Work with us

Building a high performance sales team

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 20:00:00 +0000

If you ask me, the sales culture is a fuzzy concept. You can't measure your team's culture like I would measure their monthly revenue, call, meeting activity, average tenure, etc. But that doesn't mean it's not essential. At Equinix, our culture is important. We call it the magic of Equinix. The Magic of Equinix is built on a set of uncompromising values that put the customer at the center of everything we do. Our culture is one of inclusivity, innovation, and ambition.

I started with Equinix in January 2020 as the Senior Sales Director to lead EMEA Sales Team for the Growth and Emerging Markets (GEM) and help customers around the world develop their digital transformation strategy. Coming to my first anniversary here at Equinix, I can tell you this Magic of Equinix is unique and makes Equinix a special place to work in and makes me smile every day when I interact with my team and our customers. At Equinix, we are #inservice to our customers and each other. I'm blessed to be surrounded by talented and hardworking peers and leaders within the organization.

What should we consider when driving a sales culture that brings out the best in the sales team?

Create a healthy competition

Tracking the success and progress of yearly and quarterly goals is vital in my sales team. We have introduced the GEM Equinix wall of fame and highlight the individuals who have achieved and overachieved quarterly revenue targets. It is always exciting and inspiring to see the wall of fame growing with sales reps making it on our wall of fame.

Be agile and shift gears

Be committed to set clear goals and expectations and provide timely feedback (quarterly conversations are great) on the performance about what works and what needs improvement. The ability to quickly identify problems in the sales process and adjust as needed is critical to my sales team's success. Don't wait too long if you see gaps that need attention.

Work smarter, not harder

We are very data-driven within the sales organization. We can measure every activity and quantify the value of our activities on the growth of the business. We also use data to drive better customer and partner experience, impacting the growth of their businesses.

"Manage the middle"

"Manage the middle" to influence change is not a new concept. The ends comprise top performers who will always find ways to continue their success and bottom performers who need to shape up. It's not to say that my best doesn't need coaching or that the bottom can't be saved — to the contrary, I believe strongly that both are true. However, to have the most significant impact, I would say focus on the middle, as they can help me to grow the fastest in the organization. With communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, trust is built within the team and the organization to work towards a common goal. Team members are empowered to learn and develop themselves as they know that they are accountable for their share.

As sales professionals, we have the power to create connections between consumers, partners, and the organization. When these connections happen, and we see their impact, it inspires us to deliver greater value to our customers.

What are you doing to build a motivated sales team and deliver impact to your customers and the business? Let's connect.

If you are exploring a new career journey, #wearehiring. Check out open tech sales roles:

At Equinix, I’m Safe, I Belong, & I Matter

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Emma Hayden shares her journey of transitioning while working as a data center technician at Equinix in Manchester.

It’s fair to say life was pretty different when I joined Equinix back in 2016 as part of a merger. I was presenting as a man, and I hadn’t shared my internal struggle with any of my colleagues.

For as long as I can remember, I knew there was something different about me - I wasn’t a girl but I didn’t fit in with the boys. When I was at school, there wasn’t a name for that feeling that I was aware of, and when I was a teenager growing up in the '80s, there was nothing in the public domain about this.

Eventually I became aware that there were options available to me, but one day, on a visit to my doctor for an unrelated matter, I noticed a sign requesting that patients did not enquire about gender-related services. This was a huge knock for me. I knew then that there was no help forthcoming, so I went on to try and have the life that was expected of me, which led to a couple of relationships and two children. I kept a lid on my true identity as I felt that I had no other option.

Burying my feelings for years, I tried to live up to an expectation of something I perceived was right. I became a people pleaser and had incredibly low self-esteem. This in itself makes it extremely difficult to start the transitioning process, as it’s one of the most selfish things you can do, especially if you’ve built a life with a family around you.

However, as the years went by I realised I couldn’t carry on as I was. I was unable to build genuine relationships with anyone because I was hiding this huge secret. I was trying to live a life that wasn’t mine, which was hugely damaging to my mental health, and the only way forward for me was to transition and start putting my own needs over maintaining the status quo.

The entire transitioning process to date has happened during my time at Equinix, and I was apprehensive about how I was going to share the news. I remember one of my colleagues asking me about the clear nail polish I was wearing. It was the first time I had ever felt ready to share, and I told her everything. She was totally supportive, and to this day is one of my closest friends. I then felt confident to share my news with my manager a few months after I had started the process with the National Health Service.

My manager was as surprised as anyone might be. Because he didn’t have any experience with this type of situation and wanted it done right, he immediately reached out to the Equinix HR team. They were brilliant from start to finish. It was handled by the most senior people in the organisation who had dealt with transitioning employees before, and a plan was put in place and implemented flawlessly. It was fantastic to have someone take control of the process but with my input and following my timetable, showing empathy for my situation, and ensuring that everything was in place for when I officially transitioned at work. The team had thought of absolutely everything: email aliases, HR records, payroll, the lot.

The day it became official, HR organised an all-hands meeting for the Manchester campus, where I got to tell my story in my own words. Some of the most senior Equinix directors from across the UK also attended the meeting, making it clear to everyone that I was supported from the very top. My colleagues also took it in their stride. A few of them I told ahead of time simply said, “We’ve got your back.” Having those core people support me on the day meant the world to me.

Since transitioning, my self-esteem is head and shoulders above where it was previously. I’m not scared of people anymore. I will have conversations with people I don’t know. It’s not important what people think of me. Of course, I have and know that I will continue to face challenges as I go through my transition, but knowing that I’m entirely safe at work is priceless.

Day to day, I don’t need any special treatment at work, but I continue to be supported by my team and the Equinix Employee Connection Networks and am an active participant in PrideConnect, Equinix’s connection network for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. I have been so supported here and they will have to carry me out of Equinix in a box - I don’t ever want to work anywhere else.

