Helping execs in new roles accelerate impact, build credibility fast and avoid costly transition mistakes | xIBM Consulting | xPwC | Certified Executive Coach

You’ve just landed your next big executive role - congratulations!

Now comes the part no one prepares you for: making it successful.

The hard truth is, 40% of executive transitions fail within 18 months.

And the cost is staggering:

2.5x to 30x the executive’s salary in lost productivity, turnover, and disruption.

Career damage for the executive that can take years to recover from.

Maybe it's your first time at the senior leadership table. 
Maybe you've done this before, but this time, the stakes feel higher. 
Different company, industry, department or role.

Either way, you know this first year will define your reputation and your results.

Tell me if this sounds familiar:

You've inherited a team that doesn't fully trust you yet. 
You're navigating company politics, shifting priorities, and sky-high expectations. 
Everyone's watching, but no one's guiding. 
You're smart, experienced, and capable. 
But the pressure to prove yourself is relentless.

This is exactly where I come in.

I help new executives thrive where 40% fail by guiding them through the high-stakes first year.

My coaching is confidential, personalized, and focused on helping you:

✔ Earn trust quickly and secure early credibility
✔ Navigate politics and hidden organizational dynamics
✔ Build and align your leadership team for quick wins
✔ Make high-impact decisions without costly missteps
✔ Lay the foundation for long-term success and legacy

 Why Trust Me?
• 25+ years in Fortune 500 consulting, partnering with senior executives 
• Led $30M+ transformation portfolios and 250+ person practices at IBM 
• Led risk strategy for $100M+ proposals and complex transformations 
• Built and delivered IBM's top global executive coaching programs 
• Certified executive coach with 300+ leaders coached

If you’re ready to accelerate your impact and avoid costly missteps,

let’s make your first year your strongest. 

📩 DM me “Executive Transition” and let’s talk.

Dora Vanourek

"I found a better opportunity."

Translation: I found a leader who values me.

I've coached hundreds through resignations.

The real reason they leave: 
it's rarely what they say at first.

Behind "better opportunity" or "career growth" is something deeper:

They don't feel valued.

Nobody says thank you.

Their ideas get ignored. 
Their skills go unused. 
They've stopped learning.

If you want to keep your best people:

- Truly listen
- Say thank you
- Seek their ideas
- Appreciate them
- Provide flexibility
- Make time for them
- Ask for their opinions
- Share timely feedback
- Ask how they really are
- Involve them in decisions
- Provide growth opportunities
- Communicate with transparency
- Trust them to make the right decisions

You don't need a budget for any of these.

Just intention, and genuinely caring for your people.

Be the leader you wish you had.

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Changing jobs doesn't mean you're unstable.

It means you're brave enough to admit you want more.

Too often, career moves are seen as betrayals.

But the real betrayal to yourself is staying
somewhere that no longer serves your growth.

5 signs it's time to make your move:

1. Your work has lost its meaning
→ You go through the motions, but the spark is gone

2. You've outgrown your role
→ What once challenged you now feels like autopilot

3. You know you're wasting your potential
→ That nagging voice keeps saying "you're capable of so much more."

4. Sunday night dread has become your reality
→ The anxiety starts earlier each weekend

5. You don't feel seen or valued
→ Another quarter, another "great job" that leads nowhere

Loyalty isn't about staying in one place.
It's about staying true to your potential.

Choose growth over comfort.

You'll never regret betting on yourself.

♻️ Repost to inspire someone
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If you're not growing in your job, you're shrinking.

But shrinking feels like stability.

Like patience.
Commitment.
Paying your dues.

So you start telling yourself:

'The market's tough right now.' 
'I'm lucky to have a job.' 
'Maybe next year will be different.'

And while you're being 'patient':

Someone with half your experience gets promoted.

Someone who started after you becomes your boss.

The job-hopper is making 40% more.

If your company isn't investing in your growth, 
you're not building a career -
you're maintaining theirs.

They get your best years. 
You get a review that says 'meets expectations.'

Growth isn't just about moving up.

It's about expanding your skills.
Taking on challenges that scare you.
Working with people who believe in you.

Ask yourself:

- When did you last learn something that changed how you work?

- Who's invested in your development this quarter?

- What skills are you building for your next role?

If it's tough to answer these, you're not stable.

You're stuck.

And stuck is just shrinking in slow motion.

The riskiest career move isn't leaving too soon.

It's staying too long.

How will you feel next year if nothing changes?

Your growth doesn't need permission.

♻️ Repost to help your network
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The most painful part of growth:

The people closest to you will try to stop it.

And the faster you grow, the more uncomfortable others become.

It's not personal - it's human nature:

- People prefer the version of you they're used to
- Some feel threatened by your progress
- Others try to keep you "safe" in your comfort zone

Here are 5 powerful ways to protect your growth:

1. Audit Your Circle 👥 
↳ Who celebrates your wins vs. who diminishes them?
↳ Distance isn't betrayal, it's boundaries

2. Stop Explaining Yourself 🤐 
↳ You don't owe anyone a justification for growth
↳ Let your results do the talking

3. Track Your Progress 📈
↳ Screenshot encouraging feedback and messages
↳ Celebrate small victories, they compound into big changes

4. Find Your Growth Squad 🔗
↳ Seek people 2-3 steps ahead of you 
↳ Invest in mentors who've walked your path

5. Trust Yourself 💪
↳ Your intuition knows before your mind does
↳ Bet on yourself when no one else will

The people who truly belong in your life will celebrate your growth. 

Don't shrink yourself to make others comfortable.

♻️ Repost to help your network
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Your title doesn't make you a leader.

How you treat your team when no one's watching does.

After 25+ years helping leaders retain talent, 
I've seen the same pattern:

Great employees will tolerate bad systems and broken processes.

But there's one thing they won't forgive:

A manager who stopped caring.

5 ways leaders lose their best people:

❌ Taking people for granted
↳ Not feeling valued is a top reason people disengage and leave

❌ Rewarding high-performers with more work
↳ Watch them burn out and leave for other companies

❌ Tolerating low performance from others
↳ High performers feel like their efforts don't matter

❌ Not matching salaries for loyal employees with those of new hires
↳ This disrespects your loyal employees and damages trust

❌ Ignoring employee feedback
↳ Dismissing insights signals that their voices don't matter

How to keep your best people:

✅ Recognize impact and contributions
↳ Build a habit of consistent, genuine appreciation

✅ Provide growth opportunities
↳ Before hiring externally, see if you can promote from within

✅ Help them connect the dots
↳ Discuss how they can grow and advance to the next level

✅ Ask for their input when making decisions
↳ Listening to their opinions and feedback lets them know they matter

✅ Ensure fair compensation
↳ Regularly review and adjust compensation and benefits

Be the leader you wish you had.

