Molly Gallmeier, Talavant

IB’s Professional of the Week is the premier way to meet Dane County’s professionals. This week features Molly Gallmeier, vice president of business development, Talavant.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?

Some of the most challenging aspects of my job are just getting in front of the right customer, and being able to provide enough value in an email or networking introduction to encourage them to hear more. Since we sell a fairly vague service in helping customers with their data, it can be difficult to communicate why it is valuable to meet with our team, and why it is an important aspect of your business to invest in.

Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?

One person who I look up to in business is the owner and creator of Spanx, Sara Blakely. I first learned more about her listening to a Podcast interview where she talked about why she started Spanx and how she originally created the product from her tiny apartment in New York City. She is an individual who wasn’t afraid of failing, and had enough confidence in herself and her product that she knew she would be able to make it work. Also, I follow her on social media and from what she portrays she is SUPER down to earth and not afraid to show that no matter how big your company gets, or the name you have built for yourself, you will still make mistakes, act silly, and continue to not forget where you came from.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Honestly, I would say that the last year has been the current high point of my career so far. When I joined Talavant, I was the first employee of a brand new company and was tasked with growing our presence through sales and marketing efforts. As we just wrapped up our third year in business, our revenue and growth in staff have proven that we have successfully made a name for ourselves. It has been so exciting to have transitioned to the phase where external customers and internal candidates we are recruiting are eager and excited to work either for or with us. We are not the new kids on the block anymore!

Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

I think I would encourage myself to never give up and never settle. Piggy-backing off the last question, if I wouldn’t have taken the risk and chance three years ago when I started with Talavant, there is no way I would be where I am today. I think we often get so content or complacent in a certain career or job that we believe that is all we are destined to do. As cliché as it sounds, the opportunities really are endless, and as individuals we have the power to influence change in our lives. I would tell myself not to be scared, and even if risk is involved that the rewards can often outweigh that risk!

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What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?

One thing that I absolutely love about living and working in Dane County is it has the small city feel but with the opportunities and growth potential of a large city. I truly enjoy all of the connections I have made working in technology sales over the last six years, and I cannot wait to see how many more people I continue to meet in the years to come. There is a certain loyalty, as well, when it comes to working and living in Dane County and I thoroughly enjoy that. Often when you are working with clients, they prefer to use local talent versus firms out of Chicago or Minneapolis and I think there is something very special to be said about that.

Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a secret talent, but I have what some people say is an amazing memory when it comes to names, following up with people, or what we last talked about — probably why I’ve been successful in sales!

What are your guilty pleasures?

One of my guilty pleasures is listening to podcasts. Being in sales, I’m often in my car driving from client to client. While I should probably be listening to more professional development podcasts, my favorite ones to listen to involve nutrition and true crime. Two vastly different categories, but they sure do help me past the time in the car!

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