Life at Equinix: Culture matters

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

This month, we caught up with a Sales organization new hire, Emrah Koymen. Emrah joined Equinix in May 2021 as a Senior Account Executive, Field Sales with the Enterprise team in Germany. We talked to Emrah about his work, his motivation for joining Equinix and tips for those new to the organization.

What makes you happy and excited about your work?

Sales is a team sport, especially in the enterprise segment. Success and failure are determined by how professionally you work together, but also how much fun you have doing it. As a part of Generation Y, it's important to me that, despite all the stress, the fun of working with colleagues is not lost and that the team concept always comes first, along with the customer.

How are the products your team is selling helping to make an impact?

We help companies achieve their digital transformation goals with our platform. With the Equinix platform, we help companies improve their digital user experience. Platform Equinix® is where digital leaders bring together right places, partners and possibilities to create the foundational infrastructure they need to succeed.

You did things differently when connecting with others during the pandemic. Tell us how that was for you.

Everything became a little different during the pandemic. Before the pandemic, you had the opportunity to introduce yourself to every colleague in person. Now, I try to get to know all my colleagues at least virtually and exchange best practices about our work.

What made you choose to join Equinix over other companies?

After 10 years of sales in different companies, the culture at an organization has become particularly important to me. We spend most of our lives at work. That makes it even more important to find the right employer that has values you can identify with and that fits you. From the first conversations with my managers, I always had the feeling that company values were not just empty words but were lived.

What did you see at Equinix that you didn’t see at other companies?

That values are not just empty words.

How have you been prepared for your role at Equinix? Tell us more about your first week at work, the sales onboarding process, etc?

Onboarding during the pandemic is special as everything is virtual. I started with the “Discover Equinix” onboarding program that provided me with resources to learn and understand the company’s values and strategies, and to reflect on them. I’m also supported with a 30-day kit on sales processes, programs, tools and analytics to help me quickly contribute positively to the Sales organization. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a team of colleagues who were extremely helpful in speeding up my learning curve with trainings.

How would you describe the culture within your team?

Open, honest, transparent and helpful. Here, you really are part of a team.

What would be your top tip for someone who is interested in joining Equinix? How does someone stand out in the interview?

It is very important, from a customer experience perspective, to understand goals and roles in the company. You need to be able to advise customers based on their values as they achieve their digital transformation goals with our support.

It is also important for candidates to understand and demonstrate how they might add value to our culture, which values honesty, integrity and transparency— all exemplified within the company.

Life at Equinix: Part of a bigger purpose

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Why I want to show up for work in Equinix every day.

First and most importantly, it is the people of Equinix who make me want to show up for work every day. I have been lucky to meet many nurturing, selfless and driven colleagues who have served and continue to serve as my sponsors, mentors, managers, peers and teammates. They have been an inspiration throughout my career in Equinix. Equally important, it’s been my privilege and blessing to have a team of fantastic high-performing legal professionals supporting me. They are not only my teammates, but also my good friends. I do not for a moment believe I could have accomplished what I have in this organization without the help and support of all these amazing people.

Second, it is the vision and culture of Equinix that inspires me. Equinix is a visionary company that is constantly reinventing itself with new ideas looking toward the future. In less than two decades, Equinix has grown from a small data center provider in Silicon Valley to the world’s leading global data center provider, with more than 220 data centers worldwide. The company is now the world’s digital infrastructure provider. I am working with colleagues I can learn from who push, encourage and inspire me to take on new and challenging assignments and tasks every day. I get great satisfaction from being in a role in which I can make a difference on this transformational journey. Culturally, I am proud to be in a company where I am surrounded by highly driven and successful people who genuinely care about those they work with and the communities in which they live.

Part of a bigger purpose

In addition to my responsibilities in the legal function, because Equinix has been advancing its diversity and inclusion mission, I have the opportunity to step up and drive initiatives involving topics that are a passion of mine – ensuring that the workplace is diverse (in all form and manner).

I am a firm believer in diversity. Diversity in the workplace is crucial, increasing opportunities for employees of all races, genders and orientations. Further, the world we live in and the business environment we operate in are becoming increasingly diversified. Our customer base is therefore also becoming increasingly diversified. A diverse workforce enables us to make better decisions, which gives us an advantage over our competitors. Greater diversity allows us to achieve better business results. I am thus committed to diversity in my hiring decisions as well as in my business deliberations. However, I am careful to ensure that choosing diversity does not become another form of discrimination. I will not hire someone simply for the sake of diversity, and I always ensure I am choosing the right person for any role.

In this regard, I am involved in several employee networks. As a member of the Allies Council at Equinix, which advocates for underrepresented communities, I invest in our development as inclusive leaders and lead change throughout Equinix. Second, I am an ambassador of the Equinix Women Leaders Network, a group promoting, connecting and empowering women. Third and most recently, I am a co-sponsor of YoungProfessionalsConnect (YPC), a platform for new-to-career talent.

These platforms allow me to contribute to causes I am passionate about while also allowing me to learn and grow.

I love that I belong and am valued for my unique contribution

At Equinix, leadership genuinely care about the staff. Initiatives are not simply slogans and taglines. I feel Equinix leadership trusts my decisions and supports me in my work. Everyone is supportive and always willing to provide their help and experience to accomplish the company’s goals.

Leading a wonderful team of high-performing legal professionals, I am highly conscious of creating and fostering a collegial environment where everyone on the team fights for the company and each other. We make an effort to build up and maintain camaraderie within the team to ensure that we not only work hard but also play hard, enjoying each other and life.

My responsibilities and tasks at Equinix are personally challenging and match my career goals and ambition. I am proud to say I work for Equinix and am deeply honored to be a part of the Equinix family after 16 years.

