Top Gun 51 Profile: Pat Hurley’s Acronis Cyber Protection Journey
… hone your message. Obviously, I’ve got existing partner relationships, so if I make a call, they pick it up. But it’s harder to reach new partners right now.
CP: What has COVID-19 meant to the industry and Acronis’ cyber protection work in the channel?
PH: The channel has proven to me that it’s an important group of people to be working with right now. It has really supported our reach and business. If we were direct sales today and didn’t work with the channel, I think we we’d be struggling right now. I think the fact that we are working with the channel gives us a much broader reach.
CP: In your work, what are your thoughts on leadership? How do you strive to provide leadership to your Acronis cyber protection team?
PH: I simplify it in three words when I talk to my team or to people in the channel: Attitude. Passion. Commitment. I learned this from a previous boss in my career. I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to work with some great leaders here. I think these three words relate to all parts of life. Come to work with the right attitude. Employees will see that and partners will see that. On passion, passion sells. At the end of the day, if you don’t have passion, you should be doing something else. And when I talk to my team or anyone about commitment, it’s about a commitment to yourself. If you are committed to yourself and doing the right things, then naturally it’s going to reflect on your business. I try to carry myself on those three principles and I think it’s worked out pretty well.
CP: What do you do for enjoyment away from work?
PH: I mostly spend time with my family. We have a 9-year-old, a 5-year-old and a 7-month-old. When I’m not 100% focused on Acronis, then I’m 100% focused on them and my lovely wife.
CP: What were your thoughts about being named as one of the 2020 Channel Partners Top Gun 51 award winners?
PH: I had no idea that someone nominated me. I found out through an email. A partner nominated me. I took a step back. It’s nice to get that recognition. This was special.
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