On the road: Carlos Roman, Okta

Welcome to the very first episode of Foundry’s new podcast, On the Road with Rick Currier. Join Rick Currier, Foundry’s VP of US Sales & Partner Marketing, and industry-leading tech partner marketers for casual, drink-in-hand conversations that dive into the real stories of partner marketers who’ve conquered challenges and achieved remarkable results with their marketing programs and within their careers. In this podcast, Rick explores marketing alliances, channel strategies, and partner ecosystems with those on the front lines. You’ll hear from innovators experimenting with cutting-edge tools and strategies, as well as industry experts on valuable insights into market shifts and audience trends. With nearly two decades of experience working alongside global tech partners, Rick has amassed insights and stories that will help you scale your success. So, grab a coffee or cocktail and come join Rick On the Road!

In this exciting installment, Rick is joined by Carlos Roman, the VP Global Partner Marketing at Okta. Together, they provide invaluable insights into the framework for building a successful partner marketing organization. Carlos, with his extensive experience in the field, dives deep into the strategies that can help partner marketers cut through the noise and position their organizations for unparalleled success. Join us as Rick and Carlos break down the complexities of partner marketing and offer valuable guidance on how to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

Navigating the journey of partner marketing with Carlos Roman

In the latest episode of “On The Road,” host Rick Currier sits down with Carlos Roman, the VP of Global Partner Marketing at Okta, to delve into the intricacies of partner marketing and the path that led Carlos to his current role. The conversation, rich with insights and personal anecdotes, provides a comprehensive look at the importance of collaboration, communication, and leadership in the tech industry.

The importance of collaboration

Carlos Roman emphasizes the critical role of collaboration in partner marketing. “In order to be successful, you have to make sure that others are successful too,” Carlos states, highlighting that effective partner marketing requires fostering relationships across an organization. This collaborative spirit not only drives individual success but also propels the entire team forward.

“It would benefit them, it would come back to them tenfold if they did that.”  – Rick Currier

From engineering to entrepreneurship

Carlos’s journey into partner marketing is anything but conventional. With a background in electrical engineering from New Mexico State and Stanford, Carlos initially ventured into the engineering field. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to co-found a company while working at HP. Reflecting on his transition, Carlos recalls, “At night we were sort of starting this company. And by day I went to go work as an engineer at HP… I decided I really like to talk to people I want to go pursue this my own company.”

Building from the ground up

At CrowdStrike, Carlos was instrumental in building the partner marketing team from the ground up. His approach involved not only hiring the best talent but also revamping partner communications and events. “We just ended up with a really solid team and we did some amazing things,” Carlos shares. His experience at CrowdStrike underscores the importance of strategic alignment and a clear go-to-market strategy in achieving success in partner marketing.

The value of education and continuous learning

Carlos’s story is also a testament to the value of education and lifelong learning. From his early days in New Mexico to his advanced studies at Stanford, Carlos’s educational journey laid a solid foundation for his career. He humorously recounts, “You can’t spell geek without a double E,” underscoring his deep-rooted passion for engineering and technology.

Advice for aspiring partner marketers

For those looking to enter the field of partner marketing, Carlos offers invaluable advice: “Err on the side of over-communicating because don’t assume people can read your mind.” Effective communication, he explains, is key to bringing people along on the journey and ensuring mutual success. Rick adds to this, noting that treating internal stakeholders with the same respect and care as external customers can significantly benefit one’s career.

Final thoughts

Rick Currier and Carlos Roman’s conversation provides a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in partner marketing or looking to advance their career in the tech industry. From the importance of collaboration and communication to the value of continuous learning and strategic alignment, their insights offer a roadmap for success.

“If you help other people achieve their goals, they’re going to in turn help you achieve yours.” – Carlos Roman

Carlos Roman the VP Global Partner Marketing at Okta.

About Okta

Okta is the World’s Identity Company. As the leading independent Identity partner, they free everyone to safely use any technology—anywhere, on any device or app. The most trusted brands trust Okta to enable secure access, authentication, and automation. With flexibility and neutrality at the core of the Okta Workforce Identity and Customer Identity Clouds, business leaders and developers can focus on innovation and accelerate digital transformation, thanks to customizable solutions and more than 7,000 pre-built integrations. Learn more at okta.com.