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Back to #7 — Hannah Willson — Leading Within the Org, with Hannah Willson.

How Does Hannah Willson Sort Decisions at Rainforest QA?

Hannah Willson, then VP of sales at Rainforest QA, says Fred, the company's CEO, taught her to judge a decision by its magnitude. If it could really change the company, slow down and get it right. If it is not make or break, do not treat it like it is. James Beshara restates that as a one-way door versus a two-way door you can walk back through. Willson says a big company often spends so much social capital that you finish three things in a year. In a startup, the same person should try three things this week.

Transcript

#7 — Hannah Willson — Leading Within the Org ·

Below the Line with James Beshara

More from this episode

  1. Who Is Rainforest QA Sales Leader Hannah Willson?Hannah Willson is the executive James Beshara interviews on Below the Line.
  2. Why Does Hannah Willson Say Trust Matters More Than Looking Perfect?Hannah Willson says the executive job is building trust.
  3. What Are Some Qualities of High Caliber ExecutivesIt is people who take an investment in the people that work for them.
  4. What Is the Cost of AttritionAttrition can be looked at as how many days it takes to train someone, to hire someone, etc.
  5. Why Does Hannah Willson Say a Sales Layoff Hits So Hard?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.
  6. How Does Hannah Willson Pull a Salesperson Out of a Slump?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.
  7. What Is a Key Piece of Executive Leadership AdviceExecutive leadership is very tactical. Recruiting is critical and is as important as spending time with current team members.
  8. What Is the Role of Feedback in LeadershipFeedback is very much a part of the working environment and offers great benefits.
  9. What Characteristics of a Great Salesperson Can Work Against Someone as a ParentTo 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.
  10. What Are Some of the Contrasts of Working for a Startup vs. a Larger Established CompanyWithin a smaller company, leaders MUST take ownership and make things happen.

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