Client Service Award
Robin Tomlin
IBM Global Business Services
Robin Tomlin began her career as a printing specialist working for the U.S. Navy. Before long, she was recruited to start a small consulting group for a software development company. When the group became profitable within the first six months, she was hooked on consulting. "I quickly realized that my ability to develop strong client relationships and earn their trust was a key ingredient to becoming successful in the consulting industry," she says. "I had found my niche."
That niche has become Partner in IBM's Global Business Consulting Services, Public Sector, where she's responsible for leading the Defense Agencies Acquisition and Logistics accounts. "I love the variety of the projects, clients and caliber of people I work with on a daily basis," Tomlin says. "There is a continual need to change the dynamics of interactions with our clients to stay current on issues. Additionally, the duration of the projects vary depending on the tasks; I never get bored as the environment is constantly changing."
Not that she'd ever have time to be bored. At IBM, she is also the Global Supply Chain Management Procurement Services Leader, and she is very active in supporting and fostering development opportunities for women at IBM. Tomlin was a founding member of the Public Sector and the Supply Chain Management Women's Networking Group.
"To be a woman in consulting means that I get to use my natural skills and abilities of listening, nurturing and leading to successfully contribute in a profession I love," she says. "I am lucky to be working at IBM. [That's] given me opportunities where women are sought after for key positions and aggressively encouraged to pursue any career dream that they might have."
—J.K.
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