For 25 years, Extreme Networks has been helping customers to advance their digital transformation efforts and deliver progress like never before. As we reflect on our 25 years in business, there’s a lot to both celebrate and look forward to. To tell that story, we couldn’t think of a better way than to talk with our employees who have been along for the ride. Throughout 2021, we’ll be talking with some of our incredible employees that have been with Extreme for 2+ decades, and next up is Amy Bravo, Director of Global Solution Partnerships – Americas!

Amy started working with Extreme as a product manager at Compaq, since acquired by HP, which was a former OEM partner of Extreme. When that partnership was starting to come to a close, Amy reached out to her connection at Extreme about a potential opening on the OEM team. Amy officially joined the Extreme team in September of 1999. Learn more about Amy’s  25+ year journey with us from our Q&A below!

How did you come to Extreme?

My experience with Extreme started when I was a product manager at Compaq. Compaq resold Extreme switches under the Compaq brand, so a big part of my job was fostering a relationship with our connections at Extreme and staying in communication with them about the products. Eventually, when Compaq bought Digital Equipment Corp they started dwindling the production of the switches which prompted the move to Extreme.

What has your journey been like?

My journey has been one of growth while adapting to and embracing change.  From the beginning I’ve been involved in large partnerships that expand Extreme’s reach in the market.  With my background in OEM relationships I started with Extreme as an OEM partner manager working with companies such as 3Com, Intel, Siemens, and Ericsson.  As Extreme’s brand grew, I took the opportunity to step into channel account management then into Americas distribution leadership and now lead our GTM strategy with Global Solution Partners.

How do you help Extreme advance?

I lead our global solution partner team for the Americas, specifically dealing with four of our largest solutions partners, all of which are multi-billion-dollar companies, all very important connections for Extreme. I would say the most impactful way I help Extreme advance is by getting mindshare with these big companies and fostering partnerships that help get Extreme’s messaging and solutions into the hands of customers.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job would have to be cultivating complex relationships with our partners and working through opportunities for Extreme. I love creating new opportunities for Extreme to continue to grow and advance. It is truly such a rewarding experience to see our solutions help other companies succeed, especially the larger ones that I helped through the process of partnering with Extreme.

What is your favorite memory at Extreme?

I have many great memories from the last 22 years – from the energizing sales kickoff meetings, especially the one taking place the same time Extreme’s stock split, and multiple Summit Club trips to working with partners incorporating Extreme products their solutions. One of my favorite memories is probably when I was managing Extreme’s relationship with Ericsson. We had had some conversations about the idea of a time when everyone would have a smartphone and how they would be able to seamlessly move from the cell network to the Wi-Fi networks in homes and offices. We talked about how calls wouldn’t drop and people would be easily reachable no matter where they were all from only one phone number. It’s amazing to see that ‘crazy’ at the time idea come to fruition and knowing that Extreme solutions helped make this happen.

What makes Extreme different from other companies?

Extreme is filled with amazing people who are all so approachable. Everyone in this organization is  really helpful and easy to reach. Even our top tier executives have this open-door policy that truly gives everyone the opportunity to be heard and make a difference. We really are a purple family that is all in this together, and help Extreme advance through collaboration and hard work.

What has been your biggest achievement in your career?

I would say my biggest achievement overall at Extreme was during the time when the multiple acquisitions took place.   I was part of the team responsible for the integration of the global distribution partner strategy to form the most optimal program for Extreme and our distribution partners worldwide. This was certainly challenging due to the number of partners we took on as well as different programs from the acquired companies, but I was proud of our ability to stay on top of it all and keep organization amidst the chaos.

How would you describe Extreme in three words?

Focus. Growth. Opportunity.

I feel these three words really go together to sum up what Extreme is all about. We are always focusing on getting the job done, looking for ways to grow, and creating opportunities for employees and the organization as a whole.

25 Years Young and Still Growing – Join Amy and the Rest of the Team!

Visit our careers page to explore opportunities in marketing as well as the many other roles in which you can advance and help Extreme drive effortless networking experiences for enterprises worldwide.