The Digital Diaries

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 PointsAshling 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.

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysSales 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.

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.

SummaryThis 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.

SummaryThe 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.

SummaryThis 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 & BlogsRevenge of The Tipping Point by Malcolm GladwellGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheyGAP Selling by Keenan5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniIntercom BlogConnect 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.

SummaryIn this conversation, the speakers discuss the critical role of consistency in sales and the importance of practising the right techniques. They emphasize that while practice is essential, it must be directed towards the correct methods to avoid developing bad habits that can hinder performance. The discussion also touches on maintaining focus as they approach the end of Q1.Learnings from Amz Consistency in sales is crucial for success. Practicing the right techniques is essential. Bad habits can form from incorrect practice. Focus on the end of Q1 for performance improvement. Practice makes permanent, so choose wisely. Sales training should emphasize correct methods. Undoing bad habits requires time and effort. Regular reflection on practices can enhance performance. Sales success is built on consistent efforts. Continuous improvement is key in sales.Website: https://www.hunterops.io/Connect with Amz on LinkedIn

SummaryThe conversation explores the importance of networking and career opportunities, emphasising the significance of follow-up and maintaining connections through platforms like LinkedIn. The speakers discuss their personal experiences in navigating career changes and the role of passion in professional growth.Takeaways Networking is crucial for career advancement. Follow-up is key in maintaining professional relationships. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for job searching. Passion for learning can drive career choices. Effective communication can enhance networking efforts. Personal experiences shape our professional journeys. Being proactive can lead to unexpected opportunities. Drip-feeding communication keeps connections alive. Interest in a role can stem from personal passion. Results come from consistent effort and engagement.Connect with Deirdre on LinkedIn

SummaryIn this conversation, Peter Woods and Henriette Vogt explore the transformative impact of AI and data-driven strategies in sales. They discuss the importance of understanding the motivations behind sales efforts, the role of technology in enhancing efficiency, and the evolving landscape of sales techniques, particularly in a remote work environment. The dialogue emphasises the need for adaptability and the integration of various sales channels to meet modern challenges.Key Learnings AI can significantly enhance sales processes. Understanding the 'why' behind sales goals is crucial. Data-driven tools are reshaping sales development. Sales targets have increased due to technological advancements. Sales professionals must adapt to remote selling environments. Effective sales strategies require a multi-channel approach. Sales development roles provide transferable skills. Automation can streamline sales tasks and improve efficiency. Building relationships is key in sales, even virtually. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in sales careers.Connect with Henriette on LinkedIn.

SummaryThe conversation explores the importance of focusing on what one can control in both personal and professional life, emphasizing the impact of work-life balance on productivity and personal well-being.Takeaways Focus on what's in your control to improve outcomes. Work-life balance is crucial for personal effectiveness. Lack of sleep can significantly affect performance. Identifying success drivers is key to achieving goals. Reaching out effectively is essential for success.Connect with Susann on LinkedIn

SummaryIn this conversation, Georgina shares her experiences and insights on work-life balance, the evolution of coaching circles, her transition from sales to enablement, and how her personal passions intertwine with her professional life. She discusses the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance while striving for excellence in her role, the importance of coaching in professional development, and the recognition received through awards like the Stevie Awards. Georgina emphasizes the significance of following one's passion and the joy of integrating personal interests into her career.TakeawaysI struggle with work-life balance a lot.In-person connections enhance learning experiences.Coaching culture is essential for professional growth.Recognition from awards can validate our work.Feedback from judges is invaluable for improvement.Transitioning careers can lead to discovering true passions.Mentoring others can be incredibly rewarding.Traveling for work allows for personal exploration.Integrating personal passions into work is fulfilling.It's important to celebrate our achievements.

SummaryIn this episode of Digital Diaries, host Peter Woods interviews Paul Caffrey, an experienced sales professional and author of 'The Work Before the Work.' Paul shares his journey from a scientific background to a successful career in sales, emphasizing the importance of preparation, leadership, and coaching in achieving high performance. He discusses the motivation behind writing his book, the significance of multi-threading in sales, and the future of sales in the context of AI and human connection.Takeaways Paul transitioned from a scientific background to sales, applying a methodical approach. Preparation is crucial for high close rates in sales. Understanding individual motivations is key to effective leadership. Multi-threading in sales can significantly speed up deal closures. AI will enhance the human element in sales, not replace it. The best sales professionals are those who prepare thoroughly. Coaching and leadership are intertwined in driving team success. Sales strategies should be tailored to individual team members' goals. The importance of building relationships with multiple stakeholders in sales. Writing a book can amplify one's impact beyond direct coaching. Website: https://www.paulcaffrey.comConnect with Paul on LinkedIn