What does a career path look like at Anaplan? It’s often a unique and evolving journey, full of opportunity. Welcome to Anaplan Growth Journeys, our series exploring the distinct professional paths of our people. Here, we share stories of how Anaplanners develop as leaders, connect with our culture, and make an inspiring impact.
At Anaplan, a career isn't a script you follow. It's an opportunity you own and define. That’s a mindset embodied by leaders like Barbara Kessler, our Vice President of Alliances & Delivery Operations. Her journey is a powerful example of how proactive ownership and a passion for solving complex problems can create incredible opportunities for growth.
When Barbara joined Anaplan, she intentionally chose a role with a narrower scope than her previous one at a larger tech company. Why? She was seeking a specific experience: the chance to drive change at a company on the cusp of transformation.
She found that challenge in redesigning a 15-year-old partner program that was not keeping up with the evolving market. Barbara didn’t just meet the challenge; she delivered a transformational impact, resulting in significant savings in a single year.
But for Barbara, this success wasn't a finish line; it was a springboard. When a new strategic initiative emerged without a clear owner, she proactively stepped up. "I went to the SVP of alliances and said, 'I'd like to lean in here. Let me be your business partner on that,'” she recalls.
This drive to create value — both in her role and as a co-lead for our Women's Interest Network (WIN) Employee Resource Group — made her the obvious choice for leadership. In 2025, Barbara was promoted to Vice President.
Her advice to others is rooted in her own experience: focus on growth, not just promotions. "Careers are not a strictly linear journey," she emphasizes. "If you can get into that mindset of 'What can I gain? How can I grow?', you'll see that growth isn't always about the next upward move."
Barbara's journey is a testament to what happens when you proactively create your own opportunities. If you are a builder and a problem-solver ready to own your future, your journey starts here.