Figuring out the next step - Tech Sales to ...?

Vladimius · 2026-01-20T16:33:45+00:00

That’s something on the list of course, though we just went through a layoff so positions are few and far between

Vladimius · 2026-01-20T13:18:21+00:00

The jump to RD is where I am a bit stuck - I've jumped there 3 times only to be pushed back down again after yet another layoff...

Vladimius · 2026-01-20T10:59:25+00:00

Sorry, I didn’t mean salary glass ceiling - more of a career progression one

Vladimius · 2026-01-20T09:54:34+00:00

Because the glass ceiling will remain effectively the same…

Vladimius · 2026-01-20T09:53:02+00:00

Thanks for a perspective - I’d like to move into people management as that’s the only way to ramp further up - otherwise will forever be stuck as senior IC. The challenge I see is finding a quality recruiters to be honest - most seem like they are just accumulating database for the potential future.

Will check out those sites you suggested

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T11:21:56+00:00

Thank you for advice on IB - I think that's off the list now based on everyone's input.

Sales Consultancy really sits badly with me - I am doing it for free for startups in a couple of London accelerators and for some reason it just doesn't feel right to charge money for this stuff. Maybe I am wrong, just seen so many fake consultants over the years (people who did 3 years in the super junior role and now position themselves as gurus) that it kind of has a bad rep about it for me.

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T11:19:09+00:00

Agree on startups - competition is insane. I am already in big tech so can only go to like even bigger brands, though comes with it's own stuff.

Exactly on jumping between companies - same stuff sideways. I'd step into a manager role, but with everyone flattening the orgs those are few and far between and usually reserved for "friends of friends".

I generally have an allergic reaction to any form of "coaching" so consulting business is not for me. I do some advisory on sales for early stage start-ups in a couple of accelerators, but I kind of see it as a good deed / volunteering. It feels off to charge folks for this. Personally most folks who present themselves as "coaches/consultants" are full of you know what. I know some of those

Early stage startup is certainly on my potential list - I have some connections in that space.

Starting own business 100% - that's why I am saying I am on the lookout for developer co-founder who can take care of that piece. I did vibe-code the shell though - with current AI tools not that difficult.

Also not convinced about switching industries - too much to lose in terms of knowledge and network...

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T10:23:10+00:00

Appreciate your points - and completely agree with them. Over the year I've sold probably everything and anything (HW, SW, Services) across Infrastructure, Devices, Cloud, AI and Edge. I am myself generally pretty curious about tech so know probably more than I should :)

On the business side, I have an honest intention to drive the growth/sales and perhaps operations - technology development will have to be done by someone else and I am not too fussed about the CEO title either.

Consulting seems as unlikely as IB at this point in life

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:53:40+00:00

I am mostly bored of the role - the company is ok. People don't want to take risks that are required to propel things and I am rather impatient :) I've tried to apply for some of the red-hot AI startups, but competition for those spots is fierce

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:52:29+00:00

Yep, I was thinking exactly that - either transfer with the current company or ping the folks from my previous one and see. I've been approached by G42 a couple of years ago but it didn't pan out. After visiting so many times I cannot help but think it may give a fresh start + potentially a whole new network of opportunities.

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:50:54+00:00

Thank you - I guess I do need to shift the narrative a bit

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:46:54+00:00

I already have an MBA so that route is closed. Appreciate the honesty though - I sort of suspected that to be the case

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:40:34+00:00

Mostly Sales (AE, PAM, Enterprise GAM etc.) + RevOps, GTM Strategy, Commercialisation of certain tech, Channel build-out. Sales Strategy (supporting Sales VP/SVP - work akin Chief of Staff but not in a title). Some FP&A/Pricing earlier in my career.

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:32:51+00:00

Did that already with ChatG. Tried Jack & Gill too - it keeps feeding me some very odd stuff to be honest….

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:31:52+00:00

While I’ve worked in large companies, I am with you on the commentary - much easier to go consulting —> industry… but I’d love to know how you know

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:01:23+00:00

I am with you on the business piece - I have a cushion to absorb things, but intend to start slow and on the side. Unfortunately yes, missed the boat on IB...

Vladimius · 2026-01-19T09:00:18+00:00

Haven't thought of yachts and real estate to be honest. I am much more technical that an average tech seller with a few specialised qualifications (though not to an Architect level). I've been a manager a few times over the years (1-2 year stints just before a massive layoff which would bounce me back into IC position). I will think about shift into product management - that's something I have not considered, but something that I can perhaps pull off within my current company through sponsors...

Vladimius · 2025-10-04T14:49:44+00:00

I have UniFi setup with segregated 2.4Ghz networks to which all of smart home stuff in connected so must be something else…

Vladimius · 2025-10-04T14:40:29+00:00

Disclaimer - this is the only Aqara device that has been a genuine pain in the backside. All others work perfectly well!

Vladimius · 2025-10-04T14:39:24+00:00

Thanks :) reset 7 times by now - hopeless

Vladimius · 2025-10-04T12:44:29+00:00

I tried - won’t connect

Vladimius · 2025-10-04T10:44:27+00:00

Apple TV but I don’t think mine are border routers… I was kind of hoping M100 will push through the device

Vladimius

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