Because loyal employees don't leave companies.

They leave managers who stopped caring.

♻️ Repost to promote healthier workplaces
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Fear-driven leadership works fast.

But the damage works faster.

Too many leaders obsess over hitting this quarter's numbers.

Meanwhile, their best people are quietly updating their resumes.

When people are afraid, they choose:

- safety over success
- silence over solutions
- survival over growth

What to avoid as a leader:

❌ Threatening job security
↳ "Many people would love to have your role."

❌ Using subtle threats
↳ "We need to talk about your career here."

❌ Manufacturing fake urgency
↳ "This needs to be done by EOD" (when it doesn't)

❌ Keeping people guessing
↳ Unclear expectations, moving goalposts

❌ Weaponizing performance reviews
↳ Don't treat reviews as threats

What to do as a leader:

✅ Recognize and appreciate often
↳ Ensure your employees feel valued

✅ Invest in their growth
↳ Create clear paths for career advancement

✅ Share the bigger picture
↳ Help them see how their work creates meaningful impact

✅ Give your team ownership
↳ Trust them to make decisions and take risks

✅ Stand behind your team
↳ Protect them from politics and have their backs

Fear might get you compliance today.

But trust gets you people who care.

♻️ Repost to inspire people-first leadership
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I'm turning 50 this week 🎂
Grew up in communist Czechoslovakia
where entrepreneurship was illegal.

Success meant getting a job at a prestigious company.

And staying there until retirement.

So that's what I did.

At 48, I looked at my life and realized:

I'd followed every rule.
Done everything "right."
And I still felt trapped.

So I built my escape route.

One LinkedIn post at a time.

A year later, at 49, I left.

Now I have freedom and flexibility I didn't know was possible.

But when I started writing,
my biggest challenge was coming up with ideas.

Staring at a blank screen every day:

- What do I even talk about?
- Will anyone care?
- How do I stay consistent without burning out?

This is why Stanley (Your Content Coach) matters so much to me.

It's the tool I wish I'd had earlier.

It helps me: 

- Give me honest feedback when I need it
- Flag when my audience is tired of a topic
- Turn one coaching session into 4 different posts

My posts created with Stanley outperform my others by 35-40%.

No matter how stuck you feel.

No matter your age.

No matter what you were taught about "safety" and "success."

You can move forward.

It’s never too late.

If you're building your escape route,
try Stanley for free today: https://lnkd.in/g9nvAJzJ

#stanleypartner

Most resignations start the same way.

With a manager who never notices.

People check out long before they officially leave.

Their disengagement builds slowly - one overlooked issue at a time.

High performers notice everything.

They see who contributes and who coasts.

When you tolerate mediocrity, you're telling your best people their standards don't matter.

They deserve better.

And so do you as a leader.

Great leaders do these 5 things differently:

1. Set the bar clearly
→ Define what success looks like - no guessing
→ Write the rules so no one's confused

2. Address issues early
→ Small problems turn big when ignored
→ Have tough conversations before things escalate

3. Be present, not just available
→ Prioritize 1:1s so people know they matter
→ Truly listen, and catch problems early

4. Do what you say, every time
→ Keep every promise. No exceptions
→ Show visible progress to build trust

5. Celebrate what matters
→ Recognize the behaviours you want more of
→ Skip "good job" - say exactly what worked

What you tolerate becomes your culture.

Make sure it's one your top performers want to stay in.

♻️ Repost to help your network
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People won't remember your job title.

They'll remember how you made them feel.

Because true happiness at work isn't about being employed.

It's about feeling valued.

The best leaders live by this.

They don't just manage tasks.
They empower people to grow.
They appreciate them genuinely.

Be that leader:

- Listen without judgement
- Provide stretch assignments
- Genuinely ask, "How are you?"
- Be kind, even on the tough days
- Open doors to new opportunities
- Acknowledge their unique strengths
- Empower others to explore and learn
- Share feedback that helps others thrive
- Invite input in decisions that impact others
- Show appreciation - it means more than you know
- Believe in someone before they believe in themselves

Leadership isn't just about budgets or targets.

It's about kindness, respect, and leaving people better than when you met them.

Have you had a great leader?
Tag them to thank them ⬇️ 

♻️ Repost to inspire your network
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Leadership isn’t earned with a title.

It’s built when people feel safe.

Safe to speak up.
Safe to fail.
Safe to rest.

Build a culture where taking time off doesn’t come with guilt.

What to do as a leader:

✅ Be a role model for taking time off:
↳ Take time off - and talk about it. Normalize rest

✅ Recognize efforts: 
↳ Acknowledge achievements that promote well-being rather than appreciating health sacrifices

✅ Encourage flexibility: 
↳ Trust your team to deliver in ways that work for them

✅ Prevent post-vacation overload: 
↳ Plan ahead to make returning from time off manageable

✅ Conduct meaningful check-ins: 
↳ Make 1:1s safe spaces to talk about well-being and workload

What to avoid as a leader:

❌ Praising work while sick:
↳ "Thank you for working even though you don't feel well" 
↳ This sends the wrong message about your company's values

❌ Neglecting feedback: 
↳ Ignoring employee feedback about workload and stress

❌ Discouraging time off:
↳ Making employees feel guilty for taking breaks

❌ Setting unrealistic goals: 
↳ Targets that require overwork are unsustainable

❌ Promoting an "Always On" culture: 
↳ Expecting 24/7 availability, even on weekends or vacations

Be the leader you wish you had.

♻️ Repost to promote healthier work cultures
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Image credit: Adam Grant

Most leaders obsess over the wrong things.

They chase better processes.

Refine strategies.

Restructure teams.

And when results don't improve:

They apply pressure.
Tighten timelines.
Use fear as a tactic.

Meanwhile, the people who care the most, stop caring.

The best leaders do the opposite:

✅ Know their names and their stories
↳ "How's your daughter's soccer season?"

✅ Treat everyone with equal respect
↳ The intern's time matters as much as the VP's. Act like it

✅ Follow through on their feedback
↳ Actually listen and act. Or explain why not. Silence kills trust faster than "no"

✅ Share your own mistakes first
↳ "Here's where I messed up" opens doors to honesty

✅ Replace "Who did this?" with "What can we learn?"
↳ One question assigns blame. The other builds resilience

✅ Address toxic behaviour quickly
↳ Every day you wait, good people update their resumes

You don't need another framework.

You need to look up from your spreadsheet and see the humans in front of you.

Before the best ones stop caring completely.

♻️ Repost to inspire people-first leadership
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The healthiest teams argue the most.

Because they trust each other enough to disagree.

