For the first meeting of the year, we swapped spreadsheets for inspiration boards. We hosted a Virtual Vision Board Activity—a creative and interactive way to set our intentions for 2025 while strengthening connections.

Bringing Visions to Life

The activity was simple yet powerful. Participants claimed a slide in a collaborative deck, added their names, and responded to a series of prompts by pasting images that resonated with their goals and aspirations. From career milestones to personal well-being, each board became a colorful snapshot of what we hope to manifest in the year ahead.

The best part? No overthinking allowed! We encouraged everyone to have fun, dream big, and let creativity take the lead.

“I had a great time creating my vision board! It was a fun way to visually capture my goals and aspirations for 2025 while identifying areas where I can improve. Really enjoyed the process!” - Marie Jonas, Manager, Marketing Automation, North Carolina, U.S 

After filling our slides with inspiration, we broke into small groups for breakout room discussions. People shared the meaning behind their boards, offered encouragement, and found common ground in their hopes for the future.

“Creating a vision board for 2025 was a valuable exercise in aligning both personal and professional goals, providing clarity and motivation for the year ahead.” - Jenna Newman, Hacker Success Manager, Community, Florida, U.S.

We wrapped up with a group share, where a few volunteers showcased their boards, giving us a glimpse into their goals and dreams. It was a great reminder that while our paths may look different, we’re all striving to grow, succeed, and support each other along the way.

“I felt inspired hearing everyone's personal and career goals through their vision boards. I'm thankful for the honest and heartfelt sharings at the end, which instilled a sense of community and camaraderie.” - Kelly Pau, Project Manager, Technical Engagements, Virginia, U.S.

More Than Just a Board—A Community

This event wasn’t just about setting goals; it was about lifting each other and creating space for inspiration. Women@ is more than just a monthly meeting—it’s a place where we grow together, celebrate wins (big and small), and champion each other’s success.

Building community and empowerment is fundamental to the HackerOne culture, and the Women@ employee resource group (ERG) exemplifies this commitment. Women@ brings together a vibrant and diverse community of over 100 women and allies from various departments, backgrounds, and career levels. This group is united by a shared dedication to growth, inclusion, and mutual support.

When Jobert and Michiel started their penetration testing consultancy, they ran into a frustrating reality. Convincing companies to trust two 18-year-olds without professional credentials or experience wasn’t easy. Despite their six years of hacking expertise, their youth and status as university students left potential clients skeptical. Rather than let doubt stop them, they came up with a clever plan.

They came up with an unconventional idea to stand out. If they couldn’t find a security vulnerability in a company’s system within 30 minutes, they promised to buy the company a cake of their choice. The offer piqued the curiosity of potential clients, many of whom were confident their systems were secure. Jobert and Michiel saw it as an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise hands-on.

They found, time and again, that no system is completely flawless. Over the year and a half they ran this promotion, they never had to buy a single cake. This was a testament that vulnerabilities can exist even in the most carefully designed systems. The experience not only proved their skills but also helped them build trust with clients, leading to contracts that shaped their careers as penetration testers.

“Together we creatively overcame a limitation, which eventually led to the foundation of HackerOne.” - Jobert Abma, HackerOne Co-Founder, Distinguished Engineer, California, U.S.

This story isn't just a clever marketing move; it captures the culture at HackerOne. At our core, we’re all about creating solutions, showing our value through what we do, and building trust little by little. Like Jobert and Michiel's “cake challenge,” we aim to turn doubts into confidence and tackle every challenge with flair.

The “cake story” also highlights an enduring value of HackerOne – our belief that hacking is about more than breaking systems; it’s about building trust. From those early days of penetration testing to our global bug bounty platform today, we continue to champion transparency, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence.

“Vulnerabilities are inevitable. What matters is how you uncover and address them to build trust and stronger defenses.” - Michiel Prins, HackerOne Co-founder & Senior Director, Product Management, California, U.S.

Next time you spot a slice of cake at the office—or hear someone chatting about sweet perks—think about those two Dutch hackers who turned desserts into a stepping stone for success. It’s a legacy we’re proud of, and we carry that spirit with us every day as we work towards making the internet safer for everyone.

