Changing the Perception of Sales: Recent Episodes
This Is Prime
Talking to the real people in Sales. Learning about their journey, the things they've learnt and the challenges they've faced to become top-performing salespeople. This series is to continue our vision to Change the Perception of Sales and make it a career of choice. We strongly believe that by bringing successful people together, we can add value and insight to salespeople who want to develop themselves and sales leaders who want to build their teams/businesses.
He lasted five days in his first sales role. Now David Wilkins runs a 13,000 strong global community for SDR leaders.
In this episode, Kyle sits down with David Wilkins, founder of SDR Leaders of EMEA, USA & APAC. They talk about his winding path into sales, starting with a brutal five-day stint in a job straight out of Wolf of Wall Street, through leading global SDR teams at Palo Alto Networks and Snowflake, to building a 13,000 person community that started on a New Year's Eve dog walk.
They cover why managing up might be the most underrated skill in sales, the debate over whether SDRs should report into sales or marketing, why cold calling never actually went away, and what the SDR role will look like in 2030. A must listen for anyone in sales development.
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined with Prime’s very own Head of Sales Training, Steve Lowndes!
With over 30 years of sales experience and tens of thousands of salespeople trained, Steve knows what makes sales conversations work. So, we asked him what the three biggest challenges new SDRs might face, and how he would overcome them.
He narrowed it down to three core areas: discipline and mindset, keeping track of sales maths and metrics, and focusing on the right things, like building conversations before pitching a meeting too early.
Whether you’re new to sales or leading a team of SDRs, Steve’s advice is all about mastering the fundamentals that create long-term success.
Welcome to a special mini-series of Changing the Perception of Sales. This time, we’re joined by sales therapist and coach Robin Burr.
Across these short, focused episodes, Robin shares actionable sales techniques and practical advice you can put into practice right away.
From handling objections to improving how you communicate, each session is designed to give you quick, effective tools to level up your sales skills.
Whether you’re just starting out in sales, or you’re leading a team, these bite-sized episodes will help you sell with confidence.
Welcome to a special mini-series of Changing the Perception of Sales. This time, we’re joined by sales therapist and coach Robin Burr.
Across these short, focused episodes, Robin shares actionable sales techniques and practical advice you can put into practice right away.
From handling objections to improving how you communicate, each session is designed to give you quick, effective tools to level up your sales skills.
Whether you’re just starting out in sales, or you’re leading a team, these bite-sized episodes will help you sell with confidence.
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, Kyle dives into one of Apple’s most talked-about new update: the new iOS call screening feature.
He breaks down what it actually means for salespeople:
-The features and how they work in practice
-The pros and cons for outbound sales
-And most importantly, the opportunities for reps who adapt early
If your role involves picking up the phone, this update could change the way you prospect. Tune in to hear how to make it work for you, not against you.
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined by Jonathon Ilett, founder of Revenue Syndicate and former VP of Global Sales at Cognism.
In our conversation, Jonathon shares how he built his career at the top of sales and how those same skills have shaped his journey into entrepreneurship and investing. We talk about why sales shouldn’t be seen as a short-term stop, but a career where longevity creates real value – both for the reps themselves and for the businesses they help scale.
We explore why a background in sales can make you a stronger investor, what to look for when starting out, and how sales skills like resilience, communication, and strategy translate far beyond hitting targets.
If you’re a sales professional looking for career inspiration, curious about investing, or simply want to learn from someone who has scaled both a sales career and their own ventures, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Welcome to a special mini-series of Changing the Perception of Sales. This time, we’re joined by sales therapist and coach Robin Burr.
Across these short, focused episodes, Robin shares actionable sales techniques and practical advice you can put into practice right away.
From handling objections to improving how you communicate, each session is designed to give you quick, effective tools to level up your sales skills.
Whether you’re just starting out in sales, or you’re leading a team, these bite-sized episodes will help you sell with confidence.
Welcome to a special mini-series of Changing the Perception of Sales. This time, we’re joined by sales therapist and coach Robin Burr.
Across these short, focused episodes, Robin shares actionable sales techniques and practical advice you can put into practice right away.
From handling objections to improving how you communicate, each session is designed to give you quick, effective tools to level up your sales skills.