Most leaders get this backwards.

They think psychological safety means:

→ No disagreements
→ Everyone is comfortable all the time
→ Keeping things polite

But that's not safety.
That's silence.

Real psychological safety looks different:

- Disagreeing doesn't end careers
- Failed experiments = learning
- "What went wrong?" not "Whose fault is it?"
- Leaders admit mistakes first
- Bad news doesn't get hidden
- People bring their real selves

How to start building it:

1. Model it first
→ Next meeting: admit something you got wrong or don't know

2. Reward the messy truth
→ When someone brings bad news early, thank them

3. Change one question
→ Replace "Who screwed this up?" with "What can we learn from this?"

Conflict isn't the enemy of safety.

Silence is.

What does psychological safety look like on your team?

♻️ Repost to help your network
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McKinsey: 89% of leaders miss critical warning signs

76% learn too late; 34% never learn at all.

Incredible carousel from my friend Malay Matalia 🔥
Check him out for more insights like this.

Harvard found:
- Great leaders catch these signs early
- The average ones learn from exits
- The poor ones never learn at all

11 wake-up calls leaders need to hear today:

1. When bad news stops flowing:
→ You haven't built trust
→ You've built fear

2. When the calendar is full but the impact is minimal:
→ You're managing time
→ Not driving results

3. When you blame the team but claim wins as yours:
→ You're not leading
→ You're just taking credit

4. When you're the smartest in meetings:
→ You're hiring for comfort
→ Not for growth

5. When decisions only flow down:
→ You've created soldiers
→ Not future leaders

6. When resumes are getting updated:
→ Your open-door policy
→ Was just empty words

7. When challenges stop coming:
→ Your team has already given up
→ You don't listen anyway

8. When celebrations are louder without you:
→ You're limiting your team
→ Not the catalyst

9. When you speak more than listen:
→ You're leading by power
→ Not valuing your team's insights

10. When no one outgrows their role:
→ You're creating ceilings
→ Not empowering your team

11. When being right matters most:
→ You've stopped leading
→ You've stopped growing

Remember:
Listen to what your team is saying.
And what they aren't saying.
Their silence speaks volumes.

What other wake-up calls would you add?

♻️ Repost to help someone
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11 Wake-Up Calls All Leaders Need to Hear

If you're not willing to fight for your team,
you don't belong in management.

I'll never forget watching my manager 
in a senior leadership meeting:

"You're asking my team to do 3 top priorities. 
Pick one.
Or give me more people."

The room went silent.

Then they picked one.

That's when I learned:

Real leaders don't just manage work - they protect people.

10 ways great leaders protect their teams:

1. Block Burnout Triggers
↳ Kill the root causes before exhaustion turns into resignation letters

2. Stop the Fake Urgencies
↳ Everything can't be urgent. Push back on manufactured crises

3. Eliminate Useless Work
↳ Cut low-value tasks such as creating reports that nobody reads

4. Push Back on Deadlines
↳ Negotiate realistic timelines. Say no to deadlines that require overtime

5. Require Priority Trade-offs
↳ Ask stakeholders to remove something else before adding new work

6. Cut Through Bureaucracy
↳ Push back on unnecessary approvals and processes that slow down your team

7. Protect Deep Work
↳ Create distraction-free times and keep "quick requests" from destroying focus time

8. Defend Their Reputation
↳ CC their wins to skip-levels. Stand up for them when they're not in the room

9. Shield from Office Politics
↳ Handle the organizational drama so your team can focus on real work

10. Limit Meeting Madness
↳ Prevent endless meetings that destroy productivity and focus

Your team doesn't need another manager.

They need a leader who truly has their back.

Be that leader.

PS: What's one thing you wish more leaders did for their teams?

♻️ Repost to help your network
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75% of people fear public speaking more than death.

Yet it's the no. 1 skill that accelerates careers.

Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, held me back for years.

I avoided roles where I'd need to speak a lot. 

Declined podcast invitations.

Fear was costing me too much.

Then I found Ultraspeaking

Here are the 8 techniques that transformed how I speak:

📌 Save these for later.

1. The Accordion Method 
→ Compress your talk to 60s, then 30s, then 15s 
→ Expand back, keeping only what matters 
→ Forces you to find your actual point

2. The Bow & Arrow 
→ Your Arrow = the ONE thing to remember 
→ Your Bow = supporting evidence

3. The Power Pause 
→ Stop for 3-5 seconds after key points 
→ Gives your audience time to absorb 
→ Silence is powerful, not awkward

4. The 2-3 Word Bookmark 
→ Create 2-3 word triggers, don't memorize scripts 
→ "Customer save" → your problem-solving story

5. Never Break Character 
→ Don't apologize for nervousness or mistakes
→ Your anxiety is invisible until you reveal it 

6. The Pushback Pivot 
→ Pause and acknowledge: "That's an important point" 
→ Reframe: "Here's how I see it..." 
→ Use challenges to strengthen your message

7. Use Clarity Prompts when Stuck
→ "The most important thing is..."
→ "If you remember one thing..."

8. The Opening Rule 
→ Rehearse your opening 3x more than the rest 
→ Early confidence will carry you through

These 8 techniques are just the beginning.

Ultraspeaking is different: 
live practice, speaking games, and real-time feedback from world-class coaches.

If communication is holding you back, 
join this FREE executive workshop (only 9 spots):
https://lnkd.in/gVibVu3G

#Ultraspeaking

Being smart isn't always an advantage.

It'll keep you stuck if you fall into these traps.

You work twice as hard.

You know you're capable of more.

But others still seem to get ahead.

It's not a lack of talent.

It's these traps holding you back:

1. The Overthinking Trap 🌀
↳ You spend months researching instead of taking action
↳ Avoid analysis paralysis with the 24-hour decision rule

2. The Comfort Zone Trap 🏝️
↳ Being the top performer in a small pond limits your growth
↳ Commit to one project that scares you every quarter

3. The Knowledge Hoarding Trap 📚
↳ Your bookshelf grows while your results stay the same
↳ Match every hour of learning with action

4. The Solo Player Trap 🧑‍🚀
↳ You avoid asking for help, seeing it as a weakness
↳ Find mentors who've already achieved what you want

5. The Intelligent Excuses Trap 🦊
↳ You use smart logic to justify staying average
↳ The real danger isn't failing - it's staying the same

6. The Multi-Potential Trap 🎭
↳ You have many talents but never commit to any
↳ Choose 1 focus for 90 days and say no to everything else

7. The Perfectionism Trap 🎯
↳ Your high standards become an excuse to never start
↳ Lower the bar and avoid endless revisions

Don't let these patterns keep you stuck.

You already have what it takes.

