Charlye T. - Divisional Sales Manager

Title: Divisional Sales Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 2018
Preferred pronouns: He/Him/His

Today, Charlye is taking ownership of his personal and professional brand as a top-performing sales rep on our Health, Beauty & Wellness team. Tomorrow? Sky’s the limit!

Tell us a little about your role and your team.

I am a Divisional Sales Manager on the Beauty & Wellness team. Our Zoom meetings consist of recapping our days, team building exercises, and even virtual happy hours! What I like the most about my team is that they support and encourage one another to be successful in their roles. They strive to hit our targets week after week and I could not be more thankful for the consistent work they put in!

How are you staying connected with your team as we’re all working remote?

This is definitely a tough task as we are not in the office seeing each other in person. However, hearing my team out, having time blocks where we talk about anything except work, and setting expectations have helped me have my team have fun and get work done at the same time!

You’ve been at Groupon for 4 years. What about the company has kept you here?

It is my first job out of college! What has kept me here for so long is the opportunities this company provides. There will always be a new door of opportunity opening up and you might just be the right person for it! Groupon also allows you to expand and work on your personal brand while networking with others outside of your position. Lastly, Groupon LOVES promoting internally. :)

What has been your proudest moment so far at Groupon?

My proudest moment so far has been being promoted to Divisional Sales Manager. It has been something that I've been eyeing since day one when I started with Groupon. Helping others grow is a passion of mine and I know my team depends on me to help them succeed and I cannot let them down. I have been in the position for 8 months now and have been able to promote 4 reps from the Business Development Representative position to Business Development Manager!

What’s the biggest challenge your team is solving?

Recovering from Covid and making sure we are helping every small business out there. We are now transitioning into a phase where we are slowly starting to reopen businesses and they need us to regain their clients or let clients know that they are now open. 

What piece of career advice would you give candidates looking to join Groupon?

My one piece of advice would be to be vocal about what you want to do here. Have a 30,60,90 day plan including what do you want to accomplish and where do you see yourself within the company. There are so many resources available to you, people are open to sharing their journey, and mentors willing to guide you to get to your goals! You just need to speak up!

How would you describe your leadership style?

I prefer to take the coaching and visionary leadership approach. I like to adapt to my team's strengths and weaknesses and show them the way to success. Interaction and trust in 1 on 1s is key because it sets the tone on how we can climb the ladder together. Once I see a rep's style of work I can envision where I see them in the company and usually it's a team effort from there. I am the type of leader to let you take charge and show me what you can do, then ask questions and give you constructive feedback. 

What do you look for when you hire?

I look for energy and passion behind the role. If you are motivated by the role you are applying for, it shows me that you are coming here for the long haul and ready for opportunities this job has to offer. I also look for what kind of questions you have for me. Yes I am the interviewer, but you should also have the opportunity to ask me questions and ask me things that will get you excited to join Groupon!

What do you miss about being in the office?

The daily interaction with everyone. The walks to the tiki hut, lunchroom, pool & gaming room -- they were  relaxing moments where I knew I could take 5 minutes away from work. I also miss Motel Bar's good food, drinks, and of course, fellow Groupon employees!

What have you gained from working at Groupon?

I’ve gained amazing friends, valuable experience that I can carry with me wherever I go, and most importantly -- I gained confidence in myself to do anything that I set my mind to! 

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

1) Failure is part of your career. In order to be successful you have to fail to overcome situations that you never saw coming. It teaches you adversity and makes you want to tackle challenges just to prove to yourself and others that you can do it! 2) Networking goes a long way. You never know what department might need someone that requires your skill set. How would someone know about you if they never had a conversation with you? You make that conversation happen and realize you are in charge of your own brand, as well as spreading the word on your own brand. 3) Count the “little wins”. Any small step you take towards your career you should celebrate. It will help keep yourself motivated, and make you look forward to what's next for you!