My top tip for someone looking to join Equinix

There is never a dull day at Equinix. In fact, every hour is as diverse as every day! Anyone joining Equinix must therefore be prepared to address new and novel problems and issues that crop up on a daily basis. Change is a constant. As we work toward rolling out cutting-edge products and services, each of us must also be prepared to manage the subtleties and nuance of grey areas rather than black-or-white situations.

I believe in authenticity, which, at the end of the day, works both ways. It’s not just about the candidate being a good fit for the company. Culturally and workwise, it’s important that the company also be the right fit for the candidate. Hence, a candidate should be sincere and authentic during the interview and not provide responses he or she feels or anticipates the interviewer would like to hear. Nonetheless, a candidate should always learn as much as possible about Equinix – its business, and its products and services, prior to the interview. It always stands the candidate in good stead if he or she is prepared to demonstrate to the interviewer how his or her qualifications and experience will be able to bring value to the company.

Want to learn more? Join our talent network to stay up-to-date on Equinix news and career opportunities.

“I believe in work-life Jenga”

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Equinix Senior Vice President, Global Technical Sales, Leanne Starace, shares her career journey, how she balances work and family during the pandemic (and as we emerge from it), and tips for anyone looking to join Equinix.

What drew you to Equinix?

The culture at Equinix is incredibly collaborative and exceptionally high energy. It’s a place with an entrepreneurial spirit, where team members are fiercely dedicated to helping each other and collectively helping customers and the company be as successful as possible. There’s also a tremendous team spirit here. It’s a respectful and inclusive culture. Team members are incredibly generous. There’s also great diversity at Equinix and, for me, that was magnetic as I considered the next step of my career journey.

What’s a day in life for you?

We have global roles, which require us to be flexible in terms of when our days begin and end. With different time zones and with people and clients from all over the world, the days are packed with customer meetings, internal meetings and various events, which are a privilege to attend. The remainder of the day is spent wrapping up work and picking up children. We have the flexibility, certainly, to do that. I attend sporting events, run errands and then return online for a bit after the dinner hour to check in with business in Asia, for example. It’s not typical for everyone, but having flexibility and fluidity depending on your location and role makes a difference.

How do you integrate work and family during this pandemic?

I think about it fluidly, like a work-life Jenga, if you will. Some days are great, and some are chaotic. You learn to prioritize and say no when necessary. It’s hard, as I like to say yes. I want to be involved in everything, whether personally or professionally. Think about how you want to allocate your time. I organize myself with calendar reminders and Post-its. You also need a robust support system to help you achieve the bounce. For example, can someone else pick up your child if you’re running late? I feel inspired and energized, optimistic and curious, and also exceedingly grateful to work at Equinix. I have wonderful things in my life that propel me forward as an individual and as a leader.

Tips for someone looking to apply for jobs

My top advice to women would be to read job descriptions as suggestions. I absolutely don’t take them literally. Think about the unique value you can create and the brilliance you have, and how you can bring positive change to an organization. Go for the role that you’re interested in, and let someone else tell you no. Don’t tell yourself no. Never tell yourself no.

Looking for a career change? Check out open roles here.

Thriving in work and life

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Even with the world feeling like it’s upside down, cities across the globe still impacted with COVID-19 and restrictions still imposed in each of our countries, life still needs to go on.

For the past one-and-a-half years, I have had to adjust to a radically different work setting. I joined Equinix in January 2020 as the sales leader for growth and emerging markets (GEMs) for EMEA covering 11 countries. Two months into the job, the world around us changed dramatically. Normally, I would have travelled all 11 countries, meeting clients, shaking hands. In this new frontier that we have never experienced before, the old rules no longer apply. For example, I have been working at home, surrounded by my husband and two teenagers. Working remotely does not diminish the fact that I am surrounded by a great leadership team, nor my pride in our accomplishments in creating our Growth and Emerging Markets (GEMs) team. Together with the great sales leaders in each of my GEM countries, we have created cohesion and a sense of belonging, and we are each proud to say, “I’m safe, I belong and I matter,” and every day the team excels. “We are GEMs.”

My 3Rs

With the pandemic and the restrictions, my days are quite different from my pre-pandemic days. From travelling around, meeting customers, partners and local teams in 11 countries, now I do all of this virtually behind my laptop and through Zoom. I began with a five-day week filled with an overflowing agenda from early morning until the early evening hours. A dramatic change needed to occur to make the situation tenable and allow me to be a pleasant mom to my kids and wife to my husband, while also being a successful sales leader for Equinix. I’m sharing my 3Rs that help me balance my personal and professional life.

Be Relevant (to customers and your team )

Be Resilient (believe in a cause bigger than yourself)

Generate Revenue (build deeper relationships on the basis of impact and value)

Preparation is key to everything

When I end my day, I plan the next day with a list of must-do activities or priorities. With everyone working from home, my family agreed we would break for lunch or, when that is impossible, I would go for a short 8k run or do something other than being glued to my desk. I must say with the pandemic, I have become healthier, able to engage in more sports activities than ever before.

Create the boundaries

You can do it all and be amazing if you are disciplined in creating boundaries and refuse to be glued to the laptop or desk for hours.

1. Establish the right boundaries between work and personal life. For instance, I do not read email or answer calls during lunch or dinner with my family. Exceptions are made for our last days of the quarter.

2. Create time for sport, hobbies and learning new skills. This commitment has given me energy and new ideas. My best ideas come when I am running or when I have time off from daily work activities. I highly recommend that if you have internal calls where you just listen in and are not required take notes or present, go out and join the call while walking.

Sports and music are my favorite stress relief activities. From boxing and running to playing my saxophone, these hobbies allow me to imagine a troublesome situation or person in my life (or teenage kids) and release tension. One hour in boxing class leaves me re-energized, as do a 10K run in the dunes or any time in nature. To overcome challenges or generate new ideas, I run surrounded by nature. Playing the saxophone also helps wind down.

