At Compugen, we believe that technology is the conduit, but people are the real connection. To capture this spirit, we're proud to introduce our Dream Team Profiles, a recurring blog series which will profile various leaders across the company. We kick off with Amanda Summers, Compugen’s Director, Sales – Western Corporate Enterprise, who lives in the heart of Calgary, where the skyline meets the prairie. And it’s Calgary where her career journey began and continues today—a journey marked by resilience and determination.
Early Years + Career Beginnings
Born and raised in Cowtown—that’s Calgary for the uninitiated—Amanda's journey in tech began at one of the world’s largest technology companies.
"I started my career in IT working for IBM," she recalls, reflecting on the beginnings of her professional journey.
It was here that Amanda laid the foundation for her future endeavours, learning the ropes of the industry and honing her skills.
Shaping Sales Strategy + Building Relationships
Over the years, Amanda's dedication and expertise propelled her through the ranks. At Compugen, she played a pivotal role in shaping the company's sales strategy, nurturing client, and partner relationships, and identifying new opportunities for growth.
"The success we have seen has been based on the strong commitment to the company, collaboration between our lines of business, peer support, and our clients," she notes, reflecting on her journey within the organization.
A Commitment to Community + Inclusion
Beyond her professional achievements, Amanda's leadership extends to her commitment to community and inclusion. She is deeply passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, striving to create a space where all can thrive.
"Our commitment goes beyond helping organizations realize new opportunities,” Amanda asserts. "It extends to actively participating in and contributing to the growth of all the communities in which we operate."
Finding Joy Outside of Work
While Amanda's dedication to her work is undeniable, she finds balance and fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life. Outside the offices, she cherishes moments spent with her family, indulging in hobbies like cooking, yoga, reading, and gardening.
"My husband, two kids, and our three dogs are my passion," she shares warmly, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Embracing Opportunity + Growth
As she looks to the future, Amanda sees a wealth of opportunity on the horizon. With a solid foundation in place and a dedicated team by her side, she is eager to help drive the organization forward in the years to come.
"We have so much opportunity in front of us," she says. "Our investment in people and tools has really set us up for success, and I am looking forward to helping to drive it forward."
Dream, Design, Deliver is More than a Motto
At Compugen, we say that Dream, Design, Deliver is what we do, and Amanda finds not just a framework for success, but a cultural ethos deeply ingrained within Compugen. To her, these pillars represent more than just words—they embody a collective mindset that drives the team forward.
"Dream, Design, Deliver to me means that this is how we are culturally built," she explains. "Our team understands how to balance all three pillars while working with our clients, our partners, and our internal team. We collaborate together. We solution together. We deliver together."
This collaborative spirit is at the core of Amanda's approach to leadership.
When asked if she could switch roles with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why, her curiosity shines through in her response.
"It's fascinating to consider stepping into someone else's shoes, even if just for a day," she muses. "Jeremy Erlick, with his operations perspective, offers a fresh lens through which to view the intricacies of our business at Compugen. As a sales professional, you're immersed in the front lines, engaging with clients, and driving revenue. But Jeremy's role provides a backstage pass—a glimpse into the gears that keep the organization running smoothly."
For Amanda, the allure of experiencing different facets of the company speaks to her innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge. She sees each role as an opportunity for growth and learning, regardless of its position within the hierarchy.
And when asked about her ideal superpower to excel in her role at Compugen, Amanda's response is both practical and profound.
"My superpower would be to have the ability to be in two to three places at once," she reveals. "We have so much opportunity in front of us that sometimes it makes it difficult to be in all places at once."
This desire to maximize her impact speaks to Amanda's unwavering commitment to driving success for Compugen and its stakeholders. Whether dreaming, designing, or delivering, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence, propelled by a vision of collective achievement and growth.
Build Your Technology Alliance
To innovate industries, transform businesses, connect communities, and drive meaningful change, our people think bigger, reach broader, and act bolder. Through knowledge, curiosity, and collaboration we help organizations realize new possibilities. This is what it means to be human-centered and technology-enabled.
To get an ally in your technology journey, contact Compugen today.
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