Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Shannon Holmes, VP of Account Management & Customer Success at Acquia shares his story.
Where did you go to college? What did you study?
I graduated from Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., with a BA in Economics.
What did you do after graduating? What inspired you to get into the tech industry?
After graduating I worked for a consulting firm that focused on driving innovation within non-profit organizations. From a young age I was always into all things computer and tech related, so when the opportunity came up to join an IT consulting firm as an entry-level developer, I jumped at the opportunity. I spent a whole weekend trying to learn as much as possible to pass the interview and luckily it worked.
What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Acquia?
I’ve worn many hats in the tech industry. I started as a front-end developer, but was always better suited in more customer-facing roles, as they allowed me to solve problems while building relationships. I spent many years in both pre- and post-sales roles helping customers to create, scale and optimize solutions that matter and drive value.
Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as VP of Account Management & Customer Success at Acquia?
My job is to inspire and lead a team of account managers to cultivate meaningful long-term partnerships with our customers here in EMEA. I want to deliver exceptional value and support to our customers, ensuring their goals are achieved and their expectations surpassed.
What has contributed to your success thus far?
My mindset has always been to seek out new challenges and experiences. If it looked challenging or hard, I always said yes, even when everyone else said no. This not only brought me exposure, it also made me comfortable in challenging situations, and forced me to learn how to adapt quickly to change. Even now I’m always looking for new challenges, new skills to learn and new experiences.
Was raising your hand for stretch opportunities instinctual or taught?
I learned that from my Mom. She would tell me that where there is a challenge, there is an opportunity.
What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry?
My Mom always told me, “Your work ethic and drive will always speak louder than your race.” Although that statement got me to where I am today, in today’s world, having a diverse perspective, voice and experience is a major asset to an organization. As a colleague on my team said to their peers, “Never think you shouldn’t be there if no one else looks or acts like you—there is positivity in diversity.”
While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?
Having a diverse set of ideas, experiences, background and perspectives is required to create a winning team. Companies should proactively seek to diversify their teams by working with and supporting organizations like Black Girls Code, women in tech meetups or events that bring minority communities together. Have a presence in these spaces—and show that you value and support diversity, not in spite of who they are, but because of who they are, and the different points of view they can bring to the table.
