In this enlightening episode of the Sales Lead Dog podcast, we dive into the dynamic world of energy solutions with Karen Pugliese from C&D Technologies. Karen shares her remarkable journey in maintaining market leadership in the ever-evolving energy sector. With a focus on battery technology and strategic verticals like energy infrastructure, nuclear, and telecom, Karen discusses the burgeoning demand for energy storage fueled by the rise of data centers and AI. Her insights into the future of uninterrupted power availability offer a compelling look at the challenges and opportunities in the energy landscape. Listeners will also gain valuable wisdom from Karen’s reflections on mentorship, the art and science of sales, and the power of a robust professional network.
The conversation transitions to the theme of continuous learning and the importance of transferable skills in leadership. Drawing from her decade-long career at GE during the Jack Welch era, Karen emphasizes the benefits of transitioning between roles and industries. This segment highlights how learning agility and diverse experiences can drive innovation and prevent insular thinking. The discussion also touches on the importance of welcoming fresh perspectives to unlock creative solutions, using examples like Ford’s bold hiring decisions. Karen’s journey underscores the critical role of curiosity and a willingness to question the status quo in achieving success across various fields.
In the latter part of the episode, Karen provides expert insights into leveraging CRM systems for sales success. She discusses the intricacies of dashboard customization, emphasizing the necessity of simplicity and the importance of inputting detailed information to enhance strategic decision-making. By sharing her experiences as a woman navigating leadership challenges, Karen offers a unique perspective on the power of authenticity and seeking support. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights for anyone looking to excel in sales leadership and energy solutions, making it a must-listen for professionals in the field.
Karen Pugliese is C&D Technologies, Global VP of Sales, Stationary. In her current role, she runs the sales and pre-sales functions while developing initiatives to increase market share and profitability. Karen has over 20 years of experience in the technology manufacturing business with previous leadership roles at General Electric and Stanley Black and Decker.
Quotes:
“Sales is a little bit of art, a little bit of science, but it is truly a profession.”
“In the ever-evolving world of energy solutions, maintaining market leadership means focusing on specific verticals like energy infrastructure, nuclear, and telecom.”
“The rise of data centers and AI is driving an incredible demand for energy storage, highlighting the importance of uninterrupted power availability.”
“Transferable skills are crucial; they allow you to see things from different perspectives and understand the business beyond just the product or solution.”
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