From Lead Gen to Closing Deals: My Workday Growth Story
I always knew I wanted a career that was both exciting and impactful. Growing up near my family, I made it known I wanted to feel fulfilled, challenged and successful. While exploring job opportunities, my uncle suggested I consider a career in software sales and recommended looking into Workday. Recognizing my driven and competitive personality, he thought it would be a perfect fit. His advice sparked my interest, and soon after, I began my journey at Workday in Corporate Sales Development (CSD). In this role, I wasn’t just dialing phones; I was developing meaningful relationships with our customers and getting to know Workday’s products inside and out. Little did I know, this experience would lay a strong foundation for my future success.
Planting the Seeds: How Workday Grew on Me
I’m Sydnee Lyman, currently a Digital Account Executive based in our beautiful New York City office. Over the past three years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to advance my career at Workday. Initially, I spent a year honing my skills on the Corporate Sales Development team, where I gained invaluable sales skills such as creative thinking, curiosity and strategic prospecting. Driven by a desire to make a greater impact, I began exploring what growth opportunities existed within Workday. Although I was uncertain about my next move, I was determined to remain in a customer-facing role. Fortunately, Workday’s culture emphasizes empowering individuals to shape their own career paths.
From Prospecting to Partnering: Embracing the Challenge
I discovered the Digital Account Executive (DAE) Accelerator program, a six-week intensive program designed to equip CSDs with the tools and knowledge they need to become Digital Account Executives. This program was a game-changer. It allowed me to partner with a mentor who provided invaluable guidance and support as I learned the ropes of the sales cycle and deepened my product expertise. The program also offered incredible networking opportunities. I connected with future peers, senior leadership, and even landed the opportunity to interview for an open position on my current manager’s team. Looking back, the Accelerator program was a turning point in my career journey at Workday.
From Closing Deals to Building Relationships: The A-ha Moment
Transitioning from a Corporate Sales Development (CSD) role to a Digital Account Executive (DAE) was a significant adjustment. In my CSD position, my main focus was on qualifying leads. As a DAE, I took on a leadership role, guiding deals from their initial stages all the way to closing. This new level of responsibility required a shift in mindset. I had to embrace the challenge of becoming the customer’s primary advocate and go-to person throughout the sales cycle. There were definitely moments of pressure, but there were also so many bright spots. One aspect I truly love about this role is the creativity it fosters. Much like in my CSD role, I have the opportunity to put myself in the customer’s shoes and brainstorm innovative solutions to their challenges.
One of the highlights of my career as a Digital Account Executive (DAE) was successfully closing a deal that utilized the prospecting skills I developed as a Corporate Sales Development (CSD) representative. During my time in CSD, I led our team’s weekly prospecting calls, which served as a valuable platform for brainstorming strategic initiatives and planning upcoming events with my field team. I always came prepared with fresh ideas, a practice that I have carried into my DAE role. In this particular deal, I reached out to a customer to explore their interest in a new solution. By leveraging my prospecting experience and relationship-building skills, I connected with the customer on a deeper level and effectively showcased the value we could bring to their organization. The success of this deal, culminating in my achievement of President’s Club last year, reinforced the significant impact that transitioning from CSD to DAE has had on my career.
Growing Together: The Power of Collaboration at Workday
At Workday, my path to success wasn’t a solo trek — it was a journey fueled by a strong support system. Directors become mentors, peers morph into friends, and everyone — from the top down — pushes you to step outside your comfort zone to chase new heights. Our superpower is the incredible diversity of thought and backgrounds that surround you. Every colleague brings a unique perspective, and that collective genius fuels everyone’s growth as a sales professional. We’re a constant learning loop — sharing best practices, celebrating wins together, and pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves. It’s a collaborative powerhouse that fosters personal and professional growth like no other. Craving a career that challenges you and rewards your achievements? Workday is your launchpad. Join us and watch your potential soar.
A brighter work day is just around the corner ☀️. Explore career opportunities here. For more #WDAYLife content, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
