
In the pursuit of success, countless renowned individuals have encountered their fair share of setbacks and failures. From Thomas Edison’s 10,000 attempts before achieving the perfect light bulb to Arianna Huffington’s rejection from 36 publishers before finding success, these stories remind us that failure is an essential stepping stone on the path to success, shaping our character and providing valuable lessons.
However, when it comes to embodying the never-say-die attitude, Carolyn Henry stands out as an exceptional example. As the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Americas Regional Marketing at Intel Corporation, Carolyn has not only established herself as a force to be reckoned with but has also become an inspirational leader in the tech industry. Yet, her journey to this position was not without its own set of challenges. Throughout her career, Carolyn encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks, each serving as an opportunity for growth and learning. It is her unwavering determination and remarkable ability to navigate through failures that have positioned her as an outstanding figure in the industry.
Beyond her role at Intel, Carolyn Henry is recognized as an evangelist, speaker, and board member. Her dynamic presence and thought leadership have made her a sought-after speaker at various industry events and conferences. Carolyn’s unique perspective and exceptional ability to connect with others make her an influential and inspiring leader. She understands that success is not solely defined by achievements but also by the ability to empathize with those who are facing their own struggles.
Her Inception Story
Despite facing numerous obstacles and societal norms, Carolyn’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of one’s true passion.
Growing up, Carolyn navigated a time when intelligence was not always celebrated, particularly for girls and women. In a world that often discouraged their participation in math, science, and technology, she found herself “socialized out” of these arenas at an early age. Yet, it was this very adversity that fueled her relentless drive to prove others wrong.
Hailing from an Italian immigrant background and raised just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Carolyn possessed a unique determination to overcome the barriers set before her. Unfazed by the messages of “you can’t do that,” she channeled her innate curiosity toward computers, recognizing that understanding technology was not rocket science. In fact, she went beyond mere understanding, using and exploring the possibilities of computers, which ultimately led her to a serendipitous role—teaching mature ladies in her neighborhood how to utilize their PCs.
It was during her time working at a venture capital office that Carolyn’s perspective widened even further. Observing that the majority of business pitches were dominated by men, she couldn’t help but wonder, “Where are all the women?” Intrigued by the burgeoning momentum in the tech industry, Carolyn saw an opportunity to make her mark.
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from Connecticut College, Carolyn recognized the power of effective communication. Combining this with her newfound fascination with technology, she embarked on a path in technical writing—a bridge between her love for writing and her growing passion for the tech world. This was her entry point into an industry that would come to define her career.
Carolyn’s journey, however, was not characterized by complacency. Despite her late entry into the tech realm, she embraced a mindset of perpetual growth and learning. Recognizing that expertise is never truly achieved, she sought to sharpen her skills through continuous education. From digital marketing to leadership training programs, she remained dedicated to honing her craft and staying at the forefront of industry trends.
In 2013, Carolyn’s trajectory took an unexpected turn when she discovered her profound passion for sales and marketing. Invited to deliver technical demonstrations worldwide, she found herself invigorated by engaging with customers and solving real-world challenges. Her exceptional storytelling abilities and effective communication skills allowed her to create meaningful connections and communicate the value of products and services. Years of deep technical work gave her the credibility to hold her ground in conversations with engineers and industry experts, further enhancing her marketing prowess.
Embracing her newfound calling, Carolyn joined BMC Software in 2016, where she spearheaded efforts to revitalize the Mainframe brand and propel market share growth in a declining industry. This experience served as a stepping stone to her next chapter at Intel. As Senior Director of Strategic Marketing of Data Center Solutions, she continued to make her mark, eventually ascending to roles at Intel headquarters, reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer. Today, Carolyn proudly serves as the Vice President and GM of Americas Regional Marketing at Intel, leading a team of skilled marketers across diverse segments.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carolyn’s impact extends far beyond her immediate sphere of influence. With an unwavering dedication to fostering the growth and development of women and young professionals in the fields of Marketing and Tech, she actively guides and empowers others to pursue their aspirations. Furthermore, she champions the importance of creating access and opportunities for underrepresented individuals in STEM fields, recognizing the transformative potential of diverse perspectives and voices.
In both her professional and personal life, Carolyn Henry embodies the essence of her favorite marketing motto from “Mad Men,” which aptly states, “If you don’t like what they’re saying, change the conversation.” It encapsulates her unwavering commitment to challenge norms, drive innovation, and reshape narratives in the tech industry. Additionally, she draws inspiration from Walt Whitman’s timeless mantra, “Keep your face toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you,” underscoring her optimistic and forward-looking approach to life.
Surmounting the Obstacles
In the ever-evolving marketing world, Carolyn Henry, like many CMOs, has faced significant challenges that require strategic thinking and innovative solutions.
First and foremost, the pressure of balancing short-term thinking with long-term strategy is a constant challenge. Carolyn recognizes the importance of delivering immediate results while also charting a course for sustainable success. It requires a delicate balance of investing in proven methods and fostering an environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation.
Another challenge is the abundance of data available to marketers. Despite having access to valuable insights, CMOs grapple with the task of making sense of this data and translating it into actionable strategies. Carolyn understands the need to marry data-driven decision-making with intuition and judgment, finding the sweet spot where data insights fuel creativity.
Consistently delivering exceptional customer experiences across various touchpoints and throughout the customer lifecycle is yet another challenge that keeps Carolyn awake at night. The ability to personalize interactions and create delightful experiences requires a deep understanding of customer needs, preferences, and behaviors. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of continuous research, trend monitoring, and sentiment analysis to stay connected with customers in real time.
Finally, one of the perennial burdens of a marketer is demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) and the impact of marketing efforts on the business. Carolyn recognizes the importance of aligning marketing objectives with larger organizational goals, collaborating closely with senior managers, executives, sales teams, and business units. Transparent communication, sharing progress, wins, and learnings is essential in conveying the value that marketing brings to the table.
To overcome these challenges, Carolyn has developed a set of guiding principles. She believes in fostering a culture that encourages creativity and innovation, as it eventually leads to tangible business returns. She prioritizes customer obsession, investing in understanding customer needs and preferences in real time. Building modern teams equipped with digital skills and providing them with the right tools and infrastructure is crucial for success. Lastly, she emphasizes the need to market the marketing itself, aligning marketing efforts with broader organizational objectives and effectively communicating the value of marketing to the entire team.
Through these mantras and strategies, Carolyn Henry has navigated the challenges of the modern marketing landscape, positioning herself as a leader capable of driving impactful change in her role as a CMO.
Exceptional Milestones
Carolyn Henry has achieved remarkable milestones throughout her career, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact and fostering inclusivity in the tech industry. One exciting milestone that she recently celebrated is being honored with the Outstanding Mother Award by the American Lung Association. This recognition highlights Carolyn’s ability to balance work and family life while inspiring her daughter to be resilient and confident.
As a female leader in a male-dominated world, Carolyn recognizes her responsibility to pave the way for future generations and advocate for inclusivity in big companies like Intel. She believes that her success is a result of having a strong support network and stability both personally and professionally. This milestone serves as proof that progress is being made in creating opportunities for women, mothers, and families to achieve success in their own unique career paths.
When it comes to customer experience, Carolyn and her team are committed to anticipating the needs of their clients and delivering with clarity and speed. They prioritize building strong partnerships that contribute to growth within the tech ecosystem. To prosper the trust factor, integrity is a core value for Carolyn and her team. They prioritize transparency, open communication, and the establishment of strong, long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Through her accomplishments and commitment to excellence, Carolyn Henry continues to inspire others and foster a culture of trust and inclusivity within the tech industry.