TBI celebrates notable industry leaders and professionals making an impact in telecom. Learn more about Woman of the Channel, Tara Koger, from Nextiva.
Tara Koger is a Partner Enterprise Champion with Nextiva. She plays an integral part in evangelizing their partners across the country with the Nextiva upmarket story along with the Nextiva + Five9 partnership. Tara has spent over 20 years in the industry, specifically with on-prem and UCaaS/CCaaS in a variety of sales and architect roles. Throughout her career, she’s been at the forefront of new communications technologies while most recently tirelessly educating customers and sales leaders on the power of Interactive Virtual Assist (IVA) and AI and how to position those conversations. With her upbeat personality and always warm smile, Tara proves to support anyone who wants to be successful.
What do you love about your job?
Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to be in a position to support a variety of people in a variety of circumstances. As a seller, I learned how to position the solution sell and solve customer issues. That experience laid the groundwork for my career path. While in overlay/architect roles, I grew to lead sales executives with advancing opportunities to help them achieve their goals of growth and winning success. Now, as a Partner Enterprise Champion, I’m able to work with the partner community, educating them on what I’ve learned and where the future of communication technology is going. With that knowledge, I’m able to lay the foundation for partners to be successful by changing the conversation and moving upmarket. Last but not least, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the industry people I’ve met along the way. Those of which I’ve taken bits and pieces of to help strengthen my career and take it to places I never envisioned.
What do you like about working with TBI?
Working in partnership with TBI is amazing for a variety of reasons. I love their forward, out-of-the-box thinking and approach. They are open to new ideas and working towards the future of technology, not just the present moment. Most importantly, they genuinely care about their partners and make sure they’re provided with high-level education and support at every corner.
Favorite Quote:
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Confucius
What is a key tidbit you give to others?
The same is true in work as it is in life…it takes a village! When I hear of someone dealing with an “unmovable obstacle” it’s usually because they’re not utilizing their supporting resources. I’ve learned to never go in alone, even if “I think” I’m 100% educated on the subject matter. I will still take time to consult with others. Don’t try to conquer life alone. Win together, lose together. If you lose, pick yourself and your team up, reassess, and win the next time!Favorite vacation/getaway destination?
Over the last year, I’ve been fortunate to see a lot of new places across the country and Nashville has been one of my favorites. But in all honestly, the ocean is my happy place. I absolutely love the Middle Keys! No matter where you are in the Middle Keys you’re on the ocean. Coming in second place is the Disney cruise I took along with my children. If you haven’t done one, I highly recommend it, with or without kids.
Do you have a goal outside of your career that you'd like to achieve?
Connect with Tara on LinkedIn.
