Go Nimbly

Not gonna lie... still figuring this part out but pretty sure it includes lots of 'architect-y' buzzwords like instances, integrations, systems, territory modeling, roadmaps, sprints, release cycles, hyper-care, object modeling, lucid-charting, API awareness, database...ing, routing, workflows, problem solving, critical deadlines, impact analysis, cross-functional alignments, client-facing discovery, scope, requirements, user stories, scope creep, regular creeps, analysis, conceptual design, one on ones, popping into calls, certifications, using the phrase 'I don't know but let me check and get back to you', and other stuff like that. 

 But you can follow along with the adventure by subscribing to the podcast here: https://partneropspartner.buzzsprout.com/2173770

RevOps Architect

PartnerOps Partner

PartnerOps Partner is dedicated to raising awareness, capability, and support for the niche role of Partner Operations within SaaS industry. We achieve this by connecting professionals in the highly niche space of "Partner Operations" to one another through community, podcast, events, and networking. Learn more at the website - www.partneropspartner.com - and reach out to connect!

Host

Partner Foundations

Partner Foundations is an App-Exchange approved, Salesforce native solution for partner management that provides your partner team the underlying framework necessary for scalable ecosystem growth. 

Finally, Salesforce built with Partnerships in mind! 

With Partner Foundations, your partner team can accelerate their focus on growth and stop haggling over system headaches while your executive team can get the real-time insights they need to continue investment in your program. 

Reach out for more information or see our site and listing on the Salesforce App Exchange: www.partnerfoundations.com

Co-Founder

Samsara

Lead multiple high value projects impacting program operations including a complete overhaul on the core attribution model to support scalable growth for standard and exception programs. Types of projects included:
- CRM architectural overhaul to support multi-thread partner attribution and program management
- Salesforce Experience site cleanup including basic UI and User management capabilities 
- Deal Reg to ABM Data Alignment + Approvals workflow for Partner referrals
- Improving in-system visibility of existing business (Deal Reg, Leads, Opportunities, Contracts, etc.) within Deal Reg review process
- Subsidy program oversight + operational enhancements for in-system visibility and management of active program engagement and financial impact 
- Partner 'App' for centralizing PAM experience within CRM 
- Improved reporting around new architecture to support in-system visibility of performance based on Program, Partner and Partner contacts

Senior Program Manager, Partner Operations

Atlassian

Working cross-functionally to deliver an excellent partner experience through the lens of system architecture, design, and integration.

Senior Channel Business Operations Architect

6sense

All things Partner Ops nestled in the RevOps team with a heavy dotted line to the Partnership Org! 

So what am I doing? 

- Enhancing Partnership infrastructure within SFDC to provide reliable metrics for Partner Source and Partner Influence, including automatic calculations on estimated referral fees 
- Incorporating program management elements within SFDC to improve visibility and awareness of Partnerships overall
- Implementing a PRM to capitalize on Inbound Referrals, Directory and other features 
- Utilizing Spekit to enhance partnership stories on overlaps nestled right in Accounts and Opportunities
- Developing recruitment and sales rhythms for Partnership programs 
- Working on contract management for inbound recruitment to simplify documentation, agreements, and improve compliance

Manager, Partner Operations

M-Files

> Implemented standardized onboarding process for US Partners as Partner Sales Enablement Manager
>Brought Impartner PRM implementation online within 3 months of introduction to product following 4 month delay in realizing go-live
> Established core channel process for Lead and Opp management and maintained core process through multiple changes in core GTM strategy over the course of several years
> Re-architected overly complex custom PRM integration to standardized integration with zero end user downtime or interruption
> Implemented partner order support model to reduce delivery times from nearly 2 weeks to 2-3 days
> Implemented SFDC Forecasting to improve collection and visibility of global forecast numbers 
> Implemented SFDC Territories to support territory management and improve clarity of ownership
> Lead go-live communication strategy for global Adobe-Sign integration with core platform
> Transitioned checklist based onboarding to Talent LMS for global new hire onboarding support 
> Transitioned checklist based sales onboarding to Talent LMS for global new sales hire support 
> Since implementation of model, 100% OKR (or Rocks) realization for 6 consecutive quarters
> Developed Prospecting Guidelines to support existing tool stack and new hire orientation 
> Acted as support Admin and occasional vendor manager across entire RevOps tool stack, primarily focused on end user experience and strategic adoption within Sales (Impartner PRM, SFDC, 6Sense, Sales Navigator, Outreach, InsideView)
> Lead global redistribution and training of Sales Navigator with an overall in increase in Search and In-Mail adoption and acceptance rates

