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Iain, Head of Global SDR at Linkedin Top StartUp: Advize Career Interview
A career journey beginning unexpectedly with a painting internship evolved into a global leadership role at a top startup.
This Head of Global Sales Development's path showcases how diverse experiences, from navigating a soccer injury to mastering sales across multiple countries, can build a rewarding career.
The role demands multifaceted skills encompassing pipeline generation, team management, and strategic planning.
Success requires communication mastery, collaboration, and resilience in the face of constant challenges, including balancing high-growth demands with personal well-being.
Early career lessons and continuous learning are emphasized as key to navigating this dynamic field, with a Sales Development Representative role identified as the ideal entry point.
The interview reveals a vibrant industry offering substantial financial rewards and opportunities for personal and professional growth, emphasizing practical experience, networking, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Iain Rodoni
Head of Global SDR
Linkedin Top StartUp
UCSB
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path Of A Head Of Global Sales Development At A Top Startup
Iain's career path began unexpectedly with a painting internship after a soccer injury, transforming into a sales journey driven by a desire to gain experience and self-discovery; this led to progressively responsible roles across multiple companies and countries, culminating in their current position as Head of Global Sales Development at a rapidly growing startup, where "early college lessons" continue to inform their leadership style.
Main Responsibilities of a Head of Global Sales Development at The Watershed
Iain, Head of Global Sales Development at Watershed, is responsible for global pipeline generation through inbound and outbound marketing, account expansion, and partnerships, "finding deals" and then overseeing "a couple of account executives" who close them. A significant portion of the role focuses on building systems, managing people, and fostering career growth, making it "a little different every day" and including "helping individuals grow their own careers."
A Day In The Life Of A Head Of Global Sales Development Representative At A LinkedIn Top Startup
A Head of Global SDR's day is "different every day," encompassing diverse tasks such as leading cross-functional meetings ("Europe meeting," "leadership meeting," "forecast call"), coaching and training ("enablement session," "deal review"), recruiting, and constant communication ("tons of typing on my computer...Slack"). This variety reflects the multifaceted nature of the role, requiring strategic planning, operational execution, and people management across global teams.
Most Important Skills for a Head of Sales Development at a Linkedin Top Startup
Iain, a Head of Global SDR, emphasizes three crucial skill sets: mastering communication—"sales is really problem-solving through communication"—and managing oneself to effectively show up at work. Equally important is collaboration, building strong relationships, because "no one does anything successful...without the help of others."
Favorite Parts Of Being A Head Of Global Sales Development At A LinkedIn Top Startup
Iain, Head of Global SDR at a LinkedIn Top Startup, finds the most rewarding aspects of the role to be "the people," emphasizing the importance of enjoying colleagues and collaborators, and the continuous learning opportunities, stating that "the best thing you can do is invest in yourself, learn a ton," which is crucial for adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Head Of Global SDR At A Linkedin Top StartUp
Iain's biggest challenge as Head of Global SDR at a high-growth startup involves "understanding what the business wants and marrying that with [their] viewpoint," a constant negotiation between organizational goals and individual experience. This is further complicated by the intense demands of the role, leading to burnout and a parallel struggle to balance career success with a fulfilling life outside of work, a common challenge for young professionals in demanding positions.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Software Sales Industry as a Head of Global SDR
Iain, Head of Global SDR at a LinkedIn Top StartUp, enjoys the constant learning and diverse interactions inherent in software sales, stating that "every day is different" and allows for a broad understanding of how businesses operate. The lucrative compensation is also a significant factor in their career choice, contrasting it with lower-paying options considered after obtaining a biology degree.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Software Sales Industry According To A Head Of Global SDR From A Linkedin Top StartUp
Success in software sales hinges on grit and resilience, as "99% of the time you're being told no," requiring a focus on learning from small wins and consistent hard work to overcome a lack of inherent talent. The ability to learn from others and resources, coupled with analytical problem-solving skills, proves more valuable than pure extroversion.
What A Head Of Global SDR At A Linkedin Top Startup Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Sales Industry
Iain, a Head of Global SDR, learned that leadership roles, contrary to initial expectations, are often "a s**t show" with less preparedness than anticipated. The most valuable skill, a "rigorous decision-making compass," is more crucial than prior experience, as "most people are making it up every day."
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Sales Development Representatives at Top Startups
The primary entry-level position in software sales for undergraduate students is a Sales Development Representative (SDR), "the tip of the go to market spear," where one learns fundamental business operations and develops crucial interpersonal skills applicable across various career paths, from sales and revenue operations to marketing and data analysis. This role provides a strong foundation for future career success by teaching how to "figure out problems with people."
Significant Career Lesson From a Head of Global SDR at a Top Startup
Iain's most significant career lesson is that "it would be crazy if you did it right the first time," emphasizing the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The Head of Global SDR at a LinkedIn Top Startup advocates for honesty, seeking help, and facing "imposter syndrome" head-on to achieve success.
College Experiences That Helped a Head of Global SDR at a LinkedIn Top Startup Succeed
Iain, Head of Global SDR at a LinkedIn Top Startup, emphasizes the crucial role of practical experience in launching a successful career, noting the common catch-22 of needing experience to get a job but lacking experience upon graduation. The interviewee's advice centers on securing internships, networking ("met people...and asked them as many questions that I could"), and maintaining a focused course load to maximize time for these activities.
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