About Me

I’m James, and I’m thrilled to take you on a brief tour of my professional journey. It’s not every day that an enthusiast in Industrial Microbiology like me turns into a master of sales training, but that’s exactly the path I embarked on. Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

While I was at school in England, two incredible Biology teachers sparked my interest in microbiology. This passion led me to Cardiff University, where I graduated in 1976 with research Master’s degree. The research world welcomed me with open arms, and soon I was deeply involved in crucial work for a local Water Authority. My research on wastewater treatment systems, in collaboration with the UK’s Department of the Environment, even led to me co-authoring two scientific papers.

But here’s the thing—while the work was fascinating, life had more in store for me. Research was funded by short-term grants, and with a growing desire to start a family, I craved more income stability. So, I took the leap into the corporate world and joined Laporte Industries, marking the start of my sales career. If you’re wondering why sales, it was the allure of the job—the company car, the expense account—that caught my attention. However, defining myself as a salesman came with its own set of challenges and achievements.

You have to know that the one quality I’ve always relied on is my ability to learn quickly and to effectively apply new knowledge to achieve goals. Believe it or not, my first obstacle wasn’t closing deals—it was driving! My sales territory was vast, so I clocked in about 1,000 miles per week on the road.

Eventually, the realities of life steered me in a new direction. With my family expanding and my job requiring weeklong trials away from home, I decided a change was necessary. I shifted to a more local sales role and never looked back. From a tiny advertising agency to NCR Systemedia, and finally to selling medical equipment, I gathered a treasure trove of insights.

This isn’t just about my journey from research to sales; it’s also about the continuous transformation and growth I experienced along the way. Every sales job taught me valuable lessons about the industry, and now, I’m here to help you by paying those forward through my blog posts.

Crafting Success: My Journey and Lessons in Sales Training

Reflecting on my decades navigating the tumultuous seas of sales, it’s evident that every experience has been a building block towards becoming the expert I am today. At every twist and turn, I learned something new – about the industry, about strategies, and about myself.

Each sales job was like a new chapter in a very practical book of learning. My times at the small advertising agency, NCR Systemedia, and the medical equipment firm weren’t just means of earning a living; they were intense courses in the art of sales, negotiation, and building lasting relationships.

The beauty of my journey lies in the revelation that success isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous passage. With each post I pen down on ‘Successful Achiever’, I aim to convey these revelations, hoping they ignite a spark within you to strive for and achieve your own version of success.

Today, I may have hung up the ‘salesman hat,’ but the desire to empower and educate throbs as fiercely as ever. I invite you to delve into the wisdom of my experiences. Learn the ropes of ‘Successful Selling’ from someone who has weathered the storms and savored the triumphs.

So, chase that ambition, cultivate that skill, and remember, the essence of sales is in the value you create – for yourself, your clients, and the world around you. If my insights light the way to your success, then my goal is well and truly accomplished. Here’s to your achievements and the exciting journey ahead!