Whether you’re just starting out in sales, or you’re leading a team, these bite-sized episodes will help you sell with confidence.
Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!
These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.
In this episode, we take a look back at our conversation with motivational speaker and sales trainer, Tony Morris.
Tony shared the importance of finding a 'why' in sales to keep you going, as well as how focusing on your 'whale' can help you find patterns in your work.
To hear the full episode, check out our channel!
Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!
These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.
In this episode, we look back on our conversation with Anna Bella, the now Senior Manager of Sales Development at Snyk.
Early on in her career, Anna was put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which gave her the push to strive for more.
We discuss her story, how she stood out as an SDR and her advice to young SDRs craving progression.
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined by Adam Graham, founder of Gray Matters and an expert in agency growth, to unpack what it really takes to build a high-performing sales function and create a brand that stands out in today’s competitive landscape.
Adam shares his step-by-step advice on building your sales team from the ground up, including where to start and how to make your first sales hires the right way. He dives deep into the secrets of positioning your business so you don’t just compete, you lead. He also explains what it means to be a true challenger brand that knows exactly who it is and how to sell that identity with confidence.
We also get into why your value proposition is everything, how to find your niche in even the most crowded markets, and the crucial importance of aligning your branding and messaging across every platform, from your website to your sales pitches. Adam breaks down why investing in the right processes and CRMs can make or break your growth, and how sales and marketing need to operate on the same calendar with shared goals if you want real results.
Finally, Adam shares his thoughts on why changing the perception of sales isn’t just a nice-to-have, but an absolute necessity for any modern business serious about sustainable success. So, if you’re a founder or sales leader, or just want to understand how sales and branding work together, this is a must-listen.
Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.
In this episode, Keir Shave, who you might also recognise from Season 19 of The Apprentice, shares how customising your sales script and mirroring your prospect can make every call feel more natural, personal, and effective.
From working in telesales himself to running his own business (Parallel Partnerships) centered around cold calling, Keir has learnt how to sell to pretty much everyone. In this clip, he breaks down his approach to two of the most out-there prospects, chicken farmers and funeral directors.
To hear more from Keir, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined by the incredible Jessica Lorimer - the founder of Selling to Corporate, but you might know her from her appearances on Good Morning Britain. Jess brings a refreshing honesty to the world of sales and shares real, actionable insights that anyone in a sales role (from SDR to senior leadership) can use to improve their approach.
Before launching her own business, Jess built a successful career in high-level corporate sales. But after being diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disorder and told that her lifestyle could leave her in a wheelchair by her 30s, she made the life-changing decision to step away from her role in London. Instead of leaving sales behind, she took her knowledge and experience and turned it into a business: one that helps companies and salespeople sell more effectively with less stress and more integrity.
In this value-packed episode of the podcast, we cover Jess’s personal story and how it shaped her approach to sales, as well as the mindset shifts that made her business a success. You’ll also learn about the importance of sales skills outside of traditional sales roles, and why Jess believes sales training should start in schools.
But the real highlight? Jess shares her 5-Step Sales Framework, the method she teaches businesses and individuals to help them improve performance, hit targets, and succeed in sales without burning out. Whether you're brand new to an SDR role or already moving into management, these five steps are practical, achievable, and designed to work in real life (not just in theory).
We also get into some of the biggest challenges salespeople face today; like how to build the business case for a promotion or pay rise, the real point of cold calling in 2025, and why staying emotionally detached as a salesperson can actually make you more successful.
If you're an SDR looking to make your mark, someone considering a sales role, or a leader wanting to get the best from your sales team, this episode is full of insights you can actually use.
Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!
These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.
With grad season just around the corner, we've turned the clock back to our very first season when we sat down with Alex Harris. He shares how he landed his dream role, becoming the very first SDR in a cyber security tech firm. He also gives actionable tips for interviewing and making the most of your time as a job-seeker.
To hear more from Alex, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we are joined by Stephen Solademi, the founder of SOS Creativity. Growing up in Nigeria, Stephen found a very early start in sales helping his mum at the age of 9.
