Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Watts is the Territory Sales Manager for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska at SodaStream International Ltd., bringing more than a decade of experience in beverage sales, distribution, and retail account management. Throughout her career, Michelle has developed a strong reputation for driving sales growth, building lasting customer partnerships, and delivering impactful field execution across expansive territories. In her current role, she manages a six-state region where she prospects new accounts, supports existing retail partners, identifies merchandising opportunities, and leverages strategic planning and mapping skills to maximize efficiency and business performance.
Michelle’s professional journey began in the beverage industry with Odwalla, where she developed her expertise in route sales, customer engagement, inventory management, and territory growth. She later joined Swire Coca-Cola, advancing through roles in route operations and account management, where she supported major retail partnerships, including 7-Eleven accounts, while driving sales initiatives and strengthening customer relationships. Her ability to solve problems, stay organized, and connect with people across different levels of an organization has been a key factor in her continued success. During her time with SodaStream, Michelle progressed from Field Sales Representative to Territory Manager, earning recognition for her leadership and commitment to excellence, including the Field Sales Representative (FSR) of the Year Award after successfully stepping into expanded responsibilities during a supervisor’s extended absence while improving overall territory performance.
Michelle credits her success to embracing challenges, being willing to fail, and using every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. She has been fortunate to work with leaders who provided both encouragement and constructive feedback, helping her develop as a professional and leader. Her commitment to service began early through her participation in the AmeriCorps NCCC program after high school, where she contributed to community projects across locations including Washington, D.C., Charleston, West Virginia, and Chicago. She also pursued culinary studies at Clark College and continues to give back through annual participation in the Polar Plunge supporting Special Olympics. Guided by values of transparency, balance, and meaningful connections, Michelle continues to make a positive impact through her leadership, service, and dedication to helping brands and communities thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being unafraid of failure and embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. I believe that challenges and setbacks are essential parts of the journey, as they provide valuable lessons and help shape personal and professional development. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with supportive and nurturing managers who encouraged my growth while also challenging me to step outside my comfort zone, providing honest feedback and guidance that helped me become a stronger leader and professional.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that I would hear “no” many times throughout my career, but I should never take it personally. A rejection is often not a reflection of my abilities or worth; it is simply a decision about the product, idea, timing, or circumstances. Learning to separate feedback from personal identity has helped me stay resilient, remain confident, and continue pursuing opportunities with determination and a positive mindset.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to not let the fact that it is a male-dominated field discourage them from pursuing their goals. If it is something you are passionate about and want to achieve, go for it. Believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and have the confidence to take up space. Success comes from perseverance, dedication, and the willingness to pursue opportunities even when you may be one of the few women in the room.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are transparency and balance. I believe open and honest communication is the foundation of strong relationships, effective teamwork, and lasting success. I also value making time for rest and personal well-being, as having opportunities to recharge and enjoy downtime allows me to show up as my best self both professionally and personally.
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