In this episode of Changing the Perception of Sales, we are joined by Stephen Solademi, the founder of SOS Creativity. Growing up in Nigeria, Stephen found a very early start in sales helping his mum at the age of 9.

Stephen’s sales journey began early. At just 9 years old, he was helping his mum with her pharmacy business in his home country of Nigeria. Whether it was interacting with customers, watching how she built relationships through trust, or figuring out how to be the solution to people’s ailments, Stephen was immersed in the principles of business and sales from a young age. These early experiences shaped his mindset and planted the seed for what would eventually become a lifelong passion.

But, Stephen’s path was far from straightforward. After moving to the UK at 14, he was thrust into a different culture, education system, and social landscape.. Struggling through school in a new country, with no connections and limited resources, he eventually landed a commission-only sales role. For many, this kind of role would be daunting. But for Stephen, it became a training ground. He learned how to handle rejection, stay motivated, and develop the grit needed to succeed.

From there, Stephen’s natural flair for sales quickly propelled him to the top of the league tables at a phone shop, where he discovered his true passion for the industry. Fast forward to today, and he’s a successful entrepreneur helping other business owners align their sales and marketing strategies.

Stephen shares with us the lessons his incredible journey has taught him about everything from job-searching to communication and resilience. He also gives his tips for founders and salespeople looking to build authority in their industry. Finally, he lays out a practical approach to aligning the efforts of your sales and marketing team.

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