♻ Repost to help your network
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7 Traps Smart People Fall Into

Ren Saguil

Ren Saguil  | Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth

Managing Director

fraxional.io

Co-Founder

KiaOra Produce Corporation

Managing Partner and Owner

Vodafone

Account Director - Business Development, Wholesale and Infrastructure

Casa Systems, Inc.

Business Development Director -Strategic Accounts, NZ and Pacific Islands

Ruckus Networks

Country Manager - New Zealand and ANZ Service Provider

Alcatel-Lucent

Championing the Sales Enablement Program into adoption in Alcatel-Lucent Asia-Pacific and part of the APAC Sales Transformation.  

Sales Enablement Programme Manager - APAC

Account Director 

Group Account Director

Globe Telecom

Channel Sales and Marketing Manager

Bayan Telecommunications

I started my sales career as an Account Manager in BayanTel and promoted to Sales Manager with 7 Account Managers directly reporting to me.

Sales Head - Enterprise

Fractional CRO | Helping B2B Sales teams scale and grow high-value complex deals | 25+ years in tech sales | €130M Career Sales

Are you looking at how you can find the right clients, navigate and win high-value enterprise complex deals? 

You are in the right place.

👋Hello there! I'm Ren Saguil.

I help Sales leaders and their teams develop Personal Mastery, Effective Communication Skills and apply Sales Strategies and Frameworks to win High-Value Enterprise Clients.

⬆️How can I help you?

✔️New Business Development
✔️Strategic Account Management
✔️Sales Strategy Workshop facilitation
✔️Creation and development of Sales Process 
✔️Complex Deal Target Account Selling Training
✔️Sales Team Competencies Assessment and Coaching 

🤝Why work with me?

I have more than 25 years of experience in Business Development, Account Management and Channel Sales, mostly large complex accounts across the Telco and IT industry ranging from 50K to 40+M EU contracts. More than €130 M in career sales. Selling Transformation Services, Hardware and SaaS. 

As an Account Director and Country Manager, I worked for corporate multinationals Globe Telecom, Alcatel-Lucent, Ruckus Wireless and Vodafone. I served fortune 500 and large government accounts-- Shell Global, Citibank, Globe Telecom, Smart, PLDT, MOE NZ, Spark and Vodafone.

Winning beachhead accounts, created and developed channel sales programs for Telco and networking companies.

I have an MBA in Business, leadership and sales coaching certifications. I have a business in import-export and retail trade and consulting for SaaS and Tech businesses.

Most importantly I care about my clients and their successes. For me, its a deep partnership and I always ensure the growth of my client's business.

🚀If you need my help as a Fractional CRO, please DM me on LinkedIn.

🔔Follow me or subscribe to my 📮Sales Curiosity Club newsletter for Personal Mastery, building exponential relationships and B2B Sales Strategy on Complex Deals.check out here:https://page.sagedecisions.coach/profile

Fractional CRO

I have a hangover…

…of great vibes from the TechWomen and CyberCX End-of-Year Celebration 2025 in Auckland!

A huge thank you to Yvonne Gill and the team for hosting such a warm and inspiring event, and to CyberCX for providing the perfect venue.

Hearing from incredible tech leaders like Acascia Steedman, Arabella Vennell, and Racheal Morrison brought so many perspectives that I’ll be reflecting on for months.


Even more valuable were the connections; meeting new faces and catching up with familiar ones like Gau Kurman, Sasha Mullins, Hanieh Khalesi, Hamilee Repasa, Narmadhaa Sivaraja, Andrea Halal, and many more.

My biggest takeaway?

↳ Every woman in tech genuinely wants to support another woman to grow and progress in the industry.

↳ That collective commitment to lift each other up is what makes initiatives like this so meaningful and effective.


I told Yvonne I’m excited to be part of the Women in Tech Mentoring program next year…continuing these connections and contributing to the community’s growth.

Events like this are a reminder that progress happens when we share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and support each other’s journey.

Here’s to more collaboration, learning, and celebration in 2026!

P.S:
→ December 3 cohort is now open.

→ Maven’s Fast Track sale ends Monday.

→ Link is in the comment section below. (with FAST25 applied)


I help founders and sales leaders develop the skills and frameworks to confidently close high-value enterprise deals and grow their sales impact.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

On a Mission to Empowering 1,000 Elite Sales Teams to Win High-Value Enterprise Deals | MBA, Sales Strategy, Revenue Growth | Corporate Sales Training

When Narmadhaa Sivaraja asked me to be part of the panel for Ankur Shrivastava’s Ignition Forge, I immediately said yes. That’s who I am…I take action first and think later.


Then suddenly, the doubts crept in…

“What the heck, Ren! Who are you to talk about being a founder and running a business?”

You failed two businesses already. 
A bakeshop/café. 
An exporting business.

But then I realised something important:

My fastest growth came when I became a business owner - stepping out of my comfort zone and learning new skills at a much deeper level.

Finance. 
Accounting. 
Digital marketing.
Legal compliance. 
Product development. 
International shipping. 
Workflow and automation.

And yes, learning AI on top of everything.

And that’s why I wanted to share all my failures, learnings, and small wins.

I also wanted to meet like-minded founders and business owners who are passionate about making a difference, and learn from them too.

And yes, talk about building a business we love ❤️ (sounds fluffy but true).

And that’s exactly what happened last night.

I met wonderful founders and business owners…Shweta Pandkar (building Wismopay), Stu Lees (a brilliant speaker & marketer), Chris Asahara and Nicky Tregidga (nee - Roberts) ( building SE1FMADE mindset for athletes), Robelle Sy-Esguerra (building a new recruitment platform), and Saveun Man (launching Carpoolin soon).

And many more. (Apologies I didn’t get everyone here.)

Ankur, I have to say, your event was exceptionally well organised.

Only one complaint: the venue asked us to leave early while we were still deep in conversation! 😆 That’s how you know everyone was truly enjoying themselves.

Congratulations, Ankur and Narmadha!

Until the next one.


I help founders and sales leaders develop the skills and confidence to win high-value enterprise clients.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

“In our first year we raised $10,000 for our initial funding which lasted a whole year…yeah, that's a lot of ramen!”

I had the privilege of hearing Alliv Samson at the Stripe and KiwiSaaS Community Connect NZ event share her incredible journey co-founding Kami with her husband during their Auckland Uni days….


And as a fellow Filipina Kiwi, I left truly inspired.

Alliv’s grounded confidence stayed with me.

She radiates strength, resilience, and quiet determination, yet remains remarkably humble.

Her story is built on years of persistence, listening to users, and building with intention.

Here were the moments that stood out most:

→ 2013: Founded as Notable, with only 5,000 sign-ups in their first year while focusing on NZ universities.

