Need to Know...

Welcome back to our newsletter! It's been an incredibly productive month for the team at Lucent, and we have some exciting updates to share with you.?

New Website

First, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website www.Lucent-Search.com. We've been working hard behind the scenes to create a platform that better showcases our expertise, services, and commitment to the AI and tech industry.??

Podcast Season 2 Coming Soon

In addition to our website launch, we have lined up an amazing roster of guests for our podcast over the next few months with season two focusing on the practical applications of AI and how companies are leveraging this technology. We can't wait to share their insights, experiences, and predictions for the future of tech with you. Stay tuned for these thought-provoking conversations that will keep you informed and inspired. If you’ve got a story to share or a guest you’d recommend, get in touch with Rachelle Talabucon , who produces The Lucent Perspective.?

With all of this activity, it is no surprise that Rachelle was promoted to Marketing Manager this month.??

Market Report?

In general, there is strong competiton for senior software engineers in particular. The UK tech sector, particularly in the realms of data and AI, is witnessing a transformative shift that reflects the evolution of the industry and the rising demand for specialized skills. The emergence of high-value roles such as Generative AI and Big Data Engineers, with average salaries (considering all levels entry to senior) reaching ￡75,000 and ￡87,500 respectively, underscores the growing appetite for advanced data capabilities. Furthermore, the surge in salaries for roles associated with cutting-edge data processing technologies like Dremio, now commanding a median of ￡135,000, highlights the premium placed on modern, innovative skill sets. ?

For leaders in the tech industry, particularly those steering companies in data and AI sectors, these trends not only mark the shifts in required capabilities but also pose strategic challenges and opportunities. The increasing salary scales indicate a competitive market for top talent, necessitating robust talent acquisition and retention strategies. Furthermore, as technological advancements continue to accelerate, there is a pressing need for leaders to foster continuous learning and development environments within their organizations. This will not only ensure their teams are adept with the latest technologies but also position their companies favourably within a rapidly evolving landscape. Leaders must also anticipate the implications of these salary trends on their operational budgets and project planning to maintain a sustainable growth trajectory.?

Key Traits to Look for When Hiring Early Salespeople for Your Startup?

Bringing on the right salespeople is critical for driving revenue growth at startups, but it can be challenging for founders to know what to look for. In a recent episode of The Lucent Perspective podcast, Lee Anderson , an experienced sales leader who scaled the sales team at startup Coastr, shared his insights on the most important traits to seek out when making early sales hires.?

According to Lee, key characteristics to look for include:?

?? Resilience and adaptability, as startups evolve rapidly ?

?? Self-motivation and ability to work independently with limited resources?

?? Strong work ethic and proactive approach to goal-setting and time management?

?? Entrepreneurial mindset to think creatively about driving revenue?

Lee also discussed the benefits of having a commercial co-founder who deeply understands the product and can craft an effective value proposition. He advised bringing on a dedicated salesperson once the founder is spending over 50% of their time on sales.?

Other topics covered in the episode include:?

• Effective onboarding and training practices for new sales hires
• Key differences between sales and partnership roles
• Important metrics to gauge the success of your sales team?
• Habits and mindsets that distinguish top sales performers?

For more of Lee's battle-tested wisdom on building high-performing sales teams, check out the full episode on Spotify or Apple. Whether you're a founder just starting to build out your sales function or a revenue leader looking to take your team to the next level, Lee's insights are sure to be valuable.? ?

The 3 Stages of Career Growth: Insights from Tech Founder Peter Proud?

In a recent episode of The Lucent Perspecitve, Peter Proud FRSE , the founder and CEO of AI-driven CMS platform Forrit , shared his framework for thinking about career growth. According to Peter, careers can be broken down into three key phases: learning, earning, and leveraging.?

1. ?? The Learning Phase?

In the first stage of your career, the priority should be to absorb as much knowledge and gain as many skills as possible. This often means seeking out roles and companies that provide ample opportunities for growth and development, even if the immediate financial rewards are more modest.??

2. ?? The Earning Phase?

Once you have built a strong foundation of skills and experience, the focus shifts to earning - not just in terms of salary, but also in building strong professional relationships and networks. This "personal capital" becomes increasingly valuable as your career progresses.?

?3. ?? The Leveraging Phase?

In the final stage, you have the opportunity to leverage everything you have learned and earned in the first two phases to build something impactful. This could mean starting your own venture, taking on a leadership role, or using your skills and network to drive meaningful change.?

Peter's own career trajectory, from his time at Microsoft to founding Forrit, mirrors this three-stage approach. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, relationship-building, and being willing to take calculated risks to achieve your goals.?

Other topics covered in the full podcast episode include:?

• Lessons learned from working at Microsoft before starting Forrit?
• Challenges and tips for transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship
• The power of apprenticeships for fostering talent and adding business value
• Cultivating a positive company culture in a hybrid work environment
• Keeping pricing models simple while allowing for complexity?

?How to Hit the Ground Running: A Guide for Tech Executives?

Stepping into a new executive role can be both thrilling and challenging. To set yourself up for success, it's crucial to hit the ground running during your first 90 days. In our recent guide, "How to Hit the Ground Running: A Guide for Tech Executives," we explore key strategies and frameworks to help you make an impact from day one.?

One powerful tool is the STARS model, which helps you diagnose the business situation you're entering:?

?? Start-up: Build everything from scratch??

?? Turnaround: Transform a troubled business??

?? Accelerated Growth: Support rapid growth with scalable systems??

?? Realignment: Reassess approach when problems are present??

? Sustaining Success: Maintain success through innovation?

By identifying your scenario, you can adapt your leadership strategy accordingly.?

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Another essential step is engaging in the "five conversations" with your boss and team:?

??? Situational diagnosis: Align understanding using the STARS model??

?? Expectations: Establish clear expectations for success??

?? Resources: Discuss necessary resources and support??

?? Style: Adapt communication to each team member's preferences??

?? Personal development: Seek feedback on your performance?

The guide also emphasizes focusing on these key areas:?

• Learning and aligning with the company's strategic direction?

• Developing relationships with your boss, team, and stakeholders?

• Establishing credibility through early wins?

• Assessing and building your team?

• Creating alliances to influence key stakeholders effectively?

By leveraging these frameworks and strategies, you can accelerate your transition, create value for your organization, and set the stage for long-term success in your new leadership role.?

?? Get in touch if you'd like help finding the leadership, sales and tech talent for growth.

??? Check out our podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

?? Connect with me on LinkedIn

?? Comment below if you have any questions ??