Kami Thompson, our vibrant Key Account Manager at Vervint, is ready to share her insights on building a career driven by curiosity and resilience. Her journey is a testament to the power of embracing challenges and the importance of nurturing strong partnerships. Together, we explore Vervint’s evolution from OST and how the company is at the forefront of digital transformation. Kami’s story is a beacon for those eager to seize new opportunities and leverage feedback effectively, painting a vivid picture of success in a rapidly transforming tech landscape.

An ultra runner at heart, Kami brings the same endurance and tenacity from her running experiences to her professional life. She has completed ultra-marathons and even supported friends in ultra races, embodying the mindset of pushing past limits and breaking through mental blocks. This ultra runner's mindset seamlessly translates into her sales leadership journey, proving that transitioning into leadership roles without prior experience can be done with grace and efficacy.

Reflecting on her experiences at tech giants like Oracle and Coherent, Kami shares how focusing on client relationships and team collaboration paved her path to leadership success. Hear firsthand accounts of how fostering a shared sense of purpose can transform team dynamics, creating an environment where individuals are inspired to contribute and thrive. This episode is packed with real-world anecdotes, emphasizing the power of listening and understanding diverse perspectives.

We also touch on the mental fortitude required to overcome personal and professional obstacles. Drawing parallels from sports, Kami recounts inspiring tales of conquering mental blocks and how these lessons translate into effective leadership strategies. From scaling metaphorical mountains to discussing the nuanced integration of AI and CRM systems, this episode offers a compelling narrative on navigating the complexities of modern business environments. As we wrap up, a delightful appearance by Bentley, the first ever dog of Sales Lead Dog, reminds us to appreciate the small joys in life. Join us for this heartening conversation and subscribe for more thought-provoking content and charming stories.

With over 20 years in technology and 15+ years in sales and customer leadership, Kami Thompson has built a career at the intersection of business performance and human connection. Currently a Key Account Manager at Vervint, she brings deep experience in operations, delivery, and strategic account management—always grounded in a people-first mindset.

Known for leading with authenticity and care, Kami believes true success comes from aligning purpose, culture, and customer needs. Outside of work, she’s a passionate runner, outdoor enthusiast, and proud human to two golden retrievers. Inspired by her father’s integrity, Kami is driven to help others reach their goals—on the trail and in business.

Quotes:

"I never let what I don't know stop me from achieving my goals. With determination, focus, and drive, I believe I can figure it out."

"Embracing vulnerability has been crucial in my leadership journey. It's okay not to know everything—what matters is the willingness to learn and grow."

"The secret to overcoming mental blocks is persistence. Whether it's running a marathon or leading a team, pushing past those limits leads to extraordinary achievements."

"Success in technology isn't just about the tools; it's about solving business problems and building strong partnerships that last."

Links:

Kami’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-holtz/

Vervint - https://vervint.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/

Erik Braden, managing partner at Braden Business Systems, uncovers the secrets behind transforming a family business into a nationwide managed technology powerhouse. From his early days on Wall Street to navigating the intricate balance of preserving a strong business legacy while fostering growth, Erik's journey is a testament to the power of persistence, accountability, and adhering to core values. This episode unpacks the challenges of working with AI and cybersecurity, highlighting the imperative of a secure infrastructure to prevent data leaks and ensure seamless technology integration.

Our conversation with Erik also takes a fascinating turn as we explore innovative sales strategies and the critical role of CRM technology in modern business operations. Collaborating with Dale Dupree of the Sales Rebellion, Erik shares insights on how to break away from traditional sales methods and embrace a more community-driven, impactful approach. Through strategic roadmapping, compliance with cyber insurance policies, and the art of pattern interrupt marketing, Erik reveals how businesses can not only survive but thrive in a competitive environment.

Leadership with a genuine touch is the cornerstone of Erik's philosophy, as he emphasizes vulnerability and authenticity in managing successful teams. By sharing personal growth stories and illustrating the power of leading by example, Erik underscores the importance of empowering team members to devise solutions and innovate. As businesses gear up for the AI revolution, he stresses on fostering a culture of collaboration and emotional intelligence, paving the way for a future where technology and humanity coalesce for unprecedented success.