3. Take a holiday/vacation. Everyone should take time off and be away to get re-energized and recharged.

4. Say No. Working from home with little separation from my family becomes challenging, especially with two home-schooled teenagers. I found it useful to be able to say No when needed. I’ll say, “I have an important family priority—let’s pick this up tomorrow morning,” or to my family, “I cannot join, as I have a priority project at work that I need to finish.” Of course, it is important to prioritize well, as not everything is a priority. When I communicate clearly like this, it’s not a surprise, and for the most part, people understand. Whether it’s your children or your manager, it’s important to be clear about the reason for Yes or No.

A company that cares leads to a productivity win

Equinix truly cares about the well-being of its employees and is very fair about work-life balance. Options include wellness days, flexibility and a general environment of inclusion and belonging. Equinix is the best working culture I have ever experienced. Our company is growing at an incredible rate with tremendous career progression opportunities, a flat hierarchy with an open-door policy, great perks and a fantastic work-life balance approach.

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, the days when team members could drop by one another’s desks to brainstorm solutions are gone. Zoom calls have quickly become the preferred alternative to in-person interactions, with the downside that most of us are in a constant back-to-back chat. To counter this, Equinix has incorporated a Zoom-free day every Wednesday, which helps us reflect and use the time to catch up on important projects that require extended focus times—for example, writing this articleJ.

Cutting back meeting times, e.g., from 30 minutes to 20 minutes or 60 minutes to 50 minutes has also helped.

These may seem like simple policies, but they made a world of difference for my team. They create a productivity win for employees who feel burned out and result in a win-win for all parties.

We also had the generous benefit of a two-day shutdown for well-being, with the goal to switch off, reset and do things we enjoy. For me that meant spending time outside with the family and visiting the beautiful city of Cadiz in Spain.

The original article was published here.

How Equinix lives and breathes its culture everyday

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Florian Parzhuber, our first German-speaking Senior Account Executive at Equinix in Asia-Pacific, shares his experience of working at Equinix.

Tell me about yourself and what you do

I’m a senior account executive for our corporate sales team in Singapore, where we help mid-market enterprises and start-ups embark on their digital transformation journeys. Or in more concrete terms, we help new and existing customers discover the possibilities on Platform Equinix and how they can leverage them to unlock value for their businesses.

What makes you happy and excited in your work?

One exciting part about working in sales is that no day is like any other, and you can never be 100% sure of what to expect. While that may seem daunting at first, the great thing about Equinix is that you have multiple teams standing behind you, willing to help with any task that might come your way.

How have you developed in your role since joining Equinix?

Equinix has a very structured and thorough onboarding program where you learn not only about company history and products and services, but also about all the different departments and how they work together to delight our customers. These onboarding initiatives include fun and enriching activities such as:

Meeting senior Equinix executives
Getting a crash course on Equinix products and services from our Global Solution Architect team
Taking a data center tour with our system engineer counterparts
E-Learning content on processes and systems
Taking a test that tests your knowledge, to reveal any gaps

How are you and your team helping to make an impact?

I speak to existing and prospective customers on a day-to-day basis. I listen to their pain points and goals and explain how the Equinix global infrastructure platform can help them. I especially highlight how Equinix can facilitate the seamless exchange of data between ecosystem partners to help them create the products of tomorrow and make the world a better place.

What are your top tips for someone new joining Equinix? How does someone stand out in the interview?

Don’t be afraid to be your authentic self. We at Equinix preach and practice a culture where everyone can say: “I’m safe; I belong; I matter.”
Come prepared. Do your homework about the company, the person with whom you’ll be speaking, the expectations for the role you’re applying for, and how your skillset and past projects can help you deliver results at Equinix.

What does diversity mean to you? Why is it important to you?

Besides obvious benefits such as getting to try food from multiple other cultures, one key benefit of diversity is that it allows all of us to see things from a fresh perspective. Growing up, you might have been taught to do things a certain way and might not even realize that there are alternative ways to achieve the same, or even better, results. Equinix not only embraces diversity, but also makes everyone feel safe and included, so that they can speak up and share their unique opinions and feedback. This allows us all to continuously find new and better ways to do things and helps us expand our horizon.

What did you see at Equinix that you did not see at other companies?

Something that is truly unique about Equinix is that its core values and culture are not just a box to tick. They are actively practiced by employees from all teams and levels. When confronted with a new challenge or evaluating actions to take, people from Equinix often take a step back and review the core values of Openness, Honesty, Service, Courage and Growth to make sure that their actions align with the spirit of Equinix.

What does Equinix do to champion diversity in the workplace? How does Equinix make sure everyone feels included?

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of workshops and events that Equinix organizes to discuss and learn about different cultures. Examples include a workshop about business culture in Japan, negotiation etiquette in India, and Deepavali snacks in our pantry, as well as a day where people come together to decorate the Christmas tree in our office. These events provide a fantastic opportunity for people to share their background and beliefs and give everyone a platform from which to ask questions and learn about other cultures.

How would you describe the culture within your team?

Collaborative. Even though we all have our own targets and quotas to carry, our team always has each other’s backs when we want to bounce an idea off one another, get feedback on a particularly tricky situation, or just have a chat and take a mental break.

Learn more about opportunities with Equinix sales team.

The Importance of LGBTQ+ Allies in the Workplace

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0000

June is Pride Month, where we collectively celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in our lives, communities and workplaces. Of course, in a perfect world, there would be celebrations year-round, but for now, I’m asking the Fairygodboss community to take a moment to explore how we can work together to foster a culture of respect in the workplace for our LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues.

Equinix wants to play a part to help achieve equity for all – especially our colleagues, clients, partners, friends, and families. Over the years, we have banded together to embody our company’s vision to become a historically significant company with a diverse employee base matching the global communities we serve, where all employees feel they are safe, they belong, and they matter.

