Introducing Sales Leaders Talks – a new monthly series featuring interviews with inspiring sales professionals. In the first episode, our CEO Katka Šimková speaks with Patricia Valachovicova, Head of International Sales at Alma Career, about challenges, technologies, and key success factors in sales.
1. What do you enjoy most about working in sales, and what do you think is the most important trait of a great sales leader?
Sales is an endless adrenaline rush, a journey of curiosity, and a path of continuous learning. It’s about genuinely caring for the client, understanding their needs, and earning their attention. What I enjoy most is engaging in expert discussions, analyzing needs, and crafting creative solutions. The most important qualities in sales are being well-prepared, actively listening, knowing your client and market, and leveraging modern tools and technologies to manage every aspect of the agenda.
2. What is the biggest challenge you and your team are currently facing as a sales leader? How do you approach it to ensure success?
There’s always something. 🙂 A long-standing issue in my industry is the demand for talent in the job market—there are too few suitable profiles, and there’s a mismatch between supply and demand. Another key challenge is the integration of data and tools into the HR world. Compared to FinTech, HR tech is still in its early stages, which means exciting times are ahead. That’s why it’s crucial to continuously learn and improve every part of the sales process. When dealing with larger clients, it’s often more about psychology and consulting than just sales techniques.
3. Where do you find your passion, energy, and enthusiasm for sales every day?
You either love sales, or you don’t—and when you do, the energy comes naturally. It’s a challenge, a way to push boundaries, an opportunity to influence things, and a chance to learn something new—that’s the daily menu. For me, energy comes from satisfied clients and thinking about what else I could do for them.
4. What tools and technologies are essential for you and your sales team? What helps you simplify processes and achieve results?
Team meetings, one-on-ones, quick chats, Teams, Slack, CRM—all these are crucial. Open communication and discussing bigger cases are essential. Also, acknowledging mistakes or admitting when I don’t have the answer is important. Asking for constructive feedback plays a key role in improving and achieving results.
5. What is your opinion on modern sales platforms like CloseRocket? Do you see a future in such solutions for effective team management?
I’m definitely a big fan. A sales professional is here for the client, not for administration. Technology provides the space to be creative and gives us the time to focus on that—which is exactly our role in sales.
6. Can you recall your biggest sales success or a moment when you thought, “This is exactly why I do this”? What helped you move forward?
Moments like these keep on happening. Companies evolve, and their requirements—whether local or from headquarters—are constantly changing. I enjoy managing this dynamic. Every new situation I’m part of pushes me forward.
7. How do you build trust and energy within your team to keep people motivated to achieve results while also feeling fulfilled and engaged?
Communication at all levels, whenever needed, and at the right intensity. Planning, but also flexibility. My direct involvement. Trust. And last but not least, cultivating relationships within the team and making good hiring choices.
8. What one piece of advice would you give to someone just starting in sales?
Do what you love. Be curious. Ask questions, but also listen with understanding. And if technology can make your work easier, use it.
