How Embracing Change Shaped Patrick’s Career at Dell
Patrick Thornhill | Field Product Manager, AI & Cloud | Ireland
Originally Published: November 3, 2025
What inspired you to join Dell, and how has your journey here shaped your skills and career in ways you didn’t expect?
Growing up in Cork, Dell was always a household name—one of the biggest employers in the region, with friends and family connected to it. I joined through the graduate program nearly 15 years ago, and it’s been the foundation of my entire career. Dell has given me lifelong friendships, the chance to travel the world, lead global teams, and experience diverse cultures. It’s also supported major milestones in my life—getting married, starting a family, and buying a home. I owe a lot to Dell, and I’m incredibly proud of the journey.
What’s one idea you’ve brought to life at Dell that reflects your personal values or cultural perspective—and how did Dell’s environment help make it possible?
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with incredible mentors and managers who truly shaped my path. Their support inspired me to give back through the GenNext Employee Resource Group (ERG), where I help guide and mentor the next generation of Dell talent. Every year, I’m blown away by the energy and brilliance of our new hires. I often reflect on my own start 15 years ago—and honestly, they’d have left me in the dust!
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while working at Dell, and how has it influenced the way you approach your work?
Over 15 years at Dell, I’ve seen the IT industry evolve dramatically. Early on, change felt daunting. Now, I see it as an opportunity. In marketing, we’re harnessing AI to boost productivity and precision. In sales, adapting to cloud technologies led me to help shape our APEX strategy. In services, shifting to converged and hyper-converged infrastructure opened new growth paths. I’ve learned that with the right mindset, change isn’t something to fear, it’s something to lead.
					If your role at Dell were a movie, what would the title be?
Pitch Perfect: The Enterprise Edition
- Empowering teams, captivating customers, and owning the tech stage—one campaign at a time.
 - Pitch reflects the art of storytelling and sales enablement.
 - Perfect speaks to the precision and strategy behind our work.
 - Enterprise Edition grounds it in the B2B tech world, with a touch of flair.
 
If I were to compare my role to an existing movie, it would be Moneyball. Just like Billy Beane used data and analytics to revolutionize baseball, I use insights to craft innovative marketing strategies that challenge the status quo and help us outperform the competition.
If your Dell experience were a recipe, what would the key ingredients be?
- Knowledge – A mentor once told me: “Be a lifelong learner.” That advice has guided me throughout my career.
 - Fun – From playing on the Dell soccer and tag rugby teams to unforgettable Christmas parties and summer BBQs, Dell has been a place of joy and connection.
 - Teamwork – The people and culture at Dell are second to none. It’s the reason I’ve never looked elsewhere.
 
					How has Dell’s culture of innovation and collaboration helped you grow both personally and professionally?
Dell’s Culture Code has been a guiding light for me. It taught me that teamwork drives success, that challenging the status quo leads to innovation, and that diverse perspectives are a competitive advantage. Michael Dell’s mantra—“Play Nice But Win”—resonates deeply. Integrity matters. These values have shaped not just my professional growth, but who I am as a person, a husband, and a father to three amazing kids.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to build a career at Dell, based on your own experience, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to explore. Dell offers a world of opportunity. I started in professional services, getting hands-on with products and traveling globally. Then came operations, where I learned the power of data and process. Sales brought me face-to-face with customers, and marketing taught me the art of storytelling and enablement. Each role built on the last, and every experience added depth to my career. At Dell, the possibilities are endless—there’s a path for everyone.
To learn more about life at Dell, visit Our Stories.
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