EPISODE #126

 
 

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#126 The SDR DiscoCall Show – Kirsten McCoy

Host: Neil Bhuiyan  |  Guest: Kirsten McCoy – SDR, Patchworks

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Release: Tues 24th Mar 2026 @ 08:00 AM UK GMT

Summary

In this episode of the SDR DiscoCall Show, Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Kirsten McCoy, SDR at Patchworks, to explore how confidence in sales is built through experience, not certainty.

Kirsten shares her journey from leaving school without a clear direction, watching others follow traditional paths while she figured things out in her own way. Her entry into sales began at Scottish Power, where she was thrown into a contact centre environment and experienced the pressure of targets, rejection and real conversations from day one.

The conversation goes deeper into the personal challenges that shaped her. Kirsten opens up about living with anxiety, navigating difficult relationships, and the isolation she experienced during COVID, including losing friends to suicide. Rather than something that disappears, she shares how anxiety is something she has learned to manage through honesty, support and self-awareness.

Alongside this, football has played a defining role in her life. From early academy opportunities to being dropped and questioning everything, those moments built the resilience, discipline and work ethic she now brings into sales.

They also explore coaching and mentorship, and how Kirsten has gone from needing guidance at the start of her journey to becoming someone others now reach out to for advice and support.

This is a conversation about self-doubt, resilience, mental health and learning to enjoy the process while building confidence in sales and life.

Listener Discretion: This episode includes discussion of anxiety, trauma and suicide. Support resources are provided below.

About This Episode

Episode 126 of the SDR DiscoCall Show features Kirsten McCoy, SDR at Patchworks. In conversation with host Neil Bhuiyan, Kirsten shares her journey into tech sales, from early uncertainty after leaving school to building confidence through real-world experience in sales environments.

The episode explores career development in sales, including starting in a contact centre environment, handling rejection, and learning how to perform under pressure. Kirsten reflects on her early career decisions, moments of uncertainty, and how taking opportunities without a fixed plan helped shape her path.

A key focus of the conversation is mental health in sales. Kirsten shares her experience living with anxiety, the impact of isolation during COVID, and how learning to speak openly and seek support changed how she manages both personal challenges and professional performance.

The discussion also highlights the role of sport in building mindset. Kirsten reflects on her football journey, including setbacks and being dropped from teams, and how those experiences developed the resilience and discipline she now applies in sales.

Listeners interested in SDR roles, sales careers, mental health, and personal growth will find practical insights in this episode, including lessons on resilience, confidence, coaching, and building a meaningful career in tech sales.

Key Takeaways

  • Confidence in sales is built through action, not waiting to feel ready
  • Not knowing your path early on is normal and often where growth begins
  • Contact centre sales builds resilience through real conversations and rejection
  • Anxiety does not go away, but learning to manage it changes how you operate
  • Speaking openly and asking for support improves both mental health and performance
  • Setbacks, such as being dropped in football, can shape long-term resilience
  • Coaching provides belief and structure when you don’t yet have it yourself
  • Identity outside of work strengthens performance in sales
  • Enjoying your work directly impacts consistency and results

Chapters & Timestamps

  • 00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show
  • 01:12 – Meet Kirsten: An SDR’s Journey
  • 04:18 – Kirsten’s Path to Sales
  • 09:36 – Overcoming Challenges in Career Choices
  • 11:57 – Lessons from Scottish Power
  • 12:46 – Lessons from Scottish Power
  • 15:24 – Transitioning to New Roles
  • 18:26 – Exploring Account Management
  • 21:18 – Navigating the Pandemic
  • 24:08 – Career Progression and Opportunities
  • 27:01 – The Impact of Social Media on Sales
  • 39:37 – Career Progression and Opportunities
  • 41:37 – Building a Strong Foundation in Sales
  • 44:43 – The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship
  • 49:17 – The Role of Sports in Personal Development
  • 55:50 – Navigating Anxiety and Mental Health
  • 01:06:34 – Advice for the Younger Self

Soundbites

“Ask questions and accept help”
“Resilience is key in sales”
“TikTok opened new doors for me”

Guest Links

Support & Resources

If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out for support. You do not have to deal with difficult moments on your own.

 
Season 13Marketing Team