Haylee Clay
Haylee Clay is a dynamic and accomplished professional working at the intersection of cybersecurity and customer success. As a Senior Customer Success Manager at Palo Alto Networks, Haylee plays a pivotal role in ensuring enterprise clients realize the full value of their network security solutions, primarily Prisma Access. Her focus on optimizing client experience and streamlining digital transformation reflects not only her expertise, but also her passion for building authentic relationships. In addition to her technical acumen, Haylee is on the leadership team for Palo Alto Networks’ Women’s Network Community ERG, where she fosters inclusivity and uplifts the voices of women in technology.
Outside of cybersecurity, Haylee channels her passion for exploration into her work as a Travel Advisor with Fora Travel, curating customized, experience-rich journeys for clients using premium industry perks and insights. Her goal is to help make travel accessible to all people who want to go and explore the world.
With a diverse career spanning military service, cake decorating, ranch work, and operations coordination, Haylee brings unmatched versatility and emotional intelligence to every role she takes on. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from San Diego State University, and is known for her honesty, candor, and relentless work ethic—a legacy shaped by generations of trailblazing women in her family. Whether helping clients secure their digital infrastructure or plan a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Haylee is dedicated to doing it right the first time—with energy, empathy, and excellence.
• Project Management Professional
• Certified Travel Advisor
• San Diego State University-California State University- B.A.
• Lion's Key Club International Leadership Society
• Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
• Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors and people who guided me along the way. Primarily, Sarah Dickinson, who i met when i was 18 at the horse ranch with my first owned horse. Sarah also worked in technology and helped guide me from horses, to relationships, to work and everything in between. Ryan Carroll, who was my director at SHI back in the day, and later when I decided I wanted to get back into the tech field, hired me for my first Customer Success role; he's always had my back.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Work on your communication; slow down if you're a fast talker, use pauses strategically - you don't need to fill the air with words.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Tech is a tough industry to be in; as a male dominated field with a general bro culture, do what you can to create a network of people who support you in your job. Build your brand, and make sure you are known for working hard and getting things done. If you feel like you have imposter syndrome, channel your energy into working on your self-worth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Tech: Right now the big thing is AI- both a challenge to create, keep secure and keep accurate. Travel: There seems to be a huge misunderstanding of what travel agents do and how the industry works, i'm sure based on preconceived notions from before the 1990's. A lot of travel agents have varying levels of autonomy, and so people who want to travel but don't have the mental bandwidth to put together a trip and a schedule, should talk to a few different TA's to see how those TA's operate and how they can help. For myself, i can plan everything from a one night stay in a random town, to a full eurotrip, to just a fun bachelorette Tahoe cruise- there are so many options!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Connection, authenticity, kind honesty, trust, and lots of laughs.