→ 2014: Listing on the Chrome Web Store shifted everything…suddenly lawyers, doctors, and professionals began using it.

→ 2017: They discovered true product-market fit when teachers shared that Kami saved them 4+ hours by eliminating printing and scanning.


→ Perfect timing: Chromebooks rolled out across US classrooms, replacing iPads and PCs.

→ Bootstrap discipline: Only $2M raised in total…yet they stayed profitable throughout.

What truly moved me was their commitment to understanding user needs.

When teachers were signing up but not paying, they didn’t assume….they reached out.

↳ That curiosity unlocked a market that now represents 92% of the US education sector, with more than 7 million users.

There was even a moment where they considered shutting down…

But teachers paid to keep them alive because they needed Kami so badly.

Wild story huh.

That is the power of solving a real problem.

↳ Today, Alliv is giving back through Hiraya, helping the next generation of Kiwi-founded businesses and tech innovators build with global ambition.

In Filipino, Hiraya means:

“The fruit of one’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations.”

Stories like this remind me why I love building a business…because resilience becomes the bridge to your goals.

Thank you, Alliv, for sharing your story so generously and for lifting the next generation with you.

And it was wonderful sharing the space with Hamilee Repasa as well.


P.S:
→ kicking off Elite Sales: Win High-Value Deals cohort Dec 3.
→ Join us NOW. 
→ Link is in the comment section below.


I help founders and sales leaders master enterprise sales by building insight-led relationships, simplifying complex deal cycles, and winning high-value clients.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

Some of my fondest sales career memories are from my time at Alcatel-Lucent (now Nokia) 💙

The glorious wins. 
The sales battle scars. 
And many more epic sales stories.

But most memorable? 

Winning alongside leaders who shaped my career and showed me what true sales leadership looks like at a global scale—the power of strategy, the strength of teamwork, and the impact of sales leadership.

That's why I'm thrilled to announce my next Maven lightning lesson on November 17: "Break into Sales Leadership"— featuring my guest Roque Lozano, SVP at Nokia. It’s part of Maven Fast Track your Career Speaker Series.

We'll dive deep into: 
⚡️ The top 3 success drivers for global sales leaders 
⚡️ How to develop and apply these skills in your career 
⚡️ Your chance to ask questions directly to a C-level global executive

🗓️ Monday Nov 17 
💻 Online
💸 Free to join

Fast track your sales career in 2026, join us! 
Whether you're an aspiring sales leader or looking to level up, this session is for you. 

Save your spot here, link in the comments👇

Why real sales growth starts with strategy…

One of my favourite moments as an instructor is seeing sales professionals elevate the way they think, prepare, and execute….not through motivation, but through the right strategy, buyer-sales process, and the right behaviours.


Jessica Greenland, Sales Director, shared this after completing my Elite Sales program:

“Ren is a very experienced Sales leader with useful processes, tips & tricks to help salespeople of all levels improve our methodologies & win more business. 

She's now incorporating AI functionality to show how new technology can help in our work.”


This means so much to me because the goal of the program has always been simple:

→ Equip sales professionals with practical, repeatable processes that drive high-value results.

→ Help them sharpen their strategy, sales insights, and leadership.

→ Show how tools like AI can accelerate their performance - when used with the RIGHT sales fundamentals.

In every cohort, I see the same pattern:

Once you strengthen your strategy, process and behaviour, everything else becomes easier…

↳ Discovery calls
↳ Qualifying opportunities
↳ Stakeholder conversations
↳ Deal Strategy
↳ Negotiations
↳ And Enabling clients to make the right decisions

If Jess’s experience resonates with you, the next cohort of Elite Sales Athlete starts 3 December.

We’re currently in Maven’s Fast Track Sale (Nov 17–24) so you can enroll at a discounted rate.

Link is in the comment section below. 
(with FAST25 applied)


I help founders and sales leaders master enterprise sales by building the habits, systems, and strategic discipline of elite performers.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

Over 60 people have signed up....

For the free Break into Sales Leadership Lightning Lesson happening today. 

Join me with Roque Lozano, SVP at Nokia.

How do you break into a global sales leadership?

Here's what will cover:

⚡ The top 3 skills that create the most impact as a global sales leader and how to develop them.

⚡ How to navigate and build leadership when you're a new leader in a new country.

⚡ How do you actually get noticed for an international assignment

→ Happening on Monday, Nov 17, 2025
→ Starts 6:00 PM NZ | 9:00 AM GST
→ 30 Minute Session

→ RSVP (it’s free)!

→ Link is in the comment section below.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

How to sell priorities, not problems….

One of the hardest parts of enterprise sales is the DISCOVERY CALL. It’s where credibility is built, but without pitching your products or services.


So why should you master this skill?
Because every winning deal starts here.

It’s where you earn trust, uncover executive priorities, and position yourself as a strategic partner, not a vendor.

That's what we'll unpack in this week's Maven Lightning Lesson: "Break into Sales Leadership." 

I'm excited to be hosting Nokia executive Roque Lozano.

→ Happening on Monday, Nov 17, 2025
→ Starts 6:00 PM NZ | 9:00 AM GST
→ 30 Minute Session

✅ How to lead conversations with insight, not information.
✅ How to align your discovery questions with executive priorities.
✅ How to develop a point of view that positions you as an expert in every client meeting.

✅ Know Your Stuff → Build technical credibility.
✅ Know Your Market → Play to your competitive strengths.
✅ Know Your Customer → Understand their technical and financial priorities.


You’ll walk away knowing how to enter meetings with confidence, clarity, and purpose…even before presenting a single slide.

Because top performers don’t sell products, they sell insights
And insights are what executives remember.

→ Moving from top performer to top leader requires a SHIFT in mindset…from mastering your own deals to empowering teams and steering strategy.

Join us as Roque shares the blueprint that guided his two-decade career in global sales leadership.

→ RSVP (it’s free)!

Link is in the comment section below.

→ Lesson starts exactly at 6:00 PM (NZDT)
→ I open the room at 5:55 PM (NZDT)
→ Be there 5 minutes early… 
→ On time is late.
→ Bring 3 friends who’d love to accelerate their sales leadership journey.


I help founders and sales leaders master enterprise sales by turning insight-led discovery into executive-level trust and strategic partnerships.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

View event: Lightning Lesson: Break into Sales Leadership.

Lightning Lesson: Break into Sales Leadership.

Final day to elevate your enterprise sales skills!

Today is the last day of Maven’s Fast Track Sale, and if you’ve been thinking about strengthening your enterprise sales skills for 2026, this is the perfect moment to step in.


In my Maven cohort, Elite Sales: How to Win High-Value Deals, we go beyond tactics.

