Employee Spotlight: Asha Nirmal Raj, Inside Sales Manager

Having worked in sales for over a decade, Asha Nirmal Raj, Inside Sales Manager at Acceldata, discovered the art of building relationships and delivering value through her role. Here she explains her career journey, role in Acceldata, her interests in her personal life, and things that keep her motivated to work hard every day. 

How did you get started in sales? 

I began my career in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry with various customer service roles, where upselling became a regular part of my job. Although I was initially apprehensive about sales at the time, my colleagues recognized my talent in upselling and encouraged me to explore a dedicated sales role. I embraced the opportunity and transitioned into sales. Through this experience, my perception of sales transformed positively as I discovered the art of building relationships, understanding customer needs, and delivering value. It has been an exciting journey so far!

What are your thoughts about Acceldata’s company culture?

Acceldata’s culture is built on the foundation of collaboration, innovation, and integrity. We foster an environment where every individual's contribution is valued and respected. We also believe in teamwork and encourage open communication, which creates a supportive atmosphere for all employees.

One aspect of our culture that I find particularly inspiring is our commitment to innovation. We constantly strive to stay ahead of the curve, embracing new technologies and ideas to better serve our customers. This forward-thinking approach not only benefits our internal processes but also enables us to provide innovative solutions to our clients.

Can you describe your team?

Our sales team is a dynamic and dedicated group of professionals who are passionate about what they do. One of the remarkable aspects of our team is their diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

Collaboration is at the core of our team's ethos. By working together, we can achieve more for our customers. Our sales team fosters a supportive and cooperative environment where ideas are freely shared, and everyone's input is valued. 

Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development within our team. 

What have you noticed about the leadership at Acceldata? 

In my interactions with the leadership team, I have seen several remarkable qualities. First and foremost, they are true innovators and pioneers in the field of data observability. Their mindset and ability have positioned our company as a trusted leader in the market.

They understand the critical role of sales in the success of the organization and provide us with the necessary resources, guidance, and autonomy to excel in our roles. 

Overall, our leadership team are visionaries, who support, and constantly strive for excellence. Their leadership style enables us to deliver outstanding results to our customers.

What parts of Acceldata’s mission do you bond with?

The part of our company's mission that deeply resonates with me is the commitment to developing a great work culture and embracing a customer-first approach. I firmly believe that a positive work environment, where employees feel supported and empowered, leads to exceptional customer experiences. By prioritizing both the well-being of employees and the needs of customers, we can create a thriving ecosystem where everyone succeeds and achieves remarkable outcomes.

What has been your significant masterstroke on the Sales team?

My significant masterstroke on our team has been kickstarting Acceldata's outbound prospecting efforts and successfully connecting data leaders with our team. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in collaborating with the strategic partnership team to enhance our product outreach. These accomplishments have not only expanded our network and customer base but also amplified Acceldata's visibility in the market, contributing to the overall growth and success of the company.

Can you tell us how you came to be in the data industry?

I entered the data industry through my role at Hortonworks, where I had the invaluable opportunity to work alongside world-class data practitioners. Being immersed in that environment, I quickly realized data analytics's immense potential and impact. Witnessing the transformative power of data-driven insights sparked my passion for the industry, motivating me to pursue a career in data analytics and continuously learn and grow in this dynamic field.

What’s most interesting about working at Acceldata?

One of the most distinctive aspects of working at Acceldata is the opportunity to be at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry. We are tackling the challenges of complex data systems faced by large enterprises head-on, and it's an exciting journey to be part of. Our company is pioneering the field of data observability, developing cutting-edge solutions that empower organizations to gain deep insights into their data infrastructure.

Moreover, the collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit at Acceldata is exceptional. We have a team of talented individuals who are not only experts in their respective fields but also deeply passionate about what they do. The culture here encourages innovation, creativity, and open communication. Ideas are welcomed, and everyone's voice is valued, regardless of their role or seniority.

What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far? 

The best career lesson I have learned is the importance of persistence, patience, and resilience in navigating dynamic work environments. Throughout my career, I have encountered various challenges and obstacles that required perseverance and a solution-oriented mindset. Embracing these qualities has not only enabled me to overcome hurdles but also taught me the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and maintaining a positive attitude to achieve long-term success and personal growth.

How has your career grown since starting at Acceldata?

Working at Acceldata has provided me with invaluable opportunities to expand my skill set, knowledge, and professional network. I have been exposed to cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices, which has enhanced my understanding of complex data systems and their challenges.

Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of the startup environment has allowed me to be part of diverse projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. This has expanded my horizons, sharpened my problem-solving abilities, and taught me to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this?

If I weren't in sales, I would pursue a career as a voice-over artist. I have always been fascinated by the art of using my voice to bring stories, characters, and messages to life in a captivating and expressive way.

What’s a fun fact about you that many people may not know?

I don’t know if it’s a fun fact but I am an ardent biryani lover. I can eat biryani for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Where’s your favorite place in the world?

One of my favorite places is Budapest. It has a special place in my heart because it was my first overseas trip and I got a chance to enjoy the culture, weather, and food.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

My motto is “Meet, beat, and exceed goals by delivering value, building relationships & achieving success.“

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?

I would like to meet my elder sister who unfortunately passed away at a very early age. I have always wondered how it would be to have an elder sister and discuss life with her.

What is your favorite tv show/movie?

My favorite TV show is F.R.I.E.N.D.S because of its timeless humor, relatable characters, and heartwarming friendships. The witty dialogue, memorable catchphrases, and iconic episodes make it a show I can always turn to for a good laugh.

What is the one item you’ve learned in the previous month, whether connected to your industry or not?

Personally: I have been focussing more on spiritual awakening in the past few months and I find it quite comforting.

Career-wise: I have taken up a Linkedin course called “Objection handling by world-class sales professionals.”