19. Dervan Alleyne, self development supremo

In this conversation, Dervan Alleyne, Commercial Director UK & Ireland with Signify Lighting (formerlyly Philips Lighting), and Vice President of the UK's Highways Electrical Association, shares his journey into sales leadership, discussing his passion for sales, the transition through various industries, and the importance of personal development.

He emphasizes the significance of understanding individual team members' needs and adapting management styles accordingly. He also provides insights into the complexities of the lighting industry, highlighting the technical expertise required and the impact of lighting on people's lives. 

Dervan discusses the multifaceted impact of lighting on society, the transition from insurance to a multinational corporation, and the essential characteristics of effective management. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, mentorship, and continuous learning in personal and professional development. 

He shares effective questioning techniques in sales, the significance of time management for personal growth, and the value of diverse reading for enhancing management skills. He also highlights the role of formal education in validating one's expertise in management, the importance of mentorship, and his involvement in industry associations. He shares insights on becoming a chartered manager, the value of networking, and the significance of investing in personal development. Dervan also offers practical tips for new sales managers and reflects on his biggest mistakes and triumphs in his career.

Takeaways
• Dervan's passion for sales drove his career choices.
• Sales management was a natural progression for him.
• Creating a fun and motivating environment is key.
• Coaching and mentoring are essential in sales leadership.
• Understanding individual team needs is crucial for success.
• Personal development became important as he faced new challenges.
• The lighting industry requires specialized knowledge.
• Dervan's competitive nature fueled his ambition.
• Sales techniques can be applied to management effectively.
• Empowering team members leads to better results. 
• Transitioning to a multinational corporation offers greater opportunities.
• Effective management requires being a person others want to follow.
• Self-reflection is crucial for leadership success.
• Mentorship can greatly enhance career development.
• Balancing personal development with team growth is important.
• Time management is key to dedicating time for learning.
• Diverse reading enriches management skills and perspectives. 
• Chartered management is a valuable qualification for leaders.
• Engagement in industry associations can enhance professional growth.
• Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional development.
• New managers should focus on time management and planning.
• Asking for help from peers can provide valuable insights.
• Investing in oneself is essential for long-term success.
• Reflecting on experiences helps in understanding one's journey.
• Building a network is key to navigating challenges in management.
• Learning from mistakes is a vital part of growth.
• Believing in oneself can lead to greater achievements.

Sound Bites
"I was very passionate about sales."
"I can take these people on a journey."
"I had a point to prove."
"I jumped straight back in."
"I bought into having a mentor."
"I set aside 20% of my time for learning."
"The degree was more of a personal thing."
"Management and leadership is a journey."
"Investing in yourself sooner is key."
"Believe in yourself personally."

Recommended books
Dervan particularly recommends: The Idiot Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains What Your Head is Really Up; by Dean Burnett