William Rubio is an accomplished executive with over 29 years of experience in the global telecommunications, IT, Cloud industry, and M&A space. As the Chief Revenue Officer at CallTower, he has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in strategic planning, executive leadership, and technological innovation. His forward-thinking leadership and innovative approach to the Cloud Communications and Collaboration sectors have significantly advanced CallTower’s standing among the industry’s top solution providers.
Under William’s guidance, CallTower has seen exceptional revenue growth achievements, particularly in both emerging and mature markets. His ability to forecast industry trends and business development has been pivotal in capturing opportunities, fostering alliances, and propelling startup ventures into competitive positions. William’s technical expertise spans VoIP, Cloud solutions, wholesale, IT, and operations, which he adeptly combines with his passion for strong partnerships and quality solutions.
The Journey
William’s professional journey commenced as an industrial engineer at AT&T back in 1995. During his pursuit of an MBA, he unearthed a profound interest in Sales, Marketing, and Business Development. The ability to bridge the gap between crafting solutions for clients and effectively communicating and implementing these solutions has always been a source of satisfaction for him. In today’s dynamic work environment, extended tenures with a single organization are becoming increasingly rare, yet he has remained dedicated to two companies over the past 22 years. As time has progressed, William’s passion has shifted towards leading teams, nurturing employee development, and witnessing the growth and success of the organizations he serves. These aspects continue to be his driving force today.
Within his current position, William oversees a spectrum of responsibilities encompassing sales, marketing, business development, and product support. Additionally, he engages in collaborative efforts with the vendors and plays an active role within the M&A Team.
William believes that in any capacity, the essence of continual innovation and fostering challenges among team members is paramount. Simply assuming a managerial role falls short; true leadership entails inspiring individuals to explore new territories and embrace experimentation. “A leader guides rather than merely manages, recognizing the subtle yet crucial distinction between the two. Not all ideas resonate universally, and as a leader, it is imperative to acknowledge and leverage the unique strengths of each team member effectively. Effective leadership hinges on this ability to discern individual capabilities and harness them to drive collective success,” he asserts.
The Company
CallTower offers, integrates, and supports cloud-based communication and collaboration services to a global clientele of businesses. With a strategic focus on platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex, it augments its offerings with additional services like failover, contact center solutions, text messaging, analytics, AI, call recording compliance, and more, delivering a comprehensive end-to-end solution from a single provider. To maintain its distinctive edge, continuous learning and creativity are essential components of its approach.
CallTower dedicates itself to exploring new technologies, monitoring trends, analyzing market data, and delving deep into industry insights to discern the leaders, the laggards, and how it can elevate its performance. “I firmly believe that without challenging our product and engineering teams, sustaining our success becomes an insurmountable challenge. Innovation remains at the core of our ethos, driving us to craft inventive solutions that cater to the unique needs of our valued customers,” says William.
Navigating the Turbulent Market
In the swift currents of the technology industry, continuous research and development are imperative for achieving success. As such, maintaining a mindset of innovation is a perpetual concern that resonates with William. Remaining static and failing to reinvent oneself swiftly places one at a significant disadvantage within a rapidly evolving landscape. The essence lies in the art of reinvention and staying ahead of the curve.
Apart from the above, securing capital poses a perennial challenge for startups or ventures undergoing a fresh start, necessitating prudent utilization of investments. The pivotal question remains: How can I expand my business and boost revenue while keeping the cost of acquisition minimal? Acknowledging that returns on investments may entail a longer gestation period, it’s equally crucial to recognize the importance of swiftly pivoting if a chosen distribution channel proves ineffective. Flexibility and foresight are paramount, feels William and so having a contingency plan ready to deploy is imperative.
“The ability to adapt rapidly stands as the linchpin of success in the startup landscape. While market data and analyst insights offer valuable perspectives, the true litmus test lies in engaging with potential customers and partners. This direct interaction reveals whether you are hitting the mark or veering off course, emphasizing the significance of agility and responsiveness in aligning your strategies with market demands,” he says.
When navigating the realm of revenue generation amidst an evolving market, William observes that being a master of one domain reigns supreme over being a jack of all trades. Selecting a specific vertical and distribution channel as one’s focal point is essential for unlocking success. While secondary channels and verticals remain crucial, concentrating on the primary lead that promises substantial growth is pivotal in propelling bookings and revenue forward.
Embracing Trends
William states that AI stands at the forefront of technological innovation, reshaping the industry and presenting a unique challenge: deciphering its potential to enhance customer experiences.
“Understanding our customers’ requirements and translating them into actionable solutions lies at the heart of this endeavor. Equipping our organization with the requisite knowledge and training is pivotal in establishing our leadership in the realm of AI. By preparing our workforce and fostering a culture of creativity, we empower our employees to drive progress and innovation within the organization,” he says.
At CallTower, staying abreast of industry changes and meeting the evolving demands of modern consumers are integral to the operational ethos. The Company maintains a proactive approach to market trends, technologies, and consumer preferences through continuous research, engagement with industry experts, and monitoring competitor landscapes. By fostering a culture of innovation and learning, it ensures that the teams are equipped to adapt swiftly to shifts in the industry and consumer expectations.
“Our commitment to ongoing training, skill development, and strategic planning enables us to not only meet current demands but also prepare effectively for sustained growth and future opportunities,” adds William.
Going Forward
As CallTower’s team embarks on a global expansion, it becomes paramount for each member to embrace personal growth, lead through demonstration, and continuously challenge our colleagues. The prospect of contributing to a rapidly expanding endeavor and leaving a lasting legacy over the next decade or two is truly exhilarating, per William. Every individual in his team now has the chance to seize this opportunity, embracing it wholeheartedly and relishing the journey ahead.
Words of Wisdom
As we conclude the interaction, William shares the following message for aspiring entrepreneurs:
“Among the myriad principles for success, several key tenets have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Establishing trust within your teams, leading through action, fostering open communication, maintaining humility, providing constructive feedback, and investing in the growth of your team members are pivotal elements that underpin success. These fundamental practices are non-negotiable for any aspiring entrepreneur setting foot into the realm of business.”
A Quote to Live By:
“Being an avid baseball enthusiast, I have long admired Babe Ruth and his legacy. A quote of his that resonates with me on a weekly basis is – Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
Quote: “CallTower is the leading provider of hosted enterprise-class unified communications solutions for growing businesses globally.”
Quote: “We empower organizations worldwide to elevate their communication capabilities to new heights.”