Equinix employees have created several internal communities to reflect and empower the diverse makeup of our teams, including our LGBTQ+ colleagues. We believe in the power of allyship, and we want to ensure our LGBTQ+ colleagues and friends are surrounded by allies who support and respect, them. Today, I am happy to share information about our programs, always with the goal to inspire you to create equity in your workplace.

Equinix PrideConnect

The Equinix vision cannot become a reality without hard work, good people, and a lot of education.
Several years ago, Equinix employees created an internal community called PrideConnect to create a supportive, positive space for dialogue, learning and allyship. Our goal is to bring people together to connect, have conversations and learn from each other. This group is open to everyone – it’s the active engagement of both LGBTQ community members and allies that makes Equinix PrideConnect a forum for meaningful conversation, deep understanding, and long-lasting relationships. Equally important, PrideConnect helps us create a culture where everyone can say “I am safe, I belong, I matter” through a safe space for dialogue and community for all employees.

The “secret sauce” of making an organization like this work is most certainly its programming – and it does not have to be complicated. Together, we provide mentors to younger colleagues, opportunities for courageous conversations, tools for opting to declare our gender pronouns, and even the occasional outside speaker. Together, we create a space for acknowledging experiences, traumas, and triumphs.

The evolution of Equinix PrideConnect inspired the advent of another community designed to support employees across the company: Equinix PrideConnect Parents, a special group created to form another kind of allyship. PrideConnect Parents group is for LGBTQ+ colleagues’ children, for parents or guardians of a child who is LGBTQ+ or, equally important, parents or guardians who want to raise their children to be an ally to this community.

Equinix PrideConnect Parents

We know it takes a village to raise a child, and that it's easy to find yourself at a loss as your LBGTQ+ child explores and determines their burgeoning identities. The Equinix PrideConnect Parents group aims to be a safe and welcoming forum for Equinix parents to share their struggles and uncertainties, and to get and give advice and resources from other parents.

We also explore how to teach our children not to be bystanders in situations of bullying and harassment; it’s important to talk to kids about sexual orientation and gender identity and how LGBTQ+ people can experience bullying and harassment stemming from their identities. Part of being an ally is teaching our kids they are perfect… just the way they are.

You Can Be the Leaders

While we are proud of PrideConnect’s progress and impact, and the advent of the Parents group, we know we have a long way to go in support of LGBTQ+ advancement at Equinix and human rights around the world. You can be the leaders who create supportive groups in your workplaces. Together, we can make the world more equitable for everyone. Even beyond Pride Month.

About Arquelle Shaw
Arquelle Shaw is Senior Vice President of Sales for the Americas at Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company, where she is responsible for leading sales strategy and revenue growth across the region. Arquelle has extensive technology, operational, and organizational leadership experience across global and national markets. Her depth of experience helps clients harness Equinix’s trusted global platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure to enable their digital transformation. Arquelle is a transformative sales leader with a passion for building client-centric, solution-driven sales organizations that help clients achieve critical business objectives, and she has been named one of the “Most Influential Business Women” by the San Francisco Bay Area Business Times multiple times.

Equally important, Arquelle serves as a champion and mentor for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives within Equinix and her community. She proudly leads the Equinix Women Leaders Network (EWLN) and the Equinix Women in Technology Sales to amplify the voice and visibility of Equinix women around the world. She also is an executive sponsor of Equinix BlackConnect and is founding member of the Equinix PrideConnect Parents Group. She also volunteers as a “Woman of Impact” for the non-profit organization Girls Inc. where she supports creating opportunities for girls in underserved communities through funding and mentoring.

The original article was published on FairyGodBoss

Improving work-life integration at Equinix

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 19:00:00 +0000

The global pandemic has caused businesses to move their operations from a centralised office into their employees' homes. Businesses have been pressured to speed their digital transformations to meet their employees' expectations. To facilitate this transition of clients all over the world, Equinix needed to ensure that data centres and connectivity services were always accessible.

Managers want to be able to lead, manage, and support their teams digitally while also maintaining team productivity. As HR, we have the opportunity to create a large impact on employees by addressing their concerns. We’ve devised new ways to engage employees digitally for events, coffee breaks, Zoom celebrations, and group chats.

Equinix grew better at being employee-centric by tackling the challenges of the pandemic. Our learnings, presented below, drove people's strategies and added more business value:

Flexibility is key

The sudden onset of the pandemic brought ambiguity and the need for quick adoption of digital alternatives. A one-size fits-all-approach would hinder productivity because of the unique requirements of different roles. Providing the workforce with flexibility and empowering leaders to nurture a flexible working environment, has been a key goal for us. Although the International Business ExchangeTM (IBX®) data centre employees need to be present at the facilities, we have regulations in place to keep the number of people on-site to a minimum. Certain teams, including the go-to-market, corporate, product and technology teams have greater flexibility to define how and when to use the office hubs while being inclusive of permanent remote employees.

Prioritizing employee well-being

It is important for me to emphasise on employees’ physical, financial and mental well-being, especially during these demanding times. We have embedded well-being directly into our business operations by launching six new “Finding a Better Way” initiatives. The “Better Way Day” supports a meeting-free Wednesday and meetings are usually kept under 25 or 50 minutes long to allow people to take short breaks in between. During meetings, I started walking on the treadmill, and the trend caught on among my juniors. This led to “Movement Meetings” being launched in April 2021, and we encouraged the staff to turn off their cameras and move around during meetings to prevent video call fatigue. Over the course of the year, 24 employee volunteers’ facilitated more than 700 well-being breaks for global colleagues. We produced webinar series covering personal development, mental well-being and work-life topics via partnership collaborations.

As a mother and a daughter, I appreciate the time spent with my daughter and my parents. This is not just me. Every employee feels the same. We believe it is important to spend time with loved ones and take care of family. So, we offer several country-specific programmes to ensure that our employees have the resources they need to succeed and attend to their families.

