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Valentin Chanmala – Meet the Mentor

I'm Valentin, a seasoned SaaS Sales leader with 11+ years' experience and two IPOs under my belt. Through mentorship, I empower aspiring professionals to excel in sales strategy, team leadership, and career growth.
Valentin Chanmala

Sales, EMEA South, ClickHouse, ex-Snowflake, ex-Oracle

Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I decided to become a mentor because I've experienced helping people achieving more in their job and in their own career journey. After navigating the challenges and triumphs of scaling companies through two IPOs, I realized the immense value of sharing knowledge and empowering others to succeed. Mentoring allows me to give back to the community, imparting lessons learned, and helping aspiring professionals navigate their own paths to success in the competitive world of Sales.

How did you get your career start?

My career journey began after graduating from Business school in 2013. I initially gained valuable experience during my two-year tenure at a financial consulting firm, where I set up my first sales team and learnt plenty in contact of my leadership. However, it was in the dynamic field of tech sales where I found my true passion and calling. Over the past decade-plus, I've dedicated myself to mastering the art of SaaS sales, leveraging every opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately become a trusted leader in the industry

What do mentees usually come to you for?

Mentees typically seek guidance from me on a range of topics related to sales and career advancement. This includes strategies for prospecting and closing deals, developing effective sales processes, navigating complex sales cycles, enhancing negotiation skills, and building and leading high-performing sales teams.z Additionally, mentees often come to me for advice on career growth, such as how to position themselves for promotions, negotiate compensation packages, and make strategic career moves within their current (or next) company

What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

One of my favorite mentorship success stories involves a mentee who was struggling to break into the SaaS sales industry. Despite having a strong academic background and some sales experience, they were finding it challenging to secure interviews and land a role at a reputable company. Through our mentorship sessions, we worked together to identify areas for improvement in their resume, professional brand and interview skills. I provided personalized coaching, sharing insights from my own experiences and offering practical advice on how to effectively communicate their value proposition to potential employers. After a few weeks of dedicated effort and persistence, my mentee secured a competitive sales role at a high-growth SaaS startup. Not only did they land the job, but they also did very well in their new role, quickly becoming a top performer in their company. Seeing my mentee overcome obstacles, grow professionally, and achieve success in their career was incredibly rewarding. It's a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on shaping the trajectory of someone's career.

What are you getting out of being a mentor?

Being a mentor is deeply rewarding as it allows me to share my expertise and experiences, positively impacting others' career journeys. It keeps me connected with emerging talent, providing fresh perspectives and insights into industry trends. Additionally, mentoring enhances my leadership and communication skills, reinforcing my understanding of key concepts and refining my ability to provide valuable feedback. Overall, it's a mutually beneficial relationship where I contribute to the growth of others while continuously learning and growing myself.

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