by @nodegree on The NoDegree Podcast
View my bio on CastGarden: https://cast.garden/c/nodegree 
Johnny Page shares his journey from working as a straight-commission sales rep to becoming the CEO of SaaS Academy. He talks about the importance of taking risks and learning transferable skills, as well as the mindset of treating the company as one’s own. He emphasizes the importance of taking initiative, building trust, and exhibiting leadership before earning a title. He also discusses the value of working with people and organizations that align with your values and goals. He outlines his transition from sales to leadership roles and the responsibilities that come with it.
Key Points Discussed
- Taking risks and learning transferable skills can lead to opportunities for growth and advancement in a company.
- Treating the company as your own and going above and beyond your role can build trust and open doors for leadership positions.
- Solving problems and finding ways to eliminate waste in your role can demonstrate your value and contribute to the success of the company.
- Building strong relationships with founders and key stakeholders can create opportunities for growth and influence in the company.
- Transitioning from sales to leadership roles requires delegating responsibilities, managing through data, and focusing on achieving outcomes through other people.
- Promotions and titles may not always be formal, but the responsibilities and influence of a leadership role can be earned through consistent performance and contribution.
- Positioning a company for sale involves strategic decision-making and aligning the team to maximize value and attract potential buyers. Take initiative and show leadership before earning a title.
- Build trust and work with people and organizations that align with your values and goals.
- Don't be afraid to ask for what you want and negotiate for equity or other opportunities.
- Believe in your value and the impact you can make in an organization.
Timestamps
- 00:00 Introduction: Becoming an Entrepreneur Without the Traditional Risk
- 03:20 The Value of Commission-Only Jobs in Building Entrepreneurial Skills
- 08:01 Transitioning from Sales to Leadership: Delegation and Data Management
- 16:44 Building Trust and Relationships for Career Advancement
- 19:09 Transitioning to CEO: Shifting into Team Building Mode
- 23:16 The Natural Progression to CEO: Leading and Making Decisions
- 23:38 Taking on More Responsibility at Silver Track
- 26:02 Transitioning to a New Role After the Company Sale
- 27:22 Becoming the CEO of SaaS Academy
- 31:05 Transitioning to a Leadership Role at SaaS Academy
- 36:47 Becoming the CEO of SaaS Academy
- 42:02 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Taking Initiative
Support/Contact Johnny:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnypage/
- Website: https://www.thejohnnypage.com/
Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:
- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca
Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND
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