Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Delia Perla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Delia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

Bill was a remarkable leader who had a profound impact on his team during my time working under him in my 20s. His approach to leadership was centered around empowerment, and he consistently demonstrated this through his actions and decisions.

One of the most striking aspects of Bill’s leadership style was his ability to create an environment where every team member felt comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and even disagreeing when necessary. He actively encouraged open communication and valued the diverse perspectives of his employees. Bill fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration by giving the team a sense of ownership over their work and decisions.

Bill recognized the importance of providing his team with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. He ensured everyone had access to clear and regular direction, ensuring well-defined goals and expectations. Bill also invested in his team’s growth by offering training opportunities and supporting their professional development.

What truly set Bill apart was his approach to feedback. Instead of focusing solely on areas of improvement, he always led with praise, acknowledging and celebrating the successes and strengths of each team member. This positive reinforcement boosted morale and encouraged everyone to continue striving for excellence. Regarding constructive criticism, Bill allocated a small portion of the feedback session to discuss areas where we could improve, but he always did so in a supportive and respectful manner.

Finally, Bill understood the power of recognition and rewards. He made it a point to celebrate the team’s achievements, whether it was through public acknowledgments, bonuses, or special privileges. This motivated us to keep pushing ourselves and created a sense of camaraderie and pride within the team.

Under Bill’s leadership, our team flourished. We felt valued, supported, and empowered to take ownership of our work. His approach to leadership yielded impressive results for the company and had a lasting impact on each of us as individuals. To this day, I strive to emulate Bill’s leadership style in my career, recognizing the transformative power of empowerment in the workplace.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Delia Perla, a digital visionary with a unique background. I started my career in the nonprofit world, working in management and grant writing. But in 2010, I switched to the digital landscape and found my true calling as a sales/consulting leader. Since then, I’ve been rocking it in software, digital marketing, and strategic partnerships.

I absolutely love partnering with B2B and B2C brands, helping them create incredible strategic alliances and grow meaningfully. I’ve got a knack for connecting the dots, spotting new opportunities, and turning them into actionable plans that get results. The key is working for companies that have strong, inclusive and healthy cultures.

I’m all about showcasing the transformative power of technology across different industries. I’m constantly playing with the latest and greatest tech, like cutting-edge AI tools and SaaS solutions in FinTech, Cybersecurity, and Data Software. I’ve helped Fortune 500 companies and VC-backed startups reach new heights of success.

But I’m not just about work – I’m also deeply passionate about volunteering and being a leader in local non profits. Born in Lima Peru and immigrating to the US at a young age – I am keenly aware of the value of giving our time to the needs in our world. It’s how I stay on top of the latest trends. I’ve co-founded an entrepreneurial training program for youth, served as an Area Director for a global nonprofit, co-taught Service Learning courses at Seattle Pacific University, and was the V.P. of Communication at the Stanford Parents Club from 2021 to 2022. Since 2019, I’ve been a Board Member of Nuestra Casa, working on the governance committee and even serving as Board Chair for a while.

Some of my recent achievements last year include:

– Being named one of the Top 30 Influential Sales Leaders by Crunchbase in Feb. 2023
– Completing an AI Strategy course at Cornell University in May 2023

But wait, there’s more! I recently founded a consulting business that helps teams and business leaders learn from case studies how to integrate AI into their business models and create killer growth strategies. It’s been an absolute blast combining my passion for AI with my love for helping businesses succeed by focusing on the end user.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I have spoken about Bill, a previous phenomenal supervisor.

Bill taught me and helped me relearn the notion that leaders need to be the smartest in the room. Bill made it clear by asking for the wisdom of others around him how the people you choose to be around help you get better. The notion that leaders know the most was replaced with ‘team’ is how you win. Utilizing the ideas, knowledge and energy of the people you are leading.

I often have found ways to give opportunities on my teams to lead, teach a skill or give their insights on a particular challenge we are facing. It fuels excitement and power for the individuals and the teams you lead.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Back in 2007, I found myself at a crossroads in my life. It was a tough year for me, both personally and professionally, and I knew I needed to make a change. That’s when I discovered the incredible power of Facebook. I was living in the heart of Silicon Valley, surrounded by innovation and the buzzing energy of the tech world. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head – I realized that I wanted to be a part of this digital transformation that was happening all around me.

So, I took matters into my own hands and started teaching myself everything I could about Facebook and the digital landscape. I spent countless hours online, soaking up knowledge and experimenting with different strategies. It was a wild ride, but I was determined to make it work.

At the time, I was coming from a background in the nonprofit world, but I knew I had to pivot if I wanted to be a part of this exciting new era. So, I took a leap of faith and jumped into the world of software sales. It was a whole new ballgame, but I was ready to learn and grow.

From there, I moved into the realm of Digital Strategy for businesses. I started selling Google, Facebook, websites, and other marketing tools and data software. It was a thrilling time, and I felt like I was at the forefront of something truly revolutionary.

Looking back, I’m so grateful for that difficult year in 2007. It pushed me to take risks, learn new skills, and ultimately, find my true calling in the digital world. And now, here I am, still riding the wave of innovation and loving every minute of it!

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliaperla/
• Twitter: @deliaperla