Q&A with Keri Vanka, Sales Operations Manager

Keri Vanka has been in the IT industry - and with Fronde! - for ten years. Five roles later, she is currently Sales Operations Manager: “I thoroughly enjoy the variety this role offers, it keeps me happily busy.”

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How did you get started in IT?

Keri Vanka has been in the IT industry - and with Fronde! - for ten years. Five roles later, she is currently Sales Operations Manager: “I thoroughly enjoy the variety this role offers, it keeps me happily busy.”

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How did you get started in IT or what drew you into IT? 

Frankly I was never drawn to the IT Industry - I just wanted to try something new and step outside my comfort zone.

I had previously worked in education, research and not-for-profit organisations before moving to IT at Fronde. Prior to Fronde I worked at Fulbright New Zealand, where I met highly intelligent people - a characteristic that I also found Fronde. 

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What do you remember from your first few days at Fronde? 

When I first started, I saw that on my computer there was a “Keri Juice” sticker. It brought a smile to my face and I did not feel nervous after that on my first day. I could see that it was a fun place to work, with chilled out people. 

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How many roles have you had at Fronde? 

I’ve had five different roles so far. Every time I wanted a change,  I got one! I joined as a project coordinator in the Professional Services Team, moved to Google Procurement, then on to being a Salesforce Functional Consultant, then my current role of Sales Operations Manager. Over the last year I have worked towards shaping Salesforce Managed Services. 

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What do you enjoy about working at Fronde?  What attracted you initially, and what makes you stay?

Amazing people, people and people. Working at Fronde is like being amongst family and friends - I feel like everyone cares about each other and this brings out the best in me. 

From a professional perspective, my work offers me enough variety and challenge to keep me interested. 

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Who inspires you?

My mum is my inspiration. :) She is an uncomplicated, humble and most amazing person. 

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Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself outside of work?

I love Indian classical music and am currently learning to play an Indian string instrument called the Veena - I absolutely love it. 

Whenever possible I try to help in community activities and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Over the last three years I have been heavily involved in supporting the temple in Wainuimata by fundraising and contributing to daily operations and maintenance.

During the Covid lockdown period I started a small initiative, ‘Team Yuva’, where teenage volunteers in the Indian community helped by virtually engaging kids under nine years of age with crafts, music, stories, reading books, games, etc. Parents of the volunteers and the kids really appreciated this initiative as it allowed parents to have some time to relax or attend to work. The teenage volunteers are now looking for more opportunities to help and I am working on facilitating this for them.

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