During my interview with Stephanie Samuels, Regional Sales Director at MongoDB, we discussed her journey into tech sales, the challenges she faced, and her experience as an African American woman in the industry. Stephanie shared how unexpected financial difficulties led her to work at a startup software company, where she discovered her passion for technology. She eventually enrolled at Harvard University while working full-time, which opened doors to the tech field.

Stephanie's experience in tech sales began when she observed the energy, drive, and earning potential of salespeople at the technology companies she worked for. After a disappointing experience in consumer packaged goods sales, where her income was tied to team goals, she realized she wanted a sales role where individual contribution determined earnings. Stephanie pursued a career in technology sales, starting with an unconventional interview at PTC, and since then, she has thrived in the industry.

As an African American woman in tech sales, Stephanie shared her perspective on the underrepresentation she has encountered throughout her career. Being a minority in the field, she considers it an advantage that distinguishes her from others. Stephanie recognizes the importance of diversity and mentors women in and outside of MongoDB, advocating for more encouragement and support for girls and young women pursuing success in math and science.

Stephanie joined MongoDB as a Regional Director in Enterprise Sales because she sought a better work-life balance and a stimulating role. She was impressed by MongoDB's sales leadership, who value the whole person and support individual growth. The company's continuous innovation and market potential also attracted her. Stephanie emphasized MongoDB's best-in-class technology, the flexibility it offers, and its ability to intelligently manage and utilize data. She expressed excitement about selling in such an environment.

As an RD, Stephanie leads a team at MongoDB, and she highlighted the company's commitment to building the best salesforce in the industry. MongoDB utilizes data to provide a roadmap for success, not only training individual contributors but also inspiring leaders to enable the growth of their teams. Stephanie emphasized the personalized approach to understanding and supporting her team members' goals, leveraging data to help them achieve personal and professional success.

Regarding onboarding new salespeople, Stephanie praised MongoDB's comprehensive process, starting with a thorough onboarding plan and followed by sales bootcamp and continuous learning in the field. MongoDB invests in training and enablement, ensuring new hires can quickly become successful and productive. Stephanie also highlighted the earning potential in the first year and emphasized the company's dedication to coupling pipeline generation strategies with compensation plans.

Stephanie's story serves as an inspiration, and she encouraged those interested in sales leadership to consider joining MongoDB. With the company's strong growth and commitment to promoting from within, the sales team at MongoDB offers exceptional leadership opportunities. Stephanie emphasized the unique combination of onboarding talent and fostering leadership skills within the organization, making MongoDB an ideal place for individuals seeking a rewarding sales career.