At HackerOne, we tackle hacking challenges with a mix of creativity and determination. This mindset goes back to our roots, which started when our two co-founders, Jobert Abma and Michiel Prins, devised a pretty unconventional plan involving cake and a lot of talent.

When Saskia joined the tech world, she didn’t follow the conventional path of computer science degrees or coding boot camps. Instead, her journey was shaped by skills she honed in customer service, a deep sense of empathy, and a persistent belief in the power of adaptability. 

“I started my career in customer service, working in retail and then a call center in Ireland. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me the importance of empathetic de-escalation and creating world-class customer experiences.”

When Saskia joined HackerOne in 2020 as an Employee Success Coordinator, she couldn’t have predicted how the pandemic would reshape her career. With the office closing and recruiting temporarily paused, she faced a pivotal moment.

“I leaned into my strengths, as a seasoned support aficionado, and set my sights on a team with a unique, yet powerful mission that needed more support - HackerOne Mediation.”

Turning Soft Skills into Hard Results

One of the most valuable lessons Saskia learned was that the skills she brought from her non-tech background were not only applicable but transformative in her new career.

“No matter where you are in an organization, empathy, open-mindedness, and collaboration are essential. When teams work together, we create solutions that truly benefit our customers and hackers. That’s how we #win-as-a-team.”

Her passion for learning and tenacity also played key roles in her growth. She believes that asking questions and remaining adaptable is crucial in an industry defined by constant change.

“Education is a lifelong journey, and there’s no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t know—ask, so you will know.”

Advice for Career Changers

For those hesitant to transition into a career in tech without a traditional background, Saskia has simple but impactful advice: be curious, adaptable, and willing to take risks.

“I read a quote once that said, ‘A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.’ You’ll never know unless you try. Take that leap, whether it’s a new career path or a bold process change. You might fail—or you might find it’s the best decision you ever made.”

Saskia’s story shows that there’s no single path into the tech world—it’s about creating your own. Success comes from showing up with your unique strengths, staying curious, and embracing change, even when it feels uncertain. Her journey highlights the value of taking risks and staying true to yourself every step of the way.

Hack My Career is a special edition in which we share HackerOne employees’ career journeys and how they arrived at their current roles. We talked to Saskia Braucher, Manager, Mediation, about her unique path and asked her to share insights into her career.

Employees at HackerOne utilize the Working Genius model, which provides individuals and teams with a straightforward, practical, and effective framework for leveraging each other’s natural talents. This approach enhances productivity and minimizes unnecessary criticism.

Developed by Patrick Lencioni, this model identifies six types of genius that people exhibit in their professional lives: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. 

The Six Types of Working Genius 

• Wonder: Those with this genius are naturally curious and seek to understand problems and opportunities deeply. 
• Invention: This genius involves creative thinking, enabling the development of innovative solutions and ideas.
• Discernment: Individuals with this genius can evaluate ideas and proposals objectively. 
• Galvanizing: Those with this genius are natural motivators, capable of rallying the team around a common goal.
• Enablement: These team members excel at providing support and encouragement to others to help them succeed. 
• Tenacity: The natural gift of pushing projects or tasks to completion to achieve results.

How HackerOne Introduced the Working Genius

We began implementing the Working Genius tool with the executive team, allowing them to explore their leadership styles and understand how these styles complement one another. After this initial phase, we expanded the tool's use to each department, helping individuals recognize their strengths and enhancing collaboration. 

We use the Working Genius model as a common language, enabling all employees to understand and appreciate each other's unique strengths and working styles, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support.

The Working Genius tool has become a crucial component of our leadership development program. It provides leaders with insights into their own working styles and guidance on how to leverage their teams’ strengths effectively.

Today, every new employee completes a Working Genius assessment in the first 30 days of employment. 

Working Genius in Real Life

The Working Genius model is a powerful tool that HackerOne uses to enhance collaboration and productivity. By identifying and leveraging team members' unique strengths, we can create a more dynamic, innovative, and engaged workforce. 

How Managers Use Working Genius

Whether they’re brand-new or seasoned leaders, managers use Working Genius to get to know their teams. It helps them figure out who thrives where, making it way easier to delegate, build trust, and play to everyone’s strengths.

