Paula Cushing is the Director of IBM Sales Learning. Paula leads a global team of talented professionals charged with transforming IBM's sales learning strategy, sharpening the expertise of IBM's sellers, and creating innovative learning offerings which close skills gaps, accelerate productivity, and enable sellers to grow profitable revenue. Throughout her career Paula has been focused on selling and the sales population. She started her IBM career in 1985 as a Systems Engineer and Sales Representative supporting large banks, financial institutions and insurance companies. She has held various positions within the Sales and Distribution business group including Sales Leader, Marketing Strategist, Operations Manager, and Executive Assistant to Sector General Managers. Her passion for leadership prompted her to join Management Development in 2003 and Sales Learning in 2006.