Grit

SVP Salesforce, Mike Wolff: Tips for Becoming a More Effective Sales Leader

Mar 29, 2021

50:57

After 18+ years working in multiple high-level sales positions at Salesforce, Mike Wolff knows what makes a good leader.

On this week’s episode of Go To Market Grit, Mike and Joubin talk about the leadership lessons Mike learned as he rose through the ranks at Salesforce from a sales development rep to the company’s Senior Vice President of Global ISV Partners.

In this episode, we cover:

How Mike landed a job as a sales development rep at Salesforce during the company's early stages in 2002. (1:13)
The factors that led to Salesforce’s rapid growth in the early 2000s. (9:02)
The interview methods Mike uses when hiring salespeople. (16:19)
How Mike ended up in sales leadership after working as an individual contributor. (19:39)
The importance for a business to be constantly adapting. (22:40)
How dealing with difficult personal experiences can make you a better and more resilient person. (26:00)
The importance of having clear values as a business and an individual. (30:33)
Authenticity, transparency and communication: The leadership values Mike tries to embody. (34:44)
'Your team is always watching you': Why leaders need to stay even-keeled and focused. (41:01)
Why Mike conducts a 'chronological interview' when hiring salespeople. (43:32)
How Mike defines grit. (49:02)

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