Creating connections, shaping added value: Stephen on his role as a bridge builder between catworkx and Atlassian

How do you create a true partnership of equals - especially in a dynamic tech environment? Stephen, Global Partner Manager at catworkx, has a clear answer to this: through communication, trust and the common goal of creating added value. In this interview, he explains how he acts as a link between Atlassian and catworkx, what good collaboration means to him - and why people are always at the centre of everything he does.

Stephen: In my new role as Global Partner Manager, my perspective has broadened significantly: instead of focusing on individual regions, I now connect our activities worldwide. I work more strategically, bring initiatives together and ensure that we work as a global team with Atlassian and AWS. I find it particularly exciting to see how this coordination strengthens our partnerships and opens up new potential for catworkx – both locally and internationally.

Stephen: No two days are exactly the same — which is part of what I love about the role. A “typical” day might include syncing with Atlassian partner managers on upcoming initiatives, reviewing strategic accounts for cloud migration opportunities, or helping our sales teams align with Atlassian’s priorities.

I spend a fair amount of time in meetings — some internal,  some with Atlassian — making sure we’re on the same page, exploring co-selling options, and unlocking funding or support through programs like AWS Marketplace or FastShift. There's also a lot of storytelling involved—packaging success cases, pitching ideas, and helping Atlassian see the value of working with catworkx.

Stephen: For me, it’s the energy and innovation Atlassian and catworkx both bring to the market. Atlassian are constantly evolving —  not just the products, but also how they work with partners. There’s a real sense of collaboration (but not without its challenges), and when you build a lasting and trusting relationship together with our services at catworkx, it’s incredibly rewarding.

It’s also about being able to help drive change through strong partnerships is something I genuinely enjoy.

Stephen: I see myself as the connector. I’m constantly feeding insights from Atlassian back into the business — whether that’s aligning sales around new programmes, or helping coordinate providing new information into a new Atlassian initiatives to our delivery team.

There’s a lot of cross-team collaboration. My job is to help everyone, whenever it is needed — from account managers to consultants — to in step with Atlassian to provide the best service to our clients, and also to try and ensure that we’re making the most of the opportunities available. Internally, it’s about translating strategy into action – together.

Stephen: For me, a successful partnership — especially in the tech world — is built on three core things: clear communication, transparency, and genuine collaboration. Everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction, and that only happens when both sides are open, supportive, and aligned on shared goals. It’s not just about deals—it’s about growing together, solving problems jointly, and showing up consistently.

Stephen: Atlassian is a dynamic company, which is part of the appeal — but it does mean you need to stay agile. Things move fast, and priorities can shift quickly, so one key lesson is to stay close to your contacts, be proactive, and always bring value to the table.

Another challenge is making sure your voice is heard within such a big ecosystem. It’s taught me the importance of storytelling—being able to clearly articulate what makes catworkx different, how we deliver value, and why we’re a partner worth investing in.

Stephen: To me, success is about momentum. Are we co-creating opportunities? Are we brought into strategic conversations early? Are we unlocking new business—together?

Beyond the obvious metrics like revenue growth or co-sell wins, I look for trust and consistency. If the communication is open, we’re being recommended by name, and there’s mutual support — even when things aren’t perfect —  that’s a sign we’re doing something right.

Stephen: Honestly, it’s the people. Whether it's the team at catworkx, our partners at Atlassian, or the clients we collaborate with—it’s the human side of the role that keeps things interesting and rewarding. Building relationships, solving challenges together, having those “yes” moments — it’s all about connection for me.

Stephen: Yes — being one of the leads on the Data Center to Cloud sales play was a standout. It was one of the first major initiatives I worked on after joining catworkx, and I really hit the ground running. To be recognised by both Atlassian and my peers for the contribution was incredibly rewarding. It showed me early on that I could make an impact and that I was in the right place.

Stephen: I already had a relationship with catworkx, when I provided an external service to them as a executive head-hunter (mainly focusing on a top client relationships), but, like a lot of great things — it just happened! I’ve always been drawn to roles that combine relationship-building, strategy, and tech, so in many ways, this role feels like a natural fit. But no, it wasn’t a rigid plan.

Stephen: You need to be genuinely curious about people and technology. Relationship management is about more than just keeping in touch—it’s about understanding goals, uncovering opportunities, and being a trusted partner. Strong communication, a strategic mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly are key. It also helps if you enjoy connecting dots — between teams, between markets, between ideas.

Stephen: What stands out at catworkx is the trust and autonomy. But again, mostly, its the people.
You’re given the space to make things happen and the support to do it well. It’s a very collaborative culture — people genuinely want to help each other succeed, and there’s a shared sense of purpose across regions and teams. Compared to more rigid environments I’ve seen, catworkx balances structure with flexibility as well as growth.

Stephen: Be proactive. This world moves fast, and the best opportunities come to those who step forward, ask questions, and stay curious. Also — don’t underestimate the value of listening. Whether it’s Atlassian, a client, or a colleague, understanding their perspective is what helps you build trust and deliver value. And lastly — enjoy it. Partner Management is as much about people as it is about strategy. Build the relationships, and the rest will follow.

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