Palo Alto Networks Leader Spotlight: Shannon, District Sales Manager

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Professional portrait of Shannon, District Sales Manager at Palo Alto Networks, who leads the Mid-Market Sales team in New England and mentors emerging cybersecurity talent.

Life at Palo Alto Networks

North America | Blog | Career Development

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Palo Alto Networks Leader Spotlight: Shannon, District Sales Manager

On Career Progression and Professional Development

How has Palo Alto Networks supported your professional development during your tenure?

“Palo Alto Networks has been a true partner in my growth over the last four and a half years. The company has provided a consistent roadmap for success through continuous product education and a heavy focus on value-based selling. What stands out most is the leadership culture; my managers have always proactively asked, 'What’s next?' and provided the networking opportunities and attainable goals necessary to get there. It’s a place that doesn't just give you a job—it gives you a clear path to leadership.”

Leading the New England Mid-Market Team

What drives your passion for leading this specific Sales team?

“In my previous SMB roles, my passion was rooted in the 'lightbulb moment'—taking BDRs and helping them master the full sales cycle. Now, leading a team of tenured Select accounts in New England, I’m energized by the complexity of larger deals. I love learning how seasoned reps navigate strategic, portfolio-driven conversations and finding new ways to support their motivation. Whether it’s coaching a rising star or supporting a veteran rep on a massive transformation, I am driven by helping people reach their next professional peak.”

The Competitive Edge in Cybersecurity

In the current landscape, what unique advantage does Palo Alto Networks provide your team?

“We are constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve. While the threat landscape evolves, we provide a massive advantage by integrating AI and machine learning natively into our platform to stop threats in real-time. We are moving the industry away from the 'point product' headache, offering our customers ease of use while maintaining the most trusted brand name in the business. My team can lead with confidence knowing we are delivering a best-in-breed platform that truly secures our customers' entire enterprise.”

Why Palo Alto Networks is the Place to Be

What makes the culture at Palo Alto Networks stand out for Sales professionals?

“It is the rare environment where being the #1 global cybersecurity leader meets a phenomenal, employee-first culture. Leadership genuinely cares about the people behind the numbers. Between the internal collaboration, the vibrant local networking events, and our incredible partner ecosystem, the energy is infectious. It’s an amazing place to work if you want to be surrounded by the best talent in the industry while feeling supported in your own personal journey.”

Impact and the Mission to Protect

How do you contribute to the mission of being the cybersecurity partner of choice?

“I believe my strongest impact lies in developing the next generation of talent. Our mission is to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, and that starts with having the best people. I have taken great pride in mentoring BDRs into SMB reps, and then helping those reps transition into the next stages of their careers. By fostering long-lasting relationships with our partners and customers and ensuring my team is obsessed with product excellence, I’m not just hitting targets—I’m building a more secure future by empowering the people who protect it.”

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