The Sales People Podcast: Episode 4 - From Startup Flexibility to Corporate Structure with Ayla

On this week’s episode of The Sales People Podcast, Ben and Liam sit down with Ayla, who shares her journey from working in a small U.S. startup to leading a multi-functional sales team in one of Dubai’s largest corporations. Ayla’s path is filled with insights on adapting across cultures, building structured sales strategies, and balancing personal wellness in the demanding world of sales.

Ayla reflects on the differences between the U.S. and Middle Eastern sales landscapes, as well as the lessons learned from working in both startup and corporate environments. She also offers practical advice for junior sales professionals entering their first Q4 and insights on how to create a positive team culture.

Plus, we dive into:

• The unique challenges of working in the Dubai sales market and how to adapt
• How Ayla builds structure within her team to drive better performance
• Encouraging team members to take ownership and lead with initiative
• Strategies for managing stress and maintaining work-life balance in a high-pressure role

Ayla also leaves us with an impactful reminder for sales professionals: “Every day is day zero.”

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Ayla’s background in the U.S. sales scene

07:00 - Cultural differences in sales between the U.S. and the Middle East

15:00 - The importance of structure and leadership skills in corporate settings

22:30 - Creating a team mindset in Dubai’s high-stakes market

30:00 - Building ownership and initiative within junior team members

42:00 - Key advice: “Every day is day zero”

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