We focus on the real foundation of enterprise success:

building relationships that lead to long-term partnerships.

Inside the cohort, you’ll learn how to:

✅ Initiate meaningful conversations that open doors.

✅ Establish trust from the very first interaction.

✅ Navigate the buyer-seller process with structure and confidence.

✅ Enable your clients to make informed decisions. 


What makes this work powerful is that you’re not just learning mental models and frameworks…

You'll create and apply the frameworks in the sales field and win high-value complex deals. 

That’s why feedback like this means so much:

“Ren knows her craft and she knows it well. Just like businesses change with their stage of growth and context, so too does the sales process.

Ren breaks it down precisely so you can be successful at any age or stage.”
-Amanda Gibson, Organisational Growth Strategist.


If you’re ready to shift how you sell, how you build trust, and how you win high-value clients…this is the final day to join at a reduced rate.

P.S:

→ December 3 cohort is now open.

→ Maven’s Fast Track sale ends tonight. Use FAST25 for 25% off.

→ Link is in the comment section below.


I help founders and sales leaders develop enterprise sales excellence, build high-trust relationships, and win high-value deals with calm, strategic confidence.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

Last call: Fast Track 25 ends today! (Maven extended!)

The follow-up shift that gets real responses…

In enterprise sales, silence between conversations can feel uncomfortable. 

You lose momentum.
Deal velocity slows down.

But often, prospects aren’t choosing not to reply… they simply don’t see how engaging at that moment helps them move forward.


The good news is that follow-ups don’t need to feel pushy or repetitive.

↳ Small shifts in how you reach out can change the entire momentum of a conversation.

Here’s one that consistently works for me, my clients, and the teams I train:

→ Don’t ask for time. Ask for feedback. Co-create:
When you request a meeting, you’re asking someone to give.

When you share something you’ve developed for them and ask for their feedback, you’re inviting them to build a great idea with you.

It’s a completely different experience for the person receiving your message.


↳ Instead of:
“Can we schedule 30 minutes next week?”

↳ Try:
“I’ve put together a draft of ideas based on our last conversation; I’d appreciate your feedback.”

→ One feels like another task….
→ The other feels like a meaningful opportunity to shape the next step.


If you make this one shift, you’ll notice a real difference in how decision-makers engage…

Not because you’re pushing harder, but because you’re making it valuable for them to respond.


→ How are you creating deal momentum in your business development? I’d love to hear what’s been working for you.

→ If you’ve tried shifting from asking for time to co-creation, what changed for you?

P.S:
→ Last day of Maven’s Fast Track Sale. Use FAST25 for 25% off.

→ Link is in the comment section below.

→ Cohort starts 3 December.


I help founders and sales leaders strengthen enterprise relationships, create high-value conversations, and win the complex deals that matter.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

Your product isn’t your real value proposition...

A hard truth for many in enterprise sales: your product is not your value proposition. Solutions only create value when they solve problems people genuinely care about.


Your tech, platform, or service…these are only as valuable as the results they deliver for your client.

→ A scattered approach leads to missed quotas and wasted effort.

→ The fix? Focus on what truly matters.

↳ Define Your Playground: The Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)

→ Know who you’re selling to…not just industries, but businesses that get the most value from your solution.

→ Understand their pains.

→ Understand their strategic goals.


↳ Play to Win: The Sales Strategy

→ Once your ICP is clear, align your sales activities to the customer journey.

→ Create a series of value-driven conversations that guide prospects from problem awareness to solution.


↳ Client Conversations: The Buyer-Sales Process

→ Every interaction is an opportunity to test your ICP and strategy.

→ Are your questions uncovering real, high-stakes problems?

→ Are you listening more than talking?

If this resonates, it might be time to recalibrate.


↳ Our Elite Sales Cohort kicks off this Wednesday.

We’ll focus on building a sales strategy that connects your solution to the problems your ideal clients care about.

Join an elite group of founders and sales leaders committed to mastering their craft.

Send me a DM to:

↳ Ask questions about the cohort.

↳ Schedule a 15-minute chat to see if it’s right for you.


I help founders and sales leaders master enterprise sales by turning strategies into results that clients value.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

Crafting unique insights separates good from elite…

One of the hardest parts of enterprise selling isn’t pitching your product, it’s building trust and credibility WITHOUT pitching at all.


That happens in the DISCOVERY CALL.

This is where elite sellers quietly differentiate themselves.

They don’t enter meetings to qualify leads…they enter as experts who can reframe a client’s thinking.

How?

→ By crafting UNIQUE INSIGHTS, credible recommendations that align with EXECUTIVE priorities.

Because here’s the truth:

✅ An “insight” isn’t information.
✅ It’s a well-researched business hypothesis about how you’ll create value.
✅ It’s what turns discovery from Q&A into a strategic dialogue.

So how do you develop insights that earn trust?

↳ Start with account research:
Build an Account Profile that outlines facts, context, and business drivers.

You can use this free Strategic Account Playbook Template to get started.
(Link is in the comments.)

↳ Clarify the client’s current situation:
Define what’s working, what’s not, and what they want to tell their board next month.

↳ Collect evidence:
Use data, insights, and benchmarks that make the issue real.

↳ Translate evidence into impact:
Quantify what it’s costing them today, and what’s possible with change.

↳ Anchor urgency:
Tie your narrative to a compelling event: a budget cycle, renewal, or board presentation.

→ Now you’re not “pitching” anymore, you’re enabling decision-making.

✅ That’s what elite performers do differently.
✅ They SELL PRIORITIES, not problems.
✅ They enter as experts first, and salespeople second.

Because crafting unique insights doesn’t just win deals, it earns respect.

→ What advice would you give a younger version of yourself about leading with insight?

→ What frameworks do you use to translate discovery into strategy?


I help founders and sales leaders master enterprise sales by turning discovery calls into strategic conversations that create clarity and momentum.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

I have a little corner in my home office—a mini-library—it’s my go to spot when I need space to think or spark ideas for writing. It’s not just my collection; it’s also filled with books my kids left behind when they moved out.

Today, I picked up one of my favorite books—"How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie"—a gift I gave my son when he was 16. Now, it’s back with me, and as I flipped through the pages, I caught one of his scribbled Post-it notes and made me laugh out loud—a reminder from his teenage self that hit home for me today.

The note said something along the lines of: “I love always being right. How to lose friends 101.”

Wise words from a 16-year-old, right?

In my Maven cohort, Elite Sales: How to Win High Value Deals, we dive deep into building business relationships. You will develop strategies for initiating meaningful conversations, establishing trust from the first interaction, and managing buyer-sales process that lead to long-term partnerships. 

