Wendy Lucas first began her work in the IT industry when she was hired into a sales role at Hamilton Computers, 22 years ago.
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Click here to view Part Two of our Women in the IT Channel slideshow.
Lucas started her career in IT in 1988 in sales at Hamilton Computers, a digital equipment leasing and rental company. The company was eventually acquired by GE Capital Information Technology Solutions in 1994.
Lucas says as she became more involved in and working in the field, she took a liking and interest to the IT industry.
“This was something I wanted to be a part of,” Lucas said. “Early on in my career, I had an excellent management team that today are still mentors to me and are supportive of me in terms of a career.”
Among her other roles within GE, Lucas held positions which included vice-president of sales and vice-president of business development.
Her career also spans across companies which include being vice-president of sales, marketing and retention at TouchPoint Technologies, senior vice-president of sales and integrated solutions at the now-closed company NexInnovations.
“In some presentations or conferences, you’re often the only one or are one of a few females in the room, so you always aspire to be the best and make sure you’re always one step ahead,” she explained. “You have to work hard and make sure you have the necessary knowledge, ability and talent to do the job right, so you don’t take anything for granted.”In all of her years of work, Lucas says one of her greatest accomplishments is being able to lead a team to success.
“The relationships I had at GE are still a part of my life today,” she said. “As you move on in your career, it’s important to realize we’ve all had an influence on each other. What I’ve learned in my career is that you’re only as good as your team,” Lucas added.
This year Lucas celebrated her third year of work with Dimension Data Canada.
Lucas says as part of her role, she’s responsible for all of the company’s product segments cross-country, as well as leading a team of about 30 employees.
Her business mandate at Dimension Data is to “make sure we get the right people in the business and to make sure that everyone continues to grow by utilizing education and resources (at work). It’s also important to make sure we’re in front of the clients and are working with them on a daily basis,” she added.
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