Hannah Sangwin’s Post

I’m feeling mixed about our best quarter in a while. Something to celebrate, or only feels good compared to a low base? It’s been such a challenging period for anyone in the startup and VC space – us included. None of the last 3 quarters have delivered what we wanted when to comes to revenue, and that hurts. But we just had our best quarter in that period. Plus April was 24% over our revenue target. I'm increasingly confident that our message is resonating and that people get what makes us different. This week, we spent half a day reviewing the past three months and planning ahead. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on our recent achievements, including: 🍜 Hosting 250 attendees across various events, from intimate lunches for 25 healthcare founders to multiple AI South West events and roundtables for Heads of People and Chief Commercial Officers. 🤝 Partnering with 8 clients on retained hiring campaigns, six of whom were first-time clients—proof that new business is out there! ⭐ Some great feedback and a Net Promoter Score of +50. 🔄 Receiving continued referrals from investors and chairs. I know numbers often dominate the narrative in business, and it’s hard not to focus solely on this month’s revenue when asked how things are going. But no matter the debate I’m having on revenue this quarter vs last quarter, the main reason I’m feeling optimistic is the team at ISL Talent – they’ve never been better. And maybe we’ve escaped from a challenging period stronger than ever. I’d love to know how you think about comparing good and bad periods in your business? And how it’s going for you at the moment?

I have a confession to make. I wish I'd made the Forbes 30 under 30. But I knew I wasn't ready. I was employed for starters. Business rewards risk takers. People who start their own thing. The Richard Sutcliffe's of the world - your Freddy Ward's and Christoph Hermann's. These people who start things get recognition. There is glory in being an Operator. I've played that role and loved the journey. Nolo Apps is a different quest. This is ours, and I want to be on the fecking list. So, help me out here. We've got Fast Track 100 pedigree. Now we're proven with the FEBE 100, whatever this is, PwC, I like it. The lists are great. Now, Ecommerce salespeople have a target list for the lead-up to Glastonbury (I'm going, in case you missed that). The Nolo Revolution is coming to the rest of you, whether you made the list or not. The Dark Stack's days are numbered. I'm calling time on Excel workflows invented around the millennium. So yeah, I'm interested in the brands on this list, but I won't be reaching out anytime soon. I've got 40 slide Canva carousels to make. This is the bat call. Over to you to answer it. #techstacks #highgrowth #febe100 #ecommerce PS. Ecommerce brands are always 10-15% of these lists. Great validation that we're all in the right space despite the short-term headwinds 😅

STOP (!!!) letting company execs decide your value. If you're a top performer who expects the best from themselves + others, nothing's more demotivating than being told your contributions aren't enough. - You've saved us millions of £$€... - Yes, you're doing 5 jobs without adequate resources... - We wouldn't be here today without your years of service... ...but it's still not enough / we expect more / you're not performing. 💡 At my career low, I came across an analogy that'll always stay with me: A water bottle at the grocery store is worth £1, but at the airport, the same water bottle costs £5. There's no difference in the brand or water itself; it's simply valued differently depending on where it's at. The same goes for employees. Where you're at might not see your value, but plenty of other employers will. And sometimes, we even end up creating that place for ourselves. In my case, I'm building keshty 🚢 (this week, by the Mediterranean Sea - apt). But for the last decade, I let company execs determine my value. The highs were definitely high, AND they'd turn sour just as quickly. After all, we're *actively* subscribing to volatility + disappointment when we let others determine our value. It's time to cut the 💩 and set our own value now. ♻ TLDR: If you're feeling like a £1 water bottle, perhaps it's time to look past the grocery store and consider the airport. Today, the only people who can value-rank me are me (CEO perks 😎) and the *amazing* clients I work with. PS: Anyone know the original owner of the water bottle analogy? 👀 🚢 🙋🏻♀️ Hi! I'm Neda: a 3x successful scaler turned fCOO and Scale Advisor. ✍🏼 I write about how to #scale #worldclassteams and #diversifytech. Follow Neda Sahebelm and keshty for more posts like this! 🔔

