The best mom and best manager. Meet Brenda, SDR Team Lead

My ‘Why’ is a little different than most. My husband's promotion led us to Utah and I found myself struggling as a new mom, working remotely and traveling frequently (literally crying every day).  It was then my husband said, "quit!". So that's what I did! 

From there I enjoyed my time with my baby boy and transitioned into a full-time wife and mom. It wasn't long before I felt like something was missing (probably because my career-minded gal pals were asking ‘what are you doing?’). I began to look at my non-negotiables if I were to return to work. I settled on that if I was going to give up time with my precious baby I needed a company that was going to let me be the best employee while being the best mom. This meant flexibility, transparency, and room for personal growth. 

My ‘Why’ comes down to 3 simple things:

1. Work for a company that I am proud of. 
2. Make an impact or difference in those around me.
3. Get really good at my job so when an opportunity presents itself I can raise my hand. 

In my 1st year at Qualtrics, I have found all those things and couldn't be more grateful.

What attracted you to Qualtrics in the first place?

I had heard about Qualtrics through an SAP newsletter during the acquisition.

What was the turning point where you knew you "had to have the job" at Qualtrics?

It was John Hanks that said, "Don't come work for me, that will never work out. Come here to make a difference." That was it and I was sold.

What does your day look like?

I have tried to recreate our team culture virtually. We kick it off with a team huddle. I want to know what is working for others and how we can win as a team! From there it’s 1-to-1's, follow-ups, and helping where I can. No day ever looks the same.

What is your favorite part of your role?

I love that I get to help shape the careers of incoming SDRs, both personally and professionally. It's crazy to think that I am often their 1st manager so I ask myself, ‘what I can do that can make an impact for better or worse’. Not only do I get to help them understand how to make an effective cold-call, but I also get to watch them go through what I call the BIG 3: find a passion, make their first big purchase, and get promoted! That right there is the fun part and usually what people are really working for!

Tell us about moving to Utah.

Landing in Utah was magical. The mountains...that is all you need!

Any tips for someone who is considering a role at Qualtrics? Or advice for someone looking to get into a career like yours? Tips for someone in general?

TACOS is a real thing! AND yes, during your interview process it will seem like the company is too good to be true, but it really is as GREAT as it seems.

What has surprised you most about working at Qualtrics?

RYAN SMITH. I am originally from Minneapolis, so watching my home state burn to the ground was surreal. When he took an entire TGIT to talk about his stance and showed some major vulnerability....that is when I really became "ALL-IN."

What made you want to get into sales development?

Sales and Management is something that I just fell into. I stay because I love understanding people's ‘why’ and what makes them tick. Taking the time to understand true pain points and finding ways to fix them never gets old.

What are your aspirations in your career/life?

Career and life blend together. I just want to be a REALLY GOOD wife and mom, while finding a way to be a REALLY GOOD manager.

What is your top #LifeHack?

#BEAKINDHUMAN Daily, I strive to challenge or be challenged, inspire or be inspired, and amaze or be amazed! Trust me as a mom of a 2-year-old and an SDR manager this happens daily!

What's a favorite moment/memory of your time at Qualtrics so far? Or an impactful moment?

I have had a new team EVERY.SINGLE.QUARTER. Each time I think there is no way the team can be better than the last, but every.single.time someone new steps up to the plate, and the team is just as good as the last. The most impactful is the THANK YOU note from the ones that have achieved the promotions.

How have you become involved in ‘community’ at Qualtrics? What has that meant to you?

Shoutout to 5 For The Fight and WLD! They have incredible leadership and I hope to get more involved this year!

What 3 words would you use to describe Qualtrics to someone?

BOLD. FUN. INNOVATIVE

Qualtrics is growing, and if you're ready to find your "why" at a place like this, you can explore our open opportunities at any time by visiting our career page or by joining our talent community.

	Brenda Trahms is an alumnus of St. Cloud State University - Herberger Business School and started her career at Enterprise and Concur. She found something was missing as she became a full-time mom but didn’t want to give up being the best mom for the best career. That is where Qualtrics came in!

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