Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Locations
Languages
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Johanna N. Ottolinger

New York, NY & Greenwich, CT

Summary

Professional with 20 years of international experience in strategy, governance, sales excellence, and ESG. Demonstrated success in improving business operations for Fortune 100 companies worldwide. Specializes in advisory services, customer success, and business development, delivering optimized solutions across various industries. Acknowledged for leadership in volunteer initiatives and equality programs, fostering innovation and growth through strategic planning and team management.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

CEO & FOUNDER

WiT. Advisory & Consulting Network
NEW YORK CITY, USA
05.2024 - Current
  • Led a team of 3-7 consultants to optimize sales processes across Europe and emerging markets, achieving 12% sales growth.
  • Focused on GTM strategy impacts, risk mitigation, data interdependence, CRM deployment, and vendor sourcing.
  • Pitched CRM solutions to C-level executives and directed deployment in EMEAR, rationalizing back-end data systems.
  • Researched and implemented BPM and lean methodologies to enhance progress monitoring and minimize operational risks.
  • Served as primary consultant for executive management, developing business rules affecting over 500 users.
  • Oversaw IT data migration during fiscal year transitions and acquisitions, resulting in 27% fewer errors and 50% higher satisfaction.
  • Created case studies utilizing internal and external best practices for transition preparation and analysis.

DIRECTOR I Customer Success & Professional Services

SALESFORCE
BERLIN, Germany
02.2016 - 01.2025
  • Spearheaded initiatives that achieved 30% increase in Salesforce adoption through personalized training and analytics tools.
  • Formulated change management strategy, reducing project downtime by 25% and enhancing stakeholder accountability.
  • Orchestrated cross-departmental programs, yielding 35% operational cost reduction via strategic use of Salesforce technologies.
  • Directed enterprise-level projects, leveraging Salesforce to drive 20% increase in operational efficiency.
  • Created Salesforce Governance strategy, ensuring compliance with regulations such as GDPR and best practices.
  • Mentored global teams of Business & Technical Architects, overseeing solution delivery and strategic alignment.
  • Defined governance frameworks and industry-leading playbooks, adopted across Salesforce and partner ecosystem.
  • Drove industry adoption through product spotlights and community events focused on governance and sales excellence.

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

CISCO | Global Business Services
BERLIN, Germany
02.2011 - 01.2015
  • Led global team of over 10 consultants managing client engagements for six clients and subscriptions.
  • Served as group lead for strategy and operations, delivering tailored solutions.
  • Specialized in governance, compliance reporting, salesforce automation, vendor sourcing, and CRM optimization.
  • Achieved 25% increase in service adoption while maintaining 99% retention rate.
  • Developed and executed cross-functional business plans supporting growth and sustainability.
  • Tailored change management solutions to meet specific departmental needs.
  • Integrated education management systems to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Spearheaded acquisition integration efforts to streamline processes across teams.

DIRECTOR

LGMi | Digital Consultancy
BERLIN, Germany
02.2010 - 02.2011
  • Directed strategic sales and business development initiatives in DACH region.
  • Managed comprehensive consulting and support for high-profile client projects from planning to closure.
  • Oversaw team of 3-4 consultants to ensure effective solutions and services delivery.
  • Coordinated project resource sourcing and developed business plans for successful implementation.

SENIOR CONSULTANT

CISCO
MUNICH, Germany
03.2007 - 01.2010
  • Led a team of 3-7 consultants to enhance sales processes across Europe and Emerging markets, achieving 12% sales growth.
  • Focused on impacts of GTM strategy, risk mitigation, data interdependence, CRM deployment, and vendor sourcing.
  • Successfully pitched CRM solutions to C-level executives and spearheaded deployment in EMEAR, rationalizing backend data systems.
  • Researched and outsourced BPM and lean methodologies to monitor progress and mitigate operational risk.
  • Acted as primary consultant for executive management, establishing business rules affecting over 500 users.
  • Oversaw IT data migration during fiscal transitions and acquisitions, reducing errors by 27% and improving satisfaction by 50%.
  • Developed case studies utilizing internal and external best practices for transition preparation and analysis.

