Perk Leadership & Management

Tell us about your journey into sales management. What specific roles, networking opportunities and projects helped you get to where you are in your career today?

I spent over eight years as an individual contributor, always knowing that I wanted to transition into sales management. However, I understood that leadership roles aren’t simply given — they must be earned. I began developing the necessary skills by mentoring other account executives on my team, actively stepping into a leadership role whenever possible. Throughout my career, I was fortunate to have managers who provided insight into their daily challenges and responsibilities, further solidifying my passion for sales leadership.

At Perk, I made my aspirations clear from the start while also taking initiative beyond my core responsibilities. I identified gaps in the sales process between internal teams and took the lead in creating the North America Impact Team. Our mission was to strengthen cross-functional relationships, streamline the sales process and foster a culture of open feedback — all of which contributed to increased sales effectiveness. The initiative was well received and continues to thrive today.

What advice, skills or best practices do you find most valuable in sales? How do those skills translate into sales management?

Relationship-building is one of the most important skills to have. Building trust and rapport with clients is essential throughout the entire process. Customers don’t want to feel like you’re simply telling them what they want to hear — trust me, it will backfire. They want to feel heard, understood, and confident that they’re investing in a solution that genuinely addresses their needs.

In management, strong relationships with your team create a supportive and motivating environment. When reps feel valued and empowered, they perform at their best. Being approachable, honest and open with your team fosters trust and encourages a culture of collaboration and growth.

What is your top advice for sales professionals interested in breaking into sales management?

Be the trusted rep your manager can always rely on and be proactive with creating new resources and creating projects — not only does this help you grow, but it also positions you as a leader. By stepping up, you establish yourself as a trusted voice for your team — a go-to resource for guidance, support and mentorship. This positions you well for future promotions, as you'll have concrete examples of how you're already demonstrating leadership and management skills.