Episode 25
Leading in Sales
This week our panelists will discuss what their sales experience has taught them, the key tenets of a great sales leader, and best practices to develop your skills.
Guests
Michael Alter
Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business
Michael Alter is a Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. Alter was the Executive Chairman (and former Interim CEO) of Vanco, the largest provider of electronic payment solutions to the faith-based and education communities. Previously, he was the Chief Executive Officer of The Tie Bar, LLC – the #1 e-commerce destination for stylish men’s accessories. Prior to The Tie Bar, Michael was a co-founder and CEO of SurePayroll, a SaaS technology company that is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Paychex®. Alter co-founded SurePayroll in 2000 after six years as a Consultant with McKinsey and Company. Prior to receiving his MBA from the Harvard Business School, Alter worked in various sales positions at IBM. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Northwestern University.
Alter is an active board and advisory board member for leading industry and entrepreneurial organizations including: Vanco – the leading payments provider to the faith-based and education communities, First Stop Health – a leading telemedicine services company, Big Time Software – a leader provider of Professional Services Management SaaS to engineering, accounting and other small and medium size professional services firms, Quevos – maker of the award-winning low carb/high protein chips made from egg white, Pippin Title – provider of SaaS technology for the title search industry, and Noble Rock Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ:NRAC) – a SPAC focused in the technology and technology services space. Previously, Alter served on the boards of MAX Digital/FirstLook — the SaaS leader in Mobile Showroom and Digital Performance Management for Auto Dealers (acquired by NASDAQ:ACVA) and Nambe, LLC — a leading design and lifestyle brand known for their award-winning tabletop giftware (acquired by Portmeirion Group PLC (LON: PMP). Alter is a member of the JDRF International Board of Directors, a member of YPO Gold, and a former officer of the Chicago Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization.
A past recipient of the Illinois Technology Association CityLIGHTS CEO of the Year Award, Alter has been a nationally recognized spokesman on business issues, having served as a columnist for INC.com and appeared regularly in media outlets nationwide, including Bloomberg TV, and the Wall Street Journal.
Ramona Giderof
Vice President of Small Format, Anheuser-Busch
Ramona Giderof is currently the Vice President of Small Format at Anheuser-Busch, leading the Convenience and Global Military business units.
Ramona Giderof has over 26 years of Adult Beverage industry experience. Since joining AB in 2006, Ramona has exemplified leadership in every role that she has held, mentoring colleagues along with way from her time as a Key Account Manager all the way to her current role as Vice President of Convenience & Military Channels. In her current role Ramona leads a team of Retail and Regional Sales Directors and Key Account Managers that span the entire country and military bases worldwide. She continues to be respected in the industry for her customer first collaborative approach with her retail partners.
Denise Inmon
Vice President, US Channels, General Mills
Denise Inmon currently serves as a Vice President of US Sales at General Mills, overseeing Strategic Growth Channels and our National Retail Organization. In this role Denise leads Club, Dollar, Drug, Discount and Natural/Organic Channels for North America Retail. She also leads our National Retail Organization, spanning all customers.
Denise holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing from The University of Arizona. She joined General Mills in June of 2000 and has held many roles of increasing responsibility over her tenure at General Mills. Denise and team were awarded the company’s highest honor, a Champion’s Award, in 2013 for the launch of Yoplait Greek 100. She has also been recognized in the Industry as Rising Star from Progressive Grocer’s, Top Women in Grocery. Denise’s proven track record is known for delivering consistent topline performance, cultivating best in class customer relationships and leading a People First culture.
Denise enjoys staying active outside of work with time outside, running marathons, a joy of cooking and lots of time with her children. Denise and her husband, Steve, have a blended family of six kids who keep them quite busy with sports and activities. She also is very actively involved with JDRF and sits on their Board of Directors. Her oldest daughter, Abby, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac and many other autoimmune issues at a young age. Through their family efforts, in conjunction with JDRF, they are working hard to increase awareness, funding and research for a cure.