** Originally published on February 15, 2023 **

Here's a star replay episode, another one of my favorites! Apparently, it's one of yours too - as one of the most downloaded episodes so far. Michelle does an amazing job walking through all things Operations for GTM. What should we cover next on the show? DM me, comment, or write a review to share feedback. I appreciate you! - Jane

--

In this episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra sits down with Michelle Kim, former Director of Sales Operations at Zendesk (now Senior Director, Sales & Customer Success Operations at Culture Amp). Michelle shares her career journey from sales to customer success operations and her current role in sales ops. The discussion highlights the distinctions between sales operations and revenue operations (rev ops), emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration among sales, marketing, and customer success teams. Michelle also discusses challenges in forecasting, the balance between data and human elements, and offers advice for those new to operations. The episode provides valuable insights for marketing professionals aiming to enhance operational efficiency.

Michelle talks us through:

• Her professional journey from sales to customer success operations and sales operations.
• The distinction between sales operations and revenue operations (rev ops).
• The importance of communication and collaboration among sales, marketing, and customer success teams.
• Responsibilities and strategies involved in sales operations, including territory management and forecasting.
• The debate between centralized and decentralized operations models.
• Challenges in achieving accurate forecasting in a fluctuating economy.
• The significance of research and understanding existing processes in operations roles.
• Balancing data-driven decision-making with the human element in operations.
• Motivating team members by understanding individual motivations and aligning them with business objectives.
• Advice for individuals new to operations on self-management and identifying operationally inclined team members.

Key Links:

Guest: Michelle Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejykim/

Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/

Mentioned in this episode:

Women in Revenue community: https://womeninrevenue.org/

The amazing Sydney Sloan (future WIB2BM guest!): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydsloan/

Dimitri Tamparopoulos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitri-tamparopoulos/

[Book Reco] How Women Rise: https://www.howwomenrise.com/

Michelle's Podcast Recommendations:

The Revenue Engine: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-engine/id1554168319

UnapologeTECH: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetech/id1526386752

Permission to Speak:

**Note from Jane** This week, it felt wrong to publish a typical marketing-focused episode, with a big election on many of our minds. So somehow, last minute, we gathered this amazing group of women leaders to talk about how they're handling this emotional time with their teams. I hope our conversation provides guidance, camaraderie, and a little hope during tumultuous times. - Jane

---

In this special roundtable episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra leads a discussion with 5 fellow women leaders in GTM on navigating the workplace during the emotionally charged 2024 U.S. Presidential election. The panel includes Anne Pao, Michelle Kim, Sarah Reese, Meg Thomman, and Purna Virji, who share insights on fostering a supportive work environment. They emphasize empathy, open communication, and mental health awareness, drawing from personal experiences, particularly from the 2016 election. The conversation also touches on handling political discussions professionally, advocating for respect and understanding.

Together, this group discusses:

• The impact of the 2024 election on workplace dynamics.
• Emotional toll of significant events like elections on employees.
• Importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership.
• Strategies for creating a supportive work environment during stressful times.
• Normalizing conversations about mental health in the workplace.
• Navigating political discussions and differing beliefs in a professional setting.
• Balancing personal and professional identities regarding political views.
• Encouraging open communication and validation of feelings among team members.
• Practical strategies for supporting employees during election day, such as flexible schedules.
• Fostering a culture of respect and understanding in diverse workplaces.

Key Links:

Guests:

Anne Pao - Founder & CEO of Ignite Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepao/

Michelle Kim - Entrepreneur, 3x VP Marketing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejeankim/

Sarah Reece - Director of Demand Gen @ Orum - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbethreece/

Purna Virji - Principle Consultant, Content Solutions @ Linkedin

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnavirji/

Meg Thomann - Communications Director @ Wedgewood Pharmacy

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-thomann/

Host:

Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/

Book Recommendation:

• Difficult Conversations - https://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Conversations-Discuss-What-Matters/dp/0143118447

In this episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra engages with Marion Siboni, founder and CEO of "La Creme de la STEM." With over a decade in tech, Marion shares her inspiring journey from employee to entrepreneur. The discussion highlights her initiative to support early-stage female founders in tech and science, addressing challenges like funding and community support. Marion emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network and gathering customer feedback.

Marion and Jane talk through:

• Marion's journey into the tech industry and her transition from employee to entrepreneur.
• The founding and mission of "La Creme de la STEM" to support early-stage female founders in tech and science.
• Challenges faced by women in the tech industry, particularly regarding funding and community support.
• The significance of building a supportive network for female entrepreneurs.
• The importance of customer feedback in refining business models and achieving product-market fit.
• Strategies for setting clear milestones and goals in entrepreneurship.
• Navigating the realities and challenges of entrepreneurship, including funding misconceptions.
• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including research and financial mindfulness.
• The role of angel investing and understanding the investment landscape.
• The value of building genuine relationships beyond professional interests in business.

Key Links:

Guest: Marion Siboni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionsiboni/

Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/

La Creme de la STEM: https://www.lacremedelastem.com/

Newsletter: https://lacremedelastem.substack.com/

Elephants, not Unicorns: https://prc.beehiiv.com/p/elephantsnotunicorns

Do Good While Doing Well: https://www.amazon.com/Good-While-Doing-Well-Financial/dp/B0CZY368YY/