A day in the life of a ThirdSpace Account Director

Here at ThirdSpace, our sales team don’t just step away once the deal is done. Our Account Directors keep in contact with their clients and monitor the successful implementation of projects to ensure we deliver what was promised and address any concerns if and when they arise.

One such Account Director is Alison Werkman, a shining example of what can be achieved at ThirdSpace if you work hard and put the client at the heart of every engagement.

We recently sat down with Alison to find out why she loves being at ThirdSpace and what the future might have in store.

Hi Alison, thank you for taking time out of your day. Please can I ask you to introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Alison Werkman and I’m an Account Director at ThirdSpace.

I’ve been working for the company since 2007. During that time I’ve worked in a few different sales roles, from Account Manager to Regional Sales Manager and now Account Director.

Great! So, let’s hear a little more about when you joined ThirdSpace?

I returned to ThirdSpace in April 2007 after a 6-year sabbatical in telecoms sales. I was an Account Manager specialising in identity management.

I was the first full-time salesperson hired and was tasked with expanding our customer base through a mixture of business development and account management tasks.

Sounds exciting, so tell us about how your role developed?

After our Sales Director was brought onto the board in 2010, the sales function grew quickly – which brought lots of opportunities for me to grow in the business.

I took on a Sales Manager role for a while, but I soon figured out that my personal preference was to concentrate on ensuring our clients have the best possible experience with ThirdSpace.

Were you supported with this change in direction?

Yes, I have been fully supported in this decision and, alongside my Account Director role, I mentor some of our junior sales staff to make sure our approach is consistent across the team. I am also helping to deliver changes across the business and to improve the client experience.

“I have never come across anywhere quite like ThirdSpace, where there is such a balance of work and play – and where colleagues at all levels look out for and support each other.”

Sounds perfect, so what’s kept you at ThirdSpace all these years?

Why am I still here? Good question! It is unusual for a salesperson to work for one company for so long, but, if I am honest, I don’t really have a reason to leave.

I work for the most widely recognised Microsoft partner in their field, I have lots of variety in my role, and I work with a wonderful bunch of people – it’s like a big family here at ThirdSpace.

I also have some fabulous clients who, over the years, I have gotten to know well and feel part of their team.

I am being challenged every day and, as the Microsoft technology stack is changing at such a pace, there is always something new to learn. What else could a girl ask for!?

Well, that’s great to hear! Tell us more about what a typical day looks like for you?

There is no such thing for me! Mondays are a day for internal sales meetings, including 1-1s and a weekly sales update.

The rest of the week is a mixture of client visits, conference calls to progress opportunities, management meetings (I’m a member of the leadership team), and meetings for existing projects to produce progress reports. Also, mentoring and meetings with the marketing team to ensure we get the right support for our accounts…the list goes on!

Seems like you’ll never get bored! What do you think makes ThirdSpace different from other companies?

I have worked for several different technology companies in my career.

However, I have never come across anywhere quite like ThirdSpace, where there is such a balance of work and play – and where colleagues at all levels look out for and support each other.

Also, working with Microsoft means there’s fast-paced innovation to keep us technology geeks happy!

So, what does the future look like for Alison Werkman?

Longer-term at ThirdSpace, I am aiming for directorship. I am confident that with consistent development and support, coupled with this materialising at the right time, I will be able to succeed.

I care deeply about the future of ThirdSpace and want to be an intrinsic part of it!

Sounds like you have an exciting journey ahead. What advice would you give someone looking to join ThirdSpace?

If you are all about the client and want to work for a market-leading company that gives you the space and support to develop, and rewards you with recognition and a great work/life balance, then come and talk to us – you won’t regret your decision!

Sound good? Get in touch!

We are hiring for several roles across our offices in Oxford and Cwmbran as well as remote workers.

To find out more about our available roles and to see where you can help us succeed, why not send us an email, we’d love to hear from you.

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