Meet the Ripplers: Maeve Shannon

Meet Maeve Shannon, Rippling’s first Technical Account Manager in EMEA, based in Dublin. In over two years, she’s built out the TAM function from one to four, grown from an individual contributor to a people manager, and balanced it all through quiet reflection—often found out on a long run. Read more about Maeve’s journey of growth, candor, and connection, both with her customers and her team.

Runner’s mindset

I love long-distance running. It clears my head and helps me work through things, whether it’s personal or professional. On a run, I’ll often find myself coming up with new ways to solve customer problems—it’s basically free therapy. Sometimes I run solo to recharge, other times with friends or family. When my little sister was visiting from Australia, we ran together every evening that week. It was our way of catching up while getting our miles in. For me, running is about connection as much as it is about endurance.

Freeing smart people

In Technical Account Management, I usually explain our roles like this: we help customers use Rippling to benefit their business. Our customers are incredibly smart, and I love freeing them up from the repetitive, manual tasks so they can focus on the exciting, challenging stuff. 

A mantra that I always live by is, ‘Curiosity is better than certainty.’ TAMs will never know it all. Rippling has such vast product offerings, so I tell my team to listen to our customers and ask questions. Then, we strategize, recommend solutions, and make sure they’re getting the most out of Rippling. Not to be too corny, but we truly free them up to work on the hard problems. 

Leading with candor

I’ve recently stepped into a leadership role, managing a team of three, and I’d describe my leadership style as candid and transparent. I always try to put everything on the table so people know it’s a safe space. Feedback is a big part of that. I try to take the taboo out of it so it’s just a normal, everyday conversation. That way, feedback helps with training, development, and growth—for them and for me. I don’t get it right every single day, but my goal is always to create a space where people can show up fully as themselves.

Taking control of your growth

I’ve only been a manager for about eight months, and I know I’ll be learning forever. That’s why I ask my team for feedback as much as I give it. I believe that growth is something we do together. I want my team to hit their professional goals and personal ones too, because when they grow, I grow alongside them.

At Rippling, you can take control of your own destiny. Career progression doesn’t always look like team management. If you’re an IC, you can level up to be the best IC you can be. If you want to be a people leader like me, Rippling supports you with coaching opportunities from managers, peer-to-peer mentoring, and coaching circles. You get the tools you need to grow in the direction you want.

Big opportunities ahead

I’m especially excited about what’s ahead for the EMEA TAM team; there’s so much potential. But what drives me most is the customer experience. I want Rippling TAMs to be remembered as really good, customer-facing representatives. Building and maintaining those relationships is what sets us apart. It’s not about upsell—it’s about making sure customers are adopting and using the platform to its full potential. For me, it’s about ensuring customers get the absolute best of Rippling and walk away feeling supported, valued, and confident.

The best of Rippling

The  best part of working at Rippling is the atmosphere and the pace. I don’t bring a mask and bring a different Maeve to work. There’s a genuine sense of support and rapport — people want you to succeed, not just at your job but in your life outside of work too. That’s essential because working here is a bit of a roller coaster, in the best way. One day you’re celebrating the best news, and the next you’re putting out fires and coming up with mitigation strategies. It’s exciting, it’s thrilling, and no two days are ever the same. It takes a positive attitude, resilience, and the ability to dust yourself off to succeed.