🇬🇧 Joining the darkside: From Presales to Sales | #7 Makita Pairaud - Solution Sales @ Microsoft

Summary In this episode, Makita Pairaud shares her journey from pre-sales to sales in the tech industry. She discusses the challenges and advantages of being a woman in tech and highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in pre-sales. Makita also talks about the role of pre-sales in solutioning and the need for constant learning and adaptation in sales. She concludes by sharing her perspective on hiring a sales engineer or a seller and gives advice to her six-year-old self. In this conversation, Makita Pairaud shares her childhood dreams and her artistic side. She talks about her love for going to the doctor as a child and wanting to be a pediatrician. Makita also mentions her passion for drawing and her creative side. She then gives advice to enjoy the ride and trust the process, emphasizing that everything happens for a reason. Finally, she talks about the importance of keeping an open mind and being open to unexpected opportunities in life. Takeaways Transitioning from pre-sales to sales can provide new challenges and opportunities for growth. Emotional intelligence and communication skills are crucial in pre-sales and can be an advantage for women in the tech industry. Pre-sales professionals play a key role in solutioning and positioning the right solutions for clients. Sales requires constant learning and adaptation, as well as the ability to build connections and tell compelling stories. When hiring, considering a candidate who is half salesperson and half product manager can be beneficial during the product-market fit phase. Childhood dreams and interests can shape our career aspirations. Enjoying the journey and trusting the process is important in life. Keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Transition from Pre-Sales to Sales 09:00 The Role of Women in Tech 13:00 Challenges and Advantages of Sales 21:00 The Role of Pre-Sales in Solutioning 30:00 Hiring a Sales Engineer or a Seller 36:00 Advice to Your Six-Year-Old Self 36:48 Childhood Dreams and Artistic Side 37:48 Advice: Enjoy the Ride and Trust the Process 39:05 Keeping an Open Mind Want to be on the show? Apply now! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/C6FsHp2CKS37NkdL9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- The podcast is presented by ARRtist Circus - the Tomorrowland for Sales & Customer Success Teams in Europe. Don't miss the event of the year - On April 19, 2024, in Berlin. Find all information and tickets at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ARRtist-circus.com