In this episode of the SDR DiscoCall Show, Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Stu Taylor to explore a 20-year journey through sales - from outbound call centres to leadership in tech and sales training.

Stu shares the reality of starting in high-pressure environments, how those early experiences built resilience, and the moment he transitioned into tech sales - describing it as “Disneyland” compared to the grind he came from.

The conversation dives into imposter syndrome, the dangers of comfort, and why choosing hard paths leads to long-term growth. Stu also reflects on building a personal brand, writing Problem Prospecting during lockdown, and how investing and long-term thinking can create financial freedom.

This episode is a grounded look at what it really takes to build a sustainable and fulfilling career in sales.

Since recording, Stu has launched his own venture, Stu Taylor Sales.

Watch the video episode on YouTube:

• YouTube: HERE

Guest Links:

• Stu Taylor on LinkedIn
• Book: Problem Prospecting
• Lennox Academy

Key Takeaways:

• Starting in high-pressure environments builds long-term resilience
• Imposter syndrome is universal - not a sign you don’t belong
• Comfort can stall growth more than failure ever will
• Taking small risks consistently compounds over time
• Side projects can evolve into major opportunities
• A beginner mindset is key at every stage of your career
• Financial freedom comes from long-term thinking and investing
• You only need to “win once” in sales to change your trajectory

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show
• 02:27 – Introducing Stu Taylor
• 03:45 – Stu’s Journey into Sales
• 05:40 – Call Centre Reality and Early Lessons
• 10:53 – Transitioning into Tech Sales
• 14:41 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• 19:39 – Embracing Failure and Learning
• 22:27 – Career Transitions and Risk
• 25:47 – The Comfort Zone Problem
• 29:35 – Choosing Hard Paths
• 33:48 – Lockdown, Side Hustles and Writing a Book
• 37:44 – Advice to a Younger Self
• 42:12 – Outro

Soundbites:

• “You only need to win once in sales.”
• “Don’t care what anybody else thinks.”
• “Keep a beginner mindset and keep learning.”

In Episode 127 of the SDR DiscoCall Show, Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Connor Grimes to explore a sales journey that didn’t start in tech and didn’t follow a straight line.

From pubs and retail to fuel sales and eventually tech, Connor shares how he learned through experience, early success, and the challenges that came with it.

He opens up about the realities of sales performance, leadership, and the personal mistakes that forced him to reset and grow.

This is a conversation about accountability, resilience and figuring things out as you go

At the time of recording, Connor was Business Development Lead at Willo and has since moved on to a new role, as an Account Executive at Sadie

Listener discretion: This episode includes discussion around alcohol, personal mistakes and their impact on professional life.

Watch the video episode on YouTube:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/puoyMvixlcs

Guest Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorgrimes/

Key Takeaways

• Sales careers rarely start in tech and often evolve through different industries
• Early environments shape how you handle pressure, targets and rejection
• Asking top performers for advice can accelerate results quickly
• Commission success early on can change motivation and confidence
• Leadership brings different challenges beyond individual performance
• Mistakes in professionalism can become turning points for growth
• Moving into tech sales requires adapting from volume to quality
• Understanding the SDR role is critical for hiring and team success
• Building relationships across teams improves long-term performance

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction to SDR DiscoCall Show
• 01:16 – Meet Connor Grimes: A Sales Dad’s Journey
• 04:23 – Connor’s Career Path from Retail to Sales
• 11:00 – First Taste of Sales Success
• 17:13 – Challenges in Sales Leadership
• 17:54 – Work-Life Balance During Lockdown
• 22:00 – Transitioning from Fuel Sales to Recruitment
• 27:57 – The Leap into Tech Sales
• 30:38 – Quality Over Quantity in Sales
• 33:16 – Alcohol, Professionalism and Consequences
• 37:53 – Learning from Mistakes
• 40:14 – Finding Redemption and New Opportunities
• 44:43 – Alcohol and Workplace Relationships
• 50:25 – Advice for New Sales Professionals
• 56:38 – Understanding the SDR Role
• 01:02:43 – Key Lessons for a Young Salesperson

Soundbites

• “Ask questions and build relationships in sales”
• “I still have a lot of love for Leeds”
• “I’m an Arsenal Gooner by choice”

Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Kirsten McCoy, SDR at Patchworks, to explore how confidence in sales is built through experience, not certainty.

Kirsten didn’t follow a traditional path after leaving school. While others around her had clear plans, she was figuring things out in real time, eventually stepping into sales through a contact centre role at Scottish Power. It was here she experienced the reality of sales early, targets, pressure, rejection, and learning by doing.

The conversation goes deeper into the personal challenges that shaped her. Kirsten opens up about living with anxiety, navigating difficult relationships, and the isolation she experienced during COVID, including losing friends to suicide.

Rather than something that disappears, she shares how anxiety is something she has learned to manage through honesty, support and self-awareness.

Listener Discretion:

This episode includes discussion of anxiety, trauma and suicide. Please take care while listening. Support resources are listed below.

Guest Links

• LinkedIn: Kirsten McCoy
• Company: Patchworks

Key Takeaways

• Confidence in sales is built through action, not waiting to feel ready
• Not knowing your path early on is normal and often where growth begins
• Contact centre sales builds resilience through real conversations and rejection
• Anxiety does not go away, but learning to manage it changes everything
• Speaking openly and asking for support improves both mental health and performance
• Being dropped in football developed resilience that now shows up in sales
• Coaching provides belief and structure when you don’t yet have it yourself
• Identity outside of work strengthens how you show up professionally
• Enjoying your work directly impacts performance and consistency

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show

01:12 – Meet Kirsten: An SDR’s Journey

04:18 – Kirsten’s Path to Sales

09:36 – Overcoming Challenges in Career Choices

11:57 – Lessons from Scottish Power

12:46 – Lessons from Scottish Power

15:24 – Transitioning to New Roles

18:26 – Exploring Account Management

21:18 – Navigating the Pandemic

24:08 – Career Progression and Opportunities

27:01 – The Impact of Social Media on Sales

39:37 – Career Progression and Opportunities

41:37 – Building a Strong Foundation in Sales

44:43 – The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship

49:17 – The Role of Sports in Personal Development

55:50 – Navigating Anxiety and Mental Health

01:06:34 – Advice for the Younger Self

Soundbites

• “Ask questions and accept help”
• “Resilience is key in sales”
• “TikTok opened new doors for me”

Support & Resources

• UK & Ireland: Samaritans - 116 123 / jo@samaritans.org
• USA & Canada: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988
• International: https://www.befrienders.org/
• Global: https://findahelpline.com/