This is one of the motivational sales stories Xactly holds close to heart. Before he founded Xactly Corporation in 2005 with Satish Palvai, Christopher Cabrera worked at a different organization as SVP of operations.
He thought there was a strong possibility he was first in line to fill the position when his CEO was ousted after the company’s IPO. But, as fate would have it, the situation turned out very differently.
The board appointed a leader who was firmly set in his ways and wasn’t interested in the quick clip of technological advancements.
When Cabrera approached the CEO with new ideas for the company he didn’t react kindly. A few weeks after their conversation, he was let go.
As his resentful feelings faded, they gave way to a former colleague’s inspirational words. It was then when he found his confidence to put all of his effort into what he knew was a great idea—Xactly!3
Motivational Sales Lesson: Looking back, Cabrera confirms that getting sacked was one of the best things that ever happened to him.
He learned that disappointment can be extremely motivating and that if you’re too focused on the status quo you miss the opportunity for innovation. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is often where some of your biggest personal and professional strides happen.
