In this episode, Caitlin Crawford shares her journey from a non-tech background to becoming a tech industry leader. She discusses early career challenges, the importance of mentorship, intentional networking, and continuous learning. Caitlin also covers gender bias in leadership, resilience, and career progression. She offers insights on leading through difficult times, the value of community and self-care, and advice for those on similar career paths.

Takeaways:

• Transitioning to a career in tech sales can be a non-linear path, and many successful leaders in the industry did not initially plan to enter sales.
• Early sales experience, even in challenging roles, can provide valuable lessons and skills that contribute to future success.
• Building a board of advisors, consisting of both internal and external mentors, can provide guidance, support, and diverse perspectives throughout your career.
• Being vocal about your career goals and actively seeking opportunities for growth and development can lead to new and exciting opportunities. Leading through challenging times requires humility, resilience, and a willingness to learn from others.