On the Road with Rick Currier

What’s it really like to build partner marketing programs with tech giants like Microsoft—and then pivot into contract work on your own terms? Dena McNulty shares how she’s done both. In this episode, she talks about building scalable marketing programs, aligning with sales, navigating the shift to contract work, and why strong networks (and realistic expectations) matter more than ever.

How do you scale a partner ecosystem from just nine partners to nearly 3,000—and set sights on 10,000? Meaghan Moore, VP of Global Partner Marketing at ServiceNow, shares how the Partner Marketing Experience is driving growth, the role of AI in efficiency and personalization, and key takeaways from ServiceNow’s Sales Kickoff in Vegas. Plus, she talks about her 2025 focus: living with intention.

This week, Rick sits down with Keith Shaw, Host and Video Content Producer at Foundry, to talk career pivots, tech demos, and the power of storytelling. From his days as a newspaper reporter to covering IT and robotics, Keith shares how he reinvented himself after the pandemic—jumping into content marketing and launching his own robotics site. They dive into the evolution of the Demo show, the art of making tech clear and compelling, and why real-world problem-solving wins over IT buyers. Plus, they explore the buzz around generative AI and how live demos could shake up IDG events. Don't miss this one!

In this episode, Rick Currier sits down with Brian Bakstran, Board Member at CMO Alliance, to explore his career journey from sales to marketing leadership, including key roles at CA Technologies, NetApp, and Veeam. Brian shares insights from his time as an acting CMO, discussing the importance of aligning with sales, navigating global marketing challenges, and the power of mentorship. Rick and Brian also dive into the value of feedback, work-life balance, and the role of strong professional relationships in career growth.

Join Rick Currier and John Gallant as they explore how AI is reshaping the CIO landscape. Discover why 80% of companies plan to deepen their AI investments, the critical steps CIOs must take to adapt, and how actionable, role-specific content can make all the difference. Plus, hear insights on how vendors can go beyond products to truly support their customers and drive impactful results.

Join Rick as he sits down with Kate Canestrari to discuss her career journey from sales to leading Red Hat's global partner marketing. Kate shares insights into the importance of understanding partners’ businesses, collaborating on marketing strategies, and the launch of Red Hat’s new global partner program, which standardizes incentives and aligns efforts. Plus, Kate offers her perspective on navigating challenges in virtualization and AI, the value of advisory councils, and how she balances work and family life with clarity, focus, and strong relationships.

Rick Currier and Hondo Lewis kick off the year by reflecting on powerful lessons from past guests like Dan Kessler, Amy Catalano, and Brett Hana. From building trust and embracing authenticity to balancing work and personal well-being, they share actionable advice to inspire growth and meaningful connections. Tune in for tips on kindness, calculated risks, and making space for what matters most.

Tune in for a special episode live from AWS re:Invent, as host Rick Currier talks with Honora Handley (AWS) and Mike Finnerty (Foundry) about trust, flexibility, and strategic planning in partner programs. They explore AWS’s customer-first approach, Foundry’s data-driven content, and how generative AI boosts personalization—driving an 84% response increase. Learn how listening, adapting, and leveraging new tech can transform marketing strategies.

In this episode of On the Road with Rick Currier, Gabie Boko, CMO of NetApp, shares her inspiring journey from contemplating law school to thriving in tech marketing. Gabie discusses how understanding customer needs and leveraging data are key to driving transformation in the industry. She delves into NetApp’s Intelligent Data Infrastructure (IDI) strategy, which integrates cloud and data solutions to support AI and security workloads. Gabie also offers invaluable advice for marketers, stressing the importance of balancing tactical execution with strategic contributions, fostering internal collaboration, and setting realistic expectations. Tune in to hear how marketers can focus on metrics, maintain agility, and build trust with customers to create meaningful partnerships.

