The channel space we work in is tight-knit—everyone knows everyone. We see the same faces over and over at events, and people are always shifting roles, hopping from one company to the next.
But recently, I’ve started noticing something interesting: A shift. Specifically, I’ve observed a pattern where people—especially women—are returning to previous employers or managers. I began questioning why this was happening and decided to reach out to a few of my peers who had made similar moves.
The common answer I received: “I like working with people I’m familiar with.” But here’s my response: Staying in your comfort zone isn’t going to get you to the next level.
To advance in your career or business, taking calculated risks is key. It’s about weighing the pros and cons and making decisions based on facts. However, what if part of calculating risk is simply being willing to bet on yourself? This is a lesson I learned over the past year as I made some career moves in the channel space. Through conversations with trusted advisors, I began to realize that part of advancing is stepping outside of what feels comfortable and believing in your own potential.
I Chose to Bet on Myself
I had worked in various roles—at an MSP, a consulting firm and two SaaS companies—where I knew people and had established relationships. I didn’t have to prove myself much because everyone knew my work and what I brought to the table. But by the end of 2024, I found myself at a crossroads. My role no longer aligned with where I wanted my career to go. So, I had to ask myself: Was I willing to take a big risk and bet on myself?
That’s a daunting question. We all have bills to pay, and we’ve all seen examples of people who leave jobs only to struggle to find new opportunities for months, sometimes even years. That’s a scary place to be, especially as a technical woman in the channel, where there has often been little room for us to thrive.
So, here’s the dilemma: Do we stay comfortable and stick to what we know? Or do we bet on ourselves, take the risk and push our careers forward? For me, the answer was clear. I chose to bet on myself.
I Want to Blaze Trails
But don’t mistake this for an impulsive decision. I didn’t take that risk lightly. I did extensive soul-searching and research about my next steps. I spoke with several people in the space and explored all my options. Each conversation led to one central question: “What do you want? Do you want to blaze new trails, or help others clear the path they’ve already created?”
My answer: I want to blaze trails.
The more space I can cover in uncharted territory, the more I can expose others—especially technical women in our industry—to new opportunities. Am I solving world peace? No. But I’m doing my part to make things a little easier for those who come after me. And that matters.
There are countless women in our space who will cheer you on. Bet on yourself, because you are a sure thing.
Do your part. Find your regional community and get involved.
Brook Lee is vice president of channel and community at Liongard and chair of the GTIA North America Advancing Women in Technology Interest Group.
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