Women In Tech: Sivan Neumann from Check Point Software Technologies

In our series of interviews with “Women in Tech”, TECHx introduces inspiring women who have successfully gained a foothold in the IT industry. Today in focus: Sivan Neumann, Team Leader and Field Marketing Manager, UKI & MEA at Check Point Software Technologies

TECHx: Let’s begin by discussing your story. How have you gotten to where you are today in your leadership position?

Sivan: Marketing has always been a big passion of mine, I started as a marketing communications manager, moved to campaign management and Field marketing. Over the years I have found that the thing that interests me the most is leading complex marketing projects in global companies and managing international marketing teams to success.
In my current leadership position, I’m managing and mentoring the FMM team in MEA and UKI. We are integrating Check Point Software’s marketing strategies in Core products and in Emerging Technologies such as Cloud & Mobile Security. Generating marketing activities that help grow the region’s pipeline and developing the region’s marketing plan aligning the content, timing and messages to Check Point Software’s partners and multiple target audiences.

TECHx: The 2020 Pandemic had posed quite a few challenges for brands in terms of limited marketing/advertising activities to look at. Could you please tell us what marketing channels worked for you last year and what kind of opportunities would you like to tap in 2021 & beyond?

Sivan: Indeed, the pandemic has been challenging and unpredictable, with every change in the global /local restrictions we had to quickly adapt our marketing plans. This led us to think outside the box and boosted our creativity. Check Point Software is a big believer in hosting a variety of field events, over the years we have produced conferences and events of various sizes alongside sponsoring 3rd party tradeshows and conferences. The epidemic has forced us to invent new formats that will allow us to maintain our engagements with local customers and partners. We made a quick transition to the digital platforms, last September we even held a first-of-its-kind virtual conference focusing on Cloud Security for the GCC countries, which was a great success. We also maintained a more intimate approach with virtual roundtables with our senior clients, vertical meetings that discuss the specific challenges of local industries, presenting client stories and solving unique problems with Check Point Software’s innovative solutions.
I believe that we’ll see more hybrid events that will combine face to face participation wherever possible and virtual joining to those who prefer. Check Point Software has implemented this format in various countries in the region and we are witnessing satisfaction among the participants.

TECHx: Technology moves so fast, how do you keep yourself up to date?

Sivan: Check Point Software makes sure all marketing and sales employees are been trained regularly, so I participate in a weekly update meeting called “Cyber Monday” where we are learning about new technology, the latest product launches and more. In addition we have an internal university “UNIVERCP” where we are required to pass exams and advanced training lessons related to technological innovations.

TECHx: As a woman leader in Technology, what do you think we should be doing more to encourage more women to consider a career in tech?

Sivan: I believe that providing equal opportunities, not just to women but for people is the key to success in integrating ambitious employees that can grow with the company and lead it to significant success in the field in which it operates. In general, at Check Point Software and in marketing in particular, there are a lot of women in key positions, from VP product to CFO, CP research and marketing, you will find strong, influential women who march the company to impressive achievements in all fields. We also have a mentoring program for women so we can learn from women leaders who have already succeeded and pass on our knowledge and experience to young women who start their journey.