Stephen’s sales journey began early. At just 9 years old, he was helping his mum with her pharmacy business in his home country of Nigeria. Whether it was interacting with customers, watching how she built relationships through trust, or figuring out how to be the solution to people’s ailments, Stephen was immersed in the principles of business and sales from a young age. These early experiences shaped his mindset and planted the seed for what would eventually become a lifelong passion.
But, Stephen’s path was far from straightforward. After moving to the UK at 14, he was thrust into a different culture, education system, and social landscape.. Struggling through school in a new country, with no connections and limited resources, he eventually landed a commission-only sales role. For many, this kind of role would be daunting. But for Stephen, it became a training ground. He learned how to handle rejection, stay motivated, and develop the grit needed to succeed.
From there, Stephen’s natural flair for sales quickly propelled him to the top of the league tables at a phone shop, where he discovered his true passion for the industry. Fast forward to today, and he’s a successful entrepreneur helping other business owners align their sales and marketing strategies.
Stephen shares with us the lessons his incredible journey has taught him about everything from job-searching to communication and resilience. He also gives his tips for founders and salespeople looking to build authority in their industry. Finally, he lays out a practical approach to aligning the efforts of your sales and marketing team.
🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that challenge the way people perceive sales!
Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!
These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.
In this episode, the minds behind We Have a Meeting - Jack Frimston & Zac Thompson - share why they think cold calling isn't a dying art. They also give some actionable tips on how you can transform the way you tackle the phones.
To hear more from Jack and Zac, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!
Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!
These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.
In this episode, award-winning sales trainer Andy Bounds shares his strategy for tackling meetings. He gives tips for questioning a prospect, featuring his 'afters early' technique. Andy also gives his thoughts on what makes a great presentation.
To hear more from Andy, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined by the powerhouse of The Apprentice season 19, Mia Collins. You might recognise her from your TV screen, but behind the confident, entrepreneurial go-getter is a story of resilience, personal growth, and relentless ambition. Mia always had an interest in business but grew up lacking confidence and, as she puts it, basically mute.
But, when she landed a role in sales, everything changed. Her unique and personable approach saw her excel with clients and her confidence skyrocket. Always ready for another challenge, Mia combined her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for healthy food and founded MeMeals, a meal prep service for health-conscious gym-goers without the time or skills to do it themselves.
That business idea and hunger for success was what landed her on our screens earlier this year in the latest season of the BBC’s The Apprentice. So, in this episode, we discuss the sacrifices she made to run her own business alongside a full-time sales career, share her journey onto the show and pull back the curtain on some of the biggest challenges.
Of course, no conversation with Mia would be complete without some juicy behind-the-scenes stories from The Apprentice. From the infamous Easter egg task (where she managed to sell 80,000 “green yule logs”) to her culinary success in Turkey, she shares what it was REALLY like in the boardroom and the unexpected lessons that came from each task.
And if you think Mia’s all business, think again! She’s also a dedicated bodybuilder. Mia talks about how she found her love for competing, the discipline it requires, and how bodybuilding has taught her just as much about sales and entrepreneurship as any business venture.
If you're looking for inspiration on how to turn dreams into reality, juggle multiple passions, and get a peek behind the curtain of one of the UK’s biggest business shows, this episode is for you.
Sales is more than just closing deals, the skills and opportunities you gain can take you anywhere. Our guest on Changing the Perception of Sales this week, Whitney Williams, is living proof of that.
Whitney’s career in sales began through a placement at a construction publication over a decade ago. This was where she developed her sales skills and sparked her passion for communication. That passion led her to build a thriving PR firm, working with clients across the world. But her path to success was anything but ordinary.
Before her first placement, Whitney faced adversity that few could imagine. After a difficult childhood, she found herself homeless and eventually serving time in prison. It was a turning point that reshaped her future. She shares how she rebuilt her life, turned setbacks into strengths, and used her sales career to forge a new path.
Beyond business, Whitney’s story is about resilience, mindset, and proving that your past doesn’t define your future. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and personal growth.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who needs a reminder that success is always possible - no matter where you start.
Sales is more than just closing deals. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and personal growth. In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we sit down with Brett James, VP of Sales at Leadoo and Sales Manago, to explore his incredible journey through the sales industry.
