Challenger

I wanted to escape last weekend, so I traveled to the City of Oz, via the movie theater. And I’m more certain than ever that the power of female friendship can save any world —?even ours. Wicked reinvents the story behind The Wizard of Oz, examining the real relationship between Galinda, a pretty, popular, and superficial student at Shiz University, and her awkward and gifted roommate, Elphaba, who suffered lifelong bullying for her green skin. They start as enemies, seeing only the surface-level versions of each other. Elphaba’s kindness and earnestness shows Galinda the power of empathy; Galinda shows Elphaba that everyone deserves love and tenderness. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but Galinda (who becomes Glinda, in honor of a beloved, persecuted professor) and Elphaba end the movie in wildly different circumstances, with wildly different approaches to fighting injustice. But even that can’t come between the love they have for each other as friends. In the finale, the two spar verbally, spitting “I hope you’re happy” sarcastically at each other. But by the end of “Defying Gravity,” the last song, the lyrics remain unchanged but the characters’ wish has shifted to sincerity.? They see each other, recognizing that they need to find ways to take care of one another, even as they change in ways they don’t understand. Wicked reveals the importance of history, of taking seriously the personal experiences of those who exist outside the mainstream. It deepened my belief that women need to lead the way in supporting each other to take risks and learn from their mistakes. I don’t want to give away what comes in part 2, but it shows that happily ever after means different things to different people. It’s through friendship that Elphaba and Glinda come to this realization. I’m writing this close to Thanksgiving, and this year, I’m thankful for my friends, who lift me up and listen, who help me see the goodness in myself and in the world. Because it’s through friendship, empathy, and care that we’ll get through the uncertainty we now face. Though we may be in different places in our journey toward finding what’s right, we can sing the same song to each other and mean it.

Ever wish you could peer into a ?? and learn what lies ahead for your sales team in 2025?? Us too — but we can’t do that either. What we can do is tap experts to deliver a Challenger perspective on the sales management, technology, and learning trends we think will shape the year ahead.? Join us Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. CT for “How Will Sales Evolve in 2025?” for the closest thing you’ll get to an industry crystal ball.? Sign up now to watch live or receive the replay! https://lnkd.in/gs93WP5S

When was the last time you felt the electric crackle ?? of inspiration?? If you could bottle that feeling for your team, they'd smash their quota.?And a 2025 Challenger keynote delivers that lightning in a bottle.? It’s not too late to guarantee that feeling for your 2025 SKO —?get in touch, and we’ll find the right session to meet your goals. https://lnkd.in/gUUeMVrs

Most sellers know discounts are a no-go – but how do you manage procurement hurdles and scoping, not to mention closing on schedule?? Here’s how sales leaders told us these challenges stack in difficulty. Where do you land? P.S.: Learn how to tackle these and other negotiation challenges in our on-demand webinar, Negotiating Like a Challenger: https://lnkd.in/gw3PmfAu

As the end of another unusual year approaches, we’re bringing together a panel of experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sales industry in 2025 and beyond.? Join us on Dec. 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. CT for a forward-looking session on hot topics in our industry, including:? ?? How to navigate challenges in sales training, such as teaching in multigenerational workplaces or connecting with neurodivergent team members? ?? How to build an inclusive sales culture that attracts and retains quality talent? ?? Why so many sales leaders have tech fatigue —?and what to do about it? ?? Answers to your questions about the future of sales! Bring your questions to this exciting session! Register to attend live or get the replay:?https://lnkd.in/gs93WP5S

Sales kickoff planning? Not this week. You have bigger priorities, like closing 2024’s revenue goals.?? ? Except...that’s what you’ll say to yourself every week. And every week you wait to book 2025’s SKO speakers, someone else snatches up the motivating and energizing keynote session your sellers need to start next year right.?? ? But with Challenger’s keynotes, you can lock down one of our expert facilitators, choose one of six critical Challenger topics, and let us handle scheduling and content prep to set your team up for an energizing start to 2025.?? ? So you can get back to leading the end-of-year charge without breaking a sweat. https://lnkd.in/gUUeMVrs

In “Negotiating Like a Challenger,” Challenger's Geoff Hendricks turned the notion that “selling” and “negotiating” are different motions on its head.? “It's really important that we do our research beforehand. We're identifying customer problems, we're articulating our cost of inaction, and [we’re asking] “What's the pain that keeps getting worse every day?” Geoff said.? And all those skills? They’re essential to successful negotiating and the Challenger choreography.?Tune into our on-demand webinar to hear more about the skills your sellers need to mitigate value leaks and improve your bottom line. https://lnkd.in/gw3PmfAu

Struggling to move stalled deals through your pipeline? There's a Challenger skill for that. Read our latest article to uncover three ??'s to unclog stuck deals: https://lnkd.in/gM4ziwmM

Last chance to register for our upcoming webinar, “Negotiating like a Challenger,” Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. CT! Databricks’ John Shea will join Challenger’s Geoff Hendricks to share how early-stage mistakes lead to late-stage value leaks, negotiation tactics used by high-performing sellers, and more.? Save your seat or register to receive the replay!??https://lnkd.in/gw3PmfAu

The sales kickoff keynote is your best chance to motivate your team for the year ahead. You’ll spend thousands per attendee ensuring the best possible experience for your sellers.?? ? So...do you really want to wait to book your keynote speaker??? ? Instead of risking your SKO’s ROI, lock in the inspiration your team needs now by booking a Challenger keynote—and guaranteeing reactions like these.? ? Choose from one of six Challenger methodology-centered keynotes, and let us handle the scheduling, content, materials, and more.?? ? Roll into Q4 focused on closing your pipeline, and leave the inspiration to us. Learn more:??https://lnkd.in/gUUeMVrs