In this episode, Rick Currier sits down with Ross Pomerantz, aka Corporate Bro, to discuss his unexpected journey from a tech sales career at Oracle to becoming a full-time content creator. Ross shares the story behind his viral satirical videos about tech sales, which launched him into the world of social media influencing, speaking, and investing. He opens up about the challenges of balancing content creation with business demands, including running a newsletter, managing an investment group, and staying true to his authentic voice. Ross also delves into the evolving world of influencer marketing, offering insights on how sales professionals can leverage humor, vulnerability, and personal branding to build lasting connections. Tune in for a candid conversation about navigating the modern business landscape while staying real, relevant, and relatable.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Brett Hanath, CMO of Intel, as he shares his journey in reshaping Intel's marketing strategy for a bold, business-focused future. In this episode, Brett dives into the pivotal shift from consumer to B2B marketing, highlighting why AI inference is the real game-changer. He also reveals how aligning with Intel’s product roadmap and collaborating with hyperscalers like AWS is transforming the tech giant’s approach to partnerships and innovation. Get an inside look at how Brett’s vision for balancing creativity with operational excellence, while staying grounded in authentic messaging keeps Intel's brand both relevant and impactful. Whether you're a marketer, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the inner workings of an industry leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

This week, Rick is joined by Vinita Srivalsan, who shares her journey in partner marketing and her role as the VP of Partner and Alliance Marketing at Couchbase. She highlights the excitement of working with partners like AWS and Infosys, and how these collaborations create value. Vinita also discusses her son’s tech journey, building a successful party app out of high school, and the balance between entrepreneurship and education. She shares insights on cultural influences in global marketing and the importance of creativity in driving success.

Rick Currier sits down with Etienne Katz, the Global Head of Events at IDG, during the CIO 100 Symposium and Awards ceremony. They discuss the role of events in connecting CIOs, tech marketers, and vendors, while also exploring how event strategies can enhance broader marketing campaigns. Etienne shares insights on the importance of integrating digital and in-person experiences for impactful business decisions, providing tips for aligning event marketing with enterprise goals.

This week Rick Currier sits down with Lee Rennick, Executive Director of CIO Communities and host of CIO Leadership Live, at the CIO 100 Symposium in Colorado Springs. They discuss the evolving challenges CIOs are facing, the slower-than-anticipated adoption of AI, and the critical role of data in driving tech innovation. Lee also highlights how marketers can better connect with CIOs through targeted, personalized strategies that cut through the clutter. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to engage tech leaders and understand the shifting landscape of digital transformation.

In this episode Waleed Rashid delves into his unique journey from Afghanistan to leading partnerships at Acquia. He shares insights from his diverse background, including running a mining company and managing complex partnerships. Waleed emphasizes the importance of trust, transparency, and relationship-building in both personal and professional life. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on how his varied experiences have shaped his approach to success in business and beyond.

In this episode Rick Currier sits down with Kristin Gower, Global President of B2B at Essence Mediacom, to discuss her remarkable career journey and insights into the world of B2B marketing. Kristin shares her experiences living and working around the globe, the influence of her background in organizational psychology on her current role, and the growing need for partnerships due to trends like video content, E commerce, and AI. They also delve into the latest Essence Mediacom state of B2B media report, and Kristin's advice for personal and professional growth. Plus, hear about Kristin’s experience at Cannes Lions and her thoughts on the future of marketing. Tune in for a conversation filled with valuable takeaways for anyone in the tech marketing space!

This week, Rick is joined by Tanguy Le Roux, Global Head of Partner Marketing at HCL Software. Listen in as Tanguy shares his career journey from banking in France to tech marketing in NYC, emphasizing partner marketing success, customer relationships, and the importance of presentation quality. He discusses how leveraging banking skills in tech and taking data-driven risks has led to professional success. Together, they highlight the need to adapt to different work styles and cultures to avoid misunderstandings in the workplace.

In this episode, we dive deep into Foundry’s latest research on partner marketing within the technology industry. Our goal is to provide you with actionable insights that can help shape your marketing efforts for maximum impact. Join us as we unpack the key findings from the survey, share valuable insights from past guests and practical advice that will help you enhance your partner marketing efforts and drive greater success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing strategy, this episode is packed with essential information you won’t want to miss.

Join Rick Currier and Aimee Catalano as they explore partner marketing at Google Cloud. Aimee shares her journey in building a successful global partner marketing organization and overcoming challenges as a woman in tech. Discover best practices for partner relationships, career development, and embracing AI in marketing. Tune in for insights on promoting diversity, overcoming unconscious bias, and leading with kindness.

In this episode, Rick Currier and Asher Mathew discuss the tech industry in the Bay Area, Asher's move from Pakistan to San Jose, and the value of partnership leadership. Asher highlights building a tech professional community and the evolving role of Chief Partner Officers. The episode also covers partner-led growth and collaboration with companies like HubSpot and Salesforce.

