Dani Perkins
Miami,FL
Summary
Strategic Customer Success Executive and Business Analyst with a robust technical background and a proven track record in nurturing client relationships and ensuring successful product adoption. Award-winning Principal Business Development Manager adept at leading teams, excelling in cross-functional collaboration, and driving operational excellence. Recognized for strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and a strong focus on operations. Experienced in planning and strategy, providing PMO support, and driving the integration of products with solutions to enhance operational efficiency and foster continuous improvement. Successful Executive with over 8 years of demonstrated ability in delivering mission-critical results. Offering outstanding communication and cross-cultural team management skills. Entrepreneurial attitude for optimal profitability. Ambitious team leader is adept at creating strategic alliances with organizational leaders and effectively aligning with and supporting key business initiatives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Customer Success Executive
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Developed in-depth understanding of NASA’s business goals, operational context, regulatory environment, and strategic challenges to improve organizational effectiveness
- Contributed to transforming NASA’s procurement and engagement strategies, facilitating direct collaborations with Cisco through partners
- Led over 100 personnel and partners in successful Enterprise Agreement kickoff meetings, ensuring alignment and value acceleration
- Transformed NASA's purchasing and engagement models, solidifying Cisco as a trusted partner
- Negotiated a $36M Services EA, marking a new chapter and unprecedented collaboration within the team
- Revitalized internal team collaboration and secured a multi-million-dollar annual Services EA with NASA by leveraging a TAC case to demonstrate the importance of customer satisfaction and driving adoption
- Enhanced collaboration with multiple partners to accelerate value delivery to NASA and cultivated a culture of strong teamwork within the Cisco internal team, leading to unprecedented levels of collaboration and success
Principal Business Development Manager
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Led Hybrid Cloud Growth Initiative, focusing on Full Stack Observability, Automation, Connectivity, Security, and Operational Governance
- Served as strategic advisor to Sales leadership on complex business deals and developed sophisticated proposals and SOWs for multiarchitecture engagements
- Demonstrated deep expertise in Cloud, Data Center, Security, Collaboration, IoT, and Networking architectures
- Mentored new employees and established reputation as trusted advisor among customers and colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and excellence within team
- Awarded Sales Champion in 2022 (Cisco Fiscal Year 2021)
- Closed multi-architecture deal for $10M with healthcare organization, establishing 2 data centers, using holistic approach and PwC's support, ensuring long-term engagement with customer
- By forging partnerships, secured large, integrated solution-based deals, and won multiple multi-million-dollar deals against competitors with a siloed solution
- As Pursuit Lead for SP Security Growth Team in FY22, collaborated with Strategic Alliances and CXPM teams to execute go-to-market strategies through AWS Marketplace, increasing market penetration and revenue
Senior Manager, Cisco Learning Services
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Founded and developed the Security and Data Center fee-based customer training business, scaling it from inception to robust revenue generation
- By fostering a culture of professional development, coached and mentored employees to excel in their roles and advance their careers
- Oversaw all aspects of product management, tailored deals to meet specific customer requirements, and built effective internal alliances to accelerate portfolio expansion and revenue growth
- Managed and exceeded a multimillion-dollar revenue quota, demonstrating strong growth year-over-year
- Through strategic marketing and program enhancements, achieved a 40% increase in the Security training sector and doubled the Data Center business revenue
- Expanded team from 5 to 20 members, significantly enhancing service delivery and coverage across Cisco’s product portfolio
- Collaborating with the marketing team, developed and implemented go-to-market strategies for new offerings, increasing market reach and product uptake
Manager, New Product Introduction (NPI) Team
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Led a diverse 22-member NPI team, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment that enhanced productivity and innovation
- Developed business requirements for four distinct tools, significantly increasing operational efficiency
- By transforming team dynamics, cultivated an engaging and forward-thinking culture that fostered innovation
- Championed business efficiency initiatives, preparing the team to excel as a next-generation workforce equipped to handle future technological and market evolutions
- Achieved ~$2M in annual cost savings by strategically leveraging technologies to optimize processes and reduce expenses
- Revolutionized team efficiency by spearheading development of 4 tools with improved reporting capabilities, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and enhanced business visibility
BDM / Strategic Alliance Manager
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Managed C-suite executive sponsorships, drove Cloud integration with Cisco business units and partners
- Developed training materials, addressed field issues, and created annual business plans along with quarterly alliance priorities and success metrics
- Collaborated on legal strategies with Alliance and BU attorneys and negotiated and executed multiple alliance and business agreements
- Successfully led a presentation on Cisco and Microsoft's Competitive Landscape for Collaboration, impressing the CTO and earning a spot on the Microsoft Alliance Team for 4 years
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Sichuan International Studies University
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Solution Integration
- Program Management
- Customer Success
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Communication & Negotiation
- Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Professional Services
- Technical Proficiency
- Customer-Oriented
Accomplishments
Sales Champion FY2022
Certification
AWS Cloud Practitioner; CCIE, ITIL
AWS Cloud Practitioner; CCIE, ITIL
AWS Cloud Practitioner: Obtained in 2023
CCIE: specializing in cybersecurity
ITIL v3
Timeline
Customer Success Executive
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2023 - 01.2024
Principal Business Development Manager
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2017 - 01.2023
Senior Manager, Cisco Learning Services
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2014 - 01.2017
Manager, New Product Introduction (NPI) Team
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2011 - 01.2014
BDM / Strategic Alliance Manager
Cisco Systems Inc
01.2007 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - English
Sichuan International Studies University
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