Expect the unexpected
How curiosity, mentorship, and genuine belief in people shaped my unexpected journey into tech sales.
I Never Expected to End Up in Tech Sales
Studying Abroad Changed My Perspective
When I was studying abroad, I chose to pursue a degree in business with a minor in international business. At the time, I didn't believe in myself enough to pursue marketing because I thought it was overly saturated. Looking back now, it's funny because marketing and sales became exactly where I was meant to be.
Studying abroad completely changed my perspective. I met people from all over the world who had overcome incredible obstacles just to earn an American-accredited degree. I realized that while I already had opportunities available to me through financial aid and the advantage of speaking English, many of my classmates had sacrificed everything to be there.
Watching their determination taught me to respect both their efforts and my own. If they were willing to work that hard for their futures, then I owed it to myself to do the same.
One of the greatest lessons I learned came from my professors. Many had studied at places like Harvard and other prestigious universities, yet instead of chasing bigger titles, they chose to return home and invest in the next generation of business professionals. That example of giving back has stayed with me ever since.
I truly believe that if it weren't for the people who believed in me, I wouldn't be in the position I am in today.
My Career Started in Real Estate
My career started in real estate as a Client Coordinator, where I learned how to qualify prospects, listen carefully, and understand people's concerns before ever trying to solve them.
That's where I first developed my communication skills and discovered that asking thoughtful questions is often more valuable than having the perfect answer.
Entering the World of Tech Sales
In 2020, a friend living in San Francisco introduced me to the world of tech sales. She told me it was an exciting industry that was growing quickly and encouraged me to complete a sales boot camp.
More importantly than learning different sales technologies, I learned how to present myself professionally and identify companies whose cultures aligned with my values. I wanted to work somewhere that believed in people because, at the end of the day, we're just humans behind the keyboard.
My first opportunity in tech sales was with Intensify. I honestly had no idea what content syndication or intent data was, but what convinced me wasn't the product. It was the conviction of the Sales Director, Benton. His passion for the company made me curious enough to want to learn everything I could.
Looking back, he sold me on the company long before I ever sold anything myself.
That experience taught me something I still carry with me today: genuine curiosity is one of the greatest skills you can develop.
Throughout my career, I've learned that people don't want to feel convinced. They want to feel understood. When you genuinely care about learning, understanding your customers, and believing in what you're representing, conversations become much more authentic.
Joining the First BDR Team at Intensify
When I joined the very first BDR team at Intensify, I was fortunate to be surrounded by Account Executives who believed in me, reached out to support me, and invested their time in my growth.
Less than a year later, I was promoted into an Enterprise Account Executive role.
While I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity, I also learned one of the biggest lessons of my career. I wasn't sure I was fully prepared, but I didn't want to disappoint anyone by expressing my concerns.
I accepted the challenge and gave it everything I had, but eventually, I reached a point where I realized that growth also means learning when to communicate honestly about where you are.
Looking back, I don't see that experience as a setback. I see it as an opportunity to learn discernment. Timing matters, and sometimes growth means allowing yourself the space to reflect before moving forward again.
Taking time to focus on my mental health became one of the greatest gifts I've ever given myself. It reminded me to slow down, appreciate how far I'd come, and recognize that God's timing is always better than my own.
Sometimes we become so focused on what's next that we forget to celebrate what we've already accomplished.
Joining Propensity
Later, another former colleague introduced me to Propensity. He believed in the company's vision and encouraged me to interview. During my conversation with the CEO, I was simply excited to learn more about the business and the people behind it.
That curiosity turned into an opportunity I continue to be incredibly grateful for.
Since joining Propensity, I've continued learning from incredible leaders, teammates, and mentors. From our CEO, Sumner, to our marketing leadership team and the people across the organization, I've been fortunate to work somewhere that genuinely values people.
That culture has reinforced everything I've believed throughout my career: people perform their best when they feel supported.
Looking back, I can honestly say that every opportunity I've received started because someone believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
That's why my goal now is to become that person for someone else.
