In January 2021, we announced our mini-series ‘Meet-a-Curalyte’ where we feature our amazing team members and share a part of them with you.
At Curacel, we’re on a mission to use technology to drive up insurance inclusion in emerging markets. To shed more light on that, only 3-5% of Africans have a health insurance cover. We have taken it upon ourselves to build solutions for enterprises and consumers to make a massive change in the insurance sector and drive up adoption.
Next up on the ‘Meet-a-Curalyte’ series, we are featuring our VP of Operations/Head of Sales at Curacel. The last time, we featured our Head of Innovation, Innocent. We know quite well that creating innovative solutions that no one gets to use is as unprofitable as creating nothing at all, so we owe it to our Head of Sales, Pete, who is one of the reasons our product is out there and our customer base is growing.
Pete, tell us about your role at Curacel:
Hmmm, I like to see my role in Curacel as the Evangelist – the one who takes the good news that is Curacel far and near.
With my new mandate as the VP of Operations, I now have to make sure that we leave a good taste in our clients’ mouth and ensure they get value for their money. I also oversee some of the operations of the Success team.
What is your story? Why Sales? I mean, a lot of people run away from this position, mainly because they dread having a one-on-one with clients and no one wants to follow up on anyone, trying to convince them to buy what they need:
Hahahaha, you know this! I was reading an article over the weekend that opined that almost no one picks Sales/Marketing as their dream job when asked in High School what they want to become.
The truth though, is that Sales can be very rewarding. The results are very obvious if you’re doing a great job. It is also easy to face clients and share the benefits they will enjoy with your product when the product is truly awesome.
How has working with Curacel been for you?
A great experience really. It is really the perfect place for me to do and be everything I have imagined. It is easy to be at a place where your personal vision is aligned with the company’s, and Curacel is that place for me.
I also love to build, so being part of the team that is building this truly great company is a delight.
Do you get turned down after a rigorous follow up on clients? What’s the experience like?
Oh well! This reminds me of a discussion I had with a Sales coach. He likens what we do to pursuing a relationship with a lady. You show up, time and time again for her. Of course, she won’t say Yes to you from the first day you meet. But you just wait around, doing the nice things, learning what she loves, telling her what she wants to hear, being there for her when she needs help…
It then happens that even if she has someone already if the guy as much as messes up, he is gone and I am in. Even if he doesn’t mess up, circumstances change. And then one day, it is my turn.
This is exactly how dealing with Clients works. It is basically pursuing a relationship. And even when the client is finally wooed and in with us, we still keep doing the hard work of making sure they stay.
What would you be doing if you were not doing what you do at Curacel?
I honestly will be doing something very similar – being part of a team, building something really great. My personal mantra is Happiness and Impact. “Happiness in what I do, and Positive Impact, which leaves others happy”.
Without thinking, pick one of these; A) Drinks B) Food C) Video games D) Sports
Definitely sports. I love football, tennis and boxing.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, Peter. Best wishes for the year ahead.
Thank you too!