How I escaped a low-growth sales role and doubled my income
"The Industry Pivot System helped me realize I wasn't the problem—my environment was. By strategically positioning my skills in cybersecurity, I finally broke into six figures with more freedom and fulfillment."
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Burnt out, stuck, & ready to quit
Just a few months ago, I was completely burned out and questioning everything about my sales career. I worked as a Business Development Rep at a large American SaaS company, which looks impressive on paper—but my salary and opportunities had flatlined. I'd pour endless hours into prospecting and team projects, but felt stuck in the same role, year after year.
Despite working at a "prestigious" company, I was watching less experienced reps at cybersecurity startups earn double my income with half the stress. Meanwhile, my compensation barely moved beyond the standard 3-5% annual increase.
- "Is it me?"
- "Am I just not good enough for a sales role?"
- "Will I ever make the leap to six figures?"
I started to doubt my future in sales altogether. The stress took a toll on my motivation and family life, especially since my wife and I were expecting our first child. The pressure was real.
Discovering the Industry Value Gap
Then I found Gaurav's Industry Pivot System. I was skeptical at first—it seemed too simple that changing industries could make such a difference. But our first call was eye-opening: Gaurav pointed out something I'd never considered: maybe I wasn't the problem—maybe my environment was.
Using the Career Capital Matrix, we analyzed my skills and identified that my exact same sales abilities were valued at 2x higher in cybersecurity compared to my current role. The industry was experiencing 40%+ yearly growth, creating a massive demand for sales talent that outpaced supply.
The Industry Pivot System showed me I was stuck in what Gaurav calls the "Low-Growth Trap"—working harder and harder in an environment that simply wasn't designed to reward my efforts appropriately.
Strategically positioning my skills for a high-growth industry
Gaurav and I overhauled my entire professional positioning:
1. Strategic CV & LinkedIn repositioning Using the Positioning Framework, we completely reimagined my profile. Instead of presenting myself as a "BDR at Salesforce," we positioned me as a "Full-cycle sales professional specialized in technical B2B solutions"—highlighting capabilities that cybersecurity companies desperately needed.
2. Role-Fit Outreach Instead of blindly applying online, we used the Role-Fit Summary method to connect directly with hiring managers at top cybersecurity startups. For each outreach, I specifically addressed their pain points and explained exactly how my experience would solve them—even without industry experience.
3. S.H.H. Interview preparation We drilled the Smart-Hungry-Humble framework, which transformed how I presented myself in interviews. Rather than apologizing for my lack of cybersecurity background, I showcased how my outsider perspective brought fresh sales strategies they needed.
4. Value-based negotiation The negotiation training was a game-changer. Instead of accepting the first offer, I learned to quantify my potential value to the company and negotiate from a position of confidence, not desperation.
From undervalued BDR to six-figure Account Executive in 5 weeks
Within just 5 weeks of implementing the Industry Pivot System, I landed multiple interviews with cybersecurity companies. One fast-growing startup was particularly impressed with how I positioned myself as a solution to their enterprise sales challenges.
They offered me an Account Executive position with:
- A base salary nearly 40% higher than my previous role
- Uncapped commission structure with realistic OTE double my previous total compensation
- Equity in a rapidly growing company
- Flexible work arrangements that let me be present for my growing family
The best part? I didn't need to learn a single new skill to double my income. The same abilities I already had were simply valued much higher in this new environment.
Same skills, different environment, completely different results
Before the Industry Pivot System, I was grinding away at a company that could never truly reward my contributions properly. I was working harder and harder for smaller and smaller returns.
Now I have more freedom in how I manage my day-to-day, more respect from my peers, and a clear path to further promotions. My stress levels have plummeted while my bank account has grown significantly.
"I went from doubting my abilities to earning a six-figure salary in an exciting, fast-growing industry. The Industry Pivot System showed me I wasn't lacking skills—I was just in the wrong environment. Now I'm no longer grinding aimlessly—I'm thriving, with more freedom and responsibility than ever before."
—Bryan, Account Executive (Cybersecurity)
Are you in the wrong environment for your skills?
Book a no-obligation Career Strategy Call to identify which high-growth industries would value your existing skills at 2x your current salary.
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HOW I JUMPED TO A SENIOR ENTERPRISE SALES ROLE (AND A 43%+ PAY RAISE)
I was doing "fine" in my sales role but watching others with similar experience land senior positions with much higher pay until I realized I was trapped in a low-growth environment.
HOW I SECURED A 20% SALARY INCREASE USING DATA-BACKED NEGOTIATION
I knew I deserved more for my expanded responsibilities, but fear and uncertainty kept me from asking until I learned how to confidently demonstrate my true market value.
We’d love to hear more about your career goals!
  Book a call with one of our dedicated Career Advisors so we can learn more about your situation. And if we think we can help, we’ll walk you through how to join Industry pivot System.
Raghav Dawar
Global Enterprise Account
“I was moving from abroad to London and had tons of experience, but I couldn’t get recruiters to pay attention. Gaurav’s strategy helped me rebrand myself as a global talent who could bring in international business. He also guided me to target companies that needed someone with a global sales perspective, rather than just a regional focus. Soon, I had multiple offers in London and ended up in a Global Enterprise Account role with uncapped commission an amazing turnaround from where I started!”
Natalia M.
