|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
There’s an unwritten rule in business that says no one should bring up a problem without first thinking of a solution. Elizabeth Poole knows the adage well. In fact, she got her current job by following its wisdom.
Around 2016, the native Texan was working at Dell, where part of her duties as senior counsel included supporting the tech giant’s sales transaction teams. One day, she overheard concerns about the future legal support for Boomi, Dell Technologies’ wholly owned SaaS application integration platform at the time. Following a series of M&A transactions, Boomi’s sales team would need a brand-new legal team. “We essentially had a company that needed a full legal function, so I raised my hand and volunteered to step in,” Poole says.
Suddenly, Poole found herself meeting with Boomi’s then-CEO and COO, who looked to her for guidance. First, Poole spoke with Boomi’s account managers and sales leaders to learn what resources they needed to keep operations running smoothly. Then leaders put her on the phone with the company’s chief revenue officer, who had questions about software license agreements.
There was just one problem. Prior to joining Dell, Poole had spent most of her career in the Texas State Teachers Association’s legal department. She then moved to a law firm where she specialized in employment-related matters. Although Poole was an accomplished and experienced attorney, she didn’t have much experience with software license agreement negotiations.
For Poole, volunteering to take the reins at Boomi was a bold move. It was a risk—but a calculated one. “I was looking for an exciting challenge, and I knew I could do it because there is nothing magic about being a lawyer,” she explains. “It all comes down to collaborating, listening, being a good communicator, and putting in the time to understand people and their problems.”
Poole embarked on a virtual listening tour to introduce herself to key members of Boomi’s team and build trust. She also wanted to understand the business and its leaders’ needs before designing a legal structure to support their work.
“The team is the priority at the moment, and if the company is growing, every member should have new opportunities to grow and learn.”
Elizabeth Poole
By 2021, when Dell sold Boomi for $4 billion, the company was ready to stand on its own. After building Boomi’s legal practice, Poole eased Dell and its largest customers through the transition. She stayed with Boomi as its legal counsel, and in 2023, she became the privately held company’s general counsel.
Her first priority as general counsel was to make it easier for Boomi employees to conduct business. She simplified redundant processes, removed roadblocks, identified skill gaps, automated manual steps, addressed regulatory and compliance issues, clarified job duties, and started recruiting legal professionals to join her team.
The Boomi Enterprise Platform gives businesses a new way to discover, manage, and leverage data as they connect users and applications for more efficient outcomes. With a user community that has surpassed 250,000 members, more than 20,000 global customers, and a worldwide network of approximately 800 partners, Boomi is reaching new heights.
“We’ve seen significant growth in recent years thanks to a stellar product and an amazing team,” Poole says. Boomi has invested heavily in AI, automation, and API management. The strategy is paying off now, as businesses rush to complete digital transformations.
In July 2024, Boomi announced a partnership with ServiceNow. The AI-powered ServiceNow App engine allows Boomi to reduce silos and offer clients simplified customer support and streamlined self-service options. Meanwhile, the new Boomi API Control Plane provides users with a centralized dashboard, where they can monitor and manage application programming interfaces in real time.
“There is nothing magic about being a lawyer. It all comes down to collaborating, listening, being a good communicator, and putting in the time to understand people and their problems.”
Elizabeth Poole
With demand for these intelligent solutions on the rise, Boomi is in rapid growth mode. In response, Poole works behind the scenes to make sure her department keeps pace with the overall organization. The legal department may have to expand one day, but for now, Poole is committed to helping its current members find fulfillment.
“I’m heavily invested in my team and am committed to providing each person with as many professional development opportunities as possible,” she says. “The team is the priority at the moment, and if the company is growing, every member should have new opportunities to grow and learn.”
Poole’s approach aligns with Boomi’s culture. In September 2024, the company made Fast Company’s yearly Best Workplaces for Innovators list. Editors recognized Boomi for creating an inclusive environment where leaders solicit input and collaboration from employees at all levels.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators,” said Boomi president Arlen Shenkman. “This recognition is a testament to Boomi’s long history of fostering a culture of innovation. . . . We take great pride in empowering our team members to contribute creatively, collaborate openly, and continually strive for innovation and excellence.”
As the company continues to advance, Poole remains dedicated to leading her legal team with the spirit of collaboration and bold problem-solving that has defined her entire career. “Our culture drives everything we do,” she says. “We’re not just finding solutions to legal issues; we’re helping our clients transform the way they do business.”
“As General Counsel at Boomi, Elizabeth’s achievements and ongoing contributions have established her as a standout leader in the industry. Her dedication and professionalism are truly commendable, and we applaud her remarkable career and continued success.”
–Adam Sloustcher, Regional Managing Partner
“Elizabeth Poole, General Counsel at Boomi, is an exceptional attorney. She demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and collaboration which make her a joy to work with. She is a strategic leader and a true thought partner. We look forward to celebrating more of her successes.”
–Jay Freedman, Partner
