WISA E 2024 Magazine

Finalists

Congratulations

Laura Moniz de Aragao

Charlotte Elmer

Emily Baker

2024 Sales Manager Winner & Most Distinguished Saleswoman of the Year

Emily Baker

Emily Baker

The first thing I did when I heard I was a finalist was cheers my best friend who I was sat with at dinner after work that evening! There’s nothing better than recharging surrounded by good people, both colleagues and friends, and my group all love to celebrate each others successes. I also whatsapped my family who are my biggest supporters, and my manager who nominated me to thank him for his confidence in nominating me in the first place.

To have won this category absolutely blows me away, given the level of talent in the room and the amazing women I was up against. It’s such a feeling of pride and validation, not just for me, but to show that women can be successful in the insurance sector. It also also gives me a renewed sense of responsibility to help a ect positive change in the sector.

Hopefully, others see this award and my success here as a sign that it is possible in

Hopefully, others this award and my success here as a sign that it is possible in

“It’s

such a feeling of pride and validation, not just for me, but to show that women can be successful in the insurance sector.”

2024 Advertising Sales Winner

Ria Jackel

I was in a full-day workshop with our agencies on the day the finalists of the "Women in Sales Awards" 2024 where announced, so I was nervously checking my phone the whole time. When I saw later that afternoon I was among the finalists in my category “Advertising Sales” and started to get all these congratulatory messages from colleagues who also saw the news, I was feeling very proud and filled with joy to have been shortlisted for such an amazing award. Knowing my submission was among many, it was a wonderful feeling being recognized by other people that have taken the time to

read my application and considered me worthy to be shortlisted for my category.

Taking part in the "Women in Sales Awards" has been an incredible journey and it has been an enriching experience as I realized along the way how much I grew professionally and personally. During my application, I reflected among my past journey and all the highs and lows I encountered during my career, which made me realize what I already accomplished and excited for what is yet to come.

2024 Best Sales Mentor Winner

Rosie Thomas

Eleven years ago, I started my journey in the world of sales with the intention of gaining experience for a year or so while I figured out what I really wanted to do. If someone had told me back then, "One day, you will fall in love with sales," I wouldn’t have believed them. Yet here I am, eager and excited to share my passion for my work with anyone who will listen.

On the 10th of October whilst watching the LinkedIn posts like a hawk, there it was - a photo of me in the lineup for Best Sales Mentor, I was a finalist! It felt surreal letting my friends and family know that I was in the

final for my mentoring abilities, something I feel comes so naturally to me. This was of course closely followed by an extreme online shopping spree trying to find my dress for the awards night.

When I started out in Sales, I had a lack of self belief, but with the desire to be the best, combined with the right mentors and coaches I achieved my goal of getting to the top. This inspired my move into a Coaching role. I wanted to help people see their own abilities, and unlock their potential to achieve what they wanted to. I will endeavour to use this win to continue

When I started out in Sales, I had a lack of self belief, but with the desire to be the best, combined with the right mentors and coaches I achieved my goal of getting to the top. This inspired my move into a Coaching role. I wanted to help people see their own abilities, and unlock their potential to achieve what they wanted to. I will endeavour to win to continue

2024 Business Development Winner

Rachel Banks

2024 Business Development Winner

Rachel Banks

I was actually in a sales meeting when I heard I’d been shortlisted! We were strategising how to grow business opportunities in a new category and it popped up on my LinkedIn feed - I knew the announcement was due that day, so I couldn’t resist looking when I felt my Apple watch buzz. I was so excited and proud that I just had to share it with the team that second. That evening as I travelled home I shared the news with my family and then with my Linked In network. As far as I was concerned I was already a winner!

I’m extremely grateful to the business for recognising my contribution and taking the time to nominate me. My family were

proud, the judges had chosen to shortlist me and were given up their time to sit and listen to me on judging day. I think it’s important to recognise every moment as an opportunity to achieve excellence, win or not, I felt I had achieved something special.

