Der Leim-Talk Blog

Kirsten Jensen

Mentors and Resilience: A Sales Star Shares Advice

Posted 03 Jan 2025 by Andrea Beyer, Summer 2024 Intern

Every great success story has a starting point. Kirsten Jensen’s can trace hers back to Gustavus Adolphus College where a mentor guided her toward an internship at H.B. Fuller. This opportunity marked the beginning of her professional journey in the adhesives industry, where she has since flourished.

Over the span of Kirsten's five-year career at H.B. Fuller, she has excelled in building and nurturing relationships with key accounts. As a Strategic Account Manager for North America, Kirsten emphasizes the importance of communication and presentation skills in her daily interactions. She takes pride in crafting impactful presentations with highly technical content that resonates deeply with her audience, setting a high standard within her team.

Her approach to sales is characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a continuous drive to improve her delivery and knowledge for the benefit of her customers. Despite being relatively new to the industry, Kirsten actively seeks advice from seasoned colleagues, leveraging their decades-long experience to enhance her skills and underscore her commitment to personal and professional growth.

"Even after five years, there's always more to learn. Asking questions and seeking feedback on navigating different situations has been instrumental in building my confidence and refining my approach," she explains.

Kirsten’s first exposure to a career in sales came from her father. She accompanied him on sales trips and became fascinated with the dynamic and exploratory nature of a career in sales. Her early interest in sales led her to major in International Business at Gustavus Aldophus College and eventually study abroad in Sweden and Ireland.

Today, she credits her college mentor for providing invaluable guidance on resumes, career advice, and overall support. She encourages aspiring salespeople to proactively seek mentors at all stages of their career.

"I had a mentor in college, and it was incredibly helpful to discuss resumes and career advice," Kirsten reflects. "Finding someone who can provide support, and guidance can make a significant difference to your career trajectory."

Kirsten suggests reaching out directly to professionals whose backgrounds align with your career interests. "If you admire someone's career path, don't hesitate to ask them to be your mentor," she advises. "People are often willing to help if you approach them with genuine interest and a clear plan, such as setting up regular meetings every other week.

Resilience is another cornerstone of success in sales, according to Kirsten. "Rejection is a huge part of sales, but it's crucial not to let it defeat you," she emphasizes. "Each experience is an opportunity to learn and improve. Early on, I learned not to take rejection personally—it's not about you, but about the process and fit."

Outside of work, Kirsten finds solace in activities like hot yoga and hiking, which provide a welcomed escape from the demands of her role. These hobbies underscore her belief in maintaining a healthy work-life balance—a crucial aspect of sustaining long-term success in any career.

“My career has been accelerated by passion, mentorship, and continuous learning,” says Kirsten. “For those entering a career in sales, I encourage you to practice resilience, seek out mentors, and stay curious.”

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