Lead Program Manager

Drive360 CRM (Closed)

> Reduced new client churn from 95% to 40% through onboarding, support, and product enhancements
> Improved time to cash by 15 days (25%) through onboarding enhancements (reduced from 60 to 45 days)
> Developed remote launch model to reduce initial onboarding costs for end customers, increasing market potential to smaller dealers and improving time-to-value for all
> Improved product management/delivery timelines and stabilized platform through implementation of Agile/Scrum methodologies as Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
> Implemented automated support model to support staff reductions while increasing increase overall support response time and bug repair
> Convinced primary investor to support 90-day cessation process (instead of 30-day) after uncovering significant financial crisis
> Developed and executed 90 day Cessation of Operations effort as Interim CEO, including transition of 20+ clients to new vendors and settling previously unknown vendor debts at 18% of stated value

9-Month Promotion Path: 
Implementation Manager > Director of Customer Service > VP of Operations

VP of Operations

Cloud Interview /iWorkZone (Acquired)

> Reworked business hosting agreement to reduce annual spend by $4k
> Developed platform user guides for Admins and Public Users
> Identified and prioritized 100+ bugs during intensive 30 day QA on supporting platform 
> Developed onboarding model for new corporate customers
> Developed onboarding model for new individual public users 
> Continuously support product development with identification and prioritization of bugs and features

In Dec of 2013, company shifted direction due to limited growth and, as the only full-time employee I was let go. Company was later acquired.

Business Manager

Riskonnect, Inc.

> Supported expansion of Tier 1 helpdesk from 50 to more than 150 clients within first 90 days of employment
> Reviewed/approved more than 1200 outdated internal articles on product solutions to streamline support efforts within first 6 months
> SFDC reporting SME supporting multiple internal initiatives for ticket reduction and case resolution
> Developed and managed new hire onboarding program for new hires within team 
> Managed ongoing case load of support tickets for Tier 1 issues while continuously supporting colleagues as local SME for core platform, data, and SFDC

Original employer, CS STARS LLC, was rebranded as Marsh Clearsight and the line of business tied to RMIS eventually sold off to Riskonnect. My contacts are now employed by Riskonnect.

Knowledge Manager

Loving All Things Partnerships Experience | I think therefore I often can’t sleep | Podcast: Behind the SaaS

Dragging Partnerships into the RevOps framework, one client at a time.

Aaron Howerton

Partner Sales Manager

Maven

I run Pivot to Partnerships, a 4-week cohort-based course designed to help professionals from all backgrounds successfully transition into partnerships roles. Through live sessions, practical projects, and frameworks I’ve built as a partnerships leader, I teach students how to:

- Understand what partnerships actually is (and isn’t)
- Reframe their past experience into a partner-ready narrative
- Optimize their resumes and LinkedIn profiles for partnerships roles
- Decode job descriptions and spot red flags in the hiring process
- Build interview stories, scripts, and confidence to land the role

Hosted on Maven, the course combines self-paced content with weekly live workshops, hot-seat coaching, and community support. Graduates walk away with a clear pivot plan, a revamped job search toolkit, and the confidence to stand out in a function with high demand and a tiny talent pool.

See course details: https://maven.com/partnershipsschool/pivot-to-partnerships-the-best-kept-secret-in-go-to-market-careers/preview/cf1ace

Course Instructor

Thot Leader Labs

Leveraging my thought leadership and personal brand, I established Thot Leader Labs, a catch-all venture encompassing freelance consulting, speaking engagements, and the launch and growth of an ecommerce store. 

Thot Leader Labs is your go-to e-commerce destination for apparel and accessories adorned with snarky and relatable quips about the tech industry. 

