1. What excites you most about joining Oii.ai?
"Initially, it was the people - the intelligence and authenticity of everyone I met stood out right away. Beyond that, seeing AI applied practically to solve real business challenges really captured my attention. It was the first time I looked at AI and clearly saw how its deployment would drive meaningful outcomes."
2. How do you see AI transforming supply chain decision-making in the next five years?
"With my background, I naturally view opportunities through a working capital lens. Applying AI in the supply chain is a huge opportunity to unlock cash tied up in inventory. The real game-changer, though, is AI’s capability to process complex datasets and turn them into clear, actionable insights around service, cost, and cash, enabling smarter and quicker decision-making."
3. What motivated you to pursue a career in sales and business development?
"Honestly, when I was younger, I didn't even realise sales and business development were viable career paths. However, I quickly discovered I could build a successful career by genuinely talking with people, actively listening, and influencing positive outcomes. The blend of human connection and tangible commercial impact instantly resonated with me."
4. What’s the biggest sales lesson you have learned in your career?
"People hate being sold too, but they love to buy. You can't force someone into making a purchase they're not ready for. The best salespeople don't pressure; they guide customers, helping them navigate decisions with clarity and confidence."
5. If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
"Focus on meaningful relationships and invest in your professional. Trust and reputation compound exponentially over time, becoming some of your most valuable assets. So much in sales and business development hinges on having the right connections, whether landing key deals or discovering your next big career opportunity."
6. How do you balance short-term sales targets with long-term strategic growth?
"In the American spirit, I'll borrow a baseball analogy - you need to consistently hit singles and doubles to maintain momentum and meet immediate targets, while always remaining ready to swing for the fences when the pitch is right in the wheelhouse. Short-term deals drive steady performance, but great sales leadership also involves investing in strategic opportunities that differentiate top performers. Successfully balancing both means aligning today's wins with tomorrow's long-term vision, ensuring immediate results don't overshadow strategic growth."
7. What’s one common mistake companies make in their sales approach?
"Companies often focus excessively on their products rather than the customer’s actual problem. Many claim to be solutions-focused yet spend most of their pitch describing themselves. It's like going on a date and talking only about yourself - it only gets you so far. The most effective sales teams prioritise understanding and addressing the customer's real needs first."
8. What qualities do you think make a great sales leader?
"To me, leadership is fundamentally about service. A great sales leader’s role is to uplift those around them - to coach, empower, and eliminate obstacles. It isn't about personally closing every big deal; it's about enabling your team’s collective success. That means setting aside ego and focusing on team accomplishments rather than individual glory."
9. Melbourne vs. New York - how do they compare for work and life?
"Melbourne is an incredible city – there’s a reason why it’s consistently ranked as the most livable cities globally. It’s a fantastic place to grow up, raise a family, and enjoy a incredible quality of life. But New York’s a different beast entirely. It’s intense, fast-paced, and attracts the best talent across industries. If you're ambitious and eager to challenge yourself professionally, there’s no better place to build your career, especially in your late 20s and early 30s. Both cities have their strengths, but they serve very different purposes at different stages of life."
10. If you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to a private dinner party, who would it be?
"Nelson Mandela, Gabriel García Márquez, Barack Obama, Prince and maybe throw Greg Popovich in there to cover sports. Honestly, I'd also invite my 94-year-old grandfather - he’s an amazing conversationalist, and it would be incredible to watch him swapping stories with such iconic figures."