Brett started his career the old-school way: getting in a car and driving across the country to sell face-to-face. It was a true baptism of fire, learning firsthand how to build relationships, handle rejection, and master the art of persuasion. Those experiences shaped his understanding of sales and are still as important now in his senior leadership role as ever before.
But as his career progressed, so did his leadership. Brett shares how he has evolved over the years, moving from a hands-on, traditional sales approach to a more strategic and coaching-first style. He discusses what it takes to build and lead high-performing sales teams, the importance of adapting to change, and why the best sales leaders are those who focus on development, culture, and empowerment.
Beyond sales, Brett opens up about one of the biggest challenges of his life: his battle with testicular cancer. He talks candidly about how it shifted his perspective, not just on work but on life itself. From reassessing what truly matters to redefining his leadership philosophy, Brett’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and inspiration.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone, whether you’re just starting out in sales, looking to refine your leadership style, or simply in need of some inspiration. Brett’s insights will leave you with valuable takeaways that you can apply to your own career and life.
🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that challenge the way people perceive sales!
Artificial Intelligence. In recent years, it has grown rapidly from a fun, futuristic possibility to an essential part of everyday life. AI has transformed how we generate ideas, create art, and collaborate with others. But does it have the potential to change the way we sell?
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we sat down with Jeremy Smith, the founder of Neural Voice, to dive into this game-changing question. Neural Voice is at the forefront of AI-driven sales technology, creating bots that take on key parts of the sales cycle. According to Jeremy, AI isn’t just a tool to assist sales teams—it has the potential to make SDR roles completely obsolete, and sooner than we think.
But is that really where sales is headed? Or is the human element in sales too important to replace? To put this idea to the test, we trialed Neural Voice’s AI SDRs firsthand. How well did they handle prospecting? Could they effectively engage potential customers? And most importantly—did they actually sound human? We break down our experience, discussing the strengths and limitations of AI-driven sales conversations.
Beyond that, we tackled one of the biggest debates in sales right now: is cold calling dying, and is AI killing it? With more companies integrating AI into their sales processes, some believe traditional outreach methods like cold calling will soon be a thing of the past. Others argue that no technology can truly replace the trust and rapport built through a real conversation with a human.
Whether you’re a sales leader, an SDR, or just curious about the future of AI in business, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Will AI take over, or will sales always need the human touch? Tune in to hear our thoughts—and decide for yourself.
What’s George Michael without Andrew Ridgeley? What’s Ant without Dec? What’s Jack without Zac?
This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with both halves of the duo behind We Have a Meeting and A Sales Consultancy, Jack Frimston and Zac Thompson.
In this episode, we share their stories and how We Have a Meeting came to be. From singing on a cruise ship to a slightly toxic sales environment, to the harsh realities of life hitting hard, Jack and Zac share it all.
Growing a successful business centred on cold-calling has made Jack and Zac experts on using the phones to your advantage. So, they discuss their top tips and how you can book meetings with meaning.
It wouldn’t be a WHAM podcast without a healthy dose of memento mori and stoicism. So, Jack and Zac discuss what these philosophies have shaped their life and share some actionable insights.
… and much, much more! So, if you’re looking to improve your performance on the phones, become more positive, or just have a good old laugh, tune in!
Who can say they've rowed the Atlantic Ocean solo (and been the fastest Brit to do so), served as both a Marines Commander and Covert Operations Leader, and founded the fastest-growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies in the world? Our next guest, Mike Bates, can.
In this very special episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, Mike shares his extraordinary life and career and what they have taught him about leadership, resilience, passion, and living a life without limits. From the gruelling isolation of the Atlantic to the high-pressure decisions of covert military operations, Mike’s story is packed with insights that everyone - salespeople included - can take from to make the most of 2025.
This episode offers something for everyone. Whether you're leading a team, pursuing a personal challenge, or simply looking for inspiration to push past your limits, Mike’s lessons on adaptability, perseverance, and bold decision-making are universally applicable. His ability to connect the dots between extreme adventure, military leadership, and personal growth will resonate with anyone striving to perform at their best.
