Episode 28

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Published on:

9th Dec 2020

Being A Better Story Listener - Elena Valentine, CEO and Co-Founder, SkillScout

Summary:

Elena Valentine helps organizations capture more of the humanity of their workplaces through stories that matter. She runs a company with her co-founder Abby Cheesman that seeks to help companies sell their job opportunities. But they're not using standard things like bulleted requirements, responsibilities, and about us sections.

They bring workplaces to life through the power of film and stories.

This episode we talk about the art and science of the humanity of sales. A philosophy that's guided her human approach to sales as a business owner and in the films she makes. We go over what questions you can ask to get people to build deeper connections with you. Finally, we discuss how you can grow stronger relationships with your internal teams.

Key Takeaways by Time!

  • 9:41 - Elena's Why of starting Skillscout. Changing the narrative of work through film
  • 10:47 - Capturing the humanity of work through stories that matter. Film just happens to be the medium
  • 23:40 - We're a special kind of spice. Why understanding why finding the right business is key in sales not winning all the business. Winning the right business is.
  • 25:11 - What makes your heart sing?
  • 27:25 - How to get people to advocate not just for your product but for you.
  • 36:29 - Being good story listeners

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About the Podcast

Sell By Being Human
On the Sell By Being Human podcast, award-winning sales professional Alex Smith provides the proven way to harness your innate human skills like empathy, curiosity, and kindness to learn how to sell and navigate the sales journey.
This is where human connection and sales meet. You may be someone whose success depends on influence, negotiation, and your ability to create change, but you may reject aggressive sales tactics. Maybe you feel stuck in corporate "autopilot," knowing your best asset is your genuine personality, but you struggle to use it to get what you want. Then this channel is for you.

It will teach you how to close the gap between wanting to be ethical and feeling pressured to sell aggressively. You’ll also learn actionable strategies for translating emotional intelligence into high-trust results. Join Alex and top guests, including NY Times bestsellers, keynote speakers, and global founders, as they prove that being truly human is the ultimate sales advantage.

About your host

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Alex Smith

Alex Smith is a seasoned sales professional and podcast host who champions a human-first approach to selling. With nearly two decades of experience, he explores how empathy, curiosity, and genuine connection drive influence in everyday life. Through his podcast, he highlights stories from people across all professions, showing that anyone can persuade and create impact simply by being human.