Clear guiding principles

We’ve devised a set of guiding principles to enable executives to quickly make informed decisions relating to employees. At Equinix, people strategies are anchored by the convergence of diversity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as community and wellness programmes. We’ve tried to establish a culture of trust and respect, in which all opinions, strengths, and contributions are valued. Employee resource groups, business events and partnerships with diversity organisations have been established to make everyone feel safe and respected. We encourage respectfully conveyed differences and disagreements, regardless of your position and seniority.

These initiatives and strategies have contributed to Equinix being included in Glassdoor’s “2021 Best Places to Work” and “Top CEOs 2021,” both of which are influenced by its workforce.

Leaders must focus on employee satisfaction holistically to create an inclusive atmosphere. We consider every aspect of becoming a part of an organisation and encourage work-life balance through training and development initiatives.

At Equinix, we have strived to create a work environment where everyone feels that “I’m safe, I belong, and I matter.” We will continue our journey to support and improve the well-being of our employees. If you are looking to join a company that allows you to thrive at work and life, come explore a role with us.

Check out roles with our Corporate Functions team.

Recruiters are advocating for you! Here are the tips you need to get that job.

Tue, 30 May 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Katie Perretto says that the most memorable piece of career advice she ever received was to “pursue a career that aligns with your values.” And that’s exactly what she’s done!

As the senior manager of Talent Acquisition at Equinix, Perretto leads a talented recruiting team that connects diverse talent to opportunities where they can build their career and accelerate Equinix’s growth and transformation. She looks for candidates who are motivated with an interest in the company and its roles; have the skills, experiences, and learning agility necessary to do the work well; and have a passion for their crafts.

For others who are interested in a career in recruiting, Perretto shares the following advice: “Be continuously curious, and learn about the industry as it advances quickly. Network and build relationships. Also seek mentors and sponsors that share information and help you navigate challenges.” And this is just the start of the tips she has for jobseekers!

Here, we caught up with Perretto to learn more about what advice she has for women looking to elevate or change their careers, how they can make the most out of their job applications, nail their interviews, and more.

Let’s talk about the interview. How do you suggest candidates prepare for an interview, for example an interview at Equinix?
Learn about Equinix. View our website, read our press releases, follow our social media accounts, and watch videos on our YouTube channel. Know a bit about our industry — what the headwinds are, who our competitors are, our successes, what makes us unique, and why we are a leader in the industry.

Also, be prepared to speak to how you can have an impact in the role you are interested in.

What are your go-to interview questions for all candidates?

What interests you about this opportunity with Equinix?
Describe a challenging project/situation that you were able to make successful when others weren’t.
What were the obstacles? How did you overcome them?
Share a successful experience you’ve had working with different teams or functions.

What are your top five pieces of advice for acing an interview?

Be positive and demonstrate enthusiasm.
Practice responding to common interview questions so you feel more prepared and confident.
Have a point of view on how you can contribute to the team and the company.
Actively listen and provide examples of what you have done versus what you would do — Share specific examples that highlight your experience and accomplishments.
Ask thoughtful questions about the position, the team, and/or the company.

What are your biggest tips for what NOT to do when applying or interviewing at a company?

Not researching the company and being unable to answer, “What do you know about Equinix?” or “What interests you about an opportunity at Equinix?”
For virtual interviews, not preparing your environment. For instance, interviewing from a loud, public place, not being on camera, or dressing too casually. (We’ve all had a cat, dog, or child unexpectedly join a Zoom call. )
Contacting a recruiter to request that they review your LinkedIn profile and let you know what positions you currently qualify for instead of applying to positions of interest yourself.
Applying to multiple positions that do not have similar requirements and vary greatly in level of experience.
Doubting yourself or letting imposter syndrome creep in — Companies are seeking your talent, experience, knowledge, and skills. Recruiters are advocating for you. We want to qualify you, not disqualify you.’

Moving on, how can you best make their application and skills standout?
You should showcase your achievements. Share the scope and impact of your initiatives and projects. And try to use metrics (such as a percentage of increase to revenue and savings).

We hear from so many women that it’s hard to get past automated application systems if they don’t have a personal connection at a company. How do you suggest women get through automated systems?

Use relevant keywords that match the job description. Many automated systems scan keywords to determine if the application matches the requirements.
Use simple formatting because it’s easiest for systems to read. Resumes that are clean and concise with standard job titles and relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments listed will help the system identify qualifications and stand out for recruiters.
Use a standard file format to ensure the system can read and process your application.

What about making that personal connection — do you recommend candidates do outreach to current recruiters or employees for informational interviews before applying?
Recruiters and employees may not have the bandwidth to engage in informational interviews with every candidate. Tapping into and building your professional network is a great way to learn more about the company and the role, as well as find and/or strengthen connections that can provide introductions and endorsements.

What tips do you have for women who are considering a career change and want to break into a totally new role or industry?

Identify your transferable skills.
Gain new skills and knowledge — this helps build your skill set but also demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm for the position and industry.
Build your network with people in the industry.
Research trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Finally, as a recruiter, what are three things about Equinix that you always make sure to highlight when talking to a candidate?
Equinix is a values-driven organization. We foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage innovation and collaboration.
We’ve had 20 years of continuous growth; no other company in history has that. We are an industry leader with a significant global presence and a commitment to sustainability.

Ready to explore a role with our sales and customer success teams? Check out opportunities now!

The original article was first published on Fairygodboss.

Unlock Success: Exclusive Interview Tips from Our Senior Tech Recruitment Guru!

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Are you eager to set out on a successful career journey in today's dynamic professional world? Our Senior Tech Recruiter Lead has some tips to share on how you can navigate your career more effectively.

