TPx fosters an environment where employees can thrive and grow professionally. It takes leaders that care about career development and know how to develop the talent TPx employees possess. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Patti Key, our Chief Revenue Officer in our TPx Employee Spotlight.

Patti has been with TPx for a little over a year now and has made a significant impact on the organization. She has a proven track record and more than two decades worth of experience in sales and telecommunications organizations. We sat down with Patti to talk about her experience and some reflections over the past year. Read on to learn a little more about TPx’s Chief Revenue Officer, Patti Key.

You started your career as an engineer. Why the switch to Sales?

I thought it would be fun. I enjoy competing – especially when it comes to team sports. Moving to Sales gave me the chance not just to be part of a team, but one who battled together to win customers.

What is your favorite thing about working at TPx?

The people. They are a fantastic group of talented, caring and dedicated professionals.

How do you motivate your team?

A good comp plan helps! But for the every day, it’s about being willing to dive in when they need help. I believe our team knows I am here to help remove inhibitors and that gives them motivation to keep pushing.

What has made the biggest impact on your professional life?

Mentors. I have learned so much by others sharing their experiences with me.

What career advice would you give to a sales rep just starting out?

My advice to someone just starting in the entry Sales role, the SDR role, is to know that the skills you are learning are foundational and will make you a better salesperson for the remainder of your career.  Once you conquer that role, that hardest is behind you. So, master that role!

You recently started a Sales internship program. Tell us why this was an important program to get off the ground.

There are two main reasons for implementing the new Sales internship program. First, we need all types of diversity for our Sales org to reach our highest potential and our internship program opens the door to under-represented groups. Also, attrition right now is high across many Sales organizations, so finding new paths to talent is important.

Which tech trends excite you and why?

Autonomous vehicles and Privacy-Enhancing Computation. AV because I hate to drive and PEC because my identity has been stolen twice and it is a major pain to get sorted out.

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why is it important?

DE&I means building an inclusive environment where everyone is respected and given opportunities based upon their talents and potential. It’s important because teams are higher performing when trust and respect are foundational. More importantly, it’s the just environment to build.

What’s the one topic you never get tired of learning about?

Big data. It’s fascinating and there are so many angles – ethics, manipulation, bias, validation…

What are you most passionate about outside of work?

Family. They’re everything.

How do you enjoy spending your time on the weekends?

In the fall and winter, I watch football – NC State on Saturdays and Raiders on Sunday. Given my teams, it’s not always a pleasant three hours, but I am ever hopeful the next game (season) will be better.

Join the TPx team

Interested in joining TPx? Visit our careers page to learn about our open positions.