That being said, I was truly overwhelmed when I heard my name called out as the winner of the 2024 Business Development Executive – the feeling of honour and pride at receiving such a prestigious title. I was surrounded by so many strong, inspirational women at the summit, and honestly everyone one deserved to win. WISA has such an amazing and unique atmosphere: from the moment I sat down, right through

2024 Customer Service Manager Winner

Frances Ramsey

Frances Ramsey

When I first found out I was a finalist for the Women in Sales Awards, my first feeling was one of excitement. That excitement quickly turned into a mixture of nerves and little bit of stress. But being able to call my parents and tell them I was a finalist was an amazing feeling and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on my career so far and what I have achieved.

To be named the winner of the Customer Service Manager Award is an incredible feeling and not something I could have even dreamed of at the start of my career in Sales. It really makes me feel like all the hard

work I have put into my career up until now has truly been worth it.

The fact that I am going back to my company as a WISA Award winner will, I hope, serve as an inspiration to the other Women in our business that they too can achieve these kinds of successes. To be a finalist already felt like an incredible achievement but to actually win is one of the proudest moments of my career.

I have loved the experience of taking part in WISA from start to finish. Like I mentioned, having the opportunity to take some time

2024 Digital Sales Winner

Katie Hopkinson

Finding out I was a finalist in the Women In Sales Awards filled my heart with happiness. I was so shocked and proud of the achievement. The first thing I did was call my husband and my family to tell them the news!

Being nominated by Salesforce was an honour, but being selected as a finalist felt like a win in itself!

The whole process was rewarding and hugely reflective. It was an amazing opportunity to stop and think about how I

got here, what is important to me, and how I can further empower women.

The judging day was extremely uplifting, I met some incredible women. Every one of them felt like a winner, so inspiring and unique in their own journeys. It was refreshing to speak to people outside of my company, industry, and role. I made some great connections that I hope to keep in contact with.

Winning in my category was an indescribable experience, given the fierce competition, to be honest, I can't believe it!

2024 Field Sales Winner Claire Hamilton

2024 Field Sales Winner

Claire Hamilton

I'm incredibly proud to be a woman in sales. However, as I've progressed, I've seen women get discouraged as they evaluate a career in this sector thanks to outdated notions of the "boys club" and needing to trade on your personal integrity to see success.

Once I realised that I could succeed in sales as my authentic self, I knew I wanted to create an environment that encouraged, developed, and promoted all women and encouraged greater allyship from men.

That’s why being awarded the ‘Best Woman in Field Sales’ is more than a personal

milestone; it’s a responsibility to further promote this incredible career to a more diverse group of women.

As an Account Executive for Workday, I partner with our Financial Services & Insurance customers in advancing their corporate strategy by unifying HR, Planning, and Finance, in a single cloud platform. I’m proud to work for an organisation that not only has such strong female leaders, but also supports some of the world’s largest companies in analysing their people, finance, and skills data to identify the best opportunities to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.

2024 Professional Services Sales Winner

Harpreet Sondh

Harpreet Sondh

After hearing my name announced as a finalist, took me a moment to absorb the exciting news. It was a surreal experience, and I couldn’t believe I had been shortlisted for such a prestigious industry wide award. The first thing I did after taking it all in, was call my biggest fan - my mum. I truly felt so grateful and humbled that my work was being recognised. It has inspired me to keep working harder for my customers and female fraternity, to go above and beyond for them.

Winning in this category is a true honour. Professional Services is fundamentally a team endeavour. We work together, create together, and build together, all with the goal of best serving our customers' objectives and missions. While this recognition reflects my leadership skills, it is also a tribute to the incredible individuals I have been privileged to work alongside over the years. Together we push boundaries, earn trust, support each other and, most importantly, never give up on doing what’s right for our customers. This

achievement validates the passion and commitment I’ve dedicated to my work and inspires me to continue striving for excellence. I am filled with gratitude for this recognition and motivated to push even more boundaries to make a greater impact.

I plan to leverage this win as a platform to empower and support other women in several keyways:

I plan to leverage win as a platform to empower and support other women in several keyways:

1. Coaching: I will continue expand and scale my coaching community, especially those who are wanting to achieve their full potential. Coaching them to challenges both internal and external biases, with tools, techniques and advocates that support them.

