Episode 137: Glen Scarlett | No Straight Lines: Building a Sales Career Through Experience

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Future in Sales and Marketing, we sit down with Glen Scarlett, Commercial Director at Pernod Ricard Australia, to explore a career journey that proves there’s no single path to success in sales and marketing.Growing up in Lowestoft, a small seaside town in England, Glen was certain from the age of 10 that he wanted to join the police force. But when his application was denied and he was told to go and gain “life experiences,” it set him on an entirely different trajectory. Rather than chasing a traditional career ladder, Glen chased experiences - leading him into hospitality, the liquor industry, and even teaching English as a foreign language in Sydney, followed by an extended stint in Cambodia.It wasn’t until his 30s that Glen began his corporate career, joining Suntory as an account manager. Over six years, he built the commercial foundations that would eventually take him to Pernod Ricard, where he now leads at the highest level in Australia.In this conversation, Glen shares:Why chasing experiences can be more powerful than chasing titlesThe transferable skills hospitality builds for a sales careerHow starting “later” can actually be a competitive advantageWhat it really takes to move from account management to commercial leadershipAdvice for anyone unsure about their next career moveThis episode is a must-listen for aspiring sales and marketing professionals who feel pressure to have it all figured out. Glen’s story is a powerful reminder that diverse experiences, resilience, and curiosity can be your greatest career assets.