Her Resources Podcast

Authentic Sales Leadership: Beyond the Numbers with Cigdem Bildirici | Her Resources Podcast EP 56


Listen Later

In this inspiring episode of the Her Resources Podcast, host Linda Misegadis sits down with Cigdem Bildirici, a Senior Commercial Leader with deep expertise in scaling revenue and building international sales organizations across financial services, technology, and data analytics.

Cigdem shares her journey into sales, the challenges women face in sales leadership, and her powerful approach to leading with authenticity, empathy, clarity, and trust.

We dive into:

  • The evolution of the sales function from transactional to relationship-focused.

  • Navigating male-dominated industries and the importance of female representation.

  • Why authenticity means being genuine and its critical role in building trust with your team and customers.

  • The danger of overlooking bad behavior for the sake of hitting numbers and how to lead with integrity.

  • Pragmatic actions we can take to sponsor and elevate other women.

  • Cigdem's personal definition of success and her key leadership mantra: "Impact over Activity."

    Connect with Cigdem Bildirici:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbildirici/

    Connect with Her Resources Podcast:

    Website: https://www.youtube.com/@HerResourcesPodcast

    Chapter Markers:

    00:00:00 - Intro: Redefining Sales Beyond the Transaction

    00:01:45 - Welcome and Introduction of Cigdem Bildirici
    00:03:20 - Cigdem’s Unexpected Journey into Sales
    00:04:31 - Women in Sales Leadership: The Data & Challenges
    00:05:48 - The Power of Representation and Mindset Shift in Sales
    00:09:12 - Defining and Leading with Authenticity
    00:11:15 - Building Team Trust Over Focusing Solely on Numbers
    00:15:02 - Addressing Bad Behavior vs. Hitting Quota
    00:18:42 - Guidance on Performance Management and Difficult Conversations
    00:20:58 - The Critical Importance of Women Supporting Women
    00:23:22 - Practical Ways to Advocate and Open Doors for Others
    00:29:00 - Shedding the “Mask” and Embracing Unique Leadership Styles
    00:33:28 - Drivers of Change in Modern Leadership (Macro-Environment, Tech, COVID-19)
    00:35:30 - Defining Personal Success and Staying Grounded
    00:39:06 - Cigdem's Non-Negotiable Self-Care Practice
    00:40:57 - One Key Leadership Mantra: Impact Over Activity
    00:43:47 - Final Advice: Lean into Your Unique Strengths
    00:46:29 - Closing Thoughts from the Host

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Her Resources PodcastBy herresourcespodcast