2. Inspiring confidence & visibility: By sharing my journey and win, through the

Rebekah Jone s

Senior Customer Activation Manager

Molson C oors Beverages C ompany

2024 Sales Capability Manager Winner Rebekah Jones

2024 Sales Capability Manager Winner

Rebekah Jones

My husband was the first person I told that I was a finalist. Without the support of him and the rest of my family, I wouldn’t have achieved the results I have in my Sales career. My family are really proud of me and cheering me on every step of the way. It’s nice to know they’re always there; championing me as a working mum, wife and woman in Sales.

I already felt a great sense of pride simply being nominated! I think it’s a real reflection of the belief the senior leadership team has in me and the supportive team I’ve been really lucky to have around me.

After getting over the initial shock, I was completely thrilled to have won my category. I’m relentless in my focus to improving our work for the better; whether that’s processes, people engagement, creating an inclusive and high-performing culture or, of course, our customer satisfaction. It’s brilliant recognition of the success I’ve achieved in those areas and only inspires me to do more for Molson Coors and for our customers. I’m already thinking about what’s next for me, but also enjoying the achievement and the moment. I’m a very proud woman in Sales!

2024 Sales Engineer Winner

Afshan Ipsen

Since stepping into the corporate world, I’ve often heard about prestigious awards for women in sales. Being nominated for "Best Woman in Sales Engineering" was a surreal and humbling experience, one that even led me to question my manager three times if this was for real. Initially, it seemed almost dreamlike, as I hadn’t imagined myself in the running for such an award. However, her encouragement made me realize that my journey, filled with dedication, resilience, and support from remarkable women around me, had genuinely shaped me into a strong candidate. I owe a great deal of my growth and success to her faith in my abilities.

This award represents far more than individual achievement. It embodies the influence of powerful mentors who helped pave the way, most notably my manager from KPMG, who showed me what strong female leadership looks like, and my mentor at AppDynamics, who helped me navigate the technical side of sales engineering with confidence. And of course, my sisters, who have supported me tirelessly, inspiring me to push beyond my boundaries. Each of these women, in their own way, left a mark on me, and this recognition is as much a testament to their impact as it is to my work.

Winning this award rea irms my desire to give back to my community, especially

women and young girls, by being a support system, just as these women were for me.

I’ve always understood the importance of lifting others up and creating opportunities for growth and success. For women in particular, confidence can be a significant barrier. I’ve often faced selfdoubt and imposter syndrome, feeling like I didn’t belong in a field that traditionally lacks female representation. Thankfully, Adobe’s network of mentors and leaders has been invaluable in helping me see my potential. They’ve shown me that it’s okay to struggle and that those feelings don’t define my worth.

Understanding the impact of mentorship and support firsthand has fuelled my passion for helping others. Seeing women struggle with self-confidence and

Learning that I had been selected as a finalist for the Women in Sales Awards felt simply amazing! As the initial excitement settled, I found myself reflecting on the path that led me here: my story, my roots, the achievements, and the challenges I faced as a young woman in the tech sales industry.

With my background in Economics, I had never imagined I would one day confidently discuss tech topics or, even less, sell

o erings involving cloud computing, machine learning, AI, and the cuttingedge field of Generative AI – but here I am! My confidence in breaking into this field stems from the inspiring women who came before me. I grew up surrounded by trailblazers: my mother, Maria, the first woman lawyer in a small town in central Sicily, and my aunt Francesca, the town's first female doctor. They made me think about the critical importance of having female role models across all sectors.

Gaia Ginevra

“I grew up surrounded by trailblazers: my mother, Maria, the first woman lawyer in a small town in central Sicily, and my aunt Francesca, the town's first female doctor. They made me think about the critical importance of having female role models across all sectors.”

I sometimes wonder: how di erent would their lives have been if they had abandoned their passions simply because their chosen fields were considered ""men's work""?

In my daily work as an account manager for enterprise customers at Amazon Web Services (AWS), I frequently interact with IT Managers, CIOs, and CTOs – positions predominantly held by men. The statistics are stark: women comprise only 25% of the tech workforce, and a mere 11% of women in tech hold leadership positions. This reality reinforces the significance of events like the Women in Sales Awards. By spotlighting women in the field, we create visibility for role models and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

As I continue my journey in the tech sales world, I carry with me the legacy of the strong women who paved the way. I'm committed to not only excelling in my field but also to opening doors and creating opportunities for other women to follow. Winning the Women in Sales Award is more than a personal accomplishment – it's a responsibility to drive change, champion diversity and inclusion, and empower women to rise as leaders in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Looking to the future, my greatest dream is to inspire others. I accept this honor with humility and a deep sense of purpose, and I will use this fantastic opportunity to help create a more inclusive and diverse environment in the tech sales industry.

