Cloud Girls is honored to have amazingly accomplished, professional women in tech as our members. We take every opportunity to showcase their expertise and accomplishments – promotions, speaking engagements, publications and more. Now, we are excited to shine a spotlight on one of our members each month.
September Cloud Expert of the Month is Ally Murtlow
Ally Murtlow serves as a National Account Manager on the North America Channel team at 8×8, a leading SaaS provider of voice, chat, video and contact center powered by one global cloud communications platform. Throughout her career, Murtlow has proven success leveraging her experience in marketing, direct sales and channel management. While previously at SingleHop/INAP and Rackspace, Murtlow developed deep channel relationships across the nation and a passion for the tech industry. Murtlow is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. When she’s not delving into a new book, you’ll likely find her watching sports or planning her next trip – she grew up in London and has been to 18 countries and counting.
When did you join Cloud Girls and why?
I met Manon Buettner back in 2016 through my Channel VP, Mark Mercado. I had heard wonderful things from Manon and my peer and CG member, Tatiana Sebby, about both the Cloud Girls retreat and the learning/thought leadership opportunities offered – it was for those reasons that I was thrilled to join the group in 2017.
What do you value about being a Cloud Girl?
I value both the education and networking that come with the membership as well as the annual retreat. The retreat is the one time each year we are all able to come together, get to know each other, and discuss key issues in a relaxed and open environment.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“I have never accepted a job I knew with 100% certainty that I could do.”
What woman inspires you and why?
My mother. While she’s not in the tech industry, she did begin her career in a very male dominated field (engineering) and through endless hard work and unwavering integrity rose to become one of the few female CEOs in the electric utility industry. She will always be someone I can go to for career and life advice and I’m very grateful for that.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with young women to encourage them to take a seat at the table?
I read an article once that highlighted a study that showed that men will apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women will apply only if they meet 100% of them. Young women need to not be afraid to take the big leaps – whether it’s going after that job you’re not 100% qualified for or asking your boss for a promotion or raise – because that’s really when your career will take off and you will likely surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.