Never Take "No" For an Answer!

From automotive sales burnout to SaaS success: a journey of resilience, ambition, and unwavering self-belief.

Kelly Louise Flanagan

Account Executive

KPA

I'm 30 years old, exhausted, tight for cash

I'm 30 years old, exhausted, tight for cash, and that's when it hits me - I have an epiphany...I no longer feel fulfilled in my role working at my automotive dealership. This was a shocking surprise, considering I'd built my life around selling cars. While I loved selling, something in me felt the need for a change.

About a year prior to this sudden realization, I'd suffered a TIA, or essentially, a miniature stroke. I was young, supposedly healthy, however I felt the pressure and high-demand that comes along with trying to keep up as a women in a male dominated industry. I took on extra tasks, abused caffeine, used my time off poorly due to overexertion from long hours, and decided a change needed to happen now, or never.

I abruptly planned a trip to travel the country

I abruptly planned a trip to travel the country, burned through all my saved money, and took time to explore the United States, as well as contemplate my life. I packed up everything (and my small Corgi) into a camper, and off I went!

This could have been a turn for the worse. I am jobless, with no permanent roots, and no idea what career path I was looking for. I knew however, that I would not accept anything less than my dream job.

Money began to run out, and after almost two years on the road, I had to settle somewhere and get back to having steady income. There was a year of terrible job offers, no recruiters returning my calls, and anxiety that grew everyday; knowing I will have an increasing gap in my resume's work history, and I felt my confidence dwindling.

I never gave up

I never gave up. I knew I wanted to work in an automotive space, I'd decided I wanted a remote sales position, and I was looking for a company with the same values I align with. That's when I saw that my current company was hiring. This is a software and services compliance company that specializes in automotive dealership compliance! It was PERFECT.

Now there were a few roadblocks -

1. It's tough to get into. I could see an outrageous amount of applicants submitted - many with higher education than I (I have virtually none). I forgot to mention, I am covered in tattoos, including face and neck, and at the time had neon green hair that I was correcting to natural colors! I knew I had an uphill battle.
2. I knew nothing about compliance.
3. The company was only hiring for roles that would be considered a downgrade, not just in pay, but I was well over-qualified in experience. So instead of getting discouraged, I got creative.

I decided to make a plan

I decided to make a plan. I applied for the lower level position (Sales development, instead of a closing role) and prepared by researching the company for hours, practicing my interview in the mirror, and crafting an enticing cover letter. I thought of a few goals -

I will make the company half a million in revenue in 6 months, and I will aim to be the quickest promoted sales development employee in the company's history.

I know this seems ambitious, however I was aiming for the stars. I completed three interviews and was offered the position! I stayed focused, studied in my free time, and I am happy to say in my first FIVE months, I exceeded 160-200% of quota monthly, made the company $638,00 in revenue, exceeding my goal, and FAST.

Then it happened

Then it happened - the exact role I desired was available. I applied right away, even after being told it was too soon. I'd only been in this role for 5 months, I have no degree, and no SaaS experience. I received a calendar invite and had the idea it was not for an interview for the role, and instead that it was to inform me they wouldn't be able to promote me so early.

I was correct.

Here is where never accepting "no" comes in - I had VISUALIZED myself in this role succeeding, I had spent hours on a PowerPoint presentation and gathering my data to present. I took the rejection well and asked "since you're here for an hour, and I have an hour - AND we both need practice, why don't we do a mock interview, since I had prepared a presentation?"

The superior agreed. I went full force and interviewed my heart out...it went so well - I was invited for a SECOND. Then a THIRD. To my absolute joy, I was offered the position!

Since then, I haven't put my feet up

Since then, I haven't put my feet up. I learned and excelled quickly in my new role, which took much effort. I changed my personal habits to reflect my new self. This past year I have dropped 80 pounds, left an unfulfilling relationship, ditched all processed foods and alcohol, picked up exercising, and never lose sight of my goals! There's obviously plenty of roadblocks, but I've stayed solid in my mindset.

If there's any takeaways from my story I'd like to highlight the importance of believing what you can't see. Believing it with such delusion, that reality has to align to your command, and no matter what your circumstances, never lose sight of your vision. Thank you to anyone that took time to read my tale of a 30's job crisis, self reflection, and determination to succeed!