EPISODE #115

 
 

#115 The SDR DiscoCall Show – Janie Gammans

Host: Neil Bhuiyan  |  Guest: Janie Gammans – Senior Manager, Sales Development – EMEA, Reward Gateway

🎧 Listen & Watch

💡 Summary

In this episode, Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Janie Gammans to explore a vibrant career journey from music journalism and events to sales leadership. They unpack the realities of a founding SDR role, market education across regions, legal nuances, and the leadership power of curiosity, bravery, and a beginner’s mindset. It’s a grounded, practical conversation for SDRs, leaders, and anyone building new markets.

🔥 Key Takeaways

  • Passions outside of work enrich performance and perspective
  • Curiosity and bravery accelerate learning and trust in sales
  • Founding SDRs shape teams, culture, and market entry strategy
  • Educating the market is as critical as educating internal teams
  • Legal and cultural nuances matter when selling internationally
  • Vulnerability and self-awareness strengthen leadership
  • A beginner’s mindset keeps you adaptable and humble
  • Document wins and lessons to compound growth

🕒 Chapters & Timestamps

  • 00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show
  • 01:16 – Meet Janie: A Colourful Career Journey
  • 03:41 – Early Passion for Music and Events
  • 04:39 – From Music to Archaeology: A Unique Path
  • 07:45 – Transitioning into Sales: The SDR Experience
  • 10:56 – Curiosity and Bravery in the Journey
  • 13:36 – Reflections on Youth and Fearlessness
  • 19:42 – The Evolution of Fun in Sales
  • 23:53 – Practising Sales: Being in the Trenches
  • 25:45 – The Journey of Sales Performance
  • 26:43 – Coaching and Mentorship
  • 28:17 – Continuous Improvement Mindset
  • 29:27 – Human-Led Leadership & Neurodiversity
  • 30:44 – Why a Beginner’s Mindset Matters
  • 35:02 – The Role of Founding SDRs
  • 37:49 – Challenges of Founding SDR Roles
  • 42:59 – Lessons from Founding SDR Experiences
  • 53:45 – Embracing Vulnerability in Sales Calls
  • 56:44 – The Journey of a Founding SDR
  • 59:48 – Autonomy and Curiosity
  • 01:03:23 – Documenting Achievements
  • 01:07:24 – Storytelling in Sales
  • 01:15:04 – Advice for Future SDRs: Fearlessness, Curiosity, Bravery

🎙 Soundbites

“I didn’t give time to judgement — fearlessness and vulnerability helped me learn faster.”
“Curiosity is your biggest asset — ask the uncomfortable questions.”
“As a founding SDR, you are the voice of your region — educate the market and your own team.”

🔗 Guest Links

Listen to the podcast episode

..or watch the VidCast version of this episode on YouTube

 
Season 12Marketing Team