This week on the PreSales Podcast, James discusses how PreSales Academy is building the next generation of PreSales professionals. Too often companies want to hire Unicorns, Sales Engineers that are technical savvy, business savvy, AND have years of experience. In reality, this is near impossible to hire for, let alone someone in an entry level position. PreSales Academy is making PreSales more accessible for people who want to change their trajectory with a career in technology.

This week on the PreSales Podcast, James discusses fixing the diversity problems in PreSales. Sales Engineering is the best job that no one has ever heard of yet companies make it nearly impossible to break into the role. The profession will benefit immensely from increase diversity so we must all do our part to lead from the front.

Resources:

2021 State of Diversity in PreSales Report

PreSales Academy

PreSales Collective WISE Program

PreSales Collective DEEI Program

Why does DEEI Matter Video Series

Webinar: Why Inclusivity Matters for Closing  Business

Webinar: Driving Better Business Results Through Diversity & Inclusion

This week on the PreSales Podcast, James highlights the shift in b2b sales and how the PreSales professional is more important than ever. According to LinkedIn's State of Sales in 2021 report, 65% of sellers always say that they put the buyers first but only 23% of buyers agree with that statement. Listen in on why James and PSC believe that PreSales Professionals are future of Sales. 

This week on the PreSales Podcast, James reflects on PreSales Collective's accomplishments, the Power of Community, and the future of PreSales Collective, PreSales Leadership Collective, and PreSales Academy.  PSC is focused on architecting a better member experience in 2022. Learn more about how that will happen in this podcast! 

Executive Summit Sessions referenced: We've Arrived. The Year of the PreSales Professional by James Kaikis The Power of Community by Naz Irani & David Maloof

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Wendy McHenry connect on the topic "Scaling the Right Way". Wendy, Senior Solutions Consulting Effectiveness Manager at Pegasystems and PSC WISE Council Member, talks about the core components of scaling a PreSales organization. As companies experience rapid growth, we sometimes experience frustration that the way we used to do things doesn’t work anymore. The foundational aspects of scale are people, process, and technology.

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis, Kevin Mefford, and Mattie Stremic connect on the topic "Meet the PSC Team". Kevin and Mattie are the first two employees for PreSales Collective. Kevin joined the team in July 2021 as the Head of Community and Mattie joined as our Head of PreSales Academy Programming in November 2021. These two incredible people are doing a great job at moving the PreSales profession forward. In this episode, the community will have the opportunity to learn more about Kevin and Mattie! 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Julie Donaldson connect on the topic "Promoting Women in Solutions Excellence (WISE)". Julie, Director of Solution Engineering at Oracle and Chairwoman at PreSales Collective WISE Council, talks about her experience leading the PSC WISE council. Julie also discusses the council's favorite parts of 2021 and how they will use that momentum to elevate the program in 2022 and beyond. Learn more about PreSales Collective's WISE program: www.presalescollective.com/wise

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Rachel Tilghman connect on the topic "Giving Back to the Local Community". Rachel, Senior Solutions Consultant at Sprinklr, talks about her experience building Community. Rachel is actively involved in both PreSales & non-PreSales related groups in the Austin community. Learn how to make a meaningful impact within the local community! www.presalescollective.com/contribute 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Brent Krempges connect on the topic "Hiring Non-Traditional Talent". Brent, Vice President of Solutions Consulting at Gainsight, talks about his process of hiring non-traditional talent. Brett and his organization have successfully hired a handful of non-PreSales professionals into their Solutions Consulting team. What is his secret? Tune in to find out! Also, learn more about PreSales Academy: www.presalesacademy.com 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Greg Holmes connect on the topic "Global Expansion". Greg, Regional Vice President of PreSales at Apptio, talks about Sales Engineering's impact around the globe. Greg highlights some of the projects that he is working on to bring awareness to the PreSales role and better support the global audience. Join PreSales Collective on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/club/presales-collective