Describe your role.
I'm passionate about identifying and recruiting top talents who will shape the future of work, driving Equinix to meet its strategic goals and promote sustainable growth.

What is the most memorable career advice you've received?
In most settings, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. The real competition is within-aim to outdo your past self by consistently improving and learning from your experiences.

What are the top qualities for Equinix's software engineering team?

Learning agility: Adapting quickly to new information and technology is crucial in today's fast-paced digital environment.
Collaboration and adaptability: Equinix is a global company, and we value cross-functional teamwork over a siloed mindset. The ability to work well in such environments is highly desirable.
Solution-driven mindset: We appreciate candidates who not only identify problems but also actively seek innovative solutions. We aim to foster a culture of innovation and risk-taking.

Your advice for career advancement in tech

To elevate your career in this field, staying current with industry trends and best practices is essential. Being aware of the latest tools and skills relevant to your role will keep you ahead of the curve.

Tips for career changers

I would say to highlight applicable skills and training relevant to the new role or industry.
Gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or similar programs to build credibility.
Seek mentorship from experienced industry professionals to help bridge the gap between your career aspirations and the industry's realities.

Go-to interview question

My favorite question is, "Tell me about a time when you had to work with differing priorities from various teams. How did you align everyone?" This allows me to gain insights into a candidate's problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Preparing for an interview at Equinix

As you prepare for an interview at Equinix, here are four essential keys that I encourage you to do.

Be true to yourself and honest about your career aspirations.
Deepen your understanding of the industry and Equinix.
Prepare meaningful questions to ask the interviewer.
Respond to questions clearly and in a concise manner.
Navigating automated systems and personal connections - To get through automated application systems, showcase relevant experiences and key projects on your resume and LinkedIn profile. For a personal connection, consider reaching out to recruiters or hiring managers for informational interviews before applying.

Interview pitfalls to avoid

Lack of preparation reflects poorly on your dedication and interest, signaling potential issues with your work attitude.
Negative talk about past employers raises red flags about your professionalism.

Why choose a career at Equinix?

We are rapidly expanding globally and have an exciting track record of over 20 years of growth, offering abundant opportunities for professional advancement. As an industry leader, you can become an integral part of Equinix's success story.

Whether you're a seasoned professional considering a new direction or a recent graduate ready to enter the workforce, we're always seeking the best talent to join our team. Explore opportunities with us!

Navigating Your Next Sales Role: Tips from a Sales Recruiter

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Searching for your next sales role can be a thrilling yet challenging experience. In this blog post, we chat with Suzy, who specializes in recruiting for our sales team. She shares invaluable insights, tips and advice to help you shine in your sales interview.

1. Describe what you do in one sentence
"I find amazing talents who are a great addition for Equinix!"

2. Most memorable career advice
"Just do it, you never know until you try!" This empowering piece of wisdom from a mentor has helped me navigate challenges and obstacles throughout my career.

3. Top qualities sought in sales candidates
In sales interviews, I focus on identifying three key traits: passion, confidence and resilience. These qualities are essential for succeeding in the sales sector.

4. Advice for career advancement in sales
For those aspiring to climb the sales ladder, I recommend finding a mentor in the industry and crafting a career roadmap. Start with entry-level roles like Inside Sales Representative and aim for long-term goals, such as ascending to Director of Sales.

5. How to prepare for an interview
Candidates should carefully read the job description and do their homework on the company. They should also think about likely interview questions and prepare some questions of their own to ask the interviewers.

6. Tips for acing the interview
During the interview, candidates should:

Smile and maintain eye contact to build rapport.
Show authentic enthusiasm for both the role and the company.
If uncertain about a question, it's better to be honest than to ramble.
Showcase their expertise effectively.
Thank the interviewer for their time.

7. What to avoid when applying or interviewing
Steer clear of two major mistakes: Being late (punctuality is key) and not researching the role or the company sufficiently. Being prepared and attentive to details is crucial for making a good impression.

Ready to join the Equinix sales team? Explore our open opportunities now.

Doting mum or amazing sales engineer? Both!

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Being a working mum can be a quite the juggling act. With the joy of watching your child grow up and the thrill of achieving goals at work, you’ve also got to face some challenges as you navigate the way. But at Equinix, I know nothing can stop me!

As a sales engineer and a mother, I have found an empowering environment that allows me to thrive in my professional and personal life. Powered by the magic of Equinix, strong core values and a team that always has my back, I feel inspired to transform my aspirations into successes.
Join me as I share my experience and the secrets to achieving work-life balance at Equinix.

Plan right for a perfect start
As a mum, a typical day for me starts with dedicating some quiet time in the morning to plan and prioritize my tasks. Being organized helps me dive into the dynamic demands of my role. Throughout the day, I engage with clients, provide technical insights and offer digital solutions tailored to their needs. When you work for the world’s digital infrastructure company, speed, efficiency and the ability to multitask are essential. Being a mum builds these skills even further. When I finish working, I make sure to spend time with my daughter. This is really important, and I would never compromise on it. The last thing I do before I end my day is read storybooks with my daughter. One of her favorites is actually “Equinix – The Place I Work,” a book published by a fellow Equinix employee.

Go beyond time management for a holistic approach
Work-life effectiveness is often misunderstood as solely defined by time management. While time management is crucial, true effectiveness encompasses emotional wellbeing, support systems and a positive company ethos. Equinix's inclusive and supportive culture fosters work-life balance, providing resources like flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies that help employees thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Prioritize both—work and family
Having understanding bosses and a balanced work-life culture allow me to make a conscious effort to switch off from work-related tasks during family time, which helps me to be fully present and engaged in situations that demand my attention. In those moments, my go-to activity for stress relief is spending quality time with my daughter and family. It helps me unwind and refocus after a busy day.

