Obituary for Barb Giamanco

Barbara Kelly Giamanco (“Barb”), 62, of Sandy Springs, GA, passed away May 17, 2020, at home in her sleep. She was born December 28, 1957, to Richard and Arlene Kelly in Jacksonville, North Carolina. She grew up in North Carolina and Arizona before beginning a very successful career in sales.

Among her many professional accomplishments, Barb:

• sold over $1 billion in products and services,
• was a Sales Director with Microsoft Corp. and other technology firms,
• earned a BA degree from University of Phoenix,
• was the founder and CEO of Social Centered Selling, where she pursued her personal mission to ignite sales transformation and include more women in sales,
• co-authored The New Handshake, a book explaining how to build business relationships via social media,
• wrote extensively for online and print media,
• published articles in the Harvard Business Review and other distinguished periodicals,
• hosted her award-winning podcast, Conversations with Women In Sales,
• blazed a trail for other women in sales, showcasing many younger women regularly and mentoring several,
• earned numerous professional certifications as a coach and facilitator,
• won several prestigious awards as a top leader and influencer,
• was a contributor to and an elite member of Women Sales Pros,
• was an Advisory Board Member and esteemed contributor to many organizations, including The Sales Experts Channel, Top Sales World, Tohoom, the Sales Enablement Society, Vengreso, TAG Sales Leadership Society, Creative Excellence Marketing Solutions, Women in Revenue, and NAWBO Atlanta.

Barb was a very popular speaker in person and reached even more people online through her podcasts and webinars. She was widely loved for her personality, candor, boldness, and authenticity. She was a passionate, selfless crusader who fought hard for her principles.

Barb loved dogs, travel, and was an excellent cook. She is survived by her brother, Rick, and her beloved dog, Lily. She is mourned by many friends and colleagues around the world. We are sad that she is gone, but we are happy that she was here.

An in-person and virtual memorial service will be held in June, details to be announced @womensalespros @thesalesexperts @WomeninRevenue. All are invited to attend. Those who wish to contribute their own cards or messages and/or to assist the planners are asked to contact Deb Calvert ([email protected]). At the time of the service, information will be published about Barb’s favorite charities and also a scholarship being set up in her name. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor.