On the record.

Paul Takisaki had an impressive 20-year tenure at Verizon, during which time I had the opportunity to work closely with him while he was already serving as an executive leader overseeing one of our regional markets. Paul consistently demonstrated excellence as a sales leader, achieving Verizon's highest sales honor, the President's Cabinet, on four occasions. In his role as Associate Vice President, reporting directly to me, Paul led our nationwide technical sales organization. His leadership was pivotal in the growth of our Fixed Wireless Access business, as well as in advancing our focus on security and SaaS solutions. Paul brings a calm, thoughtful, and empowering leadership style. He has a remarkable ability to analyze complex data and translate it into actionable strategies that drive results. Paul would be an invaluable asset to any organization.

Paul has thrived in multiple roles, work structures, and disciplines. He is a role model for active listening and intellectual curiosity. He boasts just the right amount of competitiveness which yields superior performance, while showing a desire to help others win. Paul is at his best when leading a team of sales leaders in highly technical and relationship-oriented environments. No one has a keener knowledge of their business and team.

I had the privilege of working under Paul Takisaki's leadership when he was the Associate Vice President for the Technical Sales Organization (TSO) at Verizon. During my time as the leader of the Product Specialist team within TSO, Paul stood out as one of the most empowering leaders I have encountered. Paul's exceptional leadership style is characterized by his composure, calmness, and fairness. He possesses a remarkable ability to actively listen, read the audience, and guide decision-making toward the most advantageous path for the business. Paul's extensive experience in wireless communications, cybersecurity, and unified communication is complemented by his unyielding curiosity. He was among the first Verizon leaders to embrace AI in both his daily work and strategic thinking. I highly recommend Paul Takisaki as a valuable asset to any organization.

Paul is one of the most strategic, people-first leaders that I have ever worked for. I have seen him lead sales leaders, technology consultants, and operational teams to equal levels of best in class results. Paul drives his leaders through a creative, business-first and transparent mindset. He would be an asset to any technology corporation in any sales or strategic executive role.

Paul has been an instrumental part of my leadership development over the years. He helped me increase my overall confidence, improve my executive presence, and develop into a more effective communicator and leader. Paul's leadership development style brings out the very best in everyone. He is extremely effective at developing strategic initiatives, motivating teams, and driving performance execution. I would not be the leader I am today without Paul's leadership and guidance over the years.

Working with Paul Takisaki has been a deeply transformative experience. His compassion and unwavering focus on building from a place of strength made me feel truly seen and supported. As a mentor, Paul leads with vulnerability, drawing from his own lived experiences to create a space of trust and openness. That kind of authenticity made it easy for me to open up, and it allowed Paul to guide me with both heart and clarity. His wisdom, paired with a rich and diverse professional background, helped me navigate my own career questions with newfound confidence and direction. Paul doesn't just coach, he empowers.

Paul has a unique ability to foster a culture of empowerment and innovation. He excels at listening to the frontline and translating their insights into actionable team-driven initiatives that further drive results. Over 7+ years Paul has provided mentorship and resources to grow and exceed in a strategic sales environment. Paul would be an asset to any sales or strategic executive role, and it has been an absolute pleasure growing and learning from Paul.

In my 11-year career at Verizon I had always chased and missed our most prestigious award, President's Cabinet. When I finally earned that award it was Paul who broke the news to me. It was the first time he and I had met, but I knew immediately that he was someone who understood me. Paul has a unique way of quickly creating great relationships. Paul held a title several steps above mine but always treated me as a peer. In one-on-one conversation, Paul has the rare ability to truly provide his undivided attention. He selflessly committed his valuable time to me and worked hard to provide the mentorship I needed and the roadmap I wanted to outgrow my role and become a leader in his footsteps. Selfless leaders can be hard to find.

Career growth can be navigated two ways through mentorship: it can be taught and it can be learned. I have learned many a thing from Paul Takisaki in the 14 years I have known him. Two of the biggest lessons: take a chance on potential, and focus on strengths. What is great is that Paul was an example of his own philosophies, living proof that removed any doubt about the lessons he shared. I have incorporated his perspective by driving success in the teams I have led, helping people bet on themselves and find new ceilings. I may not be as good looking as him, but hey, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.