Personal Growth

The Working Genius model is essential for personal career growth. It helps identify natural strengths, allowing employees to focus on energizing tasks while reducing frustration. This model serves as a roadmap for career choices, effective communication, and collaboration. By aligning work with the Genius—whether you are a creative visionary or a results-driven executor—employees can achieve greater satisfaction, productivity, and success, while also identifying areas for growth.

Building Stronger Projects

Matching people to projects isn’t a guessing game anymore. With Working Genius, we align assignments with people’s natural talents. Big ideas go to the visionaries, detailed work goes to the doers—it’s all about putting the right people in the right roles to get the best results.

Organizing Better Meetings

The Talent Strategy Partners use the Working Genius model to structure meetings by leveraging each phase of work: Wonder and Invention for brainstorming, Discernment for evaluating ideas, and Galvanizing to energize the team and drive action. Enablement and Tenacity ensure follow-through by supporting the next steps and pushing tasks to completion. This framework helps us make meetings more purposeful and productive.

HackerOne utilizes the Working Genius model to recognize and leverage individual strengths within teams. By identifying six types of genius—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—HackerOne empowers employees to thrive and contribute from day one, driving innovation and engagement throughout the company.

Recognizing team members' unique strengths and abilities is crucial for achieving optimal performance. 

This year, we launched new initiatives designed to bring people together in fun and innovative ways, including playing online games, monthly global fitness challenges, and unique team-building activities. These programs highlight our commitment to employee engagement, mental and physical wellness, and an inclusive work culture.

The Power of Play: Connecting Through Online Games

Our latest initiative brings teams together through online, interactive games designed to make team-building simple and fun. These activities go beyond daily tasks, offering a space for originality, collaboration, and silliness. From trivia contests to virtual escape rooms, these challenges create opportunities for colleagues across time zones to connect on a personal level.

“Getting a chance to interact and see colleagues from different teams that I may not otherwise have a chance to work with was excellent. The games made the experience even better because we got to see each other in our silliest of states. Having fun with colleagues can sometimes be a rare treat, especially when most of my engagement with my team is through business-related discussions. This refilled my fun meter on a busy day and re-energized me.” - Meagan Miller, Senior Strategist, Developer Products, Massachusetts, U.S.

Celebrating Wins with Creativity

We also encourage teams to celebrate their achievements in ways that reflect their unique styles. Vlad, one of our engineering managers, recently hosted a fun celebration for his team following a successful feature release. 

Rather than a standard Zoom hangout, team members used LEGO's online Minifigure Factory tool to design their own LEGO representations by picking hairstyles and outfits and adding details, accessories, and custom text. 

“We had a fun bonding experience with the team, celebrating our success in a fun way. We designed our minifigures and showed them, shared tips (how to recreate the iconic HackerOne logo), and additionally got to know our two new team members. It was a big hit, and everybody now has a great memory and their own LEGO minifigure!” - Vlad Osypov, Manager, Software Engineering, California, U.S.

These moments of play not only recognize the hard work that goes into each project but also strengthen bonds among team members, developing a culture of appreciation and fun! 

Fitness for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Nothing brings people together like a bit of friendly competition! Our monthly Global Fitness Challenge has transformed wellness into a team-driven adventure. Through an easy-to-use app, employees log their workouts, track progress, and race for the top spot on the leaderboard. This challenge goes beyond fitness—it’s about boosting energy, building connections, and keeping spirits high while cheering each other on.

“Joining the Global Fitness Challenge has turned fitness into a fun, shared experience—pushing me to reach my personal goals faster and stay motivated alongside others!" - Komal Bhosale, Product Security Analyst, Maharashtra, India

Building a Culture of Connection

Programs like interactive team games, our monthly fitness challenge, and creative team celebrations are more than just activities; they’re an integral part of what makes HackerOne a unique place to work. 

Our strong culture of engagement helps employees build lasting connections beyond their roles. These initiatives demonstrate that we can cultivate a vibrant and inclusive culture that values both work and play, even in a remote environment.

At HackerOne, a strong, engaged team is the foundation of our success. While we’re a remote, digital first organization, we’ve found creative ways to encourage meaningful connections and build community—no matter where our team members are.

Employees had the chance to connect over shared goals and values, fostering stronger relationships beyond the workplace. This event generated 13 projects around the U.S. and the Netherlands. Here’s what employees did this fall.

