Interested in a career in tech sales? 

Colt Technology Services hosted an insightful panel session: The Rise of Women in Tech Sales: Opportunities and Insights.

The panel saw three leading women in tech sales explore many insightful topics, including: how they started their careers in tech sales; why they have remained working at Colt for many years; how the company offers them much-needed flexibility; and their advice for women looking to forge a career in the industry.

Colt Technology Services Director for Enterprise Growth Markets Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA), Jon Bezant, hosted the discussion and was joined by Colt Technology Services Sales Manager, Growth UK, Justyna Lavender. Colt Technology Services Account Manager, Enterprise, Joanne Perkins, and Colt Technology Services Sales Director France, Benelux and Southern Large Enterprise, Laura Farina.

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Enjoying successful careers at Colt

Justyna explained that she enjoys working at Colt thanks to the ever-evolving tech sales industry.

"We're constantly delivering different ways for our clients to transform customer experience and to help them achieve their outcomes. What particularly excites me is how Colt innovations can drive customer outcomes and customer results directly. Both Colt and our customers are also aligned on our sustainability agenda, which is really refreshing," said Justyna.

Laura also advised that she is very proud of Colt's strong and positive company DNA. 

"We have really exceptional people in our company that are at the core of this DNA. What I love about my role is meeting our customers together with the rest of the team. I like to talk to the customers, to understand their business, their challenges, but also to talk about their own specific roles. I like to listen to customers and have those open conversations. I do notice that customers really appreciate it when you sincerely care about their business and themselves. At Colt, everybody has a voice. If you have ideas or you want to participate in specific projects, we're very open to listening to these ideas, which creates empowerment," commented Laura.

Balancing the personal and professional

The women have certainly benefitted from Colt's flexible working culture - like Laura, who is a mother of five children, Joanne also has the time to focus on her family.

"Colt's flexible working policy allows me to achieve a great work life balance that helps on a day-to-day basis. Having two daughters, I work part-time. I flip between working from home and working in the office. I can be fully present both at work and at home, because I'm in charge of that time and can make it work around me and my needs. Colt really supports me with my family needs, they've always been so understanding. When things come up or there's an emergency, I know I can put my family first. Colt is always so flexible and so supportive," explained Joanne.

Colt's flexible culture has enabled Justyna to pursue an MBA.

"I've always been supported in any programmes or training that I've requested from the business, whether internal or external, tech-driven, coaching, or leadership. The most recent example is my decision in pursuing an MBA, while having a young family and a full-time job. I wouldn't have made the decision to do this if Colt hadn't offered that flexibility and if I didn't have the encouragement from management," said Justyna.

Sharing advice for women in tech sales

All three panellists shared their advice for women considering a career in tech sales.

Justyna said: "For women either looking to join this industry or women thinking to remain in tech sales, really spend time in finding the right place for you that genuinely values growth and inclusivity. A lot of organizations talk about diversity, but spend time to research whether they can genuinely support you on your journey. Colt has given me all those opportunities."

Joanne continued: "Don't underestimate yourself. If you're confident, if you're willing to learn on the job or outside of that, and have a certain level of resilience, then you'll be great in sales."

Laura added: "Don't be afraid to make mistakes. We learn a lot from mistakes, and it's never the end of the world. Also, believe in yourself - for women specifically this is very important. Be self-confident. Women in sales can be very strong and have an impact. In a technical environment, we can give a little extra. Be confident about your capabilities. 

Discover opportunities in tech sales at Colt Technology Services

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