Spotlight on Madeleine Ellis

Madeleine Ellis is the International Head of Channels at UiPath, where she leads international partner strategy across diverse markets. With a background spanning industries, regions, and cultures, she brings a human-first, results-driven approach to building high-impact alliances. Known for turning relationships into growth engines, Madeleine believes the best partnerships are built on trust, shared purpose, and equal commitment.

How did you get into partnerships?

I’ve always been drawn to people and connecting ideas, building trust, creating momentum. After working across industries and geographies, I realised that partnership is where relationship-building meets real business impact. It was never a plan - it was a natural evolution.

What do you love the most about it?

That moment when two sides align on the same goals, same energy, same accountability. When there’s trust and clarity, you move faster, go further, and build more than just a pipeline - you build something that lasts.

What is the biggest challenge?

Keeping aligned through change. Partnerships aren’t static - they evolve, just like the businesses behind them. It takes constant communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to adapt on both sides – a marriage of equals!

What attributes make you good at your job within partnerships?

Empathy, focus, and the ability to translate vision into action. I’ve worked across sectors, cultures, and functions that help me read the room, ask better questions, and move things forward. I keep it simple, stay people-focused, and always aim for clarity and momentum.

How important is networking and face-to-face in your role?

It’s non-negotiable. You can’t shortcut trust, and it builds faster in person. The best conversations often happen between meetings, when people show up as themselves. That’s where real connection — and real alignment — begins.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to shift into partnerships?

Start by listening. You don’t need a traditional background, just strong instincts for people, purpose, and value. Focus on building trust. Everything else, the frameworks and playbooks, can be learned.

How have partnerships changed in the last 5–10 years?

They’ve become more strategic, integrated, and customer-led. It’s no longer about reselling—it’s about co-creating, co-marketing, and co-delivering. Real partnerships now exist across the whole value chain.

How important will partnerships be in the next five years?

Business-critical. As ecosystems take centre stage, the companies that partner well with speed, purpose, and precision will lead. It’s not optional anymore. It’s how you grow.

What’s your key piece of advice for colleagues in partnerships?

Treat it like a real relationship — 50/50. Show up, follow through, and build with intention. Great partnerships are never one-sided. They work when both sides are all-in, equally committed, and clear on what success looks like.

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