Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're up to now
Hi, I’m Donatella – a Customer Success Manager working in the healthcare tech space, with a background that blends clinical education, AI, and product management. I started out in the world of MRI and medical imaging, where I helped shape digital training tools for radiographers and clinicians. That experience taught me the importance of combining technical understanding with user empathy – something I bring into every GoToMarket conversation today.
I recently completed degrees in Product Management (King’s College London) and AI/Data Analysis (Queen Mary University of London), and I’m passionate about driving adoption and impact in mission-driven SaaS products.
Outside of work, I love cooking (I follow a mostly plant-based diet), exploring local cultures and markets while travelling (I spend quite a lot of time on the road), and I am always up for conversations about neurodiversity, communication, and building more inclusive workplaces.
I’m excited to be part of this mentor network – not only to give back and support upcoming reps, but also to continue growing, learning, and sharing stories with others on the GTM journey.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales
My journey into tech began in the world of clinical and research radiography, where I worked directly with patients and advanced imaging techniques. I later moved into a role as a CMR (Cardiac MRI) Post-Processing Application Specialist, supporting clinicians in interpreting cardiac imaging data and optimising diagnostic workflows.
The transition from Applications to Customer Success felt like a natural step – my approach had always been centred around customer care, open communication, and building strong, ongoing relationships. Working closely with a variety of stakeholders across clinical, technical, and commercial teams made me realise how much I was already engaging with user journeys, feedback loops, and product insights. I found myself increasingly drawn to the Product Management side of things and eventually moved closer to those teams.
That curiosity led me to pursue formal training in Product Management at King’s College London. Then, working in a fast-paced, data-heavy healthcare tech environment – with tight timelines and constant optimisation needs – inspired me to deepen my technical toolkit with a degree in AI and Data Analysis at Queen Mary University of London.
Today, I work as a Customer Success Manager in healthcare SaaS, combining my clinical background, product mindset, and data awareness to help users succeed and to influence meaningful, user-centric improvements in the products I support.
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales
One of the best things about working in tech is that you can forge your own path, even when your background or interests don't fit the typical mold. Whether you come from healthcare, education, or creative fields, there's almost always a way to build the career you want if you're willing to trust your instincts and pursue what genuinely excites you.
For me, skills like empathetic communication and problem solving translated from healthcare into Customer Success. But the real breakthrough came when I stopped following conventional trajectories and started combining seemingly unrelated interests in ways that felt authentic.
Tech's environment of continuous learning means there's room to experiment and create hybrid roles that might not even exist yet. Sometimes the most rewarding paths are ones you have to build yourself, even without clear role models to follow.
The real value isn't just earning potential, it's discovering you don't have to choose between following your curiosity and building a sustainable career. Even when your interests seem "anti-conventional," tech's flexibility lets you craft roles that align with who you are.
Looking ahead, I'm growing in Customer Success while exploring Product and Data, trusting my gut about where my unique interests might lead. Eventually, I see myself in a hybrid role at mission-driven companies intersecting healthcare, education, and AI.
Working in tech has taught me you can honor both your values and unconventional interests, even when it takes patience and courage to pursue opportunities others might not understand. Your unique perspective isn't a limitation; it's your competitive advantage.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales
Trust your unique background: Those "non-tech" skills like empathy and problem-solving are exactly what make great CS professionals. Your different perspective is an asset, not something to overcome.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable: CS sits at the intersection of multiple teams. You won't know everything at first, and that's fine. Use your curiosity to ask questions others might not think to ask.
Build cross-functional relationships early: Your success depends on working with Product, Engineering, Sales, and Support. Invest time understanding how they work and what they care about.
Learn to speak in metrics and stories: Master both the quantitative side (churn, NPS, expansion) and qualitative side (customer stories, pain points). Translating between data and human experience is a superpower in CS.
Don't rush to specialize: CS gives you exposure to many aspects of the business. Use your first year to explore broadly. You might discover interests in areas you never considered.
Find your own definition of success: CS means different things at different companies. Pay attention to what energizes you and where you naturally excel. Your unconventional path might lead to opportunities that don't even exist yet.
The beauty of CS is that it rewards people who think holistically about problems and genuinely care about outcomes: qualities that often come from diverse backgrounds rather than traditional tech paths.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too
I joined Tangent as a Mentor because I believe in the power of unconventional career paths and want to help others navigate their unique journeys in tech. Having built my own non traditional route from healthcare into Customer Success, I understand how valuable it is to have someone who's walked a similar path offer guidance and encouragement. Mentoring also allows me to develop my leadership skills while supporting an early stage startup that's making career transitions more accessible.
I think others should join as Mentors because it's a meaningful way to make a direct impact on someone's career trajectory while enriching your own professional development. You'll gain real leadership experience, build your network with diverse professionals, and develop your coaching abilities, all valuable additions to your CV. Plus, there's something deeply rewarding about helping someone discover that their unique background is actually their competitive advantage. The referral bonuses are nice, but the real value is being part of a community that believes everyone deserves a chance to build a career they love, regardless of their starting point.
Ready to make a difference?
A few hours a month, a lifetime of impact. 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 👇
