Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re up to now
I'm Ben, a French native born in Paris who has been living in London for the past 7 years. Some might say that I am more of a Londoner than a Parisian, but others can’t ignore my typical French accent. In my spare time, I love being in nature, and you can often find me kitesurfing in the best spots in the world and savouring great food and wine. My career in Tech Sales started at Okta as an SDR for the EMEA region, and I have been in Sales Development since then in various companies. I was fortunate enough to lead several SDR teams for 5 years. While building teams and supporting dozens of SDRs provided me with a great experience, I was missing the field and decided to go back as an SDR at Drata. This has allowed me to focus on my own destiny. I've re-learned how to best engage with customers and positioned myself in the best place to understand our customers’ problems before transitioning into a closing role.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales?
During my upbringing, I was uncertain about my career path. After completing high school, I proudly self-funded my education at a Business School in France with a student loan, which I only managed to pay off last year. This experience not only facilitated networking with talented professionals but also resulted in lasting friendships. Following graduation, I secured a position at Alten in London, an engineering recruitment company. Despite the challenging work hours and a culture that wasn't an ideal fit, the role equipped me with grit and business acumen, significantly impacting my performance when transitioning into Tech Sales.
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales?
Despite recent market turmoil, the Tech industry remains on a growth trajectory. Being part of such a dynamic sector opens up numerous career opportunities compared to other stagnant industries. The pace is fast, not suited for those seeking a 9-to-5 job, but personally, I find it exhilarating to witness significant achievements in as little as six months. Whether it's in product development, market expansion, or team growth, the impact of your hard work is quickly evident. Looking ahead, I aspire to launch my own business, and becoming an Account Executive in Tech Sales mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit in many ways.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales?
If sales is your chosen path, brace yourself for a journey that requires patience, a dedicated focus on learning, and continuous development. While aspiring to move from an SDR to an AE role is common, it's crucial to recognise the valuable lessons embedded in the SDR position; embrace it fully. Invest time in refining your messaging, delve deep into product knowledge, and establish connections not only with fellow SDRs but also with other colleagues in marketing, customer success, and sales. By actively engaging in these aspects, you'll organically distinguish yourself from others on your team and will be ready for when a new opportunity arises.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too?
I joined Tangent out of gratitude for the positive trajectory my career took in Tech Sales, and a desire to give back by supporting others who may not have the same opportunities at the beginning of their careers, despite their potential for success. Additionally, my interest in entrepreneurship led me to engage with Gary when he reached out. I was keen to learn more about his venture and explore how I could contribute.
The program offers an ideal platform for connecting with like-minded individuals and making a positive impact on the Tech Sales scene. It serves not only as a great way to source potential candidates but also as a rewarding opportunity to coach young individuals through interviews, secure offers, and witness their success, especially when they might not have been given a chance initially.
Ready to make a difference?
Tangent connects you with aspiring Business Development Reps from socially diverse backgrounds for short-term mentoring and an employee referral.
Sign up to be a Tangent Mentor today 👇
