The Most Powerful Women Of The Channel

Mentor: Parrish has had a number of informal mentors throughout her career who have given her knowledge and guidance. She continues to align with peers and manager from whom she can grow and learn.

Executives You Admire: The key to Parrish is the ability to make touch choices that will lead a company through tough times. Symantec's John Thompson is someone she admires because he has had the courage to make difficult choices to do what is best for the company. Companies are now emulating his leadership style, she adds.

Mentor: Petty says she has multiple mentors, the key ones are executives of her top channel partners and other vice presidents of sales.

Executives You Admire: Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, who rebuilt a company and "changed the way people lead their lives, especially mine."

Mentor: Her previous manager at Digital Equipment Corp., Dick Rapach, who is now vice president, general manager for Concentrix, a division of Synnex. Rapach encouraged her to pursue a "career" in technology, and not just a "job." He helped her see her own potential and offered guidance throughout the years. 'He still is the person I go to for sanity checks,' Piehler says.

Executives You Admire: Tom Iannotti, senior vice president at Hewlett-Packard. He was a former manager at Digital Equipment Corp. and his 'do the right thing' attitude is to be admired by anyone who seeks respect in a leadership role. Also, Steve Mahoney, vice president at BEA Systems, also a former manager at Digital. Mahoney was key in guiding her through learning how to manage a larger geographic territory and work with channels and software companies to build relationships. He taught her the 'value in trying new roles and constantly learning new skills, even when it meant leaving my comfort zone.'

Mentor: Reynolds names her parents and a few key individuals with whom she keeps in contact today.

Executives You Admire: "Ones that truly listen," Reynolds says. She admires executives who surround themselves with talented, experienced people and reward those who contribute.

Mentor: Sigman says she has been lucky to have many mentors in her career, but feels she should really give credit to the women in her family, who have all been amazing mentors. For instance: "My great aunt, Louise Jud, came from Switzerland, ran her own business, traveled the world, and lived independently until she was 98 years old. All of the women in my family encouraged me to be independent and to learn from everything I do."

Executives You Admire: Sigman says she's learned a lot from leaders of her partner companies; many of these "quiet leaders" act as advisors to the vendor channel leadership while growing their business in a constantly evolving technological and competitive arena.

Mentor: Thibeault worked for a gentleman named Manuel Parra, who was vice president and general manager in Latin America. Parra always provided a well-rounded perspective on issues. Although he is retired from the industry, but not business, she tries to meet him for lunch or dinner at least once a year.

Executives You Admire: Thibeault says she's always admired Warren Buffett for his down-to-earth style. HP Chairman and CEO Mark Hurd is another executive who has done a phenomenal job, she says. "I admire his tenacity and eagerness to meet with partners and customers monthly."