• Local Gardens: In collaboration with a local organization, employees in Colorado and North Carolina spent the morning harvesting a garden by harvesting vegetables, weeding, and raking the soil. The team contributed to creating more equitable access to public outdoor spaces and promoting community well-being.
• Health Facilities: Employees in the Netherlands spent the morning playing board games with patients and serving them coffee. In the afternoon, the team drove patients home. 

• Food Banks: Teams in Seattle and San Francisco prepared food for distribution by verifying, sorting, labeling, and repacking food items.

“Volunteering at Second Harvest Silicon Valley was a meaningful reminder of the impact we create when we come together with a shared purpose. Just as our business relies on a community of hackers working for the greater good to make the internet a safer place, Second Harvest depends on community volunteers to help provide food for over half a million people facing food insecurity in our area.” - Frances Pong, Director, Finance Transformation, California, U.S.

HackerOne employees know that volunteering is important because it helps communities grow, builds connections, and supports those who need it. Whether during our dedicated volunteer days or on their own time, volunteering lets people use their skills and time for meaningful causes, leading to personal growth and new viewpoints. We are proud of our team for showing how working together can lead to positive change.

“Last year, Ballard Food Bank served 3.5 million pounds of food to feed neighbors in need. Spending the afternoon on the receiving end of countless smiles of delight when handing over bags of food is the best.” Mimi Li, Vice President, Data, Washington, U.S.

This year’s fall event successfully reinforced our company values and commitment to social responsibility. The active involvement of our employees exemplifies what can be achieved when we unite for a common cause. We are grateful for everyone's participation and look forward to more opportunities to give back!

During HackerOne’s second Day of Service in September, employees from across our organization participated in the community volunteer event. During this biannual initiative, we call on our global team to take action and contribute positively to our communities, reflecting our value of respect all people.

Since 2018, HackerOne has maintained an employee engagement survey participation rate of over 80%, with half of the surveys achieving 90% or more participation. The executive leaders read every comment and make action plans to address feedback on their teams. The commitment from leaders and employees is essential for enhancing workplace culture, improving retention rates, and driving overall performance. 

The Importance of Employee Feedback 

Regular engagement surveys allow employees to express their thoughts, feedback, and experiences within the company. This practice gives insight into employee morale and allows leadership to identify potential areas for improvement. 

By conducting surveys twice a year, HackerOne tracks changes in sentiment, making it easier to respond to emerging concerns. Here are the benefits of asking for employee feedback often:

• Enhanced Communication: Surveys create open dialogue between employees and leaders. Employees feel heard and valued, which fosters trust and transparency. 
• Data-Driven Decisions: Collecting and analyzing survey data helps leadership make informed decisions. Understanding trends in employee feedback enables proactive measures rather than reactive fixes. 
• Strategic Focus: By regularly assessing employee engagement, HackerOne can effectively align its goals with the needs of its workforce, ensuring everyone is moving in the same direction. 
• Increased Retention: Engaged employees are more likely to stay with the company. By addressing issues identified in surveys, we hope to create a more satisfying work environment. 
• Boosted Productivity: When employees feel valued and engaged, their productivity levels often rise. Engaged teams are more motivated and better equipped to deliver high-quality results. 

“The culture of transparency and mission focus keep me motivated to drive the business forward. I find my work fulfilling and enjoy most of it, with a few exceptions. I'm not only motivated to do my baseline role, but I'm also motivated to fix the barriers along the way to help propel us forward.” - HackerOne employee

Implementing the Surveys

Leaders take the time to read comments and develop action plans within their departments. HackerOne has found that consistently applying these three strategies leads to high participation rates, resulting in employees submitting constructive and honest feedback.

• Anonymous Feedback: Keeping feedback anonymous helps employees feel safe, encouraging them to share their thoughts openly. 
• Actionable Questions: The surveys focus on specific aspects of the work environment, ranging from leadership effectiveness to employee connection to company objectives.
• Follow-Up: After each survey, findings are openly presented to the company. Department leaders have open conversations with their teams and outline steps for improvement.

