Smash Notes
#7 — Hannah Willson — Leading Within the Org

Below the Line with James Beshara

#7 — Hannah Willson — Leading Within the Org

Hannah Willson is an executive, a mom, and has made the jump from large public company to the world of fast-moving startups — and she’s one of my neighbors. This podcast is an exercise of going below the line with founders, leaders, creators of all kinds, and for any startups that make a dent in the universe, even employee 100 shoulders the weight of…

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Notes

  1. Who Is Rainforest QA Sales Leader Hannah Willson? at 0:05

    Hannah Willson is the executive James Beshara interviews on Below the Line. Full answer

  2. Why Does Hannah Willson Say Trust Matters More Than Looking Perfect? at 7:02

    Hannah Willson says the executive job is building trust. Full answer

  3. What Are Some Qualities of High Caliber Executives at 8:22

    It is people who take an investment in the people that work for them. Full answer

  4. What Is the Cost of Attrition at 17:27

    Attrition can be looked at as how many days it takes to train someone, to hire someone, etc. Full answer

  5. Why Does Hannah Willson Say a Sales Layoff Hits So Hard? at 19:29

    Hannah Willson, later VP of sales at Rainforest QA, says losing a sales job is crushing even when the reason is fit or family rather than a bad quarter. Full answer

  6. How Does Hannah Willson Pull a Salesperson Out of a Slump? at 21:50

    Hannah Willson, VP of sales at Rainforest QA, says a slump feels like losing control, so people blame the calls, the product, and everyone around them. Full answer

  7. What Is a Key Piece of Executive Leadership Advice at 27:46

    Executive leadership is very tactical. Recruiting is critical and is as important as spending time with current team members. Full answer

  8. What Is the Role of Feedback in Leadership at 50:34

    Feedback is very much a part of the working environment and offers great benefits. Full answer

  9. What Characteristics of a Great Salesperson Can Work Against Someone as a Parent at 1:00:42

    To be the best, one simply cannot do everything. One cannot have it all. It is possible for moms to be good moms and still work. Full answer

  10. What Are Some of the Contrasts of Working for a Startup vs. a Larger Established Company at 1:03:22

    Within a smaller company, leaders MUST take ownership and make things happen. Full answer

  11. How Does Hannah Willson Sort Decisions at Rainforest QA? at 1:07:07

    Hannah Willson, then VP of sales at Rainforest QA, says Fred, the company's CEO, taught her to judge a decision by its magnitude. Full answer

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