If there’s one thing every channel professional can appreciate, it’s the value of authenticity. In a field where success can hinge on relationships and collaboration, bringing a unique, honest perspective to innovation is critical. It’s a trait that we at Citrix value among our executives, veteran staff, newcomers, and especially interns.

For several years, we have partnered with INROADS, an organization dedicated to building the next generation of exceptional leaders, accelerating and elevating underrepresented talent, and helping combat racial inequalities across the private sector. It is through this program, specifically the INROADS Leadership Development Academy Program, that Citrix has recruited truly outstanding intern candidates, several of whom have continued to grow in their careers as part of the Citrix community.

One of our newest Citrites, Bisi Braimah, has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the role of authenticity in fostering new ideas, starting important conversations and working together to drive creative problem-solving. Her passions have made her uniquely equipped for long-term success not only within the channel, but also in the industry at large.

I had the opportunity to connect with her to learn more about her approach as she kicks off this new phase of her career in my organization as an intern in the WW Partner Enablement team. Here’s an excerpt of our conversation:

Tricia Atchison: What made you interested in interning at Citrix?

Bisi Braimah: It was the project management position! I have been managing projects for as long as I can remember. I really enjoy seeing people play to their strengths and ultimately collaborating to bring a vision to fruition.

TA: What are you most looking forward to during your internship?

BB: The opportunity to get to know the Citrix community, and the diverse perspectives they bring each day. Learning directly from these individuals and experiencing the sheer range of backgrounds, schools of thought, skills, life experiences, cultures, and strengths — I see that as an important part of understanding myself a little better. I’ll get to know my own strengths and weaknesses in a new environment, and that’s really exciting.

TA: What are some of your interests outside of work?

BB: Podcasts! I have my own show, Legit, where I have authentic and raw conversations about life and turning pain to purpose. I’ve been fortunate enough to interview people on topics ranging from developing one’s emotional intelligence to an exploration on processing grief. Not only has it been an amazing experience, but I’m constantly learning.

Outside of podcasting, I am a coach for Lisa Nichols on her Ignite campus, where I work with her students on developing techniques of speaking and writing so they can show up in their lives and businesses. I also enjoy working out, cooking exotic meals, and reading a good book!

Last but certainly not least, I am a Flow Denver leader, where I embark on different activities such as team-building exercises and round table chats about our struggles with self and life to reach the youth and others in Denver!

TA: What unique experience or part of your background do you think will have the most impact on how you approach your internship?

BB: After going through some of my own personal struggles in my early 20s, I learned how to connect with people in a way that allows me to see life through their eyes. That way they can be vulnerable, tell their story and find meaning in the spaces they find themselves in. I apply this method in my coaching and across conversations on my podcasts. In fact it helped shape the podcast from the beginning. I launched it while going through my own season of despair and thought “legit” conversations could help inspire hope in others the way I needed to be inspired at the time.

Additionally, I plan to bring to my internship my ability and love for connecting moving parts of a project together, organizing and structuring ideas, tasks, and people for implementation. I have a passion for seeing the spaces I am in flourish through listening and bringing together resources and/or creative alternatives.

TA: Can you share a fun fact or two about yourself?

BB: I lived in four different cities before I turned 22, including ones in Europe and Africa. I have been vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian.

Please join me in welcoming Bisi to Citrix! We can’t wait to see what comes next in her career.

To learn more about opportunities for current college students and recent graduates, click here.

Stay connected!

Follow the Citrix Partner Network on LinkedIn, Facebook, and at @CitrixPartners on Twitter.

Learn how to become a Citrix Partner — or build your Citrix Partner business as a Citrix Specialist — today.

Looking to implement a world-class digital workspace, networking, and analytics solutions? Find a Citrix Partner in your area.