Ep 05: Leading Sales Teams through Uncertain Times with Ian Garrett

From working the supply chain to becoming a formidable leader in sales - Ian Garrett, Category Commercial Director at Samworth Brothers, joins our host Amanda Downs to share his journey. They explore the shifting dynamics of the retail industry, and particularly how Brexit, COVID, and the cost of living crisis are reshaping the landscape. Ian sheds light on the frequent price movements and the necessity to adapt to ever-changing shopper habits. Join them as they discuss how to manage teams amidst cost increases, emphasising the importance of building resilience, maintaining morale, and adapting to the shift toward remote work and virtual customer engagements. Here are the Highlights:01:31 Transitioned from a customer-facing role and found sales passion.05:48 How do we get the best out of people?10:02 Diverse experiences in sales: exhilarating yet challenging.17:04 Effective leadership through communication, process, and support.21:44 Shift to engaging with customers, and managing remotely.24:34 Impact through listening, learning, and engaging genuinely.28:04 Authenticity, passion, and support drive team success.29:56 Don’t take power away from the sales team. Build trust, and communication.About Ian Garrett After spending his formative career years in Telecoms, Ian moved into the world of FMCG  working for major global food manufacturers in senior leadership & executive roles across Supply Chain, Operations, Commercial & General Management. From a Commercial perspective Ian has covered Brand, Private Label, Chilled & Frozen foods,  and most Retailers and Channels in the GB market.  Connect with Ian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-garrett-6658b632/ About Amanda DownsAmanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.Connect with Amanda:Website: theuspiregroup.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/About The Uspire PartnershipUspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.Connect with Uspire:Website: theuspiregroup.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/Produced by Winter Audio.

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This episode was published on October 8, 2024.

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