If this sounds like you, I'm kicking off cohort 8 on December 3—.Save 25% off with Maven FAST TRACK,  
enrol here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dxDPkM9V


Wishing you all a restful weekend. I hope you are taking a moment to pause, breathe and slow down.

Happy Saturday! 🌞📚

Strong cohorts create stronger enterprise sales outcomes.

The next Elite Sales cohort officially kicks off this Wednesday, 3 December…and the energy inside the room is already incredible!


I’m genuinely thrilled to welcome an extraordinary group of professionals who are deeply committed to winning high-value enterprise deals.

The diversity of expertise is always special.

This cohort includes:

↳ A founder innovating in the legal tech space.

↳ A founder building agentic software services for enterprise markets.

↳ An executive coach partnering with global multinationals.

↳ And other driven founders, account managers, and business development leaders ready to grow their capabilities.


Bringing together this level of experience is exactly what makes the Maven Elite Sales program so powerful.

Everyone arrives with different strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences

And that collective intelligence creates momentum that no one can build alone.

That's what makes the cohort model so powerful.

✅ You apply frameworks more effectively because you practice real scenarios and real challenges in a safe environment.

✅ You take action faster because you're surrounded by peers aiming for the same level of standards and excellence.

✅ You don't just learn, you get results and transformation.


↳ This Wednesday, we dive into strategy, process, and the mindset required to win complex deals consistently.

And I couldn’t be more honoured to guide this group as they step into their next level.

→ Elite Sales 'Win High-Value Enterprise Deals' cohort starts on Dec 3.

→ Join us NOW. 

→ Use code XTENDED for 25% Off for the next 24 hours.

→ Link is in the comment section below.


I help founders and sales leaders design insight-led sales conversations that align with executive priorities and win high-value enterprise deals.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

You can learn sales online for free… but can you apply it?

A founder recently asked me, “How do I start learning enterprise sales? I don’t have a sales background.”

It’s a great question….especially now that there’s endless content online.

And it’s true, you CAN learn a lot for free…

But here’s the gap every founder eventually hits:
You can learn the theory anywhere.

Applying it in real enterprise deals is where most people get stuck.


That’s why a structured environment, guided by someone who has spent 27 years in the enterprise field, makes a significant difference.

Here’s what a cohort-based learning experience actually gives you:

→ Direct Coaching & Accountability:
Personalised guidance, live feedback, and someone to keep you moving. Not another video you’ll “come back to later.”

→ A Proven, Scalable Process:
A complete framework; strategy, buyer-sales process, and the right sales behaviours; built from real enterprise experience, not theory.

You can apply it immediately.

→ Deep, Practical Application:
We go beyond concepts.

We work through:

↳ Crafting executive-level points of view

↳ Role-playing qualification and objection scenarios

↳ Building deal strategies

↳ Presenting winning proposals

↳ Storytelling that resonates with senior executives

The goal is simple: turn knowledge into RESULTS.

→ One of my students, Sarah Hayford, came from a non-profit founder background with no traditional sales experience…

After the cohort:

✅ She not only built her strategy and process… she closed a £5-figure annual partnership with a global corporate, her biggest deal to date.

Her success didn’t come from watching videos….

It came from applying frameworks, practising the conversations, and getting feedback in real time.

→ We’re currently in Maven’s Fast Track Sale (Nov 17–24) so you can enrol at a discounted rate.

→ Cohort starts 3 December

→ Link is in the comment section below. (with FAST25 applied)

→ If you’re ready to move beyond theory and start closing high-value enterprise deals, the details are in the comments.

→ And if you want to talk it through, I’m always happy to chat and see if it’s the right fit for you.


I help founders and sales leaders move beyond theory and close high-value enterprise deals by teaching practical frameworks, providing live coaching, and driving application-focused training.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

🚀 Lightning Lessons: Leadership, Sales Strategy, and Global Success 🌍
What does it take to thrive in enterprise and complex deals?
How do you break into global sales leadership?
And what’s the secret to winning against tough competitors?

These are just a few of the powerful takeaways from my latest Lightning Lesson with the incredible Roque Lozano, Nokia SVP.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we covered:

✨ Leadership as a Tool, Not a Title
Roquel reminded us that leadership isn’t about ego—it’s about enabling your team to succeed. True leaders align their purpose with their team’s goals, fostering collaboration and trust.

🌏 Getting Noticed for International Assignments
Curiosity and adaptability are key. Roque shared how international opportunities are evolving, with local contracts often replacing traditional expat roles. His advice? Look beyond your current boundaries and embrace new markets.

💡 Winning Sales Strategies
We reminisced our major microwave deal with a Telco in Asia to navigating cultural leadership in the Middle East, Roque emphasized the importance of focusing on client outcomes, not just features. It’s about understanding the market, your team’s capabilities, and the value your technology brings.

🎯 Cultural Intelligence for Global Leadership
Success in global roles requires humility, deep listening, and cultural adaptability. Roque’s journey from technical roles to sales leadership across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe is a masterclass in CQ (Cultural Intelligence).
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! 🌟

👉 Why should you watch this session?
Whether you’re a founder, account manager, or aspiring global sales leader, this Lightning Lesson is packed with actionable insights on leadership, strategy, and career growth.

🎥 Catch the full session here, part of Maven FAST TRACK  ➡️https://lnkd.in/gJnDaKXX. 

What's your biggest challenge in enterprise sales or global leadership? How did you overcome it? Drop your thoughts below 👇

#Leadership #SalesStrategy #GlobalSuccess #CulturalIntelligence #EnterpriseSales #LightningLessons

Strategic sellers don’t sell products…they lead.

Becoming a strategic seller isn’t about deal size or company headcount. It’s about shifting HOW you sell, from pushing products that solve problems to designing PROJECTS that support executive-level PRIORITIES.


That’s the difference between being a VENDOR and being a STRATEGIC PARTNER.

→ And it starts with building your point of view (POV); not once, but continuously.
→ Because your POV is an ongoing process, not a one-time task.

Your understanding of the client’s priorities will evolve as you go deeper in discovery.

While research builds your foundation, it’s your ability to think on your feet that sets you apart.

→ That means developing both MENTAL AGILITY and BUSINESS ACUMEN.

How do you do this?

↳ Write your business hypothesis, what you BELIEVE creates value for your client.
↳ Test it live during your qualifying or discovery calls.
↳ Then refine it as new data emerges.


Once you’re confident, start adding NUMBERS to your business case, even soft numbers.

These small estimations spark big conversations about impact and value.

Then go deeper:
→ Clarify context and scenarios.
→ Identify dependencies, constraints, and drivers.
→ Map out risks and trade-offs.

This is how you build a business case that resonates with the C-suite; one that moves from assumptions to actionable clarity.

