I am very fortunate to be where I am today! Some of this could be influenced by luck, timing, or even fate, although I have worked hard to be where I am now, this has also been influenced by the people I have met throughout my career who have seen my potential.

I left school at 16 and didn't move on to further education as most of my peers did. Back in the 90's there was so much pressure to go into further education and on to university. Having a degree was deemed to be the only way to be successful in some circles.

I really struggled academically, so I left school and started working in sales which was inspired by my dad's career path and the buzz I got from selling.

Throughout my career I have experienced bias in many formats. Especially around the lack of experience in certain settings. Which in turn, created bias within me and influenced my opinions. I have previously applied for sales and business development roles at some huge global companies, but was turned down due to a lack of experience or a degree. In recent years I have been keen to move into the SaaS market, inspired by innovative products and solutions, along with progression opportunities. I have over 20 years of experience in sales, yet, when I applied for various roles, I had no luck.

I sent LinkedIn messages to HR Tech recruiters and even to a VP of Sales at a very large SaaS sales tech firm, who ignored my message; although this message was crafted around his recent book to try and get his attention and to seek to understand what I was missing to get a role within the SaaS market and his company!

However, a company did see my potential. Arctic Shores gave me the opportunity to move into the SaaS market without the supposed SaaS experience that others put up as a must-have to succeed in a Sales role.

I am thoroughly enjoying my new role and love the team I work with, who have all been given a chance, an opportunity through someone who sees their potential. It is still early days but I know I will be successful in this field and at Arctic Shores. I am not perfect, but I can strive to be my best!

To anyone reading this it is not product knowledge that is needed, or experience in a specific field; as that can be learnt over time. Skills such as Influencing, communication, drive, and resilience are key, along with a growth mindset.

I am grateful to my line manager CRO Carly and our CEO Robert for seeing my potential.