Ilamosi Ivienagbor is a senior sales manager at Big Cabal Media, where she leverages her diverse skills to create and implement effective sales strategies. Ilamosi previously worked in the business development team at Flutterwave.
With a background in mass communication (BSc and MSc), Ilamosi has a fine blend of experience across media, sales, admin, and people operations. Outside of her corporate role, she runs a footwear business, designing custom footpieces for both men and women. Ilamosi also takes on freelance voice-over projects, appears in TV commercials, and hosts shows.
Explain your job to a five-year-old.
I help people buy cool things from us, like when you want a new toy. But instead of toys, I sell ideas and services to companies. My job is to find out what they need (in terms of advertising) and then tell them how we can help them get the visibility they need.
What is your sales superpower and why?
I think my superpower would be “listening with empathy.” It’s like having the ability to understand exactly what someone is feeling and needing, even if they don’t say it out loud. It helps me find the right solution, even if it’s something they didn’t know they needed yet.
What is the worst part about working in sales?
The worst part is when people don’t follow through. It’s frustrating when you put a lot of time and effort into a deal, only for it to fall apart at the last second. Also, there’s a lot of rejection, which can be tough on days when things don’t go your way.
Why did you get into the media industry and how has the journey been?
I’ve always loved storytelling, whether it was presenting or hosting shows. (I mean, not to brag, but I have 2 degrees in mass communication.) Media is something I’m very passionate about. I got into the media industry because it’s dynamic and always evolving, and it gave me the chance to connect with people. The journey has been a rollercoaster with lots of learning, growth, and finding new ways to be creative while staying grounded in business.
What’s one sales strategy you swear by that most people overlook?
Building real relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but trust is everything in sales. People want to do business with people they like and trust, so I spend a lot of time nurturing relationships and making sure I’m genuinely invested in helping them succeed, not just closing a deal.
In tough sales cycles, what’s your go-to move to revive a cold lead?
I always try to go back to the original value proposition, why they were interested in the first place. Sometimes, a fresh angle or a personalised approach can reignite interest. If that doesn’t work, I keep the door open by offering something of value, like a helpful article or a new insight, just to stay top of mind.
What is the wildest or most unexpected “yes” you have ever gotten in sales?
There was one time I went to a client’s office (actually, at the start of the year) to pitch a tier of sponsorship for one of our events (HERtitude by Zikoko), and somehow, I ended up convincing them to come onboard as the headline sponsor (the highest tier) mid-pitch. It was totally unexpected, but it taught me the importance of taking risks and going for exactly what you want. Try it first. What’s the worst that can happen?
What is your strongest opinion about tech sales?
You need to understand the deeper needs of your client. It’s not just about the product; it’s about how it solves a problem or adds value. Tech is always changing, but human connection and problem-solving will never go out of style.
What is one moment in your tech sales career you are proud of?
I’m really proud of a partnership I closed last year for moonshot that came with visibility in countries like Kenya, South Africa and Ghana. That exact coverage was what we needed to shine light on the good we were doing with the Moonshot conference here in Nigeria.
Let’s try a #SellMethisPen elevator pitch about sales: sell your footwear brand in a short sentence.
You know how you always wish you could find footwear that are both comfortable and durable, but without paying a crazy price? That’s exactly what we do at Efia By Illy. Affordable, long-lasting comfort and you don’t even have to break the bank for it. How many pairs should I make for you? 😉