So, the next time you meet your client for discovery…
→ Lead with a point of view.
→ Ground it in a solid framework.

Then design the project that enables an executive priority, and watch how the conversation changes.

→ What helps you stay agile during discovery? I’d love to hear how you refine your point of view as you learn more about your clients.


I help founders and sales leaders master enterprise sales by turning discovery conversations into strategic partnerships that win executive trust.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

I have had my share of losses and wins...

Over my 27+ years in sales, working deals ranging from $1M to $40M, I’ve learned what truly sets Elite Sales apart.

What makes a top-tier enterprise sales professional?

Let’s call them BDMs in our post today, they can be called Account Managers, Account Directors or Client Directors.

Creative, yet analytical thinkers:
→ The best BDM can read the room, see power dynamics at play, process complex information quickly, and adapt their approach.

Clear communicators and manage stakeholders:
→ They handle everything from client negotiations to internal processes with finesse, working seamlessly with pre-sales, engineers, or even legal teams.

Bold negotiators:
→ The courage to make bold asks from clients (without unnecessary discounts) is what drives long-term value. 
→ An average BDM gives too much away too soon.

Action-oriented executors:
→ Great BDMs get things done. They don’t wait for engineers or PMs, they drive the process to make deals happen.

Highly structured individuals:
→ From mapping decision-makers to running pain-free prep meetings, structured BDMs ensure internal harmony and consistent deal progression.

Think like a CEO:
→ They’re accountable, resource-conscious, and never sacrifice company value for convenience.

Tenacious closers:
→ Top BDMs know when to push, when to ease off, and importantly...when to walk away from a bad deal.

BDMs are more than just salespeople... 
They're deal-makers, analysts, negotiators, and, frankly, a little bit of everything. 

Developing these traits takes time, but it's 100% worth it. And if you want to FAST FORWARD join me in my next cohort "Elite Sales: Win Enterprise High Value Deals".

→ What do you think? Have I missed any traits that separate great BDMs from average ones?

Drop a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

PS: Maven’s Fast Track Sale runs until 24 November. Use FAST25 for 25% off.

→ Link is in the comment section below.

→ Cohort starts 3 December.


I help founders and sales leaders build skills in enterprise sales, simplify complex deal cycles, and confidently win high-value clients.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

Behaviors

One of the biggest challenges in sales? 

Getting prospects to actually respond.

The silence can feel brutal.

"Just following up" and "just checking in" emails don't cut it anymore.

You send the email.... 

You wait... 

Nothing. 

You follow up again... 

Still nothing.

Before long, it feels cringy…not because following up is wrong, but because the silence makes you feel like you're chasing, pestering, or desperate.

Here's the truth:

→ Your prospects aren't ignoring you because they forgot about you…

They're ignoring you because they don't believe engaging with you will help them accomplish what matters most right now

That's a hard truth. But it's also fixable.

The good news?

There are proven ways to break through the noise and get responses, not by pushing harder, but by shifting how you follow up.


Here are three relationship-first shifts that consistently strengthen momentum:

→ 1. Ask for feedback, not time:
↳ Requesting “30 minutes” asks them to give.

↳ You're inviting them to co-create, shape the solution, and feel ownership, making engagement far more likely. 

You position yourself as someone invested in their success who needs their input to refine the approach.

↳ It changes the energy of the interaction immediately.


→ 2. Introduce new value every touchpoint:
↳ Every message should elevate their thinking; an insight, a perspective, an example, a resource.

↳ You want prospects to think: "I always learn something when I talk to this person.”

→ 3. Match your message to their priorities:
↳ Before sending anything, pause and ask:

↳ Does this help them move closer to what matters most “to them” right now?

↳ This single filter transforms how decision-makers experience you.


If you're ready to strengthen your skills in strategic follow-up, executive communication, and relationship-led selling, we go deeper inside my December cohort:

Elite Sales: How to Win High-Value Deals.

P.S:
→ December 3 cohort is now open.

→ Maven’s Fast Track sale ends Tomorrow. Use FAST25 for 25% off.

→ Link is in the comment section below.


I help founders and sales leaders strengthen enterprise relationships, create high-value conversations, and win the complex deals that matter.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

Follow-ups fail when they lack strategic value.

One of the biggest challenges in sales is getting prospects to respond. The silence can feel brutal….


Not because you did anything wrong, but because generic follow-ups don’t speak to what matters most to decision makers.

Your prospects aren’t ignoring you. They simply don’t see how engaging with you helps them advance their priorities RIGHT NOW.


And the good news? This is completely fixable when you shift how you follow up.

Here are the strategies that have been working for me, my students, and my clients:

↳ Don’t ask for time, ask for feedback:
This is my biggest realisation.

When you ask for “time,” you position yourself as someone who needs something.

When you ask for feedback, you position yourself as someone who has already invested in them.

It invites them to lead, not give.

→ Instead of “Can we schedule 30 minutes?”

→ Try: “I’ve put together a draft approach based on our last conversation…would love your feedback on whether I’m on the right track.”

↳ Rethink what you’re asking for:
Stop asking whether they saw your proposal.

Ask for insight, guidance, and perspective.

This shift helped one of my clients re-engage a silent prospect simply by sending a calendar invite paired with a message that showed preparation, initiative, and respect for their time.


↳ Execs and key decision makers think big:

Really BIG.

Executives focus on strategic impact.

Revenue growth, market positioning, competitive advantage and shareholder value.

→ "Should we do this?”

→ “What's the opportunity cost? How does this move us closer to our vision?"

→ “What strategic priority does this connect to....not just operationally, but at the board level?”


When you frame your message around these deeper priorities, you're doing more than just speaking their language...you're demonstrating that you understand what truly matters at their level. 

You're showing that you see the bigger picture, that you're thinking like a partner, not a vendor.


→ Introduce new information every touchpoint:

Every follow-up should deliver value; insight, data, frameworks, market trends, or a fresh angle.

You want prospects thinking: “I always learn something from this person.”

The goal is simple: always leave them better off than before they met you.

That is how you move from vendor to trusted advisor.


→ Which of these strategies will you apply this week? Share in the comments, I’d love to hear your approach.

→ What’s the toughest part of getting prospects to respond in your industry?


P.S:
→ kicking off Elite Sales: Win High-Value Deals cohort Dec 3.
→ Join us NOW. 
→ Link is in the comment section below.


I help founders and sales leaders create value in every interaction, and lead sales conversations with the kind of insight executives pay attention to.


#creativity #innovation #business #strategy #B2BSales

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Dora Vanourek

Ren Saguil

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The Battle

Dora Vanourek

Ren Saguil

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Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Dora Vanourek's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreDora Vanourek's LinkedIn Performance