🚀 Unlock Billions in Contracting Opportunities at "Launch Pad to Success"! MBE Owners, ready for an unprecedented opportunity? At "Launch Pad to Success", YOU'RE the one being pitched to by some of the biggest names in business. 🌟 Here's Why You Can't Afford to Miss Out: Billions at Your Fingertips: Engage directly with Eli Lilly, Salesforce, Toyota, Cummins, Centene, IU Health, and the Indianapolis International Airport. They're not just attending; they're pitching to partner with businesses like yours. (So cool!!!!!!!!!!!!) Unique Reverse Pitch Competition: A rare chance where leading corporations showcase how they can support your growth, offering a direct path to expansive opportunities. Network & Grow: Beyond the pitches, connect with fellow MBEs and corporate leaders in dynamic sessions and our popular sneaker-themed reception. This is more than an event; it's a launchpad for your business to soar. Spots are filling fast! 👉 Register today and step into a world of potential that could redefine your business's future. Click here to get started: https://lnkd.in/eiMwKENQ #LaunchPadToSuccess #MBE #BusinessGrowth #NetworkingOpportunities #ReversePitch

I recently had the luxury to take a step back and evaluate what was next for my career. Another sales leadership role, consulting, board/advisory work, retirement—all options were on the table. As I did some soul-searching, I came up with a list of things that were important to me should I take on another full-time leadership role. I’m happy to say that Axonify checked all of my boxes and, this week, I officially joined the team as their new Chief Revenue Officer! Curious about how I came to this important decision? Here are some key factors that played into this exciting move: 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 Life is too short—I want to work with good people. Get stuff-done kind of people. CEO/Co-Founder Carol Leaman and outgoing CRO/Co-Founder Christine Tutssel were transparent, down to earth and rock solid. No ego, they just want to get stuff done. Board members Scott Kingsfield and Chris Murphy from Luminate Capital were supportive and brought amazing ideas and perspectives to the table. Every Axonifier I met in the office was engaged and energetic.  𝐀 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 Legacy Learning Management Solutions don’t deliver and they definitely don’t work for the frontline. Axonify is purpose-built for this integral group with an approach to learning that’s based on decades of scientific research and drives knowledge retention, platform engagement and employee enablement. It leverages brain science, complex algorithms and AI to deliver a simple-to-use solution that gets results. Josh Bersin wrote: “We need more tools like Axonify to make learning relevant and targeted to the role and time it is needed”. Axonify is the epitome of learning in the flow of work. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 I have seen too many companies that raised big rounds only to blow through their funding and end up with massive layoffs and cost-cutting at the expense of growth. Carol has always run Axonify in a capital-efficient manner, balancing growth and spending and currently operating within the “Rule of 40”. This gives me the confidence that Axonify has the runway to continue to scale and create value. 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 I like to win. I want to be at a company that has the potential to grow revenue, drive value for customers and create shareholder value. I thoroughly believe that Axonify is positioned to do this. The bottom line? I’m super excited about the journey ahead! Let’s go!!

❓ If 90% of durable growth lies in renewal customers, isn't it time to participate in customer success-focused events? 😱 BUT, I get it—attending in-person events is a lot of work, uncomfortable...and more! 🤝 April and May are packed with Customer Success Events; now is the time to get yourself out there. 💥 Learn, network, get uncomfortable with awkward laughs, and extend a hand to introduce yourself. 👋 I am thankful for getting out of my comfort zone by showing up at similar events. You never know where the 'hello' will lead. 🤾♀️ I'm personally over my shyness (it only took 20 years) and so excited to be part of each customer-focused event. Ready to learn - and play? *Bay Area: Gain Grow Retain is free. I’m excited to support the event and celebrate Rod Cherkas' new book!) Speaking on everything CS at the following: *Orlando: DM me for a 20% off code for TSIA World Interact *St. Louis, DM me for a 20% off code for Gainsight Pulse *San Francisco: DM for 50% off code for Rocketlane Propel 24 You can find all the upcoming CS events throughout the year on our website: https://lnkd.in/gY5qdsMj See you soon! #Customersuccess #Events #Leadership

