Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're up to now
I’m Saoirse Conlon, a Senior Account Manager & Mentor at Qualtrics, Dublin. I specialize in sales strategy, client relationships, and revenue growth, consistently exceeding targets and securing high-value contracts. With a strong background in strategic planning, negotiation, and CRM management, I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can drive business growth and client success. I’m also passionate about mentoring and coaching junior sales professionals, helping them develop their skills and confidence to excel in their roles.
Outside of work, you’ll find me at the gym, traveling, or exploring new restaurants.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales
My journey into Tech Sales wasn’t entirely planned, but looking back, it all makes sense!
I started in B2B sales and business development at Press Up Entertainment Group, managing corporate event sales across multiple venues. This role sharpened my ability to build relationships, negotiate deals, and hit revenue targets. I loved the fast-paced nature of sales and the challenge of working with different clients, but I knew I wanted to transition into a more structured, growth-driven industry.
The turning point came when I joined Qualtrics as a Business Development Executive. Moving into the tech space was a shift, but my foundation in sales helped me hit the ground running. I quickly adapted to using CRM tools, strategic sales techniques, and data-driven prospecting, which helped me exceed targets early on. Within a year, I was promoted into an Account Executive role, and from there, I continued growing, eventually stepping into my current Senior Account Manager & Mentor position.
A big part of my success has been a willingness to learn, resilience, and building strong client relationships. Now, I get to combine my passion for sales with mentoring others, helping them develop the skills that got me here.
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales
Working in tech sales offers a dynamic blend of professional growth and personal rewards. For starters, it’s a fantastic environment for developing transferable skills—from strategic planning and data-driven decision making to negotiation and relationship management—that are valuable in almost any industry. The fast pace and constant innovation keep you on your toes, ensuring you’re always learning and adapting.
There’s also a strong earning potential, with competitive base salaries complemented by performance-based commissions that reward your efforts directly. Over time, this not only boosts your income but also opens up exciting career development opportunities, whether you’re looking to move into management roles, become a specialist in a particular area, or even branch out into broader business strategy.
Personally, working in tech sales has allowed me to excel in a challenging environment and even transition into mentoring roles, where I help others build the same robust skill set that’s set me up for success. Looking ahead, these experiences are a solid foundation for future opportunities—whether that means taking on leadership roles, exploring new facets of tech, or even venturing into entrepreneurial projects.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales
Build a Strong Foundation: Learn everything you can about your product and industry. Understanding the market will help you tailor your approach and build genuine customer relationships.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Every interaction, whether it leads to a sale or not, is a chance to learn. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—view them as opportunities to refine your skills.
Develop Effective Communication: Sales is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Focus on understanding your customers' needs and articulating solutions clearly.
Leverage Technology: Familiarize yourself with CRM tools and data-driven techniques early on. They’re essential for tracking your progress and managing your pipeline.
Seek Mentorship: Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. Learning from experienced colleagues can fast-track your development and help you navigate challenges.
Stay Resilient: Rejection is a natural part of the process. Persistence and adaptability are key. Over time, these qualities will not only help you meet your targets but also position you for career growth.
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 paying it forward—sharing the knowledge and experience I've gained over the years to help shape the next generation of sales talent. At Qualtrics, mentoring has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Joining Tangent allows me to support an innovative early-stage startup while further honing my leadership and management skills in a dynamic environment.
I encourage others to join as Mentors too because it's a unique opportunity to make a real difference in someone's career and to enrich your own professional journey. Not only does mentoring add compelling leadership examples to your CV, but it also expands your network, and sharpens your communication skills. If you're passionate about nurturing talent and want to contribute to the growth of the tech sales community, Tangent provides a fantastic platform to do just that.
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 👇
