February 3, 2025
On a wet and windy evening in September – as the final acts of winter rained down on a miserable Sydney skyline – Hope McGarry took the microphone.
Perched on a high stool in front of 40 aspiring young executives, the opening lines of the Early Career Network (ECN) offered unique insight into the psyche of this industry front-runner.
Refreshingly raw, fantastically forthright and effortlessly engaging.
“One of the most powerful shifts that I made was using self-doubt and fear as fuel,” outlined McGarry. “Instead of letting them hold me back, I let them push me to take on challenges that forced me to grow.”
The answer came in response to – how did you build confidence and assert yourself in professional settings when dealing with feelings of inadequacy or impostor syndrome?
A loaded question that warranted an authentic answer.
“As they say, ‘what doesn’t challenge you, won’t change you’,” McGarry added. “Try to quieten the negative inner voice we all have sometimes, and go for it.
“Confidence isn’t something that appears overnight; it builds every time you step a little outside of your comfort zone. Embrace the journey – you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”
At the time of ECN – an initiative by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to provide mentorship to talented junior executives in Australia – McGarry was Director of Advanced Solutions Group, Specialty and Commercial at Ingram Micro.
Less than six months on, a new challenge now awaits… the greatest of her career.
McGarry will assume the role of Managing Director of Australia at Ingram Micro, taking charge of a multi-billion-dollar distribution juggernaut effective 31 March 2025.
As part of the transition, Tim Ament – currently Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Country Executive of Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) – will return to the US business following five years running trans-Tasman operations.
“It’s a privilege and honour to lead Ingram Micro as we embark on the next stage of our transformation journey in Australia,” McGarry said. “We are well positioned to redefine distribution in this market through our unwavering focus on our customers and close collaboration with our vendors.”
On paper, McGarry’s path of progression appears straightforward. A standout CV and career spanning more than 20 years has been shaped by high-profile roles at HPE, Compaq, IBM, Epson, Arrow ECS and now Ingram Micro.
Yet the reality has been somewhat different.
“When I was learning to assert myself professionally, especially when dealing with impostor syndrome, a few strategies really helped me grow,” McGarry explained.
“First, I stayed curious. I focused on learning from those around me by observing, listening and asking questions. This approach not only built my knowledge but also helped me see different ways to handle challenges and contribute meaningfully.”
Seeking feedback was another key step. Asking for feedback regularly not only demonstrates an ability to be coached, but shows a commitment to growth by gradually boosting confidence and improving skills.
“Finding a mentor or sponsor made a huge difference, too,” McGarry added. “They helped me gain perspective and gave me guidance when I was uncertain. They also encouraged me to assert my ideas and reminded me that I was there because someone saw potential in me.”
Balancing humility with confidence is important in this scenario – knowing when to step back and learn, but also when to step up and share insights, is a skill that requires constant crafting.
“If you have a seat at the table, it’s because you bring something valuable, even if you can’t always see it yourself,” McGarry affirmed.
Leading with purpose
Since joining Ingram Micro in late 2022, McGarry has been a driving force in strengthening the distributor’s market presence in Australia. This includes on-boarding key vendors, elevating go-to-market capabilities and playing a pivotal role in expanding the Advanced Solutions, Specialty and Commercial businesses.
McGarry recently took on additional responsibilities in the Cloud and Hybrid Business Applications departments to drive maximal value and collaboration across the entire local ecosystem.
“Transitioning into a new industry or role can be challenging, but it’s also a powerful opportunity for growth,” McGarry shared. “My advice would be to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
“In a new environment, things may not work exactly as you’re used to, and that’s okay – it’s part of the transition. Embrace the fact that there will be a learning curve, and be gentle with yourself as you adjust.”
In response, seek out respected industry colleagues – learn from them, ask questions and observe how they approach their work.
“Embracing change is also essential,” McGarry highlighted. “Each new role or industry brings its own unique challenges, but also its own rewards. Remember that growth often comes from discomfort.”
Discomfort has been a common feeling for McGarry during her career and for women either entering or advancing in the industry today, one core piece of advice resonates.
“First and foremost, be deliberate about your career path,” she stated. “Looking back, I think I could have been more deliberate earlier on. I would encourage women to set goals, stay focused and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself.”
In a male-dominated field, it’s crucial for aspiring female leaders to voice ambitions and pursue opportunities that align with internal aspirations.
