Andy McGowan, VCU Center for Professional Selling - From Pro Sports to Teaching Future Sales Pros

In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin sits down with Andy McGowan, Director of the VCU Center for Professional Selling, to unpack Andy's unconventional career path — from professional sports and corporate communications to building one of the nation's top collegiate sales programs. Andy shares how an early mentor recognized his natural ability to teach, how real-world selling shaped every chapter of his career, and why developing young sales talent has become his calling. He offers an inside look at VCU's nationally ranked sales team, the rapid growth of collegiate sales competitions, and why employers across industries are eager to recruit his students. Together, Robin and Andy explore: What truly defines professional selling today Why outdated sales stereotypes no longer apply What employers actually look for in early-career sales talent Why engineers and first-generation students often excel in sales roles How AI is already reshaping sales preparation, practice, and performance Andy also extends a direct invitation to Richmond-area business leaders who are looking for motivated, coachable sales talent — and explains why partnering with the VCU program creates value for both employers and students. A practical, energizing conversation for leaders, recruiters, and anyone responsible for hiring or developing salespeople. *** If you'd like to learn more about Sandler's Sales, Management, and Leadership Performance program, you can email him at [email protected] *** If you like the Lead. Learn. Grow. Podcast with Robin Green, please rate and review us in your podcast app.