2024 Client Executive Winner

Laura Ball

I had no idea initially I had been nominated for a Women In Sales Award! I got a LinkedIn notification and an email in pretty quick succession announcing I had been selected as a finalist in my category. My heart did one of those excited, nervous leaps and immediately I could feel my face smiling with a jaw drop at the same time (if that's even possible?!). It felt incredible that through the noise and chaos of the day job, someone had taken the time to recognise my e orts and achievements so publicly.

Winning the category is honestly mind blowing. I have met some incredibly

talented women throughout this programme, both nominees as well as women supporting the event through sharing their experiences or taking time out to support us through the judging process. It was clear so many hours of preparation had been taken by everyone.

I personally decided to use the process to share how I feel the vulnerabilities we go through in life, both professionally and personally, as well as the strength we take from them, can lead to enormous growth and success. As a professional woman, there have been times where I have felt

the need, or have been told to "leave my personal life at the door" as the potential stigma associated with real life events could impact my potential professional success. As someone who is very emotionally aware, this has a times been challenging. However, it has also led to me gaining skills that I draw upon to continue to be successful.

By speaking about my personal experiences, reflecting on the strength and resilience it took for me to grow through them, I knew I was going to be exposing myself to a truth I have never spoken about in such a public domain. But I also knew it's

not only a truth that I live, but so do many other professional people in their own way. Therefore taking the opportunity as a part of the awards to share something that could give others the empowerment to share their truth, was for me an opportunity I could not pass up on. One of the great things about Zoom is the culture of care; I feel that winning this award gives me the platform to champion caring for ourselves and each other, because personal life does not just "stay at the door".

“I feel that winning this award gives me the platform to champion caring for ourselves and each other, because personal life does not just "stay at the door".”

I had no idea of what to expect from the judging day in London. I can honestly say, the key notes were truly inspiring, educational and relatable. I took away some key actions and learnings which I have already started to utilise to further improve myself and support those around me to do the same. Meeting the other finalists, hearing their stories, sharing in the excitement, together easing our nerves and increasing my network of talented women in sales was an experience in itself. And finally, the judging process wasn't that bad! The judges I had were lovely, professional and supporting of the process. With any interview there are some nerves because we want to do well, but those were soon settled once I got chatting to Laura and Charlotte.

I would 100% recommend Zoom or any other organisation to continue to nominate women for these awards. It forces time to reflect, to celebrate the success that can feel swamped by day to day life, and allows women to invest some time into their continued self-development. From start to finish the experience has been nothing but positive and shows the investment a company is prepared to make in individuals to support in their continued success.

2024

2024 Customer Service Director Winner

Customer Service Director Winner

Aileen Brown

This is the first award process I have taken part in, and it has been a little nervy but ultimately enjoyable and rewarding process. Juggling life as a mum, wife, Customer Success Leader, and sports addict leaves little room for reflection. Yet the WISA Award provided exactly that- a chance to pause and recognise my impact in managing my amazing team and in supporting our Women@Workday Employee group.

This is the first award process I have taken part in, and it has been a little nervy but ultimately enjoyable and rewarding process. Juggling life as a mum, wife, Customer Success Leader, and sports addict leaves little room for reflection.

Yet the WISA Award provided exactly that- a chance to pause and recognise my impact in managing my amazing team and in supporting our Women@Workday Employee group.

Having been delighted to have received my initial nomination, the news of being shortlisted came through during a

particular stressful afternoon, so it really lifted my spirits! The first person I spoke to was my husband who was delighted and shook his head at my self-doubt.

The reaction from my kids was really sweet…. getting an excited response from teenagers about anything, let alone some news about their mum’s work, made me feel like a winner already! It is not an understatement that everyone at work has been so supportive which in addition to the nomination has made me grateful to my workmates and to the amazing culture we have at Workday.