“Look for mentors, allies, or sponsors who can help advocate for you, especially in situations where you’re not in the room,” McGarry added. “They can be instrumental in guiding you, opening doors and supporting your growth, especially when promotional opportunities arise.”
Being authentic is another key piece of advice.
“You don’t need to fit into anyone else’s mould to succeed,” McGarry cautioned. “Bringing your unique perspective and being true to yourself not only builds confidence but also enriches the industry as a whole.”
In a key message shared with members of ECN, McGarry also advocated the importance of building a strong network. Don’t underestimate the power of connecting with other women and supportive colleagues both within and outside your field.
“Networking is invaluable,” McGarry acknowledged. “It provides insight, encouragement, and sometimes the exact resources or opportunities you need.
“Supporting other women is just as important – lifting each other up strengthens our presence and helps create a more inclusive industry for future generations.”
However, one of the most pressing challenges faced by women is the balancing act between professional and personal responsibilities, as shared during a recent episode of B2B Tech Talk – a podcast sharing authentic and original insights from the most influential leaders in Australia.
“Managing the competing demands of family and caregiving responsibilities alongside a career is difficult,” McGarry noted. “This balancing act is significant and it’s an area where we still have a lot of work to do.
“We need to speak more openly about the realities of these challenges and advocate for the support we need from our families, communities and workplaces. This includes everything from flexible work arrangements to family support structures that can empower women to succeed in both their careers and personal lives.”
When such conditions have been in place, McGarry has thrived.
Being content in a role is dependent on being surrounded by people who are not only talented but also “genuinely good people”. For McGarry, there’s something “deeply motivating” about working with individuals who are both skilled at what they do and kind, supportive and collaborative.
“Being in an environment where people bring out the best in each other creates a sense of community and shared purpose that makes the work itself much more fulfilling,” McGarry explained.
Two other non-negotiable workplace conditions include:
But when is it time to look elsewhere?
“It’s usually when these key elements start to fade,” McGarry accepted. “I’m fortunate, though, that at Ingram Micro I feel that I am living my best career life.
“It’s wonderful to be in an environment where I feel truly fulfilled and supported – especially in a place where I can grow, connect with others, and align with values that resonate.”
Passing the baton
As the process of passing the baton to McGarry begins, the transition phase will be guided by a commitment to honour the collective effort.
“It’s the single most important thing, I believe,” advised Ament, speaking on a recent B2B Tech Talk podcast episode. “There is a saying, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’.
“If you have the right people in the right jobs, you enable and empower them, and trust them to do what they do well – then get out of the way and just help them be successful.”
Shaped by such a philosophy, Ament said the promotion of McGarry is aligned with the company’s ongoing succession plan and commitment to promoting from within.
“I’m thrilled to announce Hope’s promotion and I’m proud of the exceptional team we have in place, representing such diverse backgrounds, experience and thinking,” Ament added.
“Hope’s experience and reputation in the market, together with the overall leadership experience, position us well to execute our plans for 2025 and beyond as a people-first platform company.”
Ament relocated to Australia from company headquarters in California five years ago, armed with a mandate to “build and grow” the A/NZ business while creating a long-term succession plan for the region.
Under his leadership, the team successfully rolled out the Xvantage AI-powered digital platform across A/NZ. This was in addition to strategic investments in partner-facing teams and enhancing the distributor’s service capability for partners and vendors.
“I’m super proud of the team,” Ament said. “We’re accomplishing amazing things together and it’s all about staying aligned towards a common goal.
“It’s not one single person and it’s not about me – it’s about the collective effort and if any one person steps away or needs help, it’s how we all fill in and show up to meet the needs of our customers. It’s all about team.”
In his new role, Ament will return to the US business to serve as the new SVP of US Sales and Services reporting to Bill Brandel, SVP and US Chief Country Executive.
As part of the transition, Leon De Suza will continue to serve as Managing Director of New Zealand. Both McGarry and De Suza will now report directly to Diego Utge, Executive Vice President and Group President of Asia Pacific.
The aim is to ensure continued alignment, investment and focus across the A/NZ region.
“I would like to thank the Australian partners and vendors for their relationships, and accepting me into their community,” Ament added. “I truly appreciate the mateship which I look forward to continuing in my new role.”
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