Inclusive Leadership In Action: Get to Know Fortinet’s Ken McCray

A s Fortinet’s leader of U.S. channel operations, Ken McCray is responsible for a global team. Leading across continents building an engaged group of partners has led McCray to integrating inclusive leadership practices, moving past a focus on the metrics of diversity.

Ken McCray, a channel sales leader at Fortinet since January 2023, where he is dedicated to transforming the Engage Partner Program, expanding partnerships, and driving revenue growth. The inclusive leader holds an executive MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science from DeVry University. McCray resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of his team and partners. Socially, McCray has worked for over two decades as a non-profit leader with Gents of Distinction, providing thousands of families with Thanksgiving dinners every year.

What follows is CRN’s conversation with McCray.

You joined Fortinet after time at McAfee and Intel. What sets Fortinet’s culture apart from others?

One of the main reasons I joined Fortinet was the culture. I found it to be accepting of my background and story, allowing me to be a leader here. This has worked out very well for me. The environment is innovative, and I’m enjoying my time here, teaching and making an impact in the ecosystem.

What is one interesting fact about you, Ken?

I played basketball as a kid; I wasn’t any good. But years ago, I started refereeing basketball. Working with the basketball players, parents, and other referees has taught me understanding in hard situations and not overreact. It really helps me to understand how to build balance in leadership.

How did you approach the challenge of diversifying a 100 percent male team when you joined Fortinet?

When I joined the organization, one of the first things I did was look at the team itself. I noticed there wasn't a balance of thought. One thing I've learned from managing channel teams, even as a young man, is the importance of having a diverse group of people in the room. Diversity isn't just about race; it's also about age, gender, and culture.

As I evaluated the team, I realized there was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. My experience at McAfee and Intel taught me a lot, including the value of data within our organization. So, while I inherited a team that was very solid, I saw opportunities to make changes to the team. I was encouraged to broaden the pool of candidates, looking at different areas of diversity intentionally.

As a person of color, do you find that your perspective on inclusion differs from those who are not part of your demographic?

People can make assumptions that African Americans are not diverse in our practices, but we are diverse within our identities. And as an African American man in cybersecurity and IT, I want my story to be about being a great leader, mentor, and parent, rather than solely defined by my race or gender. While I'm reminded daily of my identity, I aim to strike a balance among these roles and not let my race dictate my path. But it is something I consider regularly as I lead teams with authenticity.

As a channel chief, how do you see diversity, equity and inclusion impacting your role and the channel?

That’s an interesting question. My role requires me to actively embody diversity and equity, not just talk about them. When issues arise, I must address them directly. Inclusion means engaging everyone in the room, being proactive in these efforts. While terms like diversity and inclusion are often used, their focus can wane over time. And as a channel chief, it's essential to remain vigilant and actively participate with my team every day.

What should we know about you and your role at Fortinet that we have not yet covered?

When I joined Fortinet, they immediately asked me to be the executive sponsor of our Women in Technology Committee. I was just 30 days into the role, and it was incredible that they saw me as an advocate for women and their careers.

I continue to support Women in the Channel and am the executive sponsor. I realize I'm just a conduit to helping this world get a little bit better, so I thank you for the platform. I really appreciate the recognition.

Read and learn about all the CRN Inclusive Channel Leaders who foster workplace equity here.

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