Merry
Mathew
India Lead, Sales Effectiveness at Palo Alto Networks
"From Non-Linear Careers to Confident Leadership: Lessons from the Pivots No One Plans For"
"From Non-Linear Careers to Confident Leadership: Lessons from the Pivots No One Plans For"
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Session: From Non-Linear Careers to Confident Leadership: Lessons from the Pivots No One Plans For
Careers rarely follow a straight line, yet many professionals feel pressure to have everything planned out. In this talk, Merry Mathew shares her leadership journey shaped by unexpected moments, career pivots, and learning to lead without a fixed playbook.From stepping into her first people manager role on her first day back from maternity leave to moving from team leadership into regional enablement roles, Merry reflects on how uncertainty can become a powerful catalyst for growth rather than a setback.
Through honest stories, practical insights, and reflective questions, this session invites participants to rethink non-linear career paths, build confidence during transitions, and expand their influence even when the next step isn’t clear. Attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on leadership, resilience, and navigating change with purpose.
Key Takeaways
- How to lead with purpose and confidence even when the next step isn’t clear
- Strategies to expand influence and impact without waiting for the “perfect” role
- Practical ways to build confidence and clarity during career transitions
- How to reframe non-linear career paths and unplanned pivots as leadership strengths
Bio
Merry Mathew is a Sales Enablement Leader with over two decades of experience in the IT industry across marketing, sales operations, and sales training. She currently leads Sales Effectiveness for India at Palo Alto Networks, where she designs and delivers programs that accelerate performance and empower sales teams. She has previously worked with HP, NetApp, and Salesforce, driving initiatives that strengthen sales capability and leadership effectiveness.A passionate speaker, trainer, and mentor, Merry brings authenticity, energy, and practical insight drawn from a non-linear leadership journey shaped by real-world challenges and career pivots.
