"Humility and being genuinely passionate for what you do and belief in the products you sell becomes apparent in your interactions with your customer. Love what you do and you will never have to “work” a day in your life."
What was your key driving force to become a Sales Professional?
I am passionate about serving and providing solutions for customers. My personality is best suited to a career where I can diagnose problems and offer solutions as well as engage with people – what better career is there for those two elements that a Sales Professional.
Tell us a little about your background?
I am originally from sunny, ocean side Cape Town. I studied at what was formerly known as Witwatersrand Technikon now called UJ. I immediately started my career post graduation and I now have over 10 years lab experience, having worked for some of the big name labs in South Africa. My career grew quickly as I progressed from a newly qualified medical technologist to senior technologist and Laboratory manager. I was most recently a Customer Support Specialist before joining Siemens Healthineers two years ago in a Sales capacity. Within my first year at Siemens Healthineers, I won the award for Rookie of the Year which was followed up the next year by receiving the Sales Achiever award.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
I start my day with the customer always at the forefront of every task I start out. I follow up on communications and requests, supporting existing and prospective customers. I visit my customers both onsite and virtually. Paperwork is always part of the job in this role, no matter how much we avoid it! I prepare opportunities and quotations for potential business while always maintaining and building on the trust relationship between myself and my customers.
How do you define success?
Since the Pandemic the life events encountered have shaped and redefined my perception of what success is. I have realized that success is evolving as an individual. It is a strong sense of self-worth, spirituality, being content and having inner peace in my life. It’s having the inner satisfaction with what I have done and the impact I have made.
What motivates you?
Witnessing the results of my work and being able to draw a connection between my efforts and the company’s bottom line.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
- Increasing sales revenue and turning a dissatisfied customer into a satisfied one.
- Seeing the impact of my efforts and keeping customers happy and loyal.
What piece of advice would you give to potential candidates who want to follow in your footsteps?
Humility and being genuinely passionate for what you do and belief in the products you sell becomes apparent in your interactions with your customer. Love what you do and you will never have to “work” a day in your life.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful Healthineer?
Positive Attitude, Strong work ethic and Teamwork.
If you were to describe the culture of the business, what five words would you use?
Empathetic, Open, Integrity, Respect, Dedicated.
What key activities would you recommend future Healthineers to invest their time in?
- Prioritize the customer and ensure speedy resolution where possible.
- Value the relationships you have with customers – they have a direct influence on your business
- Maintain open communication with both your customers and your colleagues. You aren’t a silo – you are part of a great ecosystem than just yourself.
- Take responsibility and be accountable
- Understand and always keep in touch with new trends about the market behaviour
- Always strive for a behaviour and performance that differentiates you from the competitors.
What is the best advice you can give to youth who are forging a path in the medtech world?
If you are driven by making an impact in the healthcare system, then this path will be worth it and your possibilities are endless.