On the TechTO stage ×1
First seen on a TechTO stage in 2016. Every TechTO talk is searchable — ask the archive about Sheetal ↗
In their words
We work with a lot of US companies, mainly because us Canadians don't support each other — I'll call it out like it is. And now, after a year, when they see that we've actually made it, the Canadian brands are actually starting to come aboard.
I'm gonna say it again: be hungry, be smart, and have that boss mentality — that this is your domain and you're gonna own it.
I think half the salespeople in this room don't think big enough... Go out there and find the biggest customer you could find that's gonna generate tons of revenue for you, make a plan, and go out there and get it — and if it takes you a year, it takes you a year.
Quick answers
What is TribalScale?
A services company building web, mobile, and IoT applications. Started by five co-founders, it grew to 65 people within about a year, working mostly with US clients at first. It acts as an innovation lab for clients or takes them through an agile transformation, using an 'agile 3.0' process built on lessons from Xtreme Labs and Pivotal.
What does Sheetal look for in salespeople?
Three things: be smart, be hungry, and have a 'boss mentality.' Do client-facing work from 9 to 5, then spend your own time mastering the craft — Tiger Woods didn't win the Masters after two swings — and have the courage to kick the door open, put yourself out there, and not fear failing.
What did Sheetal take away from the tech delegation to Israel?
He joined Toronto Mayor John Tory's tech delegation — his second trip to Israel — visiting Tel Aviv, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. He saw an ecosystem where companies support each other and failing fast is rewarded: quit, try a startup, fail, and your old employer will likely rehire you for more money. His stated learning was to come back and give back to Toronto's community, though he thinks Israeli companies under-invest in sales and marketing.