On this week's episode:

Eoin Murphy founded the Sales Circle to help people break into tech sales.

He successfully transitioned from various roles into tech sales, proving the value of transferable skills.

Many people in tech sales stumble into the career without prior knowledge.

Sales skills can be developed from various backgrounds, including retail and education.

Eoin emphasizes the importance of personal strengths in sales roles.

Sales Circle has helped over 115 individuals land tech sales jobs.

The model of proving value before hiring is effective in today's job market.

Eoin's journey includes a significant pivot from banking to tech sales.

Panamo, Eoin's new venture, focuses on outsourced business development for tech companies.

Eoin's personal interests include hurling and lifeguarding, showcasing his diverse background.

Link to The Sales Circle

Link to Panamo

In this episode of Digital Diaries, Peter Woods interviews Ashling O'Connor, founder and CEO of SkillTribe, who shares her journey from tech sales to coaching others in the industry. Aisling discusses the highs and lows of her career, the importance of self-belief, and how to navigate the challenges of the job market. She emphasises the significance of strategy in sales, the value of building confidence, and the need for a supportive environment. Aisling also provides practical advice for those looking to break into tech sales, highlighting the importance of recognising transferable skills and enjoying the journey of personal and professional growth.

Key Points

• Ashling emphasises the importance of going big in life and not playing it safe.
• She shares that every low in her career was followed by a significant peak.
• Sales can be exhilarating due to its highs and lows.
• The perception of highs and lows in sales is often influenced by external factors.
• Self-belief is crucial for success in sales and career advancement.
• Ashling helps clients rediscover their strengths and confidence.
• The journey in one's career is more important than the destination.
• Daily moments of joy contribute significantly to overall happiness.
• Building a supportive work environment is essential for success.
• Recognising transferable skills can help individuals break into tech sales.

Summary

In this conversation, Ashling and Peter Woods explore the exhilarating world of sales, discussing the emotional highs and lows that come with the territory. They reflect on their personal experiences in sales, emphasizing the importance of embracing challenges and the thrill of achieving success. The discussion also highlights the significance of consistency in performance and the impact of incremental improvements on overall sales outcomes.

Takeaways

Sales can make you feel alive due to its emotional highs and lows.

A stable job may not provide the same thrill as sales.

The rush of unknowns in sales tests and develops you as a person.

Consistency in effort leads to consistent results in sales.

Incremental improvements can lead to significant output gains.

Understanding your performance metrics is crucial for success.

Sales training resources can enhance your skills and knowledge.

The emotional rollercoaster of sales is part of the journey.

Personal growth is a key aspect of a sales career.

Sales is not just about numbers; it's about personal development.

In this episode of Digital Diaries, Peter Woods interviews Paul Maher, who shares his unique career journey from the automotive industry to tech sales at Intercom. They discuss the evolution of customer experience, the impact of AI on sales, and the importance of personalization in customer interactions. Paul offers valuable insights for aspiring sales professionals and emphasizes the significance of work-life balance. The conversation highlights the changing landscape of sales and the need for adaptability in the face of technological advancements.

• Paul Maher transitioned from automotive marketing to tech sales.
• Intercom has evolved significantly, especially with the launch of Fin.
• AI is reshaping customer support and sales processes.
• Personalization is key to enhancing customer experiences.
• Sales professionals must qualify opportunities effectively in the AI era.
• Attitude and understanding the AE team as customers are crucial for success.
• Building strong relationships with AEs can accelerate career growth.
• The importance of balancing work and family life is emphasized.
• Consultative selling is becoming increasingly important.
• AI will continue to change the roles of sales professionals for the better.

This week we welcome Oriol Serra, founder of https://www.theconversionarchitects.comhttps://www.theconversionarchitects.com. He talks of his career in sales, entrepreneurship and boxing!

• Building relationships is crucial in recruitment.
• Accountability is essential for personal growth.
• Expanding roles can lead to greater value for clients.
• High-quality work is a priority in recruitment.
• Advocating for oneself is a learned skill.
• Understanding client needs is key to success.
• Buy-in from the organisation is important.
• Traditional roles can limit potential contributions.
• Self-advocacy can enhance career development.
• Continuous learning is vital in recruitment.
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• There is a lot of resistance to implementing new tools.
• Change always comes with resistance.
• Starting small can help overcome hesitance.
• Control the controllables in uncertain situations.
• Don't stress about things outside your control.
• Seeing results can help alleviate doubts.
• Respect the concerns of those hesitant to change.
• Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements.
• It's critical to focus on what you can influence.
• A simple idea can have a profound impact.

Summary

This conversation explores the evolution of advertising and sales careers, emphasising the importance of team motivation, work-life balance, and the role of confidence in professional relationships. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights on fostering a positive work environment and the significance of human connection in the workplace.

• The advertising landscape has dramatically changed over the years.
• Owning a business can be a challenging yet rewarding experience.
• Work-life balance is crucial for productivity and motivation.
• Team motivation can be enhanced through human connection and collaboration.
• It's important to learn from each other's experiences in the workplace.
• Confidence can be instilled through supportive leadership.
• Mistakes in sales are part of the learning process.
• Building relationships in the workplace can lead to better outcomes.
• Personal growth is linked to professional success.
• Love and relationships can positively impact one's professional life.

Summary

The conversation focuses on bridging skills gaps and building confidence during career transitions. Ciara Duffy emphasises the need for individuals to recognise their gaps and actively work to address them, while Laiz F. Hughes shares personal experiences of overcoming challenges in her career journey. The discussion highlights the significance of transferable skills and the necessity of confidence in navigating professional growth.

Summary

This conversation explores the journey of transitioning into cybersecurity sales, emphasising the importance of transferable skills and personal reinvention. It delves into team dynamics, leadership principles, and the significance of maintaining standards within a team. The discussion also touches on youth sports as a metaphor for life lessons, highlighting the importance of encouragement and sportsmanship. Finally, it reflects on cultural changes and social norms, drawing insights from Malcolm Gladwell's work.

Books & Blogs

• Revenge of The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
• Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
• GAP Selling by Keenan
• 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
• Intercom Blog

Connect withKarl Connon on LinkedIn

On this special episode, Peter welcomes a panel of three inspiring women to celebrate International Women's Day 2025. The panel is Henriette Vogt, SDR Manager at Remote, Maria Reid, Entrepreneur, Business Coach & Mentor and Chloe Lasserre, Global Director of Sales Development, at Mulesoft in Salesforce.

Key Topics Covered:

• The theme of International Women's Day is to accelerate action for women.
• Breaking barriers in leadership requires addressing both external and internal challenges.
• Self-doubt is often the biggest barrier women face in their careers.
• Work-life balance is a constant struggle for many women, especially mothers.
• Allyship from men is crucial in supporting women's advancement.
• Negotiating worth and value is essential for women in the workplace.
• The motherhood penalty affects women's career progression after childbirth.
• Redefining success is important for women to align with their values.
• Mental health and burnout are significant issues for working women.
• Empowering future generations of women is vital for lasting change.