Whether you're rocking a t-shirt that declares "Marketing Attribution is Fake," a coffee mug that says "No Need for Data Just Vibes," or a hat emblazoned with "Vibes are the Most Important KPI," you'll find the perfect way to express your tech-savvy sass.

In addition, I provide strategic consulting services to a diverse array of businesses, specializing in marketing, sales operations, and partnership strategies.

Ecommerce Founder, Partnerships Advisor

Revenue Grid 

My position concluded due to a RIF, but in my brief tenure, I made significant strides in cross-functional alignment, fostering collaboration among Sales, Operations, and Customer Success teams to streamline operations and amplify our collective efforts. I also played an immediate role in pipeline generation and business expansion by strategically engaging existing connections.

I initiated the development and early execution of a comprehensive partner program strategy, resulting in heightened partner engagement, increased pipeline, and a growing demand for the Revenue Grid partner program.

Head of Partnerships

Formstack

I successfully led Formstack's partner acquisition and onboarding function, consistently surpassing revenue targets. 

I created innovative partnership strategies and operational frameworks to gain a competitive edge and had a proven track record of fostering collaborative environments and securing cross-functional support for partner program initiatives.

Throughout my tenure, I cultivated extensive expertise within the Salesforce ecosystem, collaborating with SIs, ISVs, and Salesforce professionals, building a vast network of enduring relationships with ecosystem stakeholders. In addition, I served as a valuable product expert, sharing insights and knowledge with partners and to enhance their use of Formstack solutions for Salesforce.

My role also reflected a deep commitment to talent acquisition, development, and coaching, nurturing a culture of growth and empowerment within the department.

Manager, Partner Acquisition & Onboarding

Senior Partner Onboarding Manager

Partner Onboarding Manager

Partner Acquisition Manager

InStore Design Display

Revenue Operations Consultant

New Breed 

I was responsible for scaling partner initiatives by establishing strategic relationships with software and venture capital organizations to increase brand exposure and establish New Breed as an authority in the SaaS space. Additionally, I orchestrated the comprehensive management of marketing initiatives, including monthly webinar development, email marketing, editorial content, multimedia content creation, and influencer efforts to optimize brand exposure and engagement.

I worked closely with sales team to ensure that marketing and sales operations were effectively aligned, pipeline was being generated, new business acquisition targets were being met, consistently exceeded personal revenue targets and supported team members in meeting and exceeding theirs

Notable accomplishments include authoring over 70 articles on the New Breed blog, growing webinar lead generations over 2000% and representing New Breed as a speaker at HubSpot's INBOUND conference, addressing several hundred attendees and sharing insights on leveraging data for marketing strategy

Partner Marketing Strategist

Partner Marketing Specialist

Champlain College Emergent Media Center

I oversaw and generated editorial content across various segments, including the Emergent Media Center, MakerLab, and the Masters in Emergent Media Program. This encompassed managing content on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress.

In addition, I developed a comprehensive editorial content strategy, curating and segmenting content to boost engagement and channel growth. My role required seamless collaboration across teams to identify content opportunities and ensure a cohesive approach to content management.

Marketing Strategist

Metal Industries, Inc.

I conducted in-depth research and analysis, focusing on competitors' social media strategies in the HVAC manufacturing industry. This involved creating informative presentations about the technical functionalities of three specific social media platforms and how they can be effectively managed using various social media management software options.

Moreover, I successfully developed a comprehensive social media strategy that included sample content and actionable tactics aimed at promoting company adoption. This strategic approach was designed to enhance the brand's presence in the highly competitive HVAC manufacturing sector.

Social Media Marketing Intern

comedian trapped in a b2b influencer’s body. currently building a (mostly harmless) cult of personality in partnerships and tech.

i work in strategic partnerships at Box, run Thot Leader Labs (an ecommerce shop for unhinged b2b tech merch), and coach people breaking into partnerships roles — including my 4-week cohort course, Pivot to Partnerships.

join the next cohort here: https://maven.com/p/290657/wtf-is-partnerships-actually?utm_medium=lead_magnet_share_link&utm_source=instructor

when i’m not working, you can find me at pilates, skiing, mountain biking, or sharing questionable takes on the internet.