ANALYST

BBDO
MUNICH, Germany
03.2005 - 03.2007
  • Conducted research and analysis for strategy executives, enhancing client database and reducing administrative activities by 20%.
  • Streamlined ERP and POS transactions into Oracle customer database to improve data management.
  • Implemented best practice processes for secure exchange of classified client information in European and Emerging markets.
  • Proposed solutions projected to reduce redundant administration by 30% in both short and long terms.

INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE MANAGER

SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING | Alliances & Global Partners
HAMBURG, Germany
02.2003 - 03.2005
  • Developed and executed international market entrance strategy for software solutions in USA, Africa, and Europe.
  • Led implementation and expansion of streamlined software solution as stand-alone product or bundled offering.
  • Managed team of 3 consultants to achieve 98% return on subscription through effective sales and support.
  • Participated in partner sales at over 20 international trade shows, expos, and partner summits.
  • Monitored marketing activities related to market entry and expansion for continuous improvement.

STRATEGY CONSULTANT

UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT | MARKETING STRATEGY
NEW YORK CITY, USA
02.2002 - 03.2003
  • Evaluated international promotional campaigns, delivering strategic recommendations to PR and Marketing task force.
  • Implemented sustainable business process optimization methods adopted by 90% of PR and Marketing team.
  • Oversaw PR and Marketing activities across online and traditional media for two key client accounts.

STRATEGIST

United Nations - WILPF War and Peace Foundation
New York, USA
06.2000 - 08.2001
  • Formulated strategy for joint NGO campaign during United Nations nuclear non-proliferation delegation round.
  • Organized multilingual press conferences featuring keynotes and consular officers.
  • Secured full financial support and donations, ensuring effective project funding.

Education

MA - European and International Business Law

UNIVERSITY OF ST. GALLEN
Switzerland

BA - Political Science, German & French (Communications)

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
NYC

Skills

  • Salesforce CRM and platform
  • Salesforce Sales, Service, Marketing, and Commerce Clouds
  • Data management and database administration
  • Tableau and data visualization
  • AI and Einstein analytics
  • HTML and web development
  • Mural and Miro collaboration tools
  • Visio for diagramming
  • Adobe creative suite
  • Lucid charting tools
  • CISCO networking solutions
  • Google Workspace (formerly GSuite)
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Certification

  • SIX SIGMA (WHITE BELT)
  • AI ASSOCIATE, Salesforce, 2024
  • SALES CLOUD CONSULTANT, Salesforce, 2016
  • ADMIN, Salesforce, 2016
  • ADVANCED ADMIN, Salesforce, 2016
  • SERVICE CLOUD CONSULTANT, Salesforce, 2016
  • ESG | CSR CERTIFICATION (ECQA), ECQA (Krems, Austria), 2013
  • Lean Six Sigma, Six Sigma, 2011

Awards

  • Excellence Award, Columbia University
  • Top Thesis, MBL-HSG (Sankt Gallen, Business Law)
  • Women Aiming Higher Program, Salesforce, 2018

Locations

  • Greenwich, CT
  • New York City, NY

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
German
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
Ukrainian
Limited
Spanish
Limited

Accomplishments

  • Women Aiming Higher Program (1st global cohort): CSG program for high-performing &-potential women, 2017-2018
  • Top Thesis with Recognition MBL-HSG ( Sankt Gallen, BusinessLaw), 2008
  • National German Language Scholar
  • Excellence Award (Columbia University), 2000
  • Additional: Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor , National Merit Scholar , McDonald’s “Athlete of the Month”

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

CEO & FOUNDER

WiT. Advisory & Consulting Network
05.2024 - Current

DIRECTOR I Customer Success & Professional Services

SALESFORCE
02.2016 - 01.2025

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

CISCO | Global Business Services
02.2011 - 01.2015

DIRECTOR

LGMi | Digital Consultancy
02.2010 - 02.2011

SENIOR CONSULTANT

CISCO
03.2007 - 01.2010

ANALYST

BBDO
03.2005 - 03.2007

INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE MANAGER

SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING | Alliances & Global Partners
02.2003 - 03.2005

STRATEGY CONSULTANT

UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT | MARKETING STRATEGY
02.2002 - 03.2003

STRATEGIST

United Nations - WILPF War and Peace Foundation
06.2000 - 08.2001

MA - European and International Business Law

UNIVERSITY OF ST. GALLEN

BA - Political Science, German & French (Communications)

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Johanna N. Ottolinger