The Enablement Edge

The Power of Data and Dialogue on a Global Scale with IBM's Georgia Watson

Episode Summary

<p>Driving revenue growth in today's ever-evolving global market is no small task, but equipping yourself with innovative enablement strategies can make a world of difference. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiawatson/">Georgia Watson</a>, Sales Enablement Leader, Australia, South East Asia, New Zealand, Korea at <a href="https://www.ibm.com/us-en">IBM</a>, shares her experience cultivating enablement innovation in both EMEA and APAC regions, using data and dialogue to understand the influence of local cultures. The discussion also touches on an exploration of design thinking as a problem-solving framework, the importance of personas in understanding user needs, and Georgia’s own experience with launching a pilot program that failed. </p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Here are the key takeaways from our conversation with Georgia: </strong></p><p><br /></p><ol><li><strong>The power of edutainment:</strong> Engaging employees through entertaining educational content proved to be highly effective in boosting team collaboration and knowledge.</li><li><strong>Understanding cultural nuances:</strong> Enablement program success relies on understanding cultural differences. Georgia shares tips on how to adapt your learning, coaching, and feedback strategies accordingly. </li><li><strong>The role of design thinking:</strong> Applying design thinking methodology is one helpful approach for innovation in sales enablement. Facilitate effective problem solving by understanding user personas and keeping the user at the center.</li></ol><p><br /></p><p><strong>Jump into the conversation: </strong></p><p>[01:10] Who is Georgia Watson (personally and professionally)</p><p>[08:22] Why innovation is critical to capturing total attention while learning</p><p>[16:33] How a failed pilot program revealed cultural nuances and learnings</p><p>[20:40] Why we need to consider diverse geographies, cultural factors, and local context</p><p>[28:28] How to use data and conversation to gain insights and understand perspectives</p><p>[30:30] Heather and Steve’s takeaways from the episode </p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Continue the conversation with these resources: </strong></p><ul><li>Learn <a href="https://seismic.com/enablement-explainers/how-to-build-a-sales-enablement-plan/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast-hosting&utm_campaign=all-wf_2023-06_podcast-subscribe&utm_content=podcast&utm_contenttype=web-page&utm_contentstage=tofu">how to scale and prioritize the process of sales enablement planning</a> in this in depth article on seismic.com.</li><li>Consider <a href="https://seismic.com/products/seismic-knowledge/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast-hosting&utm_campaign=all-wf_2023-06_podcast-subscribe&utm_content=podcast&utm_contenttype=web-page&utm_contentstage=tofu">Seismic Knowledge</a> for just-in-time enablement, empowering your team with the answers, documentation, and assets they need — right in their moment of need.</li><li><a href="https://seismic.com/shift/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast-hosting&utm_campaign=all-wf_2023-06_podcast-subscribe&utm_content=podcast&utm_contenttype=web-page&utm_contentstage=tofu">Shift</a> is where the best and brightest go-to-market leaders go to grow. Join us October 23-26 in sunny San Diego, CA. </li></ul>

Episode Notes

Driving revenue growth in today's ever-evolving global market is no small task, but equipping yourself with innovative enablement strategies can make a world of difference. 


Georgia Watson, Sales Enablement Leader, Australia, South East Asia, New Zealand, Korea at IBM, shares her experience cultivating enablement innovation in both EMEA and APAC regions, using data and dialogue to understand the influence of local cultures. The discussion also touches on an exploration of design thinking as a problem-solving framework, the importance of personas in understanding user needs, and Georgia’s own experience with launching a pilot program that failed. 


Here are the key takeaways from our conversation with Georgia: 


  1. The power of edutainment: Engaging employees through entertaining educational content proved to be highly effective in boosting team collaboration and knowledge.
  2. Understanding cultural nuances: Enablement program success relies on understanding cultural differences. Georgia shares tips on how to adapt your learning, coaching, and feedback strategies accordingly. 
  3. The role of design thinking: Applying design thinking methodology is one helpful approach for innovation in sales enablement. Facilitate effective problem solving by understanding user personas and keeping the user at the center.


Jump into the conversation: 

[01:10] Who is Georgia Watson (personally and professionally)

[08:22] Why innovation is critical to capturing total attention while learning

[16:33] How a failed pilot program revealed cultural nuances and learnings

[20:40] Why we need to consider diverse geographies, cultural factors, and local context

[28:28] How to use data and conversation to gain insights and understand perspectives

[30:30] Heather and Steve’s takeaways from the episode 


Continue the conversation with these resources: