Ep 32: From Expectation to Achievement: How I Landed My Dream Sales Leadership Role

Timestamps:

01:56 Meeting Kwame: The Unannounced Visit

05:32  The Power of Consistent Daily Action

07:49  Building Confidence Through Commitment

10:28 Overcoming Challenges During the Career Break

13:37 The Athlete’s Mindset: Training for Success 

15:49 The Role of Mentorship and Networking

About Kwame Aforo-Addo:

Kwame Aforo-Addo is a Sales Leader at UKG software, a 3rd Degree Black Belt, and a Personal Development enthusiast. With a background at Salesforce and Amaysim, Kwame has a remarkable story of determination and resilience. His journey to securing a leadership role in a highly competitive market is inspiring. As Kwame once told me, “I will not reduce my expectations… I will increase my activity to get to my goal.” In this blog post, we explore his journey, mindset, and the lessons we can learn from his experience.

Meeting Kwame: The Unannounced Visit

Six to nine months ago, Kwame Aforo-Addo knocked on my office door. I was in the middle of a meeting, but I couldn’t ignore the presence of this immaculately dressed man standing outside with a confident smile. Kwame had no appointment, but he had a clear goal: he wanted to secure a sales leadership role.

Kwame had a strong background in sales, having worked at Salesforce and Amaysim, but he had taken a year-long break to care for a close family member. Despite this gap in his career, Kwame was determined not to lower his expectations. When I told him that securing a sales leadership role would be challenging, especially given his recent break and previous position, Kwame responded with a statement that left a lasting impression on me: “I will not reduce my expectations, but I will increase my activity to achieve my expectations.” 

The Power of Consistent Daily Action

Kwame's approach to his job search was rooted in the belief that consistent daily action is key to achieving any goal. Rather than passively waiting for opportunities, he actively sought out recruiters, built relationships, and made himself known in the industry. This proactive mindset is what ultimately led him to connect with the right people and secure his role at UKG.

Kwame attributes much of his success to the philosophy of never lowering one’s target or goal, but rather raising the level of activity required to reach it. This idea, inspired by one of his mentors, Grant Cardone, resonated deeply with Kwame. He understood that to achieve his desired outcome, he needed to increase the intensity and frequency of his efforts.

 Building Confidence Through Commitment

A critical aspect of Kwame’s journey was his ability to maintain confidence in the face of adversity. He believes that confidence is built through keeping promises to oneself. Whether it’s waking up at a specific time or following through on a commitment, these small acts of discipline accumulate over time, reinforcing one’s belief in their ability to achieve their goals.

Kwame’s commitment to his own growth extended beyond his job search. He continued to develop his skills, educate himself, and stay focused on his vision. This relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with his daily actions, enabled him to stay on course even when the path seemed difficult.

Overcoming Challenges During the Career Break

Taking a break from one’s career can be a daunting experience, particularly when the market is highly competitive, and many qualified candidates are vying for the same positions. For Kwame, this period of transition was an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the next phase of his career.

During his break, Kwame immersed himself in self-education, reading extensively and refining his vision for the future. He understood that the feedback he received from recruiters—suggesting that securing a leadership role would be challenging—was simply a reflection of the broader market, not a limitation on his own potential. Instead of letting these external opinions dictate his actions, Kwame chose to trust in his abilities and push forward with confidence.

The Athlete’s Mindset: Training for Success 

Kwame’s background in athletics, particularly in sprinting and martial arts, has played a significant role in shaping his approach to life and career. In high school, Kwame participated in the 100-metre sprint, but his first race didn’t go as planned. Despite a strong start, he faded towards the end of the race. This experience motivated him to train harder and smarter for the next year’s race.

Kwame developed a training regimen that included running on a slight incline to make the actual race feel easier. His hard work paid off, and he eventually won the race, making it to the regional level. This experience taught Kwame the importance of preparation and pushing beyond one’s limits.

The same principles apply to his professional life. Kwame believes in exceeding expectations by preparing thoroughly and pushing himself to achieve more than what is required. This athlete’s mindset has been a key factor in his success, both on the track and in the workplace.

The Role of Mentorship and Networking

Throughout his journey, Kwame leveraged the power of mentorship and networking to achieve his goals. His decision to seek out potential mentors, such as the office visit that set his journey in motion, demonstrates his understanding of the value of building relationships with those who can provide guidance and support.

Kwame’s story is a reminder that success is rarely achieved in isolation. By actively engaging with others, seeking advice, and building a network of supporters, Kwame was able to navigate the challenges of his job search with greater confidence and clarity.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Kwame Aforo-Addo’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved when one refuses to lower their expectations and instead raises the level of activity required to meet them. His story is a testament to the power of persistence, discipline, and a positive mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

For anyone facing a difficult transition, whether in their career or personal life, Kwame’s journey offers valuable lessons in staying focused, taking consistent action, and believing in one’s own potential. By embracing these principles, we too can overcome obstacles and achieve our most ambitious goals.

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