Nathalie Cutting

2024 Financial Sales Winner

Nathalie Cutting

When I found out that I had been nominated for the Women in Sales Award it came as a complete surprise, I've worked at Barclays for nine years and from the start I've always focused on driving positive change, putting customers at the heart of everything and using the power of the Barclays brand to create opportunities for others but to be nominated for such a prestigious award absolutely wasn’t expected!

Being recognised as a role model for my colleagues, reflecting the values and mindset that Barclays seeks to grow, is a

wonderful feeling, it rea irms that I’m on the right path to fostering positive growth and the right behaviors for success. I’ve always aimed to exceed expectations in my role, but it’s my work beyond my daily responsibilities that drives my ethos to always have a positive impact on others.

It’s humbling to be seen as someone who embodies the values of our company and industry.

Winning this prestigious award is an incredible honour and an opportunity that allowed me to meet so many talented women who are passionate, skilled,

“We’re often focused on what we could have done better, and preparing for the presentation made me pause and acknowledge my achievements, values, and the unique qualities that I bring to my work.”

and inspiring. Being a finalist—let alone a winner—was phenomenal and gave me a chance to reflect on how far I’ve come. We’re often focused on what we could have done better, and preparing for the presentation made me pause and acknowledge my achievements, values, and the unique qualities that I bring to my work.

I was a little nervous heading into my presentation, but the warmth and openness of the judges quickly eased my nerves. The day became a fantastic experience, full of inspiring connections with women who are phenomenal leaders in their own right. Seeing their passion reinforced the strength of our industry and its ability to drive real impact.

Working within the diversity and inclusion space is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’ve dedicated myself to supporting people both within and beyond Barclays. This award will open even more doors for me to empower and support others, especially women, on their journeys. Sales may not always be recognized as a gift, but this journey has proven to me how transformative it can be.

Looking to the future, I’m truly excited to use this platform to make a positive impact. This journey has been deeply rewarding, and I’m eager to continue supporting those around me and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

2024 Inside Sales Executive Winner

2024 Inside Sales

Executive Winner

Rebecca Fletcher

I am absolutely over the moon to have won the women in sales awards 2024, this is my proudest achievement to date. The first thing I did was tell my parents, my closest friends, and my organisation about the amazing news, everyone was so excited and extremely proud of this achievement.

Coming from a neurodiverse background with having struggled with ADHD, aspersers, and dyslexia, this was an even greater accomplishment showcasing that with resilience, tenacity, and the right

network championing you, you can achieve anything. I can now use the Europe’s Women in Sales Award to amplify my voice and showcase that anything is possible! Diversity fuels innovation, broadens perspective, and drives better results for companies.

I want to see more women in sales, it’s extremely important to create an environment where women feel empowered to succeed, and where they have the tools and support to reach their

2024 Inside Sales Manager Winner

Jess Jones

After hearing the news that I have been selected as a finalist, first, I had a good sit down and a few biscuits, to let it sink in—it’s not every day you get this kind of news! Then, I rang my family to share the excitement. They’ve been my biggest supporters, even if they don’t quite understand what I do! Sharing that moment with them was brilliant, especially when they suggested I might be able to take a break now. (Spoiler: they were wrong!)

Having won in my category is unbelievable! It’s one thing to do work you love, but it’s another to be recognised for it in this way. I feel like this award is proof that you don’t

have to lose yourself to succeed. It’s a nod to all of us who want to bring our own spark and a bit of humour into sales while smashing targets. Winning this makes me so proud of my journey, and it’s a reminder to keep pushing those boundaries—and maybe treat myself to a bit of cake.

I’d love to use this win to encourage other women to own who they are and what they bring to the table. I think sometimes we’re too quick to underestimate ourselves! My focus is on helping others see the value in their strengths, quirks and all, and making sure women at Access feel they have a seat at the table. I’ll be using this platform

2024 Sales Consultant Winner

Ola Balogun

In 2022, I was fortunate enough to attend the Women In Sales Awards dinner as a guest in support of a finalist at my company. I was so inspired by the remarkable, talented Saleswomen driving results, innovation and change in the industry, being considered a worthy nominee became a goal of mine. Fast forward two years later, I received the exciting news that I was nominated and shortlisted as a finalist, which brought a sheer sense of validation and reinforced the confidence in my capabilities.

