Josiane Feigon
Founder and PresidentTeleSmart Communications
“Detaching, decluttering, and detoxing are in. As a big supporter of Feng Shui principles and the Burning Man philosophy of “leave no trace,” I can get behind living and working without clutter.” – From the Tele-Smart blog
Years in industry? 25 years
Who or what inspired your career in tech?
Living in San Francisco, it’s either finance or high tech. I was drawn to the pace, the rapid-growth and the glitter of high tech.
What’s been your best hack ever?
My secret “hack” that never lets me down is my special intuition. I take it with me everywhere I go. Most times I listen to it and when I don’t, it makes sure to nudge me really hard and it throws me down until I realize what is happening. My intuition goes everywhere with me.
What has been your greatest career challenge?
Traveling and being on the road gets old fast.
What is your biggest career success to date?
Publishing my two books– Smart Sales Manager and Smart Selling on the Phone and Online– and being recognized as an influential thought leader in my space have both been very rewarding. I like that I’m slightly famous! I’ve been very lucky to have amazingly loyal clients who stick with me through thick and thin.
Who are your role models?
My role models are true entrepreneurs who started small and exploded in growth by being smart, minding their own business and doing great work. One of them is Craig Abod, the President of Carahsoft. He has single-handedly grown his company over the $2 billion mark and it is still privately owned.
If you could go back in time, what’s one tip you’d give your teenage self?
I have always been extremely career-minded, realizing that other things will be compromised. When I was 22 years old, I was much more interested in making money and traveling all over than I was in academics, so my college years were compromised.
What do you do when you’re not kicking butt at work?
I’m a bit of an adventure seeker. I’m a disciplined yogi, avid cyclist and swim the San Francisco Bay (without a wetsuit).
Flats, heels or kicks?
Flats, boots, flip-flops and tennis shoes.
Best career advice book?
I recently read Bill Bridges’ Transitions, a great book for anyone who is embarking on a new career.
Who are the women in tech that you most admire and why?
Sheryl Sandberg and Arianna Huffington
