings daily thought through their lens and ensures partner needs are considered in everything we do.

Moving from the partner side to the vendor side of cybersecurity can be both daunting and exciting. On one hand you leave the system that you know well and have to learn a whole new operating model and establish relationships within a whole new organization. However in my experience the benefits of joining an industry leader like Palo Alto Networks outweigh the perceived deterrents.

Innovation: the product-first mindset of the company allows for market dominance and industry recognition that gives partners and customers the best tools for success.

Collaboration: working with some of the brightest people in the industry only makes you want to be better everyday, and the person-centric culture helps make the work fun.

Impact: the opportunity to affect change that benefits the company, our partners, and end-customers is truly rewarding. Good ideas are valued and acted on (sometimes quicker than you might expect).

I’d also mention that Palo Alto Networks is a great place for folks early in their career. I have never felt stifled from sharing my ideas or advancing in the company because of my age, and it’s reflective of our company-wide value of Inclusion. Moreover, its fast-paced and agile culture works well for early-in-career persons with high energy and an adaptable mindset.

If you’re at an inflection point in your career, I’d strongly encourage considering Palo Alto Networks and supporting the same team on the other side of the ball. My advice to those looking to make this shift is to maintain a high level of execution, ownership of your current responsibilities, and collaborative mindset. Success is not an individual sport; those who operate at the highest level while working closely with internal stakeholders, partners, and end-customers I’ve found to be most successful in my time at Palo Alto Networks.