Guest Links:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlgammans/

Guest:

Janie Gammans – Senior Manager, Sales Development – EMEA, Reward Gateway

Summary:

In this episode of the SDR DiscoCall Show, host Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Janie Gammans, a Sales Development Manager with a vibrant and unconventional career journey. From music journalism and event organising to sales leadership, Janie’s story is powered by curiosity, bravery, and a genuine love of fun in work.

They dive deep into what it means to be a founding SDR, the challenges of market education, navigating risk, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Janie also shares how embracing vulnerability and maintaining a beginner’s mindset can fuel growth, both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways:

• Passions outside of work enrich professional performance
• Curiosity is a major driver of career exploration and sales success
• Fun at work is essential for long-term results
• Founding SDRs help shape sales teams and company culture
• Educating the market is crucial when launching in new regions
• Legal and cultural nuances impact selling internationally
• Vulnerability can strengthen leadership credibility
• A beginner’s mindset keeps you adaptable
• Document your wins and lessons for future growth

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show

01:16 – Meet Janie: A Colourful Career Journey

03:41 – Janie’s Early Passion for Music and Events

04:39 – From Music to Archaeology: A Unique Path

07:45 – Transitioning into Sales: The SDR Experience

10:56 – Curiosity and Bravery: The Drive Behind Janie’s Journey

13:36 – Reflections on Youth and Fearlessness

19:42 – The Evolution of Fun in Sales

23:53 – Practising Sales: The Importance of Being in the Trenches

25:45 – The Journey of Sales Performance

26:43 – Coaching and Mentorship in Sales

28:17 – The Mindset of Continuous Improvement

29:27 – Human-Led Leadership and Neurodiversity

30:44 – The Importance of a Beginner’s Mindset

35:02 – The Role of Founding SDRs

37:49 – Navigating the Challenges of Founding SDR Roles

42:59 – Learning from Founding SDR Experiences

53:45 – Embracing Vulnerability in Sales Calls

56:44 – The Journey of a Founding SDR

59:48 – The Importance of Autonomy and Curiosity

01:03:23 – Documenting Your Achievements

01:07:24 – The Power of Storytelling in Sales

01:15:04 – Advice for Future SDRs: Fearlessness, Curiosity, and Bravery