Erik Braden is the CEO and Managing Partner of Braden Business Systems, where he has led the company’s evolution from a regional office equipment dealer to a nationally recognized technology leader. With a background in investment banking and private equity across New York, Los Angeles, and Zurich, Erik brought strategic discipline and a global outlook to the family business. Under his leadership, Braden has quadrupled in size, expanded into managed IT, cybersecurity, and document management, and earned top rankings on the MSP 501 list.

Known for his people-first approach and culture of transparency, Erik has driven record growth while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction and employee retention. His leadership has earned him accolades including the MSP 501 Executive of the Year and the Fortress Cybersecurity Leadership Award. Outside of work, he supports over 100 nonprofits annually and serves on several industry boards.

Quotes:

"Persistence opens doors, but accountability keeps them open."

"Leadership with a genuine touch is the cornerstone of my philosophy. Vulnerability and authenticity in managing teams lead to success."

"As businesses gear up for the AI revolution, it's crucial to foster a culture of collaboration and emotional intelligence."

"You can't just bolt AI onto your operations without a secure infrastructure; the risks of data leaks are too great."

Links:

Erik’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-braden-1930904/

Braden Business Systems - https://bradenonline.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/

Disa Pratt, the Chief Sales Officer for Vetnique, joins us to share her remarkable journey in sales leadership. From her early days at Procter & Gamble to leading a thriving pet wellness brand, Disa unveils the strategies that have driven her success. With Vetnique's unique veterinarian-formulated solutions, founded by Dr. James Bascharon, standing out in the competitive pet wellness market, Disa explains how delivering results and being part of supportive company cultures have been pivotal in her career. Her passion for sales and her dedication to building teams resonate throughout the conversation, offering inspiration and practical insights for aspiring leaders.

The art of building successful sales teams comes alive as Disa reflects on her foundational training and mentorship at Procter & Gamble. Her experiences underscore the importance of product knowledge, understanding merchandising dynamics, and cultivating strong buyer relationships. She passionately describes how mentorship has not only shaped her leadership style but also helped her nurture future leaders. Disa reveals the key attributes she seeks when assembling her sales teams—proven track records, cultural fit, and the adaptability necessary for high-growth environments—all while fostering a positive and supportive culture that encourages growth and innovation.

Leadership and accountability in sales take center stage, with Disa discussing the power of vulnerability and feedback in developing as a leader. The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) comes into play as a tool for maintaining accountability and enhancing organizational clarity. Additionally, we explore the critical role of CRM systems, not just as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for strategic decision-making through data analytics. Disa emphasizes the need for skilled analysts who can convert raw data into actionable insights, ensuring that sales teams are empowered to achieve excellence. Join us for this engaging episode that offers a wealth of experience and strategies from one of the leading voices in sales leadership.

Disa Pratt is a seasoned sales and business development executive with over 30 years of experience driving revenue growth for both start-ups and global CPG brands. She currently serves as Chief Sales Officer at Vetnique, where she leads sales strategy and retail expansion across major outlets like Chewy, Petco, Walmart, and Target.

Her background spans sales, strategy, eCommerce, marketing, and omnichannel execution, with leadership roles at Zesty Paws, Solid Gold, HALO, and New Chapter (P&G). Disa is known for her data-driven, collaborative approach and proven success in building strong retail partnerships.

She lives on a 40-acre farm in western Massachusetts with her two rescue dogs, Olive and Odie, and is passionate about pet wellness and fostering animals.

Quotes:

"In sales, it's all about results. Promise made, promise kept. Deliver on your numbers and the rest will follow."

"Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career. Strong mentors believed in me, thrust me into roles I wasn't ready for, and stood by me as I grew."

"Vulnerability isn't a weakness in leadership; it's a strength. Embracing imperfections and learning from them fosters a culture of growth and innovation."

"CRM systems are more than just efficiency tools; they're catalysts for strategic decision-making when aligned with organizational goals."

Links:

Disa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/disa-pratt-2baa2653/

Vetnique - https://vetnique.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/