Switching Gears ?? 2022

P.S. I chose the above image for my FIRST post ever written on LinkedIn because I thought it really represent my journey as a 'hunter' (working alone) and how I'm switching gears ??

All my colleagues & friends who know me, knows I LOVE ?? to use this ONE favourite hashtag: #BLESSED.

I've been an individual contributor (IC) a.k.a Hunter a.k.a Business Development Representative for almost 1 year and 6 months at Braze. During my tenure as an IC, I've experienced SO many gears being switched:

1. Switched industry (Events) to MarTech (no idea what this industry was about at all)
2. Became the only BDR for APAC at one point of time with support only from EMEA & global peers
3. Had to learn how to deal with rejections & objections (some were harsh, some were kind)
4. Supported the Commercial team (fast deal cycle pace) and moved to Enterprise team (slower deal cycle pace)
5. Transitioned from an individual contributor (BDR) to a Team Lead role

Not gonna lie...it was NOT easy at all! ?? It was a lot of unlearning, learning, adapting, etc...And given that it's been almost 1 month into my new role as a Team Lead for the Business Development team at Braze and thought to use this platform to share my experience, thoughts, learnings, challenges, best tips & tricks (maybe?) and hope to inspire more individuals to take that "leap of faith" as well. ????

All I can say that my time at Braze has been SO rewarding whilst it was challenging, I'm eternally grateful to JESUS - every single success I attribute and give the glory back to HIM ????

While this is an "unconventional" perspective, approach or stand (whatever you call it) in sales and so often, I hear people say that "sales is all about luck" - I personally don't believe in the term "luck" (this is my opinion and I'm always open to hearing & respecting everyone's opinion!). I truly honestly believe that GOD is the one who provided every single idea, creativity, favour, doors opened etc...and YES, hard work/effort is necessary in the 'mix'.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways submit to HIM, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6"

I recalled vividly that each quarter, I was ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED & NERVOUS! E.g. how was I gonna hit my quota, where am I gonna find my leads, pipe is so dry...(related so much to doubting Thomas/Peter in the Bible, though they were strong disciples/believers of Christ Jesus, they STILL DOUBTED) - felt exactly that.

But the above Bible Verse that I memorised since young (instilled by parents - love you both, Mom & Dad), got me through every. single. quarter. AND every. single. quarter...JESUS always shows up! ???????? He said "never will I leave you, nor forsake you". I committed every single quarter, every single lead, every single deal, every single internal/external stakeholders that I was working with etc to JESUS. Guess what? I was hitting my quotas or exceeding them. This is all for the glory to God! ????

I'm sure there might be different opinions and comments for what I've said/written but I hope that you respect my perspective as you read this (thank you for reading up till this point ??). Really want to encourage YOU, that you're not alone...there's more to LIFE than 'a job' (yes, it pays the bills etc) but YOU HAVE A PURPOSE! Every single day I'm alive, I thank GOD! So much to say, but I'll end it here for now...

PRAYER: Dedicating 2022 into Your loving hands, Jesus! I don't know what my future holds, but I KNOW WHO holds my future. Thank you Jesus, AMEN ??????

p.s. stay tuned to my next few posts - will be sharing more of my journey if you're interested! Let me know what you like to learn more too :) God bless!

Love, Emma ??