Women Who Sell With Emily White

‘Women Who Sell’ is all about showcasing women who sell, and are thriving and challenging stereotypes. We feature real perspectives of what it’s like, the barriers and the breakthroughs.

Here, Emily White, Account Manager at SourceWhale, shares her take.

What is your job title?

Account Manager (with a sprinkle of new business development).

How did you get into sales and what makes it the career of your choice?

In my placement year at uni, I had an internship at a big tech company where I gained invaluable hands-on experience and absolutely loved the role! One of the things that stood out to me the most was how quickly the day would fly by. I was constantly engaged, working with a variety of people, each with unique needs and challenges. It was incredibly fulfilling to help them solve their problems, whether it was finding the right product or offering solutions to streamline their operations.

I found that every interaction provided an opportunity to learn something new, not just about the products and services, but also about different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. Each conversation was a chance to improve my communication skills, adapt to different customer personalities, and better understand the intricacies of the tech industry.

Are there any barriers you have faced as a woman working in sales, and how have you overcome them?

I used to find success with video prospecting but was once told it was only working for me as "people would say yes to a girl" - a remark that completely undermined the effort I put into my work. I wasn’t being recognised for the creativity I brought to my approach, the extra effort I made to personalise each outreach or the thorough research I conducted before even sending a video.

I’ve had clients who say they encouraged their female employees to post photos and reach out on LinkedIn to get responses. There can be a lack of recognition that gender has nothing to do with success in sales. 

The best way to overcome these barriers is to be successful. 

What do you like the most about being a woman in sales?

I genuinely enjoy being in sales, and I believe I’d have the same passion and drive for it regardless of my gender. What I enjoy most about being a person is building relationships, understanding client needs, and finding the best solutions, and these are skills I’ve honed through hard work and dedication.

The excitement of solving problems, overcoming objections, and closing deals is something I’d find equally rewarding whether I’m a man or a woman. In fact, I think gender plays a minimal role in my approach to sales.

What advice do you have for a woman wanting to get into sales and those wanting to advance?

It’s important to be in a company that truly supports women in sales. If the environment isn’t one where you feel valued and empowered, then it’s time to move on. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky to work in an encouraging and supportive environment where my contributions are recognised.

However, I’ve heard from others in the community who have faced more challenges and less support. It’s crucial to find a company that fosters equality, offers growth opportunities, and champions diversity at all levels - because that’s where you can thrive, no matter your gender.

If you would like to get involved with the blog series and share your story as a woman in the sales industry, we’d LOVE to hear from you. And head over to Women Who Sell’s LinkedIn for more content.