Amanda Nielsen

is it lost on y'all that ICP is both Ideal Customer Profile and Insane Clown Posse?

something i think about often...

I coach people pivoting into partnerships 🌱 I turn tech memes into merch @ Thot Leader Labs 🦄 I grow partnerships @ Box 📦

quick timeline cleanse 🔮 here's where i haven't been crushing it lately:

(emotionally sponsored by this photo from mexico)

Q3 was like “what if we didn’t rest?” and i said “umm what the hell, sure”

just got back from a friend’s wedding in Mexico, Q3 wrapped, my second Pivot to Partnerships cohort ended, did BoxWorks and Dreamforce back to back, and i hosted my first ever Denver Linkedin Mutuals IRL meetup (!!)

and somewhere in the middle of all that... i kinda ran out of steam.

it was a really full, really productive quarter — one i’m proud of. but recently, i’ve been feeling a little creatively tapped.

haven’t sent my newsletter in 2 weeks (sorry ily)
been inconsistent on linkedin
need to start promoting the January Pivot to Partnerships career cohort
still need to plan the Q4 Denver LinkedIn Mutuals IRL meetup
owe follow-ups to what feels like half the internet

mostly just feeling uninspired and kinda guilty about it.

i love what i’m building, but lately it’s felt like the creative part of my brain is on airplane mode.

not full burnout, just like... light toasting around the edges.

trying to remind myself this is part of the cycle. the urge to produce doesn’t mean the ideas are ready, and forcing it never really helps.

so anyway. here’s a cute photo and a small public apology to my inbox and network

normal programming will resume… eventually.

you guys… it’s working 🥹 

the thing I built is actually helping people!! and i’m genuinely humbled and saurrrr excited about it 

i started the Pivot to Partnerships Career Cohort because i wished something like this existed when i was trying to pivot in from marketing

i had no roadmap, no language for the role, no idea how to position myself — just vibes and a knack for social butterfly-ing 🦋

now people are using it to redefine their roles, negotiate better comp, build confidence, and *actually* understand how partnerships works 

the next cohort starts January 5th 🎆

🔗 link to syllabus and sign up in the comments — and feel free to reach out with any questions! 

🚨 and if you're hiring for partnerships: i have 15 highly qualified, motivated job seekers coming out of this career cohort program!! 

DM me and i’ll matchmake 🤝🏼 

#partnerships #partnershipsjobs #jobsearching #partnerprogram

Pivot to Partnerships Career Cohort Testimonials

something ✨big✨ is happening in partnerships, and i'm excited to be part of it

PartnerStack’s launching a new suite of AI features and i got an early look at how it works 👀

not to be dramatic, but i'm genuinely pumped to be collabing with their team to help launch something *actually* useful 🤩 

in the year 2025, you couldn’t pay me to manually write another partner follow up email or copy/paste deal reg info out of Slack

(jk you can but i’d really rather not)

and it's about time someone solves for the manual stuff we've all been quietly suffering through 

enter PartnerStack AI — the first AI-powered partner ecosystem platform ✨

built to make the painful parts of partnerships... less painful. featuring:

🚀 smarter partner matching
🤖 automated outreach that doesn’t sound like a robot
📈 lead capture inside Slack and email

no more guessing who to recruit, no more rewriting the same invite 20x, no more chasing leads across screenshots and forwarded emails 🙃

🎥 more details in the video — or link in the comments to see a live demo for yourself 👇🏼

#partnerships #partnertech #AI

stop letting “perfect” get in the way of “good enough”!!

(this is a message specifically for Amanda Nielsen but if the shoe fits… lace it up)

perfectionism is sneaky. it disguises itself as high standards, but really it’s just fear in a chic outfit.

sometimes good enough is enough — especially when it means you’re actually shipping, moving, learning.

reminder for me (and maybe you too): done > perfect 💅

the thing no one tells you about building a partner program?

you’ll spend just as much time educating internal teams as you do working with partners. maybe more.

you think you’re signing up to build go-to-market plays and launch campaigns…

but suddenly you’re presenting the “what is partnerships” 101 deck for the 12th time this quarter 😮‍💨

and honestly? it’s necessary.

because if sales doesn’t get it, they won’t sell with you.
if marketing doesn’t get it, your campaigns flop.
if execs don’t get it, you won’t get budget or buy-in.

building a partner program isn’t just external strategy.

 it’s internal evangelism.
 it’s influence without authority.
 it’s teaching, aligning, and reminding — over and over again.

so if you feel like a broken record lately…

congrats, you’re probably doing it right 💅

#partnerships #partnermanager #partnerprogram #gtm

you guys...  PartnerStack just dropped 3 new AI-powered features that solve my least favorite parts of being a partner manager 😍 

1. figuring out who to recruit in order to *actually* drive results 
2. writing the same outreach email 45x
3. chasing down messy lead info from Slack threads

and yes, i have been personally attacked by all of these manual processes for the last ~6 years 

they’ve officially entered their AI era, and it’s making partner management way less manual and wayyy smarter.

watch the video to see what’s new 👇🏼 

link in comments if you wanna dig in or get a demo 💻

#partnerships #ecosystemledgrowth #partnerprogram

🚨 feeling a little unhinged today so…  heck it, Free Partnerships Resume Makeover next Monday 11/24 at 6 MST! 🚨

I’ll be fixing real resumes live and walking through how to turn your background into a partnerships-ready story

📣 I'm looking for 3–5 volunteers for a live hot seat where we’ll break down your experience and rework your narrative in real time using the framework I teach in my cohort

what i need from you:
 📄 you’re trying to pivot into partnerships
 🙋‍♀️ you’re okay being identified so we can have actual back-and-forth
 📅 you can send me your resume by this Thursday
 💬 you’re fine with clarifying questions live
 
🔒 your full resume will *not* be shown — I’ll blur/remove identifiers and only pull the parts that matter

⚡️ if you want to be considered, fill out the form in the comments and register for the session

 👀 or just tune in to watch the resume takedowns

👇🏼 link to submit + register in comments 👇🏼

🗓 Monday, November 24
🕰️ 6 MST/8 EST
💻 hosted on Maven

#partnerships #partnershipscareers #jobsearching #resumemakeover

denver linkedin mutuals… it’s happening 🎄🎉

the Q4 holiday party is finally here — our unofficial official end-of-year celebration for anyone who lives on this app and doesn’t get an office holiday party anymore 🥂

📍 Improper City | 3201 walnut st
 📅 Thursday, December 18
 🕕 6:00 pm – whenever the vibe dies

theme: ugly holiday sweater 🧶☃️ (lean into the chaos. tastefully.)

expect festive drinks, chaotic good networking, and at least 3 conversations that end with “let’s definitely sync in january.”

we’re also showing a little love to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver — an org i care about a lot. if you’re in the giving mood, we’ll be accepting optional donations now through Dec 18 💙

🌟 bonus: donations made before Dec 9 will be matched — so your impact goes twice as far! more info on reg page

the ~agenda~
 ✨ arrive in your ugliest sweater (you, however, will look great)
 ✨ grab a festive drink
 ✨ meet your linkedin mutuals irl
 ✨ light philanthropy
 ✨ post about it on linkedin obvi

link to donate/get on the calendar invite is in the comments 👇🏼

see you there 🎁

#denver #denvernetworking #holidayparty

Benny has his ugly sweater picked out for the Denver LinkedIn Mutuals IRL Q4 Holiday Party — do you? 🎄🐶

we're getting together one last time before year-end for some ✨holiday chaos✨

📅 thursday, Dec 18 at 6pm
📍 improper city 
🧣 ugly sweaters encouraged
🍸 festive drinks and extremely online conversations

AND we're spreading a little extra cheer — the event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver 💙

donations are totally optional but very appreciated!

whether we’ve met IRL already or just exchanged too many fire emojis in each other’s comments — come hang! link in comments to donate & RSVP ☃️

#denvernetworking #denver #fundraising

taplio

The Battle

Aaron Howerton

Amanda Nielsen

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreAmanda Nielsen's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Aaron Howerton

Amanda Nielsen

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Amanda Nielsen's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreAmanda Nielsen's LinkedIn Performance