Rubrik’s Ghazal Asif

“Break down the idea that it’s just women who should be supporting women.”

Ghazal Asif is the recently appointed VP of global partners and alliances at Rubrik, based in the UK.

Channel Futures: How long have you worked in the channel?

Ghazal Asif: I have worked in the channel for over fifteen years. Before joining Rubrik, I worked at Google for just under two years as head of channel sales/director, EMEA. Prior to that I was SVP of worldwide channels at Cybereason.

CF: What’s your favourite part of your job?

GA: Developing people and building incredible partnerships that make a difference is one of the best parts of working within the channel. I am able to be involved in the creation of shareholder value by enabling teams to deliver their very best work.

Partners are key to our success at Rubrik. Working closely with them allows us to continue building out a stronger ecosystem and form those deep relationships based on trust and support.

CF: What are some of the biggest changes you’re seeing in the channel today?

GA: Customers are making better informed buying decisions and have more information at their fingertips than ever before. Partners need to work hard to provide differentiated value through services and other offerings to ensure the success of their customers.

In this space, IT organisations have traditionally had very separate practices for data centres and security. Ransomware attacks, however, are removing the barriers between the two. In 2022, partners will be challenged to merge their own siloed data and security practices to meet customer needs. To overcome this challenge, our partners must be prepared to shift how they approach both data and security customers, even if it means breaking away from established conventions.

CF: What can channel organisations and vendors can do to encourage or enable more women leaders?

GA: Firstly, I believe that overinvesting in underrepresented groups by developing mentorship and sponsorship programs is critical. Men in leadership roles should sponsor one woman – be her biggest champion. Break down the idea that it’s just women who should be supporting women.

Secondly, I think ensuring there’s a 50/50 representation of women in the hiring pipeline for every role should be standard. This will mean there are more women being hired and will create a pool of internal women to promote and develop into leadership roles.

Finally, women in channel leadership positions should actively discuss their roles and be visible role models. You can’t be what you can’t see!

CF: What can we expect from Rubrik in 2022?

GA: In 2022, we’re going to be at the forefront of the latest and greatest data security solutions so that our partners can help keep their customers safe in the face of rising cyber threats. We are laser-focused on the success of our partner community and will continue to drive best-in-class customer and partner satisfaction.