2023 Women Leaders in Technology: Rebecca Jones

Rebecca is a seasoned professional with a deep-seated passion for the craft of crafting compelling customer narratives and experiences. Possessing over 20 years of experience in the technology and telco industries, she's strategically partnered with sales, marketing, and channel leaders in organizations that range from global enterprises to small and midsized businesses. She has deep expertise in cloud business models and go-to-market strategies that create value for partners and customers. As a partner and the chief customer officer for Bridge Partners, Rebecca is focused on the firm's growth strategy, overseeing sales, marketing and delivery leadership. Prior to this role, she led the practice strategy and successfully launched a portfolio of differentiated services and solutions for Bridge Partners' clients.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

The biggest factor in my success has been the commitment to put people first in the strategy. I work hard to foster a culture of trust, communication, and support to empower my team to reach their fullest potential. This results in a motivated, engaged, and productive team with innovative ideas and better performance.

In order to be the best leader I can be, I've prioritized personal growth & development by seeking out frequent opportunities to improve. By investing my time with coaches, peers and mentors, I've been able to evolve areas I need to strengthen with a receptive mind and willingness to be vulnerable. Being able to navigate opportunities and challenges with flexibility and resilience has allowed me to succeed and grow both as a consultant and as a leader.

Finally, by recognizing and activating my superpower, building relationships, I'm able to naturally connect with clients, understand their needs, and present solutions that truly align with their goals. And as women, we are natural relationship builders and problem-solvers. Selling is not just about closing deals; it's about really understanding the need and creating value.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

I'm proud to be part of the movement to bring more women into leadership roles in consulting. Bridge Partners is over 60% women with growth tracks for all our consultants. I believe women are uniquely suited for the role of a consultant, having a remarkable ability to read between the lines and develop long-lasting relationships. I love partnering with other female consultants to create an exceptional experience for a client. More diversity leads to more interesting solutions.

Overall, I believe being a consultant is one of the most creative professions, demanding a variety of unique skill sets to solve problems for our customers. I love the challenge this brings, and the changing needs of our clients. Partnering with them to solve their problems and meet their business goals is extremely rewarding. The impact of our work expands exponentially through the great work of our clients.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement is helping to create a firm dedicated to being more than just a consulting business.

Each day, our employees around the nation open their computers and come together to create growth, opportunity and impact for our customers, our communities and each other. Our modern workplace offers a flexible, enriching, caring environment, and we want to show that when you put your people first, there is success for all. Our team places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, providing a foundation for the development and advancement of future leaders within the consulting industry. This produces an innovative, dynamic workforce and sets an example for other organizations to follow.

Knowing we have created a culture that impacts people's lives for the better is incredible. Our employees are engaged in firm culture-building activities, consistently rank us as a top workplace, actively participate in our employee communities, and have rated us 4.4 rating on Glassdoor. I feel inspired by this impact each day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

The best advice I've been given is actually one of our Bridge Partners' values, which is to be authentic. We have worked hard to cultivate an inclusive experience that allows our people to show up as their best selves each day. By showing up as my true self each day, I'm able to build confidence in others that they can do the same regardless of their background or identity. As our true selves, we can build more meaningful relationships with our clients, which results in more successful projects, stronger partnerships, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

To be my most authentic self, I must also take care of myself, mentally and physically. I actively participate in our wellness program and take time for nourishment, exercise and getting enough rest. I set boundaries to avoid burnout and use this to set an example for others.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Cultivating female leadership remains a core passion of mine and to be recognized is incredibly meaningful. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that so many women have put into breaking through barriers. I hope it will inspire other women to strive for leadership roles, create access and a more equitable future for all. The fight for gender equality is not over, but together, we can create a better future to come.