As sales leaders, it can feel natural to focus on the things you can control, such as product direction, pricing strategies, and marketing campaigns. What often feels less straightforward—but is infinitely more impactful—is empowering your people. Trying to control people, however, crosses ethical lines and can harm morale and innovation. Instead, it's vital to see them as the driving force behind your goals. Your team members bring the energy, creativity, and dedication necessary for any real success, and their individual needs and motivations deserve respect and attention.
In this episode, Kyle sits down with Phil Putnam, former Senior Global Enablement Manager at Adobe, who shares insights from his journey through leadership. Phil discusses the importance of desire and empathy in effective people leadership, emphasising that many sales managers often prioritise the wrong things. Instead of focusing solely on metrics, he believes sales leaders should connect with the unique aspirations and strengths of each team member.
His approach, known as desire-based leadership, underscores that when leaders align their goals with the personal desires of their team, they create a foundation for genuine, sustained performance. To dive deeper into Phil’s perspective, tune into the episode and explore his book Desire-Based Leadership here.
This episode, we welcome two very special guests in the podcast studio - Neil Clough and Nicole Plinston. Just over 10 years ago, they joined forces and founded Prime with the mission to change the perception of sales. So, what better way to celebrate our 10th anniversary and the run up to Christmas than have their very first employee interview them on air!
Kyle, Nicole and Neil recall the ups and downs of Prime’s beginnings and how they found the motivation to keep going through recessions, industry changes and a little thing called the pandemic. As Nicole states, the only constant in recruitmen is change itself, so being agile and open to change is key! To learn firsthand how Prime navigated these challenges, make sure you tune in!
Only 28% of UK businesses survive 10 years. So, if you’re looking to start a business that lasts, a successful career in sales or just a good laugh and some advice, this episode is not to be missed.
In the first episode of season 5, Kyle sits down (in person!!) with Hishem Azzouz, the founder of Hector, a market-leading training platform for recruitment professionals. Hishem’s journey into sales began with a commission-only job in Magaluf, where he sold bar crawl tickets to holidaymakers in one of Europe’s busiest party destinations.
However, Hishem’s true passion was always in recruitment, so he pivoted, working tirelessly to establish himself in the industry. He began by building a personal brand on LinkedIn, regularly sharing valuable insights. His posts quickly gained traction, earning him a reputation as a knowledgeable and approachable figure in recruitment.
Leveraging his personal brand and industry insights, Hishem launched Hector, a platform now widely regarded as one of the best training resources in recruitment. To hear more about how - through a dedication to learning and development - Hishem found success, make sure to tune in!
On the season finale of Changing the Perception of Sales, Kyle sits down with sales trainer Andy Bounds.
Andy found a passion for communication as a child when he noticed the issues his blind mum navigating the world. Since then, Andy has worked in over 40 countries and with brands like John Lewis and Barclays to change the way they sell.
If you want to learn how to streamline your sales process, communicate with a purpose and make better sales, don’t skip this episode!
In this episode of the ‘Changing the Perception of Sales’ podcast, Kyle catches up with sales trainer and public speaker, Tony Morris.
Tony shares his journey to professional success, from starting in software sales to being invited to speak in over 30 countries! He also explains the process of finding his ‘why’ and how he helps others to find their true motivations.
For anyone looking to have a successful career - whether in the sales industry or not - this episode is a goldmine of advice and proven techniques that have helped Tony support sales teams across the world.
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, Kyle catches up with founder and CEO of Parallel Partnerships, Keir Shave.
After a successful start to his career, one email turned Keir’s world upside down. This setback created the perfect time to start anew. This became the origin story of Parallel Partnerships.
Keir and Kyle discuss the challenges of starting a new business, his experience selling to everyone from farmers to undertakers, and his advice for the next generation of SDRs.
On this episode of the podcast, Kyle sits down with Adam Jones: CCO of B2W Group and Non-Exec Director of 3THINKRS. Once on either end of a disastrous cold call, Kyle and Adam now come together to discuss how their work is changing the perception of sales.
From starting his sales career selling software to the farmers of Malawi to becoming a sales leader, Adam took an unlikely route into sales but flourished under the pressure. Despite his unusual start in the industry, Adam is a strong advocate for universities teaching sales techniques and theory. Taking from his years of sales experience, Adam also shares how he manages to stay present in the moment and be mindful in the face of pressure in a sales environment.
