PPB October 2018

What’s cool about Danon Danon is approachable. She talks to others like friends while at the same time remaining a respected leader. Her best bosses Janelle and Art Nevins. Janelle taught me about product, merchandising online stores and client facing presentation skills. Art taught me the operational elements of running a distributorship, including negotiating supplier rebates. Together they taught me the balance of sales and operations, how to be fair, levelheaded (calm in crisis mode) and to be respectful and appreciative of those (suppliers, associates and clients) you work with daily. What managing others has taught her about herself My mother and sister are both teachers, but I didn’t realize that I had inherited that gene until I read comments from my teammates provided via a review process. I personally like to understand how something ticks, why you put a “Y” for yes in a field for example. What is the purpose of the “Y”? I enjoy explaining that. When you educate an individual about the process, he or she gains an understanding of how that process really works, can appreciate the actions taken and understand that by not following processes, the desired outcome may not be achieved and possibly cause someone else to do extra work along the way. I love it when someone says, “Oh, I get it now!” Her best advice for other bosses Allow members on your team to grow, don’t micromanage them. You may need to micromanage the process or task as it relates to their job but eventually you have to let go. Let them own the work, and you be the safety net. If you micromanage people, they will never build the confidence they need to succeed in their position. AMANDA NOVELLINE Vice President of Sales Axis Promotions Number of Direct Reports: 4 Years Managing Others: 15 A manda Novelline has a unique way of turningmistakes into learning experiences, says her nominator Alexandra Alois, who has reported to Novelline for two years. “Starting out, I mademy fair share of mistakes, some of which cost us money. Amanda has never once shown anger or frustration. Instead, she will always tell me to take a breath and that it’s ok. I admire her way of thinking and ability to communicate in such a positive way.” Novelline found herself at the New York City-based distributor when the Boston-area company she was running, Advertising Concepts, Inc., merged with Axis in 2012. She was struggling to balance the complexities of growing sales and running the business with being amother to her two young boys. The merger allowed her to focus her efforts on client service with the support of a creative, experienced and renowned company by her side. Today, shemanages four Axis employees fromher office in Burlington, Massachusetts. What’s cool about Amanda She embraces new education, new technologies and out-of-the-box thinking and is willing to try different ways to make her team more efficient. She also challenges them with innovative projects and opportunities, and trusts her direct reports enough to know when to ask questions and when they’ve got things under control. Her best boss Lauren Goldstein at The Channel Company (tech publishing) was my boss, sales mentor, career and life coach. Lauren taught me strategic selling and navigating challenges during the tech bubble and subsequent burst in Silicon Valley. No one was buying, and rejection was the norm. We worked long hours on the road, and infused laughter and fun into every day. She pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me confidence to make independent decisions and provided constructive feedback to help me improve. I learned that passion, teamwork, honesty and personal connections will build lifelong relationships and good will. What managing others has taught her about herself I have developed my own personal sales process and management style. It took me years to learn that does not translate for everyone. People and personalities respond differently to this style. I have learned to ask and be open as to how others prefer to communicate and be managed to build mutual respect and partnership. It is important to develop your own style that highlights your individual personality and strengths. Her best advice for other bosses I may have more experience but may not know all the answers. Ask your team for input. Listen to their ideas. Be open to explore new resources and opportunities. Innovate in your own business which will translate to client satisfaction and ultimate loyalty. Alexandra Alois (right) admires her boss, Amanda Novelline for her positive attitude and out-of-the- box thinking. Best Bosses Of 2018 | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2018 | 39