Harassment in Sales w/ Bridget Gleason [Episode 615]

Bridget Gleason is VP of Sales for Logz.io and my regular partner on Front Line Fridays.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Andy notes the sexual harassment accusations in the news. Has Bridget ever experienced that in sales? Many times! Bridget is dismayed, but not surprised by the news. The floodgates have opened and people are speaking up.
• Bridget had to set a rule where she is not available to meet ‘for drinks.’ Andy’s sister constantly had to fend off inappropriate actions at her first sales job.
• Bridget is grateful for customers and coworkers that posed no threats to her, but she just avoids situations where there could be a threat.
• When the Uber accusations hit the news in June, Bridget thought, it happens all the time, but she was pleasantly surprised when there were firings. Social media may have made it easier for people to speak up.
• Bridget suggests that harassment is one reason why it’s hard to get interested women in sales. How can we create environments where women feel safe and thrive? Sales is a wonderful opportunity, but there is progress to make.
• Stop advertising for hunter/closer aggressive extroverts. These traits are meaningless for sales, but they telegraph that a male is wanted for the position. Set the stage for diversity. Advertise for curious intelligent people.
• Women are pleased to see other women in leadership positions as that shows there is diversity at the company. The inside sales culture of today is male-oriented. Bridget wants to see more of a mix.
• Next topic: what was memorable in 2017; what are you looking forward to in 2018? For Bridget, spending time in Israel at Logz.io, embracing a new city, and all the changes in 2017 were amazing for her.
• Andy loves the snow. It snowed yesterday from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue on his run. 2017 was good for his business, with a new business partnership, and bringing his son into the business.
• Andy talks about friends of his age scaling back while Andy is winding up. Andy continues to challenge himself. Bridget notes it would be easier if we didn’t get older!
• Andy and Bridget wish you all a Happy New Year!