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Russell, Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products : Advize Career Interview
A career journey beginning in quality control unexpectedly blossomed into a dynamic leadership role as Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products.
This individual's path highlights the unexpected turns a career can take, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills and problem-solving in a fast-paced industry.
The role demands adaptability and a knack for navigating complex challenges, from immediate crises to regulatory hurdles.
Success hinges on building strong relationships, understanding the unique rhythm of the natural products sector, and embracing continuous learning.
The interview reveals a rewarding career fueled by unpredictability and the satisfaction of helping startups succeed in a values-driven industry, all while advocating for modernization in a field still relying on traditional methods.
Entry-level opportunities abound for those interested in pursuing a similar path, with internships and customer service positions offering valuable stepping stones to sales and leadership roles.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Russell Zhang
Director of Sales and Strategy
Draco Natural Products
UC Davis
UCLA MBA
Biology & Related Sciences
Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Sales and Client Management
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Career Path of a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products
Russell's career path, beginning with a biology degree and a first role in quality control, unexpectedly veered into sales after realizing "I really like interacting with people." This led to a sales representative position at Draco Natural Products, where increased responsibility over the years culminated in the current Director of Sales and Strategy role.
Main Responsibilities of a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products
Russell, Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products, describes their role as a dynamic problem-solver, metaphorically comparing it to a "firefighter" who addresses immediate issues. This involves managing a sales team and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) on a regular basis, but the day-to-day activities are highly variable depending on emerging needs.
A Day In The Life Of A Director Of Sales And Strategy At Draco Natural Products
A Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products experiences highly variable days; some are "super chill," but most involve immediate problem-solving, from "putting out fires" to navigating "FDA issues" or "labor law issues." The unpredictable nature of the role reflects the challenges of the current business environment.
Most Important Skills for a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products
For a sales and strategy director, the most crucial skill is "working with people and solving their problems," requiring the ability to "look at whatever the situation is from the other's perspective" and find compromise; this approach is critical for internal team management and external client relations. The ability to see situations from multiple viewpoints and negotiate compromises is highlighted as essential for success in this role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products
Russell, Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products, finds the "unpredictability" of the role most enjoyable, citing the constant stream of "surprises" and challenges as a key driver in their career satisfaction. This aspect of "not knowing what's gonna happen tomorrow" is a significant positive for them.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products
Russell's biggest challenge as Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products is the industry's resistance to adopting modern analytical tools; the reliance on outdated methods like Excel spreadsheets, which Russell describes as "very very difficult to navigate," hinders the adoption of data-driven strategies.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Natural Products Industry, According To A Director Of Sales And Strategy At Draco Natural Products
Russell's biggest challenge as Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products is overcoming industry inertia, as "people are very satisfied with the limited tools that they have always been using," hindering the adoption of more analytical, data-driven approaches to sales and strategy. This resistance to change, exemplified by the continued reliance on Excel spreadsheets, presents a significant hurdle in modernizing operations.
What a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Natural Products Industry
Russell, Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products, enjoys working with "a lot of Mom and Pops" in the functional beverage industry, helping startups bring products to market. This is particularly rewarding because many companies in the sector are "committed to the triple bottom line," offering Russell a diverse range of projects and collaborations with B Corp certified businesses.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Sales And Strategy Professionals
Russell, Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products, notes that success in the natural products industry hinges on building "long-term relationships with customers," unlike faster-paced sectors. This slower "business cycle" prioritizes relationship cultivation over quick sales, making it a "long relationship type of game."
Significant Career Lesson From a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products
Russell, Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products, wished someone had explained the industry's "dynamic...sales cycle business cycle" beforehand. This knowledge would have eased early career challenges, specifically "how to talk to the people in the industry."
College Experiences That Helped a Director of Sales and Strategy at Draco Natural Products Succeed
Responding to the question about significant career lessons, Russell highlighted entry-level paths for undergraduates interested in the natural products industry, suggesting roles such as "food scientist intern," "marketing intern," or "customer service representative" as stepping stones to sales. These roles, Russell explained, allow a gradual transition into sales positions, potentially evolving into "technical sales roles" or "sales manager" positions.
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