Hello, LinkedIn community, As the founder of Exprs, I'm delighted to share our latest achievements. We're setting new benchmarks in the delivery and marketing space, fulfilling over 1 million orders every month and empowering over 100 brands to thrive in high-density areas. Our unique MAD Stack strategy (Marketing, Advertising, Delivery) is reshaping how businesses connect with customers. Milestone Alert: We've reached operational breakeven! This marks a significant moment in our journey, reflecting the dedication of our team and the trust of our partners. 🇺🇸 I'm currently exploring the vibrant landscapes of the US (CES Vegas, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Virginia, Dallas, Austin), absorbing insights and inspirations. This tour is all about envisioning how we can amplify our impact and scale new heights. I believe in the power of connections and ideas. If you're intrigued by innovation in delivery and marketing, let's chat! Whether you're in the industry, know someone who is, or are simply enthusiastic about transformative business models, I'd be thrilled to hear from you. Feel free to DM me or tag someone in the comments who might be interested in discussing groundbreaking concepts. Let's explore possibilities and drive forward with shared enthusiasm! #ExprsInnovation #FutureOfDelivery #BusinessGrowth #Networking #CreativeCollaborations #Exprs #Colloboration #Investment #Meet #discussion #lastmiledelivery #marketing #advertising #ces2024 #CES #LasVegas #Atlanta #virginia #newyork

They gave me a microphone and a megaphone!!! What a great evening and honour to host a panel on value-added services for #Flip zally® and SoSquared. I gave the megaphone to the audience who would have shouted "Pitch-off!" if any of the panel promoted their company or services – to quickly get into the good stuff and advice for start-ups and scaling businesses. Some key points: 📢 it's never too early to ask for advice. You may not be ready or have the funds for their services, but you'll know more and know how to go when you are ready. 📢 as a founder or small team, you can't do everything. 📢 get help when you need it – don't talk to recruiters too early; you'll waste your time when you could be running your business, building your product or accessing funds. 📢 don't reach out too late, some hires have 3-month notice periods – can you manage this long without them? 📢 you may be an expert, but you should be prepared to be challenged and try something new. 📢 marketing and paid advertising add fuel to the fire – don't add fuel if your product isn't ready or can't handle a huge engulfing flame, this will only exaggerate the problem. 📢 necessary things like tax and VAT are a must, but don't forget about forecasts and growing your business and telling investors and shareholders what you need and how you are going to get there. 📢 advice is free (most of the time) and Manchester has a huge bottle of warm hugs where you can find amazing people, mentors and new friends. Thank you to my amazing panel: Panellists: Carly Gulliver - Addleshaw Goddard Lewis Kemp - Lightbulb Media Manjinder Mann (Manny) - Fairmont Recruitment Rob Jones - RJF Accountants A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for partnering with us: ⭐Barclays Eagle Labs ⭐GM Business Growth Hub ⭐Palatine ⭐Exchange at Department ⭐University Academy 92 (UA92)

When you get around the right people you can achieve anything. Closing out the week grateful for these amazing humans… This was taken after my gig this week with two heavyweight technology companies: Red Hat and Ingram Micro. They were in town sharing a phenomenal opportunity for business growth with their Top Partners in Melbourne. As an ex-Technologist turned Professional Speaker my background (and foreground 😝) came in handy to add an extra layer to the conversation to help Partners really understand the opportunity at hand. The whole thing was definitely a team effort and it started well before the event itself with me deep diving into their world so I could configure my presentation to impact and influence the room. Thank you to this incredible bunch of humans for being so kind to me and helping me achieve the outcomes I was instructed to achieve. Not pictured: 🙏 Daniel Tagg - your insights were invaluable 🙏 Elizabeth Kajtez Thank you for the opportunity to work with your team 🙏 Hilary Santamaria - Thank you for being so flexible so I could get what I needed to make magic happen 🙏 Gilberto - your attention to detail at Kisumé was truly next level and helped us achieve fantastic outcomes When you get around the right people, you can achieve anything. Have an amazing weekend Entrepreneurs - go make tomorrow more relaxing than today! P.S. Special thanks to Grant Cleary - five years and we got there in the end 🙏🍀❤️ *** #gratitude #motivation #mindset #personaldevelopment #technology

Here at Revenue Operations Alliance, we wanted to highlight the hard work of revenue operations professionals - that’s why we’re launching our Ones to Watch 2024! We’re shining a spotlight on the RevOps stars you need to know about this year. 🌟 Whether it’s because of their valuable insights, willingness to help others, the way they share resources and the latest trends with the community, or more - these are the people you need to have on your radar in 2024. But we need your help!This report can’t happen without the revenue operations community nominating its brightest stars.Who do you think deserves to be highlighted, recognized, and appreciated? Let us know by nominating right here! 👇 #revops #revenueoperations https://lnkd.in/gzA-HVQc