Total 627 words used. If the word count is more than 25 words over the limit, please deduct one (1) point from your score.
The path to becoming an impactful team builder demands vision, resilience, and relentless innovation. When I joined DAMAC’s Sales Training team, my role was straightforward: contribute to content development. However, I saw an opportunity to do much more—for my team, the department, and the organization. This essay highlights my contributions, challenges, and the transformative journey that positions me as a deserving candidate for the Most Innovative Team Builder of the Year award.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
I began at DAMAC as an individual contributor in a team of just four people. Having managed a 13-member team at Walmart, this role felt like a significant shift. Yet, instead of feeling restricted, I saw it as a chance to lead through action, not authority.
The question that guided me was: “How can I create meaningful change?” I started by understanding business bottlenecks and aligning with leadership’s vision. Patience became my strongest tool as I worked beyond my defined responsibilities, earning trust from my leaders. Their confidence empowered me to spearhead initiatives and grow the team.
Overcoming Barriers, Building a Legacy
Recruiting new talent was just the start. Building a team requires more than numbers; it needs a culture of excellence and innovation. My vision extended beyond conventional leadership practices, embracing technology and foresight.
I introduced solutions using artificial intelligence and other digital tools, often facing resistance from traditionalists. Despite pushback, I remained committed, knowing these innovations would shape the future.
From a team of four, we have grown to 31 strong. The success isn’t just in the size but in fostering a dynamic culture where creativity and collaboration thrive.
Contributions That Redefine Success
The true measure of a team builder lies in their ability to create impact beyond their immediate group. My contributions consistently aimed to elevate DAMAC Sales Training and the larger Sales ecosystem. Key accomplishments include:
- Revamping the International Sales Academy: This program now offers unmatched training for global sales professionals.
- Launching Special Projects for Channel Partners: These initiatives strengthened relationships and drove growth among key agency partnerships.
- Modernizing Telesales Training: Redesigning this approach significantly enhanced efficiency and impact.
- Pioneering Tech-Driven Solutions: Interactive sales maps and gamified product assessments have set industry standards, inspiring competitors to emulate our strategies.
- Developing the Sales Leadership Workshop: Tailored for international leaders, it equips them to excel in competitive markets.
In total, I spearheaded 18 unique initiatives, each driving measurable business impact and aligning with DAMAC’s strategic goals.
Recognition and Leadership Impact
The value of my contributions is best reflected in the recognition from DAMAC’s leadership. Senior executives, including Managing Director Amira Sajwani, have publicly acknowledged the transformative role of the content team. Amira’s statement that the content team is the “backbone of the company” underscores the significance of our work.
Resilience Through Hardship
Building this team was not without challenges. Limited resources, resistance to change, and the demand for immediate results often posed obstacles. However, these challenges fueled my determination.
Patience, adaptability, and a focus on long-term goals became my guiding principles. I balanced immediate business needs with the vision of creating a sustainable and innovative team.
Why This Award Matters
The Most Innovative Team Builder of the Year award is more than a personal milestone. It symbolizes the story of transforming a small team into a powerhouse of innovation, redefining what a content team can achieve, and creating a culture where innovation and business impact coexist.
This award would validate not just my journey but also the ethos I bring to my work: a commitment to excellence, a belief in the power of innovation, and the determination to overcome challenges for a greater purpose.
Winning this award would inspire me to continue leading with passion, resilience, and innovation, shaping the future of DAMAC and the industry at large.
Nomination Title: Prakash Shetty
