Current Position
Shalena O'Connell currently serves as the Vice President of Global Deal Operations and Strategy at Harness. Based in Ireland, she joined Harness in late 2024 and has since been instrumental in leading the global deal desk and operations to ensure seamless strategy execution and operational excellence within the company.
Professional Journey
Previously, Shalena held the role of Vice President of Operations at MongoDB for approximately three years. During her tenure at MongoDB, she successfully built and managed the Global Deal Desk team, expanded her responsibilities to lead the Go-To-Market and Product Commercialization team, and played a significant role in scaling operational strategies across multiple global offices, including Palo Alto, New York, Austin, and Dublin.
Professional Achievements
Shalena is recognized for her strategic thinking and operational skills, with an emphasis on streamlining processes and fostering a culture of trust, honesty, and accountability among her team. Her management style is rooted in open communication and feedback, aiming for continuous improvement and excellence. Additionally, she is praised for her ability to manage teams with diverse thought and experience profiles.
Industry Impact and Influence
Shalena's influence extends beyond her operational roles. She is noted for her contributions to MongoDB as a VP of Operations where she added significant value by leading multiple strategic initiatives. Her work has been highlighted in publications celebrating influential women leaders, underlining her impact on the tech industry.
Professional Interests
A passionate advocate for diversity and mentorship, Shalena invests considerable effort in coaching and mentoring individuals both inside and outside her organization. Her belief in unlocking the potential of others aligns with her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment.
Notable Announcements and Achievements
- Shalena announced her move to Harness on LinkedIn, marking a significant career milestone.
- She played a critical role in the announcement of the merger between Harness and Traceable, described as a transformative moment in software delivery and security.
- Recognized as an influential leader in industry-focused blogs and posts, reflecting her stature in the tech community.
Shalena O'Connell's career reflects a trajectory of growth and excellence in operational leadership, with a deep commitment to mentoring and strategic execution. Her role at Harness positions her as a key figure in advancing the company's global operations and strategic initiatives.
