In this episode of the Real Sales Manager podcast, Rebecca Hatch shares her unique journey from being a lighting engineer to taking on leadership roles in sales.

She emphasizes the importance of relationship building, honesty, and effective communication in both sales and management.

Rebecca discusses the challenges of transitioning into leadership and the value of an MBA in her career development. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the dual roles that professionals, especially engineers, must embrace in today's business environment.

She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between sales and engineering teams, the need for strategic long-term planning, and the value of industry involvement for personal and professional growth.

The discussion highlights the evolving nature of technical sales in a rapidly changing technological landscape and the necessity for sales professionals to adapt and add value in their client interactions.

Reflecting on her journey in leadership, Rebecca emphasises the importance of giving back, the challenges of balancing day jobs with volunteer roles, and the significance of building relationships. She offers valuable advice for new managers, highlighting the need for active listening and thoughtful planning.

Rebecca reflects on a significant mistake from her early career, illustrating the importance of building relationships early, calm communication, and collaboration in resolving issues. She also discusses the triumphs of leadership, focusing on the joy of team successes and the value of fostering a supportive environment.

You can see Rebecca's profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccahatch25/

Sound bites

"People buy from people."
"We are all selling all the time."
"Honesty is crucial in leadership roles."
"An MBA broadens your business skills."
"I do not regret it one bit now."
"I try and give back."
"I need to be broader."
"Speak to everyone you can."
"Take it all away and give yourself time."
"Don't be afraid to say, I'm new."
"Stay calm and find a solution."
"We've lost that human connection."
"It's about other people's success."

Key Takeaways

• Rebecca believes that honesty is crucial in leadership roles.
• She discusses the dual roles of engineers in sales and client relations.
• Rebecca highlights the significance of an MBA in her career.
• She reflects on the challenges of transitioning to leadership.
• Rebecca advocates for open communication to foster a positive culture.
• The commitment to professional growth can be daunting but rewarding.
• An engineering background can provide a competitive edge in sales.
• Technical sales approaches often lead to better performance.
• Keeping up with technological advancements is crucial in sales.
• Building relationships is key in a niche industry.
• Sales and engineering roles are increasingly merging.
• Effective management requires understanding diverse team strengths.
• High-performing teams are intentionally built, not accidental.
• Long-term strategic planning aids in making informed short-term decisions.
• Industry involvement can significantly enhance career opportunities.
• Rebecca emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community through leadership roles.
• New managers should prioritize listening and understanding before taking action.
• Calm communication can resolve issues more effectively than panic.
• Building relationships is key to successful project management.
• Asking the right questions is essential for new managers.
• Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.
• Leadership is about empowering others and celebrating their achievements.
• Maintaining human connections in communication is vital for effective teamwork.