However, nothing prepared me to see my name in lights as a winner! What an incredible honour and crowning achievement in my career to be recognised by industry leaders amongst so many extraordinary, brilliant women in sales.

I stand proud knowing my strive for excellence and dedication to achieve success has played an instrumental role, deserving of such a prestigious accolade. I’m now driven more then ever. The entire awards experience has been an

“We are not just part of the industry – we are shaping its future.”

is my superpower. The judging day was phenomenal, I connected with incredible women across di erent industries, took away valuable insights, and the amazing judges created a safe space to be open, show our passion and be ourselves during the process. I feel inspired and empowered not only to stay dedicated in what I do, but to advocate for diversity in the workplace.

Winning this award has fuelled my desire to learn more from influential leaders in sales and solidified my commitment to mentorship, particularly for women and underrepresented groups, creating pathways for others to succeed in a challenging industry.

introspective opportunity to reflect on my accomplishments that have made a transformative impact on our organisation and the broader community.

The best part of this process was the unwavering support and guidance, not only from the WISA team who communicated expectations seamlessly, but the uplifting encouragement my from my manager and heart-warming celebration from the amazing women at The Stepstone Group, a irming why embracing my femininity

The Stepstone Group excels in promoting women within the workplace and showcasing our strong female talent to the world, I’m so grateful for my nomination that led to my win, and I look forward to supporting next year’s nominees. I highly encourage other companies considering submitting future nominations, as this award serves as a platform of conviction. It acknowledges hard work, resilience, and ability for women to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. It's about more than just sales figures; it’s about pioneering a path, inspiring others, and showing that excellence knows no gender. This supportive and empowering culture is essential for creating an environment where women can thrive and reach their professional aspirations. We are not just part of the industry – we are shaping its future.

2024 Sales Consultant Winner

Nimmy Mathews

I was so busy finishing up the nominations for women in my organization for the awards that it came as a complete surprise when I myself had been nominated for the Sales Director Award!

Double surprise when I heard I had been selected as a finalist, along with Lea Twizer, a senior account executive based in Israel, who I had nominated.

When I told my parents I had made the final list, my father turned around to my mother and asked, ‘Did you know about this?’ My father is a small business owner and my mother is a stay-at-home wife, and the world I grew up in could not be further from the corporate life or from the glitz and glam of these awards. The next thing he says is, ‘I think you’re going to

2024 Sales Operations Manager Winner Patricia Moric

2024 Sales Operations Manager Winner

Patricia Moric

When I was announced as the winner of the Sales Operations Manager category at this year's Women in Sales Awards, I was overwhelmed with joy. My thoughts immediately turned to my children, who have witnessed my struggles, doubts, and victories throughout my 30-year career as a working mom. I feel immense pride in showing them that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. As teenagers navigating their own paths, they often need encouragement to believe in themselves. This achievement isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a testament to the inspiration I hope to pass on to the generations that follow.

Winning this award validates my achievements and serves as a satisfying comeback against the di icult words I have faced growing up: “this activity is not for girls,” “she won’t have her scientific diploma,” “this role is not for women, it is too technical.” While these statements were hard to hear, they fueled my determination to succeed. History shows us that women are not lacking in talent, endurance, or passion. The real issue lies in how much their ideas and visions are recognized and valued.

Throughout my career, I have often found myself in the room where I was

“Advocating for initiatives that promote gender equality and support women’s professional development is vital to creating an environment where women can thrive.”

Here, diversity is viewed as a business imperative rather than just an HR issue, which is essential for fostering an inclusive workplace.

As I reflect on my journey and this recognition, I am motivated to leverage my win to help other women in my company and industry. My goal is to use this platform to uplift and mentor aspiring female sales professionals. By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to inspire others to pursue their ambitions amidst the challenges they may face. Advocating for initiatives that promote gender equality and support women’s professional development is vital to creating an environment where women can thrive.

the only woman at the table, expected to fetch co ee or jot down notes. These experiences highlighted the importance of empowering women to vocalize their ambitions and assert themselves for opportunities that propel them into leadership positions. I am by no means the best Sales Operations Manager, but I aspire to be. I feel fortunate to love my job and remain excited about the opportunities for growth it o ers.

I am incredibly honored to represent Verizon, a company that has played a crucial role in my professional and personal development over the past 28 years.