Remember to trust and communicate
Before my maternity leave, I prepared my team by documenting processes and ensuring they were briefed on ongoing projects. My advice to other mums-to-be: communicate openly with your manager and team, delegate responsibilities where possible and trust in your ability to transition back to work smoothly.

Embrace flexibility and self-care
As a mother, I bring patience and nurturing qualities to both my personal and professional life. Building strong client relationships and providing customized solutions come naturally to me. My number one tip for new mothers managing work and parenthood is to embrace flexibility and prioritize self-care. It may take time to find what works best for you and your family, but with patience and support, you can achieve a fulfilling balance.

At Equinix, I have everything I need to do my best as a working mum. It’s an organization that truly cares and puts its people first. When I took maternity leave and returned to work part-time for a few months, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Equinix allowed me flexibility in my work schedule, which greatly eased my transition back to the workplace. I am proud to work for an organization that takes the needs of new and expectant mothers into consideration, providing various return-to-work programs as well as practical amenities like a dedicated “Mothers’ Room” to facilitate a comfortable environment for nursing mothers transitioning back to work.

As I continue my journey as a sales engineer and a mother, I am grateful for the enabling policies, plethora of opportunities and incredible colleagues at Equinix. With the right mindset and a supportive environment like this, working mums like me can surely find the balance and happiness they deserve.

If you are also looking to be part of an inclusive and supportive work environment, check out our career site to learn more about starting a career with us.

Culture in Action with Equinix

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0000

What does the Equinix culture look like in action? On July 23, we hosted an event for HR professionals to get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the way we live our values every day. It was a night all about real conversations, authentic connections, and showing up as we are.

Guests got to hang out with some of our amazing HR leaders, swap stories, and get a feel for what makes the Equinix culture tick. The heart of the event was our Culture in Action panel. It was honest and full of those moments where you find yourself nodding and thinking, “Yes. That’s exactly it.”

The panel featured Alina Alvi, Chris Yates, Alexander Gasmena, Marc Mondesir, and Anu Ojo—each bringing their own unique perspective as panelists who live and breathe our culture every day. Our panelists talked about the messy, beautiful, human side of building culture and how it shows up in the little things we do consistently.

And because the panel was packed with gems, here’s a roundup of the quotes that really hit home:

Create Clarity Always

Clarity builds trust, reduces friction, and helps people feel safe.

"Trust has three components: empathy, clarity, and authenticity. I audit for all three." — Marc Mondesir on building trust in teams

Keep Customers at the Center

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Culture is no exception.

"The say-do ratio matters. What comes out of your mouth should match the lived experience." — Chris Yates on leadership authenticity

Take Accountability

We don’t wait for culture to happen—we own it. We shape it through our actions, our choices, and our consistency.

"Our culture doesn’t happen to us. We create it, define it, and make sure it shows up every day." — Brandi Galvin Morandi on intentional culture-building

"Culture isn't just what we say, it's what we do. It evolves with us." — Alina Alvi on how culture is shaped by everyday actions

Adapt with Speed

Culture isn’t static. It grows with us, and the small things we do can drive big change.

"Small things, done consistently at scale, are what truly shape culture." — Chris Yates explaining the power of habit-based transformation

Foster Belonging

At Equinix, belonging is a lived experience. It’s about creating space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

"Fostering belonging isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life. It’s how we show up for each other." — Anu Ojo on the importance of inclusion

"Culture in action is when values like inclusion, growth, and collaboration show up in real, tangible ways." — Alina Alvi reflecting on how culture becomes lived experience

This event was a reminder that culture is ingrained in everything. It's in the conversations we have, the trust we build, and the way we lean into authenticity, even when things get tough. That’s what makes the Equinix culture real. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us, shared their voice, and helped make the day so special. We're proud to be a workplace where you can be you.

Women Powering Data Centres event – London

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Real conversations, real change

What does collaboration look like in action? On a September afternoon at our London office, data centre professionals from Equinix, and other companies, came together for the “Women Powering Data Centres: Talent & Transformation” roundtable. The goal: to get honest about our shared talent challenges and spark new ways to work together.

Behind the scenes: where ideas meet action

This wasn’t your typical industry event. The energy was open, the conversations candid. Attendees were divided into small groups, each with a mix of backgrounds and expertise. Guided by thought-provoking questions, the groups explored topics like:

How do we raise awareness of data centre careers among young people?
What barriers do women and underrepresented groups face in our industry?
How can apprenticeship programs be designed to attract and support diverse talent?
What does true collaboration between companies look like?

Throughout the afternoon, participants swapped stories, shared what’s working (and what isn’t), and leaned into building a talent pipeline in a sector that’s quietly powering the world.

What we learned together

As the groups came together to share their insights, several clear themes emerged. Industry awareness is a major challenge - young people rarely know what data centres are, even though they rely on them every day. There was a strong consensus that unified branding and outreach would have a much greater impact than isolated efforts by individual companies.

The discussion also highlighted the power of apprenticeships. Attendees saw co-created programs and shared standards as a way to open doors for talent and showcase the wide range of career paths available - from engineering and environmental controls to shift management and customer operations.

Perhaps most importantly, the event underscored a genuine willingness to collaborate across company lines. Competitors became partners, eager to share best practices and address talent gaps together.

Collaboration over competition

What made this event special was the spirit of collaboration. Competitors became partners, united by a common goal: to make the data centre industry more visible, accessible, and inclusive.

“Collaboration was definitely a theme across it all. It's easier to solve it together than it is separately.”- Claire Jones

What’s next?

The journey doesn’t end here. The message is clear: now is the time to join forces, share best practices, and build a talent pipeline that’s resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.

If you’re a data centre professional facing similar challenges, let’s start a conversation. The future of our industry depends on our ability to work together, invest in apprenticeships, and raise awareness of the vital work we do. Equinix is committed to leading the way, but real change happens when everyone has a seat at the table.