Growing my career at Adobe — From IC to Senior Manager

Image of Betsy Lewis

At Adobe, I have had the opportunity to embark on an incredible journey of career growth and development. After 12 years at my previous organisation, I joined Adobe as a Customer Success Manager (CSM) and soon transitioned to a manager role. Balancing motherhood and work, I continued to manage teams, undergo leadership programs, and took on new challenges. Promoted to a senior manager while on maternity leave, I returned to work and embraced my current role leading the APAC Data & Insights Solution Customer Success team.

My recipe for success:

There have been several key milestones and experiences that contributed to my transition to a senior manager at Adobe. Here are some of the main ones:

  1. Proven track record and consistent delivery on objectives: By consistently achieving my goals, I built a reputation as a reliable and capable professional.
  2. Building a high-performing team: Hiring the right talent and fostering a collaborative and productive team environment played a crucial role in my career progression.
  3. Embracing new challenges: By willingly taking on new opportunities and responsibilities, I demonstrated a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.
  4. Developing a scaled adoption program: During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, I created a webinar series and newsletter focused on customer enablement. This initiative gained visibility with the APAC and global CS leadership team.
  5. Attitude and openness to feedback: My willingness to learn, receive feedback, and implement improvements helped me refine my skills and enhance my performance as a manager.
  6. Agility in handling unexpected situations: Being able to think quickly on my feet and adapt to unforeseen circumstances allowed me to effectively navigate challenges and find solutions.
  7. Cross-functional collaboration: Working collaboratively with other teams and departments to achieve common objectives demonstrated my ability to build strong relationships and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Mentorship and professional development:

Adobe's mentorship and professional development programs have played a vital role in my career progression. The various manager forums and trainings offered a safe space to seek guidance and learn essential skills. My former manager provided valuable training and coaching, encouraging me to find a mentor within the organization. This opportunity allowed me to reflect on my career aspirations. Participating in the Leadership Circles program helped me define my personal leadership style and gain clarity on my purpose. Adobe's internal professional development courses and the availability of a development fund to attend external conferences further supported my continuous learning and growth.

Supporting growth and continuous learning:

Adobe has been instrumental in supporting my growth and providing opportunities for continuous learning and development. Leadership training, ADU courses, and programs like Leadership Circles have enhanced my skills and knowledge. Additionally, the introduction of Manager Circles in the Customer Success organization fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among Customer Success managers. As a mentor, I have been able to apply the tools and skills acquired through leadership programs, reinforcing my own growth while guiding others.

My career at Adobe has been marked by constant learning, challenges, and supportive opportunities. Through mentorship, professional development programs, and a collaborative work environment, I have been able to grow both personally and professionally. As I continue to lead the Data & Insights Solution Customer Success team, I am excited about the future and the limitless possibilities for career advancement and development at Adobe.