Saksham Shrivastava, Business Manager
Please share your professional background, current role, and relevant experience.
Answer: Leveraging 14 years of experience in sales, I am adept at positioning CRM, MARTECH, Service Cloud, and ERP technologies to meet the strategic needs of top-tier executives, including CEOs, CMOs, and CFOs. My tenure with Gartner is enriched by prior roles at Oracle, IBM, and Amazon, where I honed my skills in delivering impactful solutions.
Renowned for my tenacity and problem-solving capabilities, I thrive in high-stakes environments where innovation and client-centricity drive success.
What led you to pursue a career in sales?
Answer: Sales appealed to me because it offers a platform to directly influence outcomes and drive growth. I saw it as a way to combine my interest in technology and business strategy with my ability to communicate effectively and build lasting partnerships
How have you adapted to the evolving technology landscape in sales?
Answer: Technology has revolutionized the sales process, and I've adapted by adopting cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. From leveraging AI-powered sales intelligence tools to implementing robust customer journey mapping techniques, I've optimized prospecting efforts and tailored client communications. This strategic use of technology has been instrumental in achieving sales targets and exceeding client expectations.
How do you maintain work-life balance in the high-pressure environment of sales?
Answer: Work-life balance in sales is about finding what works best for you. I prioritize self-care by dedicating a time to play badminton, cooking is a great stress buster for me, going on long walks and drives with my wife relaxes my mind and spending quality time with parents is a great way to take your mind off from work. Setting aside designated time for work and personal activities allows me to stay productive and focused, ensuring that I can meet professional goals without compromising my well-being
What is your top advice for aspiring tech sales professionals?
Answer: To young professionals, I advise not to fear sales careers because of their challenging KPIs. Embrace sales as an opportunity for daily learning—whether it's mastering new technologies during client interactions or gaining inspiration from skill development. Excelling in sales fosters an entrepreneurial mindset. The methodologies in sales, like mastering 'Who, What, Why, What if,' are simple yet profoundly effective. Mastering these principles not only enhances your sales prowess but also empowers you to lead a successful life both personally and professionally
Lastly, What book would you recommend to our tech sales community and why?
Answer: Mindset By Dr Carol S. Dweck and Never Split The Difference by Chriss Voss with Tahl Raz