Finally, after over 2 years, Kyle and Adam break down their infamous cold call. Learning from this moment, they give tips to new sales professionals so they can achieve the best results without the awkwardness.
Royden Greaves, Founder of Jarvis, a revolutionary retirement tool, shares his unique journey from the world of sales to becoming a financial advisor on a mission to educate and empower individuals to make better financial decisions.
Royden delves into the importance of finance education, emphasising the steps everyone, including salespeople, can take to build wealth without breaking the bank. He offers practical insights on saving the right way and the crucial role of pension knowledge, ensuring that individuals understand everything about their pension!
Enhance your financial knowledge and take control of your retirement planning!
Joined by Sarah Brazier, Co-Founder at Dimmo.AI, we delve into her viral LinkedIn post highlighting discrimination surrounding maternity policies. Sarah shares her journey, exploring reasons behind such discrimination and potential solutions for fostering inclusivity.
Beyond this crucial issue, Sarah offers insights into her transition from acting to top SDR, providing tips on effective cold-calling. She also discusses the future of the evolving SDR role in the sales industry.
This enlightening discussion on sales, inclusivity, and personal growth discovers how embracing change can lead to remarkable opportunities
In this episode, we're joined by Robin Burr, a Sales Performance Trainer and Therapist at UGen Training and Consultancy. Robin shares his unique perspective on the often-overlooked psychological aspects of sales.
Drawing from his initial experiences in sales, Robin sheds light on the highs and lows of the profession and how the struggle for consistency can impact one's mental health. He discusses his transition into coaching and training, advocating for a more therapeutic approach to sales.
Tune in as Robin delves into the power of hypnosis in sales, exploring how it can help salespeople overcome mental barriers and enhance their performance. He also shares valuable insights on the importance of tonality and how to leverage it effectively to increase sales success.
Michaela Wain, Managing Director and Founder of Design & Build, an award-winning national online and hard copy construction magazine, joins us for another fantastic podcast episode! Michaela began in construction sales before launching her own businesses. She aims to educate and encourage more women to enter the construction industry and show young women that it can be a successful career path.
Our discussion with Michaela delves into her journey from construction sales to entrepreneurship, a path that was not without its challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she faced numerous obstacles, but her determination and resilience led her to where she is today. Her mission to empower women in construction is not just a goal, but a necessity in a world that needs more diversity and inclusivity. We also explore why women should be open about pursuing financial success and, of course, her experience as a finalist in BBC's The Apprentice reality show.
This raw and candid episode provides insights into changing perceptions of women in sales and construction.
In this insightful episode of the "Changing the Perception of Sales" podcast series, Anna Bella, Director of Sales Development, joins us to share her unique perspectives and experiences that have shaped her career journey.
Get ready to dive into a captivating discussion that explores:
• New country, new language - Anna's challenges and triumphs of navigating a new country without knowing the language.
• Discovering Her Calling in Leadership
• Coaching Success Plans instead of PIPS - Anna's fresh approach to redefining traditional performance plans as "coaching success plans.
• Hiring Right - How making the right hire directly reflects your leadership style and values.
• Top SDR Mistakes - Offering valuable lessons for those aspiring to advance their careers in sales.
• Building an Environment of Goal Orientation
• Video Prospecting vs Cold Call
• Going to University as a Mature Student
And so much more!
Take advantage of this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on sales development, leadership, and personal growth from the remarkable Anna Bella.
Get ready for an insightful conversation with James Ski, CEO & Founder of Sales Confidence, on The Changing the Perception of Sales Podcast Series. James brings a wealth of experience as one of the most successful salespeople at LinkedIn, where he played a pivotal role in the company's explosive growth. He is now the founder of a community that drives salespeople to take their careers to the next level!
Sales Confidence has evolved into a transformative learning and development platform, offering a subscription-based membership that focuses on enhancing skills and cultivating a positive mindset. It serves as a beacon of personal growth, guiding individuals to unlock their full potential through a holistic approach combining practical knowledge and mindset training.
