During her high school and college years, Candice Leinenkugel held a variety of sales roles that allowed her to develop her problem-solving and interpersonal skills. As she gained more professional experience, her unwavering passion for helping people guided her career trajectory. When a Spectrum employee recommended the company, she took a chance and applied for a promising opportunity.
“I knew it was a good fit from the get-go,” Leinenkugel says.
After interviewing with a recruiter, she decided to pursue a career at Spectrum.
“When I met with my director and vice president, I knew it was a position I was made for,” she says. From the company’s commitment to its customers and employees to the high-quality products and services it offers, Leinenkugel found that her professional goals and ethics aligned perfectly with Spectrum’s mission and work culture.
Today, Leinenkugel is a sales manager at the company and has benefitted from a supportive leadership team.
Here, she shares how she approaches success at work, why Spectrum is a great place for women to flourish, and advice for those striving to advance their sales careers.
You’ve now been a sales manager at Spectrum Enterprise for four years. Could you tell us about how you’ve found success at the company since joining? What have been a few highlights in your time at Spectrum Enterprise?
Success comes from surrounding yourself with people who share the same work ethic, drive, and goals. They want to win! I have been fortunate to have a fabulous sales team and supportive leadership who share my goals.
I have a few highlights, including watching the team grow and increase sales each year for the past four years, and making our quota, even in fast-changing times. Last year, two of my reps and I attended President’s Circle, a prestigious sales conference for top performers, which was a testament to our team’s collective accomplishments.
How does Spectrum nurture and develop sales talent? And how does the company elevate women?
Spectrum develops its sales talent in a number of ways, including sales courses and training programs. These opportunities allow sales team members to work alongside a coach and our sales enablement group to achieve specific goals and enhance our abilities.
Spectrum fosters a welcoming environment for all employees that supports continued education and career advancement. The company empowers its workforce to pursue leadership positions that align with their interests and goals. In my experience working at Spectrum, I always feel encouraged to speak up, and that my views are valued.
Why is Spectrum a great place for women, at all career levels, to launch or grow their sales careers?
While the sales field and telecom industry tend to be male-dominated, I’ve found Spectrum to be a supportive and effective workplace to succeed. I’ve personally developed strong connections with female counterparts across the country, forming a network of collaboration, encouragement, and celebration. I love the tenacity each of these women possess. It’s an uplifting dynamic that gets me even more excited about what I do.
For example, in celebration of Women’s History Month, one of our sales leaders and I cohosted a virtual meeting to recognize our female managers and sales associates. It was a fun opportunity for connection, recognition, and inspiration.
How would you “sell” working at Spectrum to a candidate?
Honestly, I don’t believe there’s much need to sell because Spectrum is a great company in all facets, from opportunities in sales to employee benefits. For those who are driven, passionate, and eager to work alongside motivated colleagues, Spectrum provides a platform for success and growth.
What’s something a sales candidate can do to set themselves apart and “sell” themselves when interviewing for a position at the company?
Tell the company why they should hire you and what they will miss out on if they don’t. Don’t be afraid to talk about your value.
Why is it important to have more female representation in the sales field?
What I think is special about women is that most of us have a natural ability to build rapport, connection, and trust through empathetic communication. This gift applies to being successful in sales. When you can authentically connect with customers and potential clients, it helps develop trust in our business.
Looking back on your career, what advice do you have for those who are seeking to advance in the sales field like you have?
Don’t let others tell you sales is not a “real job” or that it’s something to do until you find a job you love. Pursue it and follow what makes you happy. Don’t let others tell you that you can’t do it—if they do, prove them wrong! There is no limit to what you can accomplish. Believe in yourself and go for it.
What has helped you find success in your own sales career?
My self-motivation and drive. Believing in myself when others may not and never giving up.
What’s one thing that most people would be surprised to find out about you?
People often assume that I like being the center of attention because I’m a manager who works in sales, but I’m actually more of an introvert than an extrovert. I love watching my team and others get the accolades.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends who push me to do better. I also value my alone time when I can fit it in.