Listing her dream job as being a judge on the popular reality show, MasterChef Australia, Bellingham began her career in investment banking and today handles corporate communicate for a global technology giant.
“When I came to CA Technologies in Dubai, we went to market 100% via indirect channels. I hadn’t had much direct experience with the channel until then, so it was really just the nature of our business model that first brought me in contact with the channel,” states Bellingham.
As part of her role, she covers regional PR for the company’s data management team while also working on projects covering the wider EMEA operations. “This is great because it gets me ‘thinking outside’ of the MENA box,” she says.
When asked about her idols, Bellingham says, “I’ve had several mentors throughout my career and the common trait that they all share is that they took personal interest to make sure I was learning and growing. They were the type of people who would put aside their work for a few minutes to explain something to me or review my work. They took a personal interest in helping me succeed.”
In much the same way, she describes herself as being ‘dependable’. “It means that when I say I will do something, I will do it on time and 100% to the best of my ability and painstaking attention to detail,” she adds.
Bellingham says that the key to balancing her busy professional life with her equally vibrant personal life (she has a husband and two toddlers) is that she disconnects technologically. “I don’t check my Blackberry on nights or weekends. I trust that if there is truly an emergency someone will call,” Bellingham adds.
She advices young women in the industry to remember that while it’s okay to be friendly, they must always remember to always be professional, “Don’t give anyone a reason to discredit you.”
“In the past 13 years, I’ve completely changed my job function – from finance to corporate communications. I think it’s important to remember that although the grass looks greener on the other side – no matter which side you’re on – it isn’t! All jobs have pros and cons, ups and downs. It’s important to remember that, and never let it get you down,” Bellingham concludes.
