Kari Reynolds works remotely as the Territory Account Manager of Atlantic Canada for the global company, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. Kari sells Check Point products to this region, providing cybersecurity infrastructure to businesses and governments in order to protect them against cyberattacks. Kari is from rural PEI, attended Holland College in Charlottetown, and began her career in sales, working in various industries and at companies across Canada. One of her positions was at TELUS, where she became a Certified Sales Professional and was one of the first women working there to obtain the certification.

Kari currently works out of her home in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and travels Atlantic Canada to meet with customers and build Check Point’s brand. She sits on the Atlantic Chapter advisory board for Women in Communication & Technology, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women to build their careers in the digital sector. She has a passion for mentoring and helping others enter the tech industry. She hopes to connect more with the IT professionals and remote workers on PEI.

Can you describe your background and how you came to this point in your career?

I came to IT by way of a sales career. I have always been in sales in some form or fashion in any job I have had. Out of University, I got a job in the travel industry in Yellowknife and for 10 years I worked for a number of travel agencies and airlines across Canada.

In 2011, I decided to make a move and obtained a position in Health IT. For the next 8 years, I worked with Enable Healthcare Inc. selling Health IT and clinical solutions to ambulatory care physicians in the US and other global markets.

In 2019, I was recruited by TELUS Business Solutions to join the [Small and Midsize Business (SMB)] team covering PEI, and throughout my tenure I expanded to cover accounts across Atlantic Canada and expand into the commercial market. I also had the opportunity to work with the Sales Engagement Board, TELUS ambassadors, and chair of the TELUS Connections Atlantic Chapter Board.

In 2021, I then joined the Check Point Team working as the Territory Manager covering all of Atlantic Canada. My focus has been building the Check Point Brand In Atlantic Canada, and helping Business and Public Sector organizations to protect their networks with leading technologies and services.

In addition, I also sit on the advisory board for the Atlantic Chapter for Women in Communication & Technology.

Can you tell us about a person who greatly influenced the success in your career?

My former leader, Anthony Subbian, President and Co Founder of Enable Healthcare Inc. has left a lasting effect on my life and my career. He not only taught me how to be a strong leader, but how to be compassionate and show empathy in my personal life. We recently lost Anthony, but even after I left Enable Healthcare, he was someone that I was still able to reach out to for advice, and lean on for support when needed. He was a true mentor and friend and will be forever missed.

What made you decide to move back to PEI and work remotely?

I was born and raised in PEI, and throughout my career, I have worked in different cities across Canada, and I have always found my way back home. I have worked remotely for more than a decade, but I believe COVID has leveled the playing field to better enable and protect the remote workforce. It has allowed people like myself, to gain high paying jobs and work from this small remote part of the world.

What is your favourite part about living in PEI and working remotely? What is the hardest part? Where is your favourite place to go to unwind from your work day?

PEI is home and home is where my family is. For me that makes this the best place to work. I have lived in Rural PEI for most of my life, and that does pose its own set of challenges with connectivity and being able to connect to all the tools that make working remotely work as collaborative as being in an office. I'm fortunate that I do have the opportunity to travel and meet with customers face to face and I feel that gives me the best of both worlds. We recently built our dream home in Charlottetown and are happy to call the city home.

The best part [in my opinion] about PEI, is that you're never far from the beach. A short ride and we are on the south shore of PEI, with the low tide walking with the dog for miles is the best way to unwind from work.

What is one thing that you hope to achieve in your future career?

My focus has been building relationships with my customers and network in the region. Being a trusted advisor to my network, where they trust in my advice not only in cyber but in other areas of business has been my sole focus.

In 2021 I obtained my Certification with the Certified Professional Sales Institute in Canada, and it was a huge accomplishment as I was one of the first women at TELUS to obtain the certification. Encouraging and mentoring other women to get into a technology career and advising them to know there are many areas of the business they can enter into to develop a long lasting career has always been my goal and priority.

Can you provide us with a way that people can find you online?

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-reynolds-csa-91825461/
Twitter: @joyfulgirl8

Company LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies/
Company website: www.checkpoint.com

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us or put a general ask out to anyone reading this?

I'm here and excited to meet and network with other IT professionals in PEI. It's not about selling, it's about how we can help each other. Can we make introductions, provide advice, or just be there as a friendly ear to listen? We can do it all. Reach out anytime!.