Business DevelopmentÂ
“I was determined to refine my sales skills and really highlight the success I’d had in past roles, but I struggled to show employers how my experience translated to a new business development position. Working with Gaurav taught me how to present myself as a proactive problem solver instead of just another candidate. I revamped my CV and interview strategy to emphasize my strengths, and I soon landed a sales role with uncapped commission—exactly what I’d been aiming for. Now, I’m growing my skill set every day and feeling more confident than ever.”
Aditya Gavali
Senior Data Specialist
“I was stuck in a credit analyst role, and it felt like my broader skill set was going unused. I tried internal applications, but no one seemed to see how I could pivot to a more data-focused job. Then Gaurav helped me articulate my value in a way that directly addressed what my company needed—he even worked with me on a concise pitch showing how I’d succeed as a Senior Data Specialist. Within weeks, I secured an internal move to a more senior role in a different department, giving me the fresh challenge I’d been craving. Now I’m happier, more engaged, and excited to push my limits further.”
Joyle B.Â
Operations Leader
“I was sending out tons of applications, only to face rejection after rejection. Gaurav’s outreach strategy finally helped me show hiring managers the tangible results I could deliver, backed up by a stronger CV and LinkedIn presence. That led me to an ideal operations role, and I was promotedafter just one year because of the impact I made. Finding the right environment has completely changed how I feel about my career.”
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Srujan Kumar
Project ManagerÂ
As an international student, I was struggling to land interviews for jobs in the UK, sending out endless CV with no responses. Even when I did get interviews, they'd say they couldn’t sponsor me, and I felt stuck. Since I started working with Gaurav, who'd been an international student himself, everything changed. He showed me exactly how to position myself as a top candidate, identify the right companies willing to sponsor, and highlight the value I bring in my CV during the interviews. Within a few weeks, I secured a sponsored role that completely transformed my career prospects.
Camilia Gurriaran
Legal and Policy Officer
“I was applying for legal roles in an incredibly competitive environment and struggling to prove I could handle complex projects—especially since I was early in my career. Gaurav helped me build my confidence and articulate my expertise in a way that genuinely showcased my potential. After making those changes to my CV, LinkedIn, and interview approach, I landed a job at a top European firm in just six weeks. I’m already on track for rapid progress, and I couldn’t be happier!”
Christopher Arida
Consulting Professional
“After running my own business for years, I decided to return to the corporate world—but I wasn’t sure how to position my entrepreneurial track record. Gaurav helped me translate everything I’d learned as a founder—strategy, operations, leadership—into a powerful CV and LinkedIn profile. Shortly after, I joined a consulting firm, where the team recognized my unique skill set almost immediately, and I advanced quickly in just a year. It’s amazing to see how the right positioning can open doors.”
Manthan Shan
Cyber Security Analyst
“I was doing all right in my current job, but I wanted something with real six-figure potential—something that would keep me ahead in a fast-evolving industry. Gaurav and I honed in on cybersecurity, reorienting my CV and LinkedIn to showcase the precise mix of technical and soft skills employers look for. We also developed networking and outreach tactics that got me in front of the right people. I soon secured a role at a globally recognized firm and started advancing internally soon after, all while enjoying a significant salary boost. It’s amazing how targeted positioning can change everything.”
Uliana Smirnova
Senior Brand ManagerÂ
Feeling stuck in my career, I sought Gaurav's expertise. His support in identifying my strengths and core values was a turning point. It significantly improved my understanding of the types of roles and work environments that would be the best fit for me
Xiole ChenÂ
Solution Consultant
“I was at a company where my career growth felt completely stalled, and I was worried about how to future-proof my skill set. That’s when I reached out to Gaurav. He helped me analyze which high-growth industries matched my experience, then we reworked my CV and LinkedIn to spotlight my problem-solving abilities in a sales consulting context. Within three weeks, I landed a role at a top-100 company in my chosen space—and I’ve already been promoted twice in two years. Now I’m thriving as a Solutions Consultant with uncapped commission, and I finally feel secure in both my earning potential and career trajectory.”
Sandipan Basu
Regional Category Manager
“I was doing well enough, but I felt like I’d hit a plateau and didn’t have the energy or excitement to keep going. Rather than jump ship, Gaurav guided me in re-examining my priorities and deciding whether a senior role within my current company might be the answer. We overhauled my professional branding and focused on how to advocate for my own advancement. I landed a leadership position in the same organization, complete with better pay and more autonomy. It’s renewed my passion and reminded me why I loved this field in the first place.”
Iris Otano
Director Technical Program ManagerÂ
“I’ve always had a strong background, but somehow my salary never quite matched the value I brought to the table. Working with Gaurav changed that. He guided me through a negotiation strategy that highlighted my ability to manage complex technical projects and solve high-level problems. As a result, I increased my total compensation by six figures—and for the first time, I feel like I’m being paid what I’m worth. Having that confidence has transformed how I approach my role, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Kim Schmidt
Head of E-commerce
“I had plenty of amazing e-commerce experience, but I kept missing out on opportunities because I couldn’t articulatemy value in interviews. Gaurav helped me translate my background into tangible results businesses understand. Soon after, I landed a Senior Head of E-Commercerole with a multi-six-figure package!”
We’d love to hear more about your career goals!
  Book a call with one of our dedicated Career Advisors so we can learn more about your situation. And if we think we can help, we’ll walk you through how to join Industry pivot System.
