In this episode of the Sales Success Stories podcast, host Scott Ingram engages in an insightful conversation with Athina Lampru, the number one account executive nationally at Palo Alto Networks. Athina shares the three pillars that have driven her consistent success in sales: trust, grit, and the power of networking.
She emphasizes the importance of self-trust and the role of a strong support network, both internally and externally, in overcoming challenges in the sales arena. Athina recounts her journey into sales, growing up with sales-savvy parents, and how her path pivoted toward a career that aligns perfectly with her purpose.
Together with Scott, she delves into topics such as maintaining belief in oneself, leading from the field, and the significance of recognizing challenges as opportunities for growth. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Athina’s unique approach to sales, her motivation, and the lessons she’s learned along her path to success.
What We Covered:
[00:01:12] Athina Lampru joins the podcast and shares three keys to her success: trust, grit, and network
[00:02:34] The importance of trust in oneself and the role of grit in sales
[00:04:52] Utilizing her network internally and externally at Palo Alto Networks
[00:07:38] Athina’s promotion within Palo Alto Networks and transitioning to a major account executive role
[00:12:34] Athina’s backstory and her initial resistance to a sales career
[00:14:45] The influence of her family on her career path and the journey into sales
[00:20:58] Challenges and triumphs faced in balancing motherhood with career success
[00:31:07] A day in the life of Athina as a major account executive
[00:37:53] Internal and external selling dynamics in managing strategic accounts
[00:46:47] Information diet and the value of visualization and mindset in daily routines
[01:06:02] Motivations, beliefs, and overcoming sales challenges
Quotes:
“Trust in myself wholeheartedly and feel that sales is indeed my purpose.” [00:01:34]
“This mentality is what allowed me to go and prioritize accounts and grow these deals.” [00:07:38]
“There’s not a challenge I can’t overcome. There’s not an account I can’t sell to.” [00:20:58]
“Just remember today, it’s not a failure, it’s the mark of genius.” [00:23:24]
“Vulnerability is like the API that connects software, making us a single pane of glass.” [00:52:57]
“Don’t forget to remember your greatness; the universe conspired for you to exist.” [01:23:13]
“If your goal doesn’t scare you or your team, it’s not big enough.” [01:25:33]
Resources Mentioned:
Athina Lampru on LinkedIn
Palo Alto Networks Website
Bolivar (Netflix Series)
Sales Success Stories Podcast
Untap Your Sales Potential
Aubrey Marcus Podcast
Books:
A New Earth (by Eckhart Tolle)
The Greatest Salesman in the World (by Og Mandino)
A Course in Miracles
Women Who Run With the Wolves (by Clarissa Pinkola Estés)
Womb Awakening
Sponsors Mentioned:
Sales Success Summit
To kick off 2025 we’re going to share the audios from the top 3 presentations from last year’s Sales Success Summit as bonus episodes between my interviews with #1 and top 1% performing individual contributors. The presentation that was ranked third by the audience and the one that was most impactful for me personally was Luke Floyd’s talk on Building Success with a High Performance Operating System. And stay tuned at the end for a couple little nuggets.
In today’s bonus episode of the Sales Success Stories Podcast, Kaleigh reveals her blueprint for self-improvement, from harnessing a growth mindset, mastering fundamental skills, and leveraging free resources like Beck Holland’s “Flip the Script,” to the value of networking, mentorship, and ongoing personal development. Whether you’re transitioning between companies, adapting to new environments, or just looking to sharpen your sales acumen, this episode offers invaluable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and self-reliance.