From AEM Developer to Business Development Manager
Meet Pieter
In 2023, Pieter Samoy transitioned from AEM Developer to a more commercial role. We conducted a brief Q&A with him to learn more about his decision and how he tackled this challenge.
Hi Pieter, I'll get straight to the point: Why did you want to change roles within AmeXio?
When I started as an AEM Developer at AmeXio five years ago, then still Amplexor, this was a question of me from the beginning: 'Do I have the opportunity to eventually grow into a more commercial role?' The answer was a resounding 'YES'. My motivation was to take on a sales role with a technical background, to distinguish myself from the rest.
You just mentioned that AmeXio immediately indicated that advancing to a different role was definitely possible. Were you still supported when you chose to go in a different direction?
To answer this question, I would like to mention some colleagues by name. Barry D'hoine, my team coach at the time, supported me throughout the entire process, from drafting a plan and timeline until the day the switch took place. Jan Lemmens guided me in the first pre-sales cases I was allowed to work on, and the entire sales team welcomed me with open arms.
"So many opportunities to learn, both commercially and IT-wise."
Can you tell me more about how the transition went?
We started small, as a test. I retained my role as a developer for 80% of my time, while being able to participate in pre-sales for 20%. This allowed me to get familiar with the commercial side and truly discover if it was something for me, without having to make a complete career switch right away. It turned out to be exactly what I wanted to do, so when a New Business position became available, I jumped at it immediately.
Now that you are a full-time Business Development Manager, how would you describe that role?
The essence of a commercial role revolves around networking. 'Your network is your net worth', as they say, and nothing could be truer. Every day looks different, and you rarely know how the day will unfold. The basics mostly come down to the same thing. Trying to connect with as many people as possible and being available to customers when needed. Via email, phone, last-minute meeting or perhaps a good lunch once in a while.
One last question to wrap up: What do you enjoy about your role? What inspires you?
The most enjoyable part of the role is undoubtedly the events. So many opportunities to learn, both commercially and IT-wise. The contact with different people, collaboratively searching for solutions to the challenges an organization face. Getting to know other parties and exchanging ideas on how they operate in a particular segment of the market. Ultimately, we get to the essence of why the role is so satisfying: helping clients find not just any solution, but a scalable and long-term solution.
Stay Curious: More to Discover!
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