Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Emily Hunter, Account Manager at SciLeads, to explore what life after SDR can really look like.Emily shares her career journey from studying international business to starting her professional life during the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually building a career in tech sales.The conversation explores the transition from sales development into partnerships, sales roles and ultimately account management. Emily explains what the day-to-day life of an account manager actually looks like, how customer relationships evolve after the deal is signed, and why many professionals find fulfilment in long-term customer partnerships.They also discuss imposter syndrome, mentorship, mental resilience, and how career paths in sales rarely follow a straight line.For SDRs thinking about their next move, Emily offers practical advice on believing in your abilities, embracing new opportunities, and remembering that growth often happens outside your comfort zone.Guest LinksLinkedIn: Emily HunterCompany: SciLeadsWatch on YouTubeKey TakeawaysCareer paths in sales are rarely linear and often evolve through multiple rolesAccount managers combine customer success, consulting and commercial growthLong-term customer relationships require empathy, adaptability and trustMentorship and supportive leadership can accelerate professional growthImposter syndrome is common even among successful sales professionalsDifficult customer conversations become easier with experienceCOVID forced many professionals to rethink their career directionBelieving in yourself and staying open to opportunity creates long-term growthChapters & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show00:01 – Meet Emily Hunter and her career journey02:35 – Personal passions and life outside of sales05:35 – From university to the start of her career06:57 – Early career challenges and learning experiences08:11 – The impact of COVID-19 on Emily’s role10:47 – Growth, resilience and adapting to change16:28 – Navigating the pandemic early in her career17:30 – Moving from SDR-style work into account management19:14 – Partnerships and collaborative selling21:03 – Transitioning into account management27:17 – The day-to-day role of an account manager34:05 – Navigating difficult customer conversations41:00 – Advice for aspiring account managers45:08 – Episode outroSoundbites“Think of us as the ZoomInfo for science.”“Do something you enjoy, do something you love.”“Believe in yourself and your abilities.”

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