In this episode, James shares his journey and insights on:
- His early pursuit of a sales career and his initial perspective of the industry
- Strategies for training yourself to be likeable and effective in sales
- Leveraging LinkedIn for sales success and growing a social media presence
- The role of content creation for salespeople in the modern era
- The story behind Sales Confidence and its impact on the sales community
- Living with Bipolar and turning it into a superpower
- Exploring the potential of TikTok as a game-changing platform for salespeople
- How to change the perception of sales and make it a career of choice for the next generation
Tom Lavery is the Co-Founder & CEO at Jiminny, a product that not only attracts, supports and retains top talent but empowers them to fulfil their potential! Tom started his sales career at 18 but progressed to management in his early 20s, occupied a board-level position by 25 and now runs a successful business that recently acquired $16.5m in Series A funding!
Topics
- Unpacking Tom's journey in sales to becoming a SVP and then creating his own business, Jiminny.
- What is required to start your own business and the sacrifices you must make to succeed.
- What it's like to be a Co-founder & CEO within the tech community.
- The importance and how to create a coaching culture.
- Why grit and determination will always be the number reason that people succeed.
And much more!
Few of us can say we started our sales career going door to door in Australia. And few of us know the nerve-wracking feeling of knocking on someone's door and not knowing how they're going to react…
David Bentham, Director of Sales Development at Cognism, joined us on the podcast to talk us through his experience travelling across Australia, stumbling into door-to-door sales with HelloFresh and his progression to managing 60 Direct Sales Reps – all of which shaped his career in SaaS sales today!
Topics:
• His Journey from Door-to-door Sales in Australia to now leading a Sales Development Function within SaaS
• His advice to anyone looking to follow down the same journey
• The Debate on: "Is Cold Calling Dead?"
• His top tips for Cold Calling
• How he has built a successful online presence
And much more!
Did you know only 1% of capital funding is awarded to women business owners in the UK, and only 0.1% is based in Leeds?! Well, Zandra Moore is on a mission to change that!
Zandra Moore is the Co-Founder & CEO of Panintelligence, an embedded data analytics platform for businesses working within SaaS, and the founder of No Code Lab and the gender equality network Lean In Leeds, a community of professional women empowering each other to achieve their ambitions. A perfect guest to have on the podcast to help change the perception of sales!
Topics
- Her story into the world of sales.
- The role models that have helped Zandra become who she is today.
- Why she didn't "just fall into sales" but instead chose to pursue it.
- The journey to building one of the biggest networks for gender equality in the UK.
- How she made her Dyslexia a superpower.
And so much more!
Beginning your sales career selling Chocolate Almonds to now being the Managing Director of the number one booking platform in Europe for hair and beauty appointments is a story worth listening to! Miranda Mathews joins us on the podcast and talks to us about;
- Her initial experiences in the sales industry
- How to deal with the pressures of sales and how to use them to succeed
- What it's like being the first sales hire within a business
- What it takes to climb the ladder to success
- And much more!
Would you leave a 6-figure Sales Leadership role in SaaS to travel the world full-time? Well that's exactly what Marco did...
Born & raised in Queens, New York, Marco was introduced to sales from a young age and in 2016 had the opportunity to move to London to manage the UK SDR team for Varonis.
However, in June 2021, Marco did the unthinkable and left his software sales career behind to travel the world full-time!
Listen to hear about Marco's journey in sales and for the advice he shares for anyone that's thinking of following in his footsteps and living a digital nomad lifestyle...
This podcast is all about Sales... So did we have an Accountant on?
Paul Cheetham-Karcz, Founder and Managing Partner at Sedulo, has built and managed a successful financial consultancy firm with offices across the UK and understands why Sales is so integral to any business trying to fight at the top of their industry.
We discussed his journey from founding Sedulo, how Sales has helped build it, what it takes to become a high performer in any career, how to build personal resilience and much more!
You've got your Sequences, Cadences, and Structure but have you got your superpower? Avi Mirriam Cole, Global SDR Manager at Infogrid, joined us on the podcast and described how she had found, unlocked and harnessed her superpower to succeed in sales, going from a BDR to Global SDR Manager in just under five years! We also talked about her perception of the sales industry, techniques to create a happy and thriving sales team and why more and more women should look at Sales as a fantastic career!