This week, Rick is joined by Stephen Banda, Director of Partner Marketing at Lookout. Tune in as they explore cybersecurity and managed service providers (MSPs), including Lookout's evolution from consumer to enterprise mobile and cloud security. Learn about their partner marketing approach and strategies for optimizing security solutions.

Join Rick Currier as he welcomes Jess White founder of Vigor. Listen in as she shares her journey from corporate roles to agency founder, highlighting partner marketing challenges, best practices, and success stories. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that emphasizes the importance of customized strategies and understanding partners' unique value propositions.

Join Rick and Brandon Friesen, CEO of Just Global, as they discuss the latest trends in B2B marketing. Brandon shares his journey from tech editor to agency president and discusses the importance of upper funnel engagement and long-term growth strategies. They explore the impact of AI-generated content on marketing and the necessity of a human touch. Tune in for insights on connecting data for better marketing insights and leveraging AI responsibly.

In this week’s episode, Rick is joined by Andrea D'Amato, Chief Revenue Officer at Foundry. Listen in as they discuss how to engage your customers with effective content marketing strategies, including exclusive insights from Foundry’s 10th annual Customer Engagement study. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in content marketing, such as the potential of generative AI and the importance of educational content for IT decision-makers. Gain valuable perspectives on event marketing trends and strategies, including the role of virtual and face-to-face events in today's marketing landscape.

Join host Rick Currier as he explores the dynamic world of tech marketing with Jennifer Jarrad, Partner Marketing Director at Elastic. Discover Jennifer’s journey from G-Tech Technologies to leading innovative marketing strategies at Elastic. Explore topics like search analytics, observability, and partner marketing's challenges and opportunities in the B2B tech space. Gain insights into the future of marketing and the importance of human connection in virtual settings.

Join Rick Currier as he sits down with Zoe Crowder, Group Vice President at IDC's custom solutions group. Together, they explore the world of market research and IDC, discussing topics such as AI trends, partner marketing strategies, and content creation for lead generation. From  insights on integrating analysts into marketing campaigns to the importance of empathy in sales and marketing, this episode offers engaging conversation filled with practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives.

Join Rick Currier for another dynamic episode as he converses with Dean Wootten, a partner marketing professional at Pure Storage. Discover Dean's journey from sales and distribution to his current role, where he navigates the complexities of partner relationships and marketing strategies in the data storage industry. Explore Dean's unique approach to measuring success and fostering communities in B2B marketing, and gain insights on overcoming challenges with confidence and innovation. Tune in for a captivating discussion packed with valuable advice and industry expertise.

This week, Rick is joined by Raj Rammohan, VP of Partner Marketing and Alliances at Foundry. This episode explores how to overcome marketing challenges and maximize resources in the EMEA region. Raj's firsthand experiences, including navigating the 2008 recession and thriving in partner marketing with a global perspective, offer invaluable insights into achieving remarkable results despite resource constraints. From the importance of face-to-face events in building trust to the complexities of partner marketing collaboration, Raj illuminates key strategies for success in a diverse market landscape.

Join Rick Currier in London with special guest Clarissa Gent, a trailblazer in partner marketing at AWS, as they explore career growth and empowerment. Clarissa details her career journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of mentorship and supporting women in tech. From her beginnings as an individual contributor to leading commercial-focused initiatives, Clarissa's story underscores the importance of resilience and skill diversification in navigating the tech industry. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of success, leadership, and the transformative power of diversity in tech.

Join Rick Currier and special guest Angela Salerno, Sr. Director of WW Partner Marketing at Cribl for another captivating episode of On the Road. From reliving honeymoon adventures to discussing the intricacies of startup marketing, the duo navigates topics like understanding the full business apparatus, the importance of partner engagement and UX, and the challenges faced in the startup marketing landscape. As the conversation unfolds, they explore strategies for effective partner marketing, touching on partner portals, UX optimization, and the significance of leaving space for fun in professional endeavors. With plans for relaunching partner portals and measuring partner satisfaction, Angela shares her excitement for mutual growth and expansion with partners, creating an episode that serves up a delightful mix of industry wisdom and personal stories.

Join us as we chat with Richard O'Connor, CEO of B2B Marketing-Propolis, about the impact of B2B marketing communities. From tea culture to career paths, leadership, and marketing's evolving role, gain actionable insights and strategic perspectives from industry leader Richard O'Connor. Tune in for practical advice on driving business growth and building authentic connections.

