Exploring the Human Touch in an AI-Driven Sales World - Gregory Banning, VP of Sales and Channels

Greg Banning, VP of Sales and Channels for North America at Service Express, offers his expertise on navigating the unpredictable economic landscape, providing listeners with valuable insights into third-party maintenance within the data center sector. As an IBM Platinum partner, Service Express is helping businesses extend equipment life and manage costs. Greg shares his unexpected journey into sales, fueled by grit and perseverance, offering an authentic take on career success and the power of self-belief in overcoming personal challenges. 

Mentorship and creativity take center stage as Greg reflects on the profound influence of mentors like Barb Johnson and Pete Peterson in shaping his career. Barb's contribution to building his confidence and Pete's wisdom in fostering self-awareness highlight the irreplaceable human elements in personal growth. Greg also sheds light on the role of AI in sales, emphasizing how creativity and human ingenuity remain unmatched by technology, and how these traits drive sales processes forward in an AI-driven world. 

Listeners will gain insights into developing leadership through authenticity and balancing technology with human relationships. The discussion covers AI's potential to enhance sales processes and the traits required for identifying future leaders, like empathy and a growth mindset. Greg underscores the importance of storytelling in leadership and the long-lasting impact it can have on careers. The conversation wraps up by celebrating CRM systems as essential tools for driving sales success and supporting both personal and professional growth through understanding and aligning with team members' aspirations. 

Greg is a seasoned sales executive with over 20 years of leadership experience across Fortune 500 companies and private equity-backed startups, spanning industries like SaaS, technology, finance, and manufacturing. He currently serves as Vice President of Sales & Channels for North America at Service Express and has held senior roles at Adobe, Capital One, Amazon, SAP Concur, TD SYNNEX, and HNI. Greg began his sales journey cold-calling from the Yellow Pages and has since built a career defined by growth, strategy, and performance. Originally from Oakland, California, he now lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife Laura, their three children, and their Australian Shepherd, Bailey. Outside of work, he enjoys working out, meditating, MMA, golf, beach days, cooking, and fine wine. 

Quotes:

"In the world of sales, grit and perseverance are the cornerstones of success. It's not just about hard work, but also about believing in yourself and being a lifelong learner." 

"While AI is a powerful tool in sales, it will never replace the human touch. Creativity and ingenuity are irreplaceable elements that drive the sales process forward." 

"Leadership is about authenticity and understanding your team. It's not just about positional authority; it's about having a positive impact on people's careers and lives." 

"Storytelling is a powerful tool in leadership. It allows you to connect with your team on a deeper level, helping them to see the bigger picture and motivating them towards success."

Links:

Gregory’s LinkedIn -   / gregbanning  

Service Express - https://serviceexpress.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/