Meet the Team: James Jackson, Head of Sales

This month we interview our Head of Sales, James Jackson. We sat down with James to get to know him a bit better, why he chose his role at Velocity and a bit about what he enjoys doing outside of work.

What was your background prior to joining Bluebox Velocity?

I began my career working in sales for some of the world’s largest MedTech companies. After a few years I decided to leave the industry and became a negotiation consultant, specialising in negotiation training, coaching and strategy for a leading international firm working across a variety of industry sectors. My most recent venture prior to Bluebox Velocity was my own negotiation consultancy where I used my commercial experience to help create solutions to strategic challenges, whilst delivering bespoke training and coaching programmes for SME clients across multiple sectors.

How do you think your past roles have equipped you with the skills you’ll need for your new role as Head of Sales?

My commercial roles across multiple industries, organisations, teams and functions has given me the exposure and experience required to grasp this role and hit the ground running. My experience in training, coaching and managing teams gives me the confidence to support, build and grow a high-performance sales team. And having worked for myself, I know first-hand the value of the proposition we offer meaning I can fully get behind it to drive growth.

You previously worked as a negotiation expert, what do you believe are the 3 key elements of good negotiating?

Firstly, not all negotiations are the same, therefore understanding the context and having clarity on your objectives is essential, so that you can plan what approach to take. As for the negotiation itself, I would say having control of your emotions is key and not letting feelings of discomfort influence your decision making at any point. – be comfortable with being uncomfortable! Lastly, the power of silence…this can be your strongest tool if used appropriately.

How did you find out about Bluebox Velocity and what were the reasons you wanted to join the company?

I came across Bluebox Velocity on LinkedIn, and it instantly grabbed my attention. After a few meetings with the team, I was really impressed and excited about the opportunity. I was ready and hungry to join a company where I could not only be an integral part of the team that is contributing to the vision, mission, growth and success of the business – but also work alongside some great minds and be part of something that is unique and disruptive in the M&A market.

What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?

Going out on my own and starting a business – one of the hardest things I have ever done but most rewarding at the same time – I learnt a lot about myself too!

Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

Tiger Woods in his heyday – especially on the first day of a club championship weekend!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Some people make things happen. Some people let things happen. Others wonder what the hell just happened! It’s your choice who you want to be!

What is one thing you couldn’t live without, and why?

My family, they are the most important thing to me. And then my golf clubs!

We finish the interview, and you step outside the house and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning £10 million. What would you do?

Firstly, I’d Google if a lottery ticket can be tracked to the purchaser, if not I would then ask my wife for her opinion – my gut instinct, give a few million to charity for my conscience and keep the rest!

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