Member Spotlight: Karleen Murphy

Welcome to Vancouver Tech Journal’s Member Spotlight, a place where we can learn more about our community members, share their unique stories and specialities, what they can offer other members, and the kind of connections they’re looking for.

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Karleen Murphy, a senior account executive with over a decade of experience in tech sales. 

Murphy got her start in the industry working in support for a small software company in North Vancouver and was recently recognized as ‘Account Executive of the Year in Canada’ for SAP SuccessFactors — the largest HR software company on the market.

Murphy is keen to expand her local network, mentor other women curious about or looking to grow their careers in tech sales, and connect with more female leaders.

Where are you from? 

North Vancouver, B.C.

Tell us what you do.

I’m a senior account executive with SAP SuccessFactors.

I work with 35 large enterprise customers across Western Canada — primarily within the public sector to evaluate our cloud human resources solution.

Some of my clients have an existing on-premise SAP HR landscape and are looking to transform to the cloud, while others are already running our core HR solution and looking to expand into additional modules and partner solutions. 

My role includes client meetings, hosting discovery calls, demos, strategic account planning, and organizing and hosting local events. While I work remotely, I find in-person meetings most fulfilling and travel two to three times per month to meet clients and for events.

How long have you been a part of the Vancouver tech ecosystem?

It was 2012 when I started working for a small software company in North Vancouver in a support role, and then I quickly moved into sales.

What do you need?

I would love to expand my network and meet others in Vancouver's tech community, especially women. 

I mentor a few other women at SAP and would be happy to guide others interested in pursuing sales. 

I would also like to meet other women in leadership roles, as this is the next step in my career. 

What can you help others with?

Tech sales can be a stressful and challenging career. 

I’m fortunate enough to have experienced incredible success in my role, surpassing sales quotas each year throughout my over a decade-long career.

I can offer guidance and suggestions to anyone in a sales role who wants to strengthen their skills and meet others within the industry.

Why are you a VTJ member?

While I’ve worked in tech sales across the U.S. and Canada, I’d like to focus on expanding my network within Vancouver. 

I’m also a member because I find it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest local tech news, and VTJ keeps me “plugged in.”

Who’s your dream #VTJLive speaker?

There are so many strong, successful women in the tech sector in Vancouver. I would love to see any of them featured as speakers.

How can people connect with you?

I’m very active on LinkedIn and would love to make new connections.

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