What does it take to transform a military upbringing into a thriving IT services business & Sales Leadership professional? Mike Wickham, a West Point graduate and the force behind the successful SD Tech, joins us. He shares his incredible journey.
Mike shares personal stories that show his key career drivers: curiosity, careful preparation, and strong integrity. He also discusses the profound impact of his international business experiences.
These shaped his approach to sales and business development. He emphasizes the joy he finds in meeting new people and understanding their motivations.
Empowering Teams: Mike’s Leadership Philosophy
Leadership is not just about directing. It’s also about enabling others to succeed. Mike delves into his leadership philosophy. He underscores the importance of collaboration and open communication within a team. He advocates for a culture where team members bring solutions to the table, not just problems. This fosters ownership and responsibility.
We also discuss the need to track performance with data. It’s important to set clear goals for the organization. We cover the mentorship of future leaders. Mike’s practical advice for young leaders highlights the necessity of respecting experienced colleagues. It also covers balancing confidence with humility.
Career Fulfillment & CRM Strategies: The Future of Sales
Shifting gears, we reflect on the true essence of career fulfillment. This contrasts with the often misleading pursuit of money and status. Mike shares personal stories about the importance of gratitude.
He highlights the serendipitous turns that can lead to the most rewarding experiences. We also navigate the often complex world of CRM systems.
We talk about why good data management and fixing sales processes are key before starting implementation. Tune in to hear Mike’s candid thoughts on maintaining CRM effectiveness. Learn about the exciting future of AI in streamlining data entry.
This episode is packed with rich insights and practical advice about Sales Leadership you won’t want to miss. It’s for anyone thriving in sales leadership.
Meet Our Guest: Mike Wickham, Sales and Marketing Executive in Sales Leadership
Mike Wickham, born in San Antonio into an Air Force family, spent his early years between Texas and various locations across Asia. After high school, he was appointed to the US Military Academy at West Point.
He later graduated and served as an artillery officer in the US Army. His final military assignment was as commander of a nuclear-capable field artillery unit in Europe.
Following his military service, Mike launched a 20+ year career in international business. He worked for prominent telecom and technology companies. These include AT&T, MCI International, IDT, and V-Band. Based in the New York City area.
He helped develop markets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This was achieved through strategic partnerships and joint ventures.
Now residing in Texas, Mike continues to provide technology solutions to the Central Texas market.
Key Takeaways You’ll Learn:
> How a military background can influence sales leadership and IT services business success.
> The importance of curiosity, preparation, and integrity in a sales career.
> Mike’s leadership philosophy: fostering collaboration, communication, and ownership in teams.
> The critical role of data-driven performance monitoring and mentorship for future leaders.
> Insights into career fulfillment, gratitude, and balancing confidence with humility.
> Strategies for CRM system effectiveness, data management, and the future of AI in CRM.