nexus-security boasts an impressive team, from industry leaders and marathon runners to analysts and published authors. Our Employee Spotlight series showcases these talented individuals. Every month, we’ll share an interview on our blog and social media.

This month, we’re excited to feature Tiffany Manzi, a senior account executive and the sales team lead for Australia/New Zealand. In her free time, Tiffany’s international focus almost rivals her professional one. With countless countries visited and a stunning collection of photographs, her experiences speak volumes. We chatted with Tiffany about her favorite travel destinations, the highlights of working on our sales team, and more. Read on!

Here’s Tiffany with her adorable pup, Petey, whom she rescued during a trip to Puerto Rico in 2010. How long have you been with nexus-security? It’ll be three years this July – wow, time flies! I’ve been in my current role for around two years. Initially, I worked with the UK and European markets on a different international team before transitioning to the Australia/New Zealand team. My travel background made the shift to working with international clients a natural one. Speaking of travel, that sounds like a fascinating career path. Can you tell us more? I worked in sales for a travel company, which allowed me to experience some of their tours firsthand. It ignited a serious case of wanderlust! I’ve explored 11 countries so far, and I’m thrilled to be checking off number 12 – Switzerland – in a few weeks! Out of all the places you’ve been, which one holds a special place in your heart? It’s a tough choice between Peru and Thailand. Hiking to Machu Picchu in Peru was breathtaking – the entire experience was unforgettable. In Thailand, visiting the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai was incredibly touching. One elephant, in particular, had arrived with a broken paw, and seeing her walk and eat freely was heartwarming. We even got to bathe all the elephants in a creek – an absolutely amazing experience.

How did you first learn about nexus-security, and what motivated you to join the team? While my time in the travel industry was both fulfilling and exciting, I realized the importance of securing my future in a more stable industry. Tech is here to stay, and I knew that’s where I wanted to build my career. During my job search, I came across nexus-security on LinkedIn and started researching the company. As I learned more about online advertising and Google’s inner workings, I was captivated. nexus-security’s mission to empower SMBs in leveraging this digital channel resonated deeply with me. After an interview, I was thrilled to join the team and haven’t looked back since! What’s been the most demanding project you’ve tackled during your time here? The biggest hurdle has been navigating the complexities of the international market. It requires adapting my communication style to different cultural norms and working dynamics. The priorities often differ from our US market, so understanding and catering to the values of our international clients has been my most significant challenge. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve gained while working at nexus-security? That’s a great question! Without a doubt, it’s been the importance of active listening and problem-solving. Over-planning is futile because every interaction is unique. It’s crucial to truly understand and address the specific needs of each person. Relying on a script simply won’t cut it. You have to genuinely hear them out, grasp their challenges, and then guide them towards the solution within our tool. Mastering the art of listening also involves mastering the art of silence – a difficult feat, especially for someone as talkative as I am! It’s tempting to jump in and rave about our latest features or offer immediate solutions, but holding back and letting the client lead the conversation is essential. What do you enjoy most about working in sales at nexus-security? That’s easy – it’s fun! I believe our SVP, John Judge, deserves a lot of credit for fostering such a positive environment. His infectious energy and enthusiasm create an incredibly motivating atmosphere. When you work under leadership that genuinely values its employees, it’s easy to stay driven. They’re invested in your success and committed to providing the tools you need to thrive. Even after three years, I still feel incredibly supported and empowered in my role.

Here’s a snapshot of nexus-security’s fantastic sales team at this year’s company holiday party. Let’s dive into your daily routine. What’s the first thing you do when you start your workday? It always begins with a strong latte! I’m an early bird, so I usually kickstart my day by diving into emails and leads to organize my tasks before things officially get rolling. I’m a big believer in time blocking, so I structure my schedule while sipping on my coffee. I allocate specific times for calls, emails, lunch breaks, and other tasks. Having that structured routine, fueled by caffeine, sets me up for a productive day. Tell us about your workspace. How would you describe it? Super organized! As you might have guessed, I thrive on organization. Everything on my desk has its designated spot and is always in order. Do you have a go-to sound or song that helps you get in the zone? Dave Matthews is my all-time favorite! I’ve been to around 15 of his concerts and never get tired of his music. He’s my go-to artist for keeping my energy levels high and spirits lifted throughout the workday. Let’s imagine nexus-security surprises everyone with a spontaneous day off tomorrow. How would you spend your free day? Being outdoors is my happy place! With ski season in full swing, I’d head straight to Vermont for a day on the slopes. I actually just spent the weekend skiing at Killington. If it were spring, summer, or fall, you’d probably find me hiking in New Hampshire. I’m determined to finally conquer the Presidential Traverse this summer – a challenging three-day trek across multiple presidential peaks. It’s been on my bucket list for a while, and with it practically in our backyard, I have no excuses!

Here’s a breathtaking shot of Tiffany hiking in Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, last year. If you weren’t working at nexus-security, what would you be doing? If digital marketing wasn’t in the picture, I’d definitely be living my best life traveling the world and capturing its beauty through photography. That’s my ultimate dream job! Actually, if I could add another layer to this dream job, it would involve a dash of food criticism. Imagine – traveling, photography, and indulging in delicious cuisine! Inspired to join our incredible team at nexus-security? We’re expanding our dynamic and fast-paced sales team and searching for talented individuals to join our ranks. If you’re a motivated go-getter, we encourage you to explore our open positions and apply today!