Chantel Hirschel
Chantel (Wilkes) Hirschel is an accomplished GTM leader and revenue operations strategist with more than a decade of experience building scalable systems, aligning go-to-market execution, and driving organizational growth. Currently serving as Director of Revenue Operations at Sana, she specializes in simplifying complex operational challenges into streamlined processes that empower sales, marketing, and customer success teams to perform at their best. Her expertise spans sales enablement, revenue operations leadership, marketing strategy and operations, as well as customer experience, with a proven track record of optimizing forecasting, improving pipeline hygiene, and implementing technology-driven efficiencies.
Before joining Sana, Chantel spent over 12 years in the SOLIDWORKS Channel at Quest Integration and Hawk Ridge Systems, where she advanced from an entry level business development role to Director of Revenue Operations. In that capacity, she spearheaded initiatives that saved teams hundreds of hours each quarter, developed training programs and playbooks to accelerate sales performance, and achieved exceptional results in GTM alignment, lead management, and tech stack optimization. Known for her ability to balance strategy with execution, she has consistently delivered measurable impact across fast-paced, competitive markets.
A graduate of the University of Idaho with a degree in International Studies and time abroad at the Nagasaki Institute of Foreign Studies, Chantel brings a global perspective to her leadership. Beyond her professional achievements, she is passionate about mentorship and team development, earning praise from colleagues for her supportive yet results-driven management style. With her blend of operational expertise, data-driven decision-making, and people-first leadership, Chantel continues to shape the future of revenue operations and strategic enablement.
Chantel is based in North Idaho with her husband, two kids and two dogs.
• 3DXW 2020
• SOLIDWORKS Sales Onboarding
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Marketing Professional - Advanced
• DriveWorks Product Knowledge Certificate
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Marketing Professional - Core
• How to Communicate with Diplomacy, Tact and Credibility
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Prospecting Specialist
• Nagasaki Institute of Foreign Studies
• University of Idaho- Bachelor's
• RevOps Chat
What do you attribute your success to?
I was set up for a lot of success by having two hardworking parents who modeled humility and a work ethic daily. My dad worked remote before it was a popular thing so I learned at the literal feet of a manager. I also attribute a large amount of my success to the invaluable guidance and support of my mentors, Mallory Hillyard, Iris Chiu, and Kimberly Enright.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Don't let the great get in the way of the good." Sometimes it's hard not to get caught up in making something perfect. Perfect is something you should strive to achieve, but not at the expense of never moving forward. At Sana, we say "Ship It" as part of our values to remind ourselves that a bias towards action is always the goal.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to have confidence in yourself, prioritize strong communication, and never hesitate to invest in your own growth. The extensive investment leaders have made in me to improve my communication changed the course of my career. Find a mentor and get comfortable taking feedback regularly.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
RevOps means so many things to so many different people. It coves a wide array of topics and is different at each org. Couple that complexity with constantly emerging tech (looking at you AI) and you have a fine recipe to stress someone out, in a role that tends to involve a lot of quick pivots already. However, challenges like that make great opportunities for quick learners though who are always open to new ideas and willing to try out new ideas, but not be blindsided by shiny new objects. If your org is still working to define what RevOps is, use the opportunity to emphasize that it is not only backend systems, it is an essential function that can help you set the strategy and vision for your organization. RevOps is the best team to support collaboration across cross functional teams and is usually spectacular at removing bottlenecks.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are faith, family, and fun—whether that’s being a mom of two, attending church activities, spending time reading, gaming, visiting theme parks, or simply walking with my dogs.