My Life at Nokia: Jivitesh Nayal

About me

Hi, my name is Jivitesh. I’m Head of Sales - MSO/ISP India here at Nokia. I am currently staying in Gurugram with my wife, daughter, and son. I am an avid sportsman, mountaineer, traveller, and engineer with a finesse of social connectivity skills. Every morning, I wake up in pursuit of becoming a better version of myself.

Tell us about your journey. What motivated you to move to the sales world?

The transition from a technical role to a sales role unfolded in a rather conventional manner. It all began with hands-on technical expertise, followed by engaging in presales activities, leading me to the dynamic field of sales. However, it was the potent combination of my inherent drive to challenge the status quo and my appetite for taming unpredictable environments that fuelled my motivation to pursue a career in sales. 

Another aspect that attracted me to sales was its emphasis on tangible results. Each quarter, sales professionals are tasked with converting opportunities into quantifiable sales, providing a clear and measurable metric of their contributions to the overall success of the company. 

Can you share some insights into your transition from a technical role to a sales role and the day-to-day responsibilities of a salesperson? What does a typical day look like for you?

The transition from a technical role to the realm of sales brought different challenges, shaping my professional journey. Stepping into a new organization that possessed immense growth potential was challenging but rewarding and provided a lot of development opportunities.

A typical business day commences with managing and prioritizing email correspondence, followed by immersive research and diligent qualification of prospective leads. My job entails responsibility for a whole customer segment, so this requires meticulous analysis to make sure they qualify as viable prospects.

I engage in conversations with customers, partners, regulatory authorities, and industry insiders, striving to fortify my understanding of how our products fare against competitors, their unique value propositions, and the evolving needs and preferences of our target audience. This groundwork ensures that I am armed with the knowledge and acumen before embarking on a customer visit, a vital aspect of the sales professional's routine. 

In terms of career opportunities, what growth prospects are available for someone in a sales role? How have you personally progressed in your sales career?

Within the realm of sales, there are several career opportunities, promising unparalleled growth prospects for those who embrace the challenge of navigating uncharted territories. Sales roles serve as dynamic platforms that fuel personal development, fostering problem-solving skills and an appetite for calculated risks within the ever-evolving landscape of agility. The realm of sales is intricately woven with diverse interactions, offering exposure to a multitude of internal and external stakeholders. 

My personal journey within the sales domain has been instrumental in cultivating within me an unwavering habit of perseverance and an indomitable "never say never" attitude. The very essence of sales lies in assuming accountability for one's actions, with appropriate rewards and recognition serving as tangible manifestations of one's contributions and accomplishments.

What advice would you give to someone considering a transition into a sales role or looking to advance their sales career?

Sales is not a job, but a way of life. The essence of sales transcends a transactional sell cycle, delving into the realms of trust-building and forging meaningful connections. It is a holistic process rooted in the pursuit of value creation. By investing earnest efforts in connecting with customers, we embark on a transformative journey where the shared objective is to foster mutually beneficial outcomes. 

Aspire to go beyond transactional exchanges, focusing instead on building long-term connections built on trust, empathy, and effective communication. By adopting this mindset, you will organically cultivate a sales career that transcends mere financial gains, bringing forth personal fulfilment and professional success.