Having a professional Ice Skating career and travelling worldwide with Disney On Ice must have been incredible! But to leave that life behind to chase a career in sales is a story worth listening to. Ben Smith, Senior Development Team Manager at ReachDesk, joined us on the podcast and discussed; his move from Ice Skating to Tech Sales, the transition into leadership, perfecting the skills to Business Development, the tricks to the perfect cold call and much more!
Immy Toms, Sales Development Programme Manager at Softcat, joins us on the podcast and speaks about her journey through the most challenging time in her life, driving for diversity and inclusion within the workplace and what she's learnt to become a successful team leader within her company.
Since Imogen joined Softcat, they have reviewed and adjusted their application process to ensure that it is wholly inclusive and accessible and provides an opportunity for disclosure of any condition that requires exceptional measures/adjustments. Incredible!
In this episode, we're talking to Callum Henderson, CRO at EngageTech! We discussed his journey from BDE to CRO, top tips on becoming a successful sales leader, how to integrate sales into education and his thoughts on the importance of Mental-Wellbeing in the workplace.
We launch season 3 with Ben Audley, Chief Revenue Officer at Summize! We talked about his journey from zero experience within sales to CRO, moving his life over to America and helping to build a successful business within a short amount of time, his decision to hide his sexuality early on in his career and of course, his perception of the sales industry!
In the season finale, we were joined by Charlotte Young, Sales Development Representative at Salesloft. In this episode, we talked about how one cold call changed Charlotte's life...
Not only this, but we also talked about what makes the perfect cadence length, the importance of video outreach in sales as well as what else needs to be done to get more people working in Tech/SaaS sales.
Thank you for listening to the series and keep your eye out for series 3 next year!!
In this episode, Chris Scotney and Adam Williams from Kallidus joined us on the podcast! Chris is a clear example of the career progression on offer in sales, becoming the Head of Sales Development within just four years and Adam becoming an SDR Team Lead within one year. This episode had so many unique perspectives and discussions about a career in sales. Which included how they got into sales and specifically, SaaS, what they think should be done to change the perception of sales for the better and why looking after your mental health is essential when working in a sales environment. As well as talking about some of the latest and most creative prospecting methods...
In this episode, we're speaking to James Rees, an Account Executive from SourceBreaker. We discussed why researching for an interview can go a long way to securing a role, harnessing the power of the Wolf of Wall Street, building the small wins that help you reach the next step within a sale, how to organise yourself to succeed and what makes a good discovery call.
In this episode, we're speaking to Charley May from Globus.ai. Charley is a fully remote working Business Development Representative living it up in the sunny skies of Malaga, Spain! We discussed how to harness the power of LinkedIn by making it an integral part of your sales process, using your personality to sell, and how to create a successful video prospecting strategy to generate leads!
In this episode, we're speaking to Rachel Goldstone from Cognism. Rachel is a Sales Development Representative Manager, tasked to train all the newcomers arriving at the Cognism Sales Team! We discussed why more women should be getting into sales but why they're not, making sales a fun environment to work in, the psychology behind sales and what makes a high-performing salesperson!
In this episode, we're speaking to Samuel Wooldridge. Sam is a highly successful Senior Business Development Manager from Leyton. We'll be discussing the transition from Uni life into a professional environment, how to stand out from the crowd right from the start of your role, the importance of inputs and how to overcome objections.
Molly McManamon, a successful Sales Development Representative from e4enable, discussed the emergence of Video Prospecting and the success that's coming with it, how to sell to the right people at the right time, what characteristics you need to succeed in sales and how to turn stress into progress.
Alex Harris, an Account Executive from ThreatConnect, joined us for Episode 3 and gave his insights into why he chose sales as a career and didn't just "fall into it", why it's good to make mistakes, how to create a mindset that allows you to immerse yourself in the role and what he did to land his dream role.
Graduating from university and then instantly moving to another country to start your sales career sounds daunting, not for Sophie Johnson at Spendesk! Sophie joined us to talk about her journey working in Paris as an Account Executive, giving her insights into creative email subject lines, conquering cold calling, having a competitive mindset, and effectively evaluating yourself to develop into a successful salesperson.
We kick off the series by talking to Aaron Baker from Kleene.ai, giving his insights into Video Prospecting, the tricks of Cold Calling, building your brand on LinkedIn and progressing into a closing role.