Women in Sales: Here Come the Girls

WOMEN in Sales

Here come the girls! We sit down with five of our female team members to hear what they have to say about working in sales.

Panel:

• Francis Colam: Chief Operations Officer for Mantra Marketing

• Leia Kubas: Crew Leader, Redline Promotions

• Emily Gara: Crew Leader, Monument Promotions

• Claudia Harris: Crew Leader, Monument Promotions

• Asma Brahimi: Assistant Owner, Hydra Sales Group

How long have you worked in sales for? FC: I first started out in the industry over 17 years ago – time has certainly flown! I had no previous experience, and everything I have learnt is from within the business.

LK: I only started five months ago, so I’m still really new to the industry. I’m also studying for my degree in Business Management alongside my role.

EG: I have been working in the industry for just over a year, and it’s one of the best years I’ve ever had! I previously lived in London and have a dance and musical theatre background. However after moving back to Swindon due to Covid I can say that this is the best opportunity I’ve ever taken.

CH: I have worked in sales since September 2021.

AB: I joined the business in April 2019.

Why do you think this is a good industry for women to work in?

FC: : I think it’s a fantastic all inclusive industry for both men and women. I have learnt a broad range of skills whilst progressing, including, communication, organisation, recruitment and leadership.

LK: I think women bring a different skill-set to sales that can help them go a long way, empathy and a high-level of emotional intelligence. These are attractive qualities for both customers and team members alike.

EG: I think it’s a really inclusive industry. It doesn’t just depend on your CV or what experience you have.

CH: I think this is a great industry for ambitious women with high standards. It's not what you know or who you know, which is different to other industries in that regard, but how hard you are willing to work. Being on a level playing field from the get go, we are given the chance to create our own opportunities through the accomplishments of our hard work. It is somewhere you can truly be yourself.

AB: I believe this is a great industry for women to work in because it enables them to overcome the barriers that often keep them from entrepreneurship: lack of capital, lack of time, and lack of skills. It also helped me personally to build my confidence, break out of my comfort zone, and create a vision for my future.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

FC: I love the diverse nature of my role, working with people that inspire me, and having the opportunity to help them develop and learn new skills. Furthermore, flexibility in my role enables me to have a better work life balance and ultimately spend more time with my family, which is really important to me.

LK: I’ve really enjoyed building a team and watching their progression – it’s been highly rewarding. I’ve also really enjoyed my personal progression and the fact that every single day is different. Working with a broad range of personalities and perspectives is an opportunity in itself!

EG: There are so many aspects that I love, but the main thing is working with likeminded people every day, which inspires me to be the successful entrepreneur I want to be! I also enjoy my days, interacting with people, developing my skills, and turning my dreams into a reality.

I first started out in the industry over 17 years ago – time has certainly flown! I had no previous experince, and everything I have learnt is from within the business.

CH: Every day I strive to be the best version of myself. I love meeting new people, coaching, and helping myself and others progress in their careers; there is always something to learn and someone to learn from!

AB: I enjoy the freedom, flexibility, daily learning, and unlimited earning power. The more I put into it, the more I am rewarded! I also enjoy the competitive environment and being able to network with top people across the world.

What do you think are the biggest challenges that you face?

FC: : During my time at the company I've attended many boardroom meetings, with only men, which has had it's challenges However I would say that in this industry there is no glass ceiling, whether you’re a man or a woman - it’s about whether you can do the job. I have been lucky enough to lead and coach many women within the business. I think it’s important to just be yourself, get stuck in, and don’t worry about what other people are thinking.

LK: I haven’t faced any major challenges so far. However as a woman in the industry I do think it’s important to be thick skinned as unfortunately some stereotypes do remain.

EG: In sales I don’t think there are necessarily challenges that women face in isolation, but I think it’s about gaining perspective on how to face them. Working in this industry is not always smooth sailing, but we don’t grow when things are easy.

CH: For me it’s having patience and retaining focus, as I have dreams and ambitions. I know that in time I can achieve my goals, but things take time and I need to enjoy the ride to the finish line!

AB: For me I would say the Covid pandemic, lock downs and being able to stay focused for a long period have been my biggest challenges.

What would you say to women who are thinking of working in sales?

FC: : I would say be confident in your own

voice, your own opinion and your own ideas. It’s all about the skills you can learn along the way, and making the most of the flexibility that the organisation provides for you . I would love to see more women in our industry!

LK: Never be afraid to network- it’s about getting yourself out there in order to gain as much knowledge as you can. Also always try to be the hardest working person in the room, as you never know where every opportunity will lead you.

EG: I would say dive in head first and ask as many questions as you want to – anyone can be successful!

CH: To any woman looking to get a job in sales I'd say - DO IT NOW! Sales is a great place to find skills you never knew you had

AB: My advice would be to never stop learning and to always reach out for help when you need it. Do not worry about failing, it will make you better.

I’ve really enjoyed building a team and marveling at their progression – it’s been highly rewarding. I’ve also really enjoyed my personal progression and the fact that every day is different. Working with a braod range of personalities and perspectives is an opportunity in itself!