Given my experience, I strongly recommend for other companies to nominate other women for the Women in Sales Awards (WISA) in 2025. Doing so not only represents a significant stride toward achieving gender equality but also serves as a strategic investment in fostering a dynamic, forward-thinking, and inclusive workplace. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women sends a powerful message that our contributions are valued and that we are integral to the industry’s success.

Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the judges and the wider WISA team for making this recognition possible and for their unwavering support of gender diversity. As we continue to uplift and empower one another, I am excited about what the future holds for women in sales. Together, we can break down barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and create a more inclusive and equitable industry for generations to come.

2024 Sales Support Winner

Stephanie Salazar

When I first found out I was a finalist for the Women in Sales Award in the Sales Support category, I felt grateful and excited. Getting recognised like this really validates all the hard work I've put in and my journey, which has been anything but ordinary. I grew up an immigrant in London, with my Latinx family, and I spent time helping my parents’ clean o ices. The idea was that if I worked hard, went to university, and found a job in my field, I could one day work in o ices like those I once cleaned. But I went on a di erent route and chose Customer

Success—a choice that raised some eyebrows but has honestly brought me so much joy.

Winning this award is not only an honour; it shows that success looks di erent for everyone. It’s such a good feeling to be recognised for the unique perspective and skills I bring. Sales support requires a commitment to excellence in customer service, product knowledge, and relationship-building, all of which have helped elevate my company’s impact

“My journey has taught me how important it is to break stereotypes and embrace the different paths that lead to success in our field.”

with customers and within the industry. This recognition highlights how important diverse voices are in creating a vibrant and inclusive sales culture.

With this award, I’m excited to step forward as an advocate for equality and diversity in sales. I want to use this platform to show what a career in sales can look like for people from all di erent backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. I aim to be a mentor and guide for those who feel a bit lost, just like I did, and to remind them that there are plenty of ways to have meaningful, successful careers. My journey has taught me how important it is to break stereotypes and embrace the di erent paths that lead to success in our field.

Being part of this awards process has been invaluable. I’ve met some truly inspiring people and have been reminded of how powerful we as women are, and how important a strong community is, in helping us reach our full potential. I’m grateful to be able to share the viewpoint of someone with such a di erent background and upbringing and I encourage my company to continue nominating amazing women for future awards. These recognitions shine a light on the diverse experiences and skill sets that make our industry stronger.

Lastly, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported my journey so far, I’m immensely grateful to all of you and appreciate you all.

2024 Software Sales Winner

Sam Pidgeon

The first thing I did when I heard I was a finalist was cheers my best friend who I was sat with at dinner after work that evening! There’s nothing better than recharging surrounded by good people, both colleagues and friends, and my group all love to celebrate each others successes. I also whatsapped my family who are my biggest supporters, and my manager who nominated me to thank him for his confidence in nominating me in the first place.

To have won this category absolutely blows me away, given the level of talent in the room and the amazing women I was up against. It’s such a feeling of pride and validation, not just for me, but to show that women can be successful in the insurance sector. It also also gives me a renewed sense of responsibility to help a ect positive change in the sector.

Hopefully, others see this award and my success here as a sign that it is possible in

Hopefully, others this award and my success here as a sign that it is possible in

“It’s such a feeling of pride and validation, not just for me, but to show that women can be successful in the insurance sector.”

male dominated sectors; and I’d love for even just one more woman to decide to pursue a career in this sector o the back of seeing me win this award. I’ll continue to advocate for diverse teams across financial services and help build that future pipeline of female sales leaders.

I’ve had an amazing experience taking part in the awards this year, hearing from some inspirational speakers, meeting some truly brilliant women and hearing about how others have navigated their careers. Some of the connections made at the finals I am sure will be long-lasting, and this network of brilliant people is already uplifting each other, and will continue to support each other as we progress our careers.

I would absolutely encourage my organisation to continue to nominate women into these awards next year and beyond - recognition for great work and acknowledgement of all we do is so important, not just internally but externally also. To even be nominated is an honour and hopefully helps catapult more women forward in their careers, even just through the confidence that alone instills.

A huge well done to all the candidates, and thank you to the organisers of this amazing process. Thank you also to Salesforce for their support and advocacy! Now, we celebrate!