At GRID, our Sales team goes beyond traditional deal-making; they’re deeply involved in shaping client strategy, managing complex projects, and connecting esports data with real-world applications. Each team member brings a unique perspective, combining gaming insights with a commitment to meaningful client partnerships. Get a closer look at the team in our interview with Vinayak Iyer, Sales Project Manager.
1. What does a day in your role look like? Can you walk us through a typical day as a Sales Project Manager, including any unique routines?
My days are quite fluid. It really depends on what client we are working on. Instead of a regular day, I would say in my regular week, I would have touchpoints with stakeholders from legal, product, integrations, procurement, and support. It is always a combination of ideas and execution. On the idea side, it involves pitching products to customers, coming up with unique ways of using our existing product portfolio, advocating for customer needs while being mindful of our business goals, taking, and more importantly, justifying important decisions/viewpoints to key senior stakeholders in order to maintain the right balance for our lean organization. On the execution side, I take ownership of projects that the sales team does, and the approach is always to do whatever it takes for the project to be successfully completed. There are no pre-written playbooks or scripts for that, and I think that is what makes it entirely unique.
2. What do you enjoy most about working on sales projects at GRID?
I like the dealmaking and executing process of my job the most. I like that it allows me to meet people from cultures different from mine and learn new things from their style of doing business. It has given me a new perspective on different parts of the world, and I find that interesting. The fact that I can see my contributions in action that both allow the product to be seen by the world and the work generating revenues for the business is what allowed me to see a greater appreciation/meaning of my work.
3. What’s your go-to method for handling unexpected project changes? Any stories about a particularly tricky situation?
Relying on the statement in the previous question, since no deal is ever the same, I am always on the lookout for what can potentially become a tricky situation. I tend to communicate my instincts on them to Mikael, GRID’s CSO, and he always can provide me with the direction towards solving the challenge. We have a very collaborative atmosphere in our team, which makes almost any situation solvable. I think direct communication and good team relations can resolve most tricky situations.
4. What’s been one of the most memorable learning experiences in this role? How did it shape your approach moving forward?
Since my team is remote and everyone is located in different places, I cherish the learning experiences I have had traveling to different spots for team meets, to meet the clients, or just to attend some of the best esports tournaments in the world. They were all quite memorable. This and the fact that I get to work and collaborate in a remote setup has taught me an entirely new side about how to build trust/relations within an organization, with coworkers and with management. This entirely challenges my previously held notions about how those things are meant to be done.
5. When you’re not managing projects, how do you unwind? Any favorite games?
I unwind by traveling to meet my friends and family. I like attending sporting events, admiring nature, and watching cricket. I like story mode games like old Assassin’s Creed games (Until Desmond was alive), Ghost of Tsushima, etc.
Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!
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