Her Story
About Patrice
Patrice Hedman is a seasoned educator and educational technology sales professional with 17 years of experience in the field. She currently serves as a Senior Account Executive at Teaching Strategies, LLC, a position she has held since December 2023, supporting clients across Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Hedman began her career in sales after college before transitioning into early childhood education as a preschool teacher and later working within a school district after earning her master’s degree in Special Education. Her return to educational technology sales was motivated in part by her goal of helping fund her children’s college education while avoiding significant student loan debt. Today, she brings together her strengths in sales, relationship building, and education to help clients identify solutions that make a meaningful difference for educators and learners. Hedman earned her B.A. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, in 1997 and her M.Ed. in Special Education and Teaching from Grand Canyon University in 2014, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong reputation for strategic account management, consultative sales, presentations, new account growth, and exceptional customer service. Her accomplishments include being recognized as Account Executive of the Year, reflecting her dedication to achieving results while building lasting relationships. She attributes her success to hard work, teamwork, and the ability to use storytelling to help customers understand how products and solutions can positively impact their lives and work. Beyond her professional career, Hedman is passionate about serving others and creating meaningful experiences. She works as a Disney Travel Planner, where she combines her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for Disney with her love of helping families plan memorable vacations. She has also devoted several years to supporting others through her involvement with the MISS Foundation, where she led a pregnancy after loss support group for approximately four years. Across her professional and community endeavors, Hedman is guided by authenticity, perseverance, compassion, and a belief in making the impossible possible rather than giving up.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patrice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, effective storytelling, collaboration, and surrounding myself with the right people. I value the power of teamwork and the exchange of ideas, which has been especially important as the business landscape has evolved since COVID-19. Participating in a sales book club has provided valuable opportunities to learn from others and gain new perspectives. I also incorporate storytelling techniques inspired by Unleash the Power of Storytelling to help customers understand how products can positively impact their lives, rather than simply presenting a list of features. This approach allows me to build stronger connections, communicate value more effectively, and create meaningful customer experiences.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “You’re not a surgeon, and nobody is going to die on your table, so move on.” This perspective has taught me not to dwell on mistakes or challenges longer than necessary. I’ve learned to put things into perspective, focus on what I can control, learn from each experience, and keep moving forward with confidence and purpose.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to remember that if you can pick up the phone, have a conversation with your best friend, and build a genuine connection, you can succeed in this profession. Learn to embrace the “no’s,” because every no brings you one step closer to a yes. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back; recognize your strengths, trust your abilities, and use the connections and professional networks you have built. Reach out to your colleagues, mentors, and industry groups for support and guidance. Most importantly, believe in yourself and the value you bring to the table.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is funding. As school districts expand free pre-K and preschool programs, private early education providers face the challenge of losing enrollment and navigating the financial impact. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity to elevate the importance of early childhood education. More people are recognizing that learning begins from the earliest stages of life and that infant and toddler care is about far more than simply providing daycare. This growing awareness creates an opportunity to demonstrate the educational, developmental, and long-term value of quality early childhood programs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Truth, honesty, and the ability to acknowledge my mistakes and apologize are the values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally. In my work, I believe in being transparent and upfront with customers, including being honest about product limitations and setting realistic expectations. In my personal life, I strive to model the same values for my children by being truthful, taking responsibility for my actions, and apologizing when my temper gets the better of me. I believe that authenticity, accountability, and open communication are essential to building trust and maintaining meaningful relationships.
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