In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined by Adam Graham, founder of Gray Matters and an expert in agency growth, to unpack what it really takes to build a high-performing sales function and create a brand that stands out in today’s competitive landscape.

Adam shares his step-by-step advice on building your sales team from the ground up, including where to start and how to make your first sales hires the right way. He dives deep into the secrets of positioning your business so you don’t just compete, you lead. He also explains what it means to be a true challenger brand that knows exactly who it is and how to sell that identity with confidence.

We also get into why your value proposition is everything, how to find your niche in even the most crowded markets, and the crucial importance of aligning your branding and messaging across every platform, from your website to your sales pitches. Adam breaks down why investing in the right processes and CRMs can make or break your growth, and how sales and marketing need to operate on the same calendar with shared goals if you want real results.

Finally, Adam shares his thoughts on why changing the perception of sales isn’t just a nice-to-have, but an absolute necessity for any modern business serious about sustainable success. So, if you’re a founder or sales leader, or just want to understand how sales and branding work together, this is a must-listen.

Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.

In this episode, Keir Shave, who you might also recognise from Season 19 of The Apprentice, shares how customising your sales script and mirroring your prospect can make every call feel more natural, personal, and effective.

From working in telesales himself to running his own business (Parallel Partnerships) centered around cold calling, Keir has learnt how to sell to pretty much everyone. In this clip, he breaks down his approach to two of the most out-there prospects, chicken farmers and funeral directors.

To hear more from Keir, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!

In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined by the incredible Jessica Lorimer - the founder of Selling to Corporate, but you might know her from her appearances on Good Morning Britain. Jess brings a refreshing honesty to the world of sales and shares real, actionable insights that anyone in a sales role (from SDR to senior leadership) can use to improve their approach.

Before launching her own business, Jess built a successful career in high-level corporate sales. But after being diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disorder and told that her lifestyle could leave her in a wheelchair by her 30s, she made the life-changing decision to step away from her role in London. Instead of leaving sales behind, she took her knowledge and experience and turned it into a business: one that helps companies and salespeople sell more effectively with less stress and more integrity.

In this value-packed episode of the podcast, we cover Jess’s personal story and how it shaped her approach to sales, as well as the mindset shifts that made her business a success. You’ll also learn about the importance of sales skills outside of traditional sales roles, and why Jess believes sales training should start in schools.

But the real highlight? Jess shares her 5-Step Sales Framework, the method she teaches businesses and individuals to help them improve performance, hit targets, and succeed in sales without burning out. Whether you're brand new to an SDR role or already moving into management, these five steps are practical, achievable, and designed to work in real life (not just in theory).

We also get into some of the biggest challenges salespeople face today; like how to build the business case for a promotion or pay rise, the real point of cold calling in 2025, and why staying emotionally detached as a salesperson can actually make you more successful.

If you're an SDR looking to make your mark, someone considering a sales role, or a leader wanting to get the best from your sales team, this episode is full of insights you can actually use.

Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!

These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.

With grad season just around the corner, we've turned the clock back to our very first season when we sat down with Alex Harris. He shares how he landed his dream role, becoming the very first SDR in a cyber security tech firm. He also gives actionable tips for interviewing and making the most of your time as a job-seeker.

To hear more from Alex, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!

In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we are joined by Stephen Solademi, the founder of SOS Creativity. Growing up in Nigeria, Stephen found a very early start in sales helping his mum at the age of 9.

Stephen’s sales journey began early. At just 9 years old, he was helping his mum with her pharmacy business in his home country of Nigeria. Whether it was interacting with customers, watching how she built relationships through trust, or figuring out how to be the solution to people’s ailments, Stephen was immersed in the principles of business and sales from a young age. These early experiences shaped his mindset and planted the seed for what would eventually become a lifelong passion.

But, Stephen’s path was far from straightforward. After moving to the UK at 14, he was thrust into a different culture, education system, and social landscape.. Struggling through school in a new country, with no connections and limited resources, he eventually landed a commission-only sales role. For many, this kind of role would be daunting. But for Stephen, it became a training ground. He learned how to handle rejection, stay motivated, and develop the grit needed to succeed.

From there, Stephen’s natural flair for sales quickly propelled him to the top of the league tables at a phone shop, where he discovered his true passion for the industry. Fast forward to today, and he’s a successful entrepreneur helping other business owners align their sales and marketing strategies.

Stephen shares with us the lessons his incredible journey has taught him about everything from job-searching to communication and resilience. He also gives his tips for founders and salespeople looking to build authority in their industry. Finally, he lays out a practical approach to aligning the efforts of your sales and marketing team.

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that challenge the way people perceive sales!

Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!

These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.

In this episode, the minds behind We Have a Meeting - Jack Frimston & Zac Thompson - share why they think cold calling isn't a dying art. They also give some actionable tips on how you can transform the way you tackle the phones.

To hear more from Jack and Zac, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!

Welcome to Quick Tips, short, actionable moments from the Changing the Perception of Sales podcast!

These bite-sized clips are designed to help you sell smarter with practical advice you can apply straight away, whether you're new to sales or just sharpening your edge.

In this episode, award-winning sales trainer Andy Bounds shares his strategy for tackling meetings. He gives tips for questioning a prospect, featuring his 'afters early' technique. Andy also gives his thoughts on what makes a great presentation.

To hear more from Andy, as well as some of the top minds in the sales industry (and beyond) check out our channel!

In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we’re joined by the powerhouse of The Apprentice season 19, Mia Collins. You might recognise her from your TV screen, but behind the confident, entrepreneurial go-getter is a story of resilience, personal growth, and relentless ambition. Mia always had an interest in business but grew up lacking confidence and, as she puts it, basically mute.

But, when she landed a role in sales, everything changed. Her unique and personable approach saw her excel with clients and her confidence skyrocket. Always ready for another challenge, Mia combined her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for healthy food and founded MeMeals, a meal prep service for health-conscious gym-goers without the time or skills to do it themselves.

That business idea and hunger for success was what landed her on our screens earlier this year in the latest season of the BBC’s The Apprentice. So, in this episode, we discuss the sacrifices she made to run her own business alongside a full-time sales career, share her journey onto the show and pull back the curtain on some of the biggest challenges.

Of course, no conversation with Mia would be complete without some juicy behind-the-scenes stories from The Apprentice. From the infamous Easter egg task (where she managed to sell 80,000 “green yule logs”) to her culinary success in Turkey, she shares what it was REALLY like in the boardroom and the unexpected lessons that came from each task.

And if you think Mia’s all business, think again! She’s also a dedicated bodybuilder. Mia talks about how she found her love for competing, the discipline it requires, and how bodybuilding has taught her just as much about sales and entrepreneurship as any business venture.

If you're looking for inspiration on how to turn dreams into reality, juggle multiple passions, and get a peek behind the curtain of one of the UK’s biggest business shows, this episode is for you.