I have long seen a strong resemblance between James Bond and our job as Account Executives. The mission is tough, failure can strike at any time, yet, like James, we rely on special skills and talent to survive. Mission after mission, year after year. And like James, we must be the best to still stand tall…even when facing death.
When I joined Oracle in 2005, I was threatened three times with being fired before turning 0% into 150% with a single deal. I was a Quota Achiever. An indescribable feeling. I survived. I was a hero.
That was my first Apps Win.
130 Apps Wins later, I am still a Quota Achiever, today at 170% achievement…but the excitement is gone. Management demands performance, and we deliver, year after year, pain after pain. But when performance is constant, why are we not allowed to grow?
Passion powers performance. Mission Impossible when there is no motivation. Even Ethan Hunt would agree.
To those who see my value and commitment for this company that I still love, I thank you deeply, it means the world. Soldiers should not be treated this way.
I am leaving today heart-broken, but I am leaving standing tall.