In this episode Rick is joined by Clint Oram, SugarCRM founder and host of the Fuel Growth podcast. Clint shares how his fascinating journey from bar backing, bouncing, radio DJ'ing and public speaking led him to start a tech company. The conversation unfolds to explore the origins of the Fuel Growth podcast, inspired by Clint's lifelong fascination with company growth and his father's entrepreneurial journey. They delve into SugarCRM's founding story, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and becoming a partner-driven company. The discussion highlights the evolving role of partners, the impact of AI on customer needs, and the future integration of Generative AI.

Join Rick and Rachael Ferranti, VP of Marketing at Foundry, for a captivating exploration of personal and professional growth, partner marketing 101, and the power of authentic relationships. Rachael shares her career journey from culinary beginnings as a grill master to her evolution into marketing leadership. The conversation dives into the nuances of partner marketing programs, the art of storytelling in B2B, and an exciting inside look into the story behind the podcast.

Join Rick in discussion with Matt Berry, CEO at Conversion Marketing, for expert tips on simplifyling and clarifying company stories for effective communication. Drawing on his experience in Journalism, PR, and time at IBM, Matt underscores the significance of thought leadership, education, and storytelling to differentiate a company in the market.

In this episode, Rick sits down with Dan Kessler, a seasoned professional with experience at the forefront of global campaigns. Starting in the campaigns team and transitioning to partner marketing, Dan shares insights into the challenges of navigating the diverse world of partnerships. The duo discusses the impact of the pandemic on relationship building, the importance of internal collaboration, and the metrics that drive success. Join the conversation as they explore the dynamics of growth, adaptability, and the value of connecting the dots in one's career.

This episode offers a rich exploration of the importance of communication, understanding partnership goals, and the timeless mantra that 'Content is King’. Rick sits down with Hondo Lewis, Foundry’s Sr. Director of Sales, as he shares his remarkable journey from Bay Area band life to a leading figure in Partner Marketing at Foundry. Hondo reflects on his experiences, from selling newspaper ads to cultivating global B2B relationships. Tune in now to explore the core components of successful partner marketing programs, the dynamics of scaling partnerships, and the nuances of driving digital engagements.

Join Rick in a captivating discussion with Melissa Nacerino, VP Global Partner Marketing at Zscaler, as she unveils her unique journey from politics to partner marketing. Tune in to discover her bold leap into the tech realm, adeptly building channels and nurturing essential relationships across varied landscapes. Melissa reflects on leading global teams and embracing the non-linear trajectory of her career. Don't miss out as she imparts valuable insights on harnessing brand awareness, engagement, and enablement for impactful pipeline growth.

In this episode, Rick is joined by John Gallant, the Enterprise Consulting Director at Foundry. Together, they unravel the intricacies of partner marketing, exploring common challenges faced by marketers in the field. From scaling programs globally to striking the delicate balance between global consistency and local relevance, Rick and John pull back the curtain on the strategies required to navigate the ever-evolving world of tech buying.

Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Ani Hagopian, Senior Partner Marketing Manager at Microsoft, to unravel the inspiring story of her rise to one of the tech industry's giants. Ani shares her personal journey, from the early days of her career to the pivotal moments that led her to Microsoft's forefront. Tune in for exclusive insights, advice, and the behind-the-scenes details of what it takes to make it in the competitive world of technology marketing.

In this episode, Rick sits down with Maisa Fernandez, Director of Global Partner Marketing at ServiceNow, to delve into the world of tech marketing and how taking risks can lead to big wins. Maisa shares her wealth of experience, revealing how her professional journey led her to Partner Marketing. Networking plays a pivotal role in any marketing endeavor, and Maisa provides expert tips on how to effectively expand your marketing network. Rick and Maisa discuss the power of face-to-face interactions in the partner marketing ecosystem, highlighting its role in building trust and rapport. Furthermore, this episode delves into the intricacies of the partner marketing ecosystem at ServiceNow, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the inner workings of this innovative tech company.

Welcome to the very first episode of our new podcast designed specifically for partner marketers. In this exciting installment, our host Rick Currier, the VP of US Sales & Partner Marketing at Foundry, is joined by Carlos Roman, the VP Global Partner Marketing at Okta. Together, they provide invaluable insights into the framework for building a successful partner marketing organization. Carlos, with his extensive experience in the field, dives deep into the strategies that can help partner marketers cut through the noise and position their organizations for unparalleled success. Join us as Rick and Carlos break down the complexities of partner marketing and offer valuable guidance on how to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.