“One of the best parts about working at HackerOne is the strong sense of teamwork. Even when things get a bit chaotic, most people are genuinely invested in each other's success and collaborating to achieve our goals. It creates a supportive environment where we can tackle challenges together and celebrate our wins as a team.” - HackerOne employee

Feedback Turns into Action

Over the years, employee feedback has led to the forming of work groups and initiatives for change. Here are some of the actions implemented as a result of feedback from employee engagement surveys:

• Quarterly business updates with business results, project updates, and directives for the upcoming quarter.
• Monthly people leader connections to get important information about new programs, processes, and other topics that matter to the business and employees.
• A consistent communication process that ensures employees receive important information efficiently and promptly.
• The development of a career progression tool that helps employees map out, track, and facilitate career growth.

Conducting employee engagement surveys twice a year brings significant value to HackerOne. By consistently gathering feedback, employees recognize that we value their opinions. These surveys allow us to create actionable items to enhance processes and improve the business based on their insights.

HackerOne knows that asking employees for feedback is a crucial metric for assessing organizational health and success. By implementing biannual anonymous employee engagement surveys, HackerOne gains insights into employee satisfaction and commitment, which, with the right action, leads to transformative results.

If you’re considering applying, here’s a look at what you can expect from the process, from the initial application to joining your onboarding cohort.

Application Review 

Once you submit your application, our team carefully reviews your experience and qualifications and how well they align with the role. Ensure your resume is polished and specific, highlighting the most relevant parts of your experience.

"Candidates who stand out are the ones who’ve done their homework. They know about HackerOne, our mission, and can share what excites them about working here."  - Kayley LoSardo, Senior Recruiter, California, U.S.

Recruiter Screen

The first conversation you'll have is with one of our recruiters. This screen lets you tell your story, ask questions, and get a feel for the role. This is also the stage where we look for candidates who align with our values, so be ready to discuss how those values resonate with you.

"It’s important to be clear and concise, giving specific examples from your experience. Prepare good questions to ask at the end of the call—it shows you're engaged and thoughtful." - Kayley LoSardo, Senior Recruiter, California, U.S.

The Interview Process

At HackerOne, we tailor the interview process to fit the role. Candidates can expect a hiring manager interview, team interviews, and sometimes a challenging interview to assess skills. Depending on the role, you might also meet with a company leader.

"Your recruiter is your friend; they’ll guide you through the process, provide feedback, and help you prepare for the next round. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or support—we want you to succeed!"  - Hannah Meltzer, Recruiter, Georgia, U.S.

What We Look For 

The skills and qualities we seek depend on the role, but one thing is constant: we want candidates who live by our values. Throughout the process, we look for mission-driven, communicative, and respectful people. 

"We assess cultural add by asking value-specific questions, and we’re also keen to see how candidates lift others in their careers and how they engage with everyone involved in the process." - Kayley LoSardo, Senior Recruiter, California, U.S.

Common Pitfalls

Preparation is key. Kayley notes that one of the most common mistakes candidates make is showing up unprepared or failing to ask questions. Even if you’ve already asked a question in a previous interview, it’s okay to ask it again to a different interviewer. 

Another red flag? Speaking negatively about current or past employers. Instead, focus on what you’ve learned and how it’s prepared you for the role at HackerOne.

Feedback and Next Steps 

If you move forward in the process, your recruiter will provide timely updates, and if things don’t work out, we’ll offer constructive feedback. 

"We want candidates to leave with a positive experience. Even if you’re not the right fit for a role, we’re happy to provide insights into what the team reviewed."  -Hannah Meltzer, Recruiter, Georgia, U.S.

From Offer to Onboarding  

Once you receive an offer and pass the background check, your journey with HackerOne begins. As part of your onboarding, you’ll join a cohort in our HATCH program, which includes everything you need to get started: an overview of our culture, an introduction to our product and services, and tools like Working Genius to help you thrive. Your manager will also develop a plan to guide you through your first few months.

"Lean on your team for support, take notes, and use resources like Confluence for documentation. When you feel ready, dive into Slack channels or join one of our Employee Resource Groups to start connecting with the HackerOne community."  - Hannah Meltzer, Recruiter, Georgia, U.S.

Ultimately, our recruitment process is designed to give you the best opportunity to showcase your skills while ensuring we’re an excellent fit for each other. With the proper preparation, a clear understanding of our values, and an open line of communication with your recruiter, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Ready to apply? Check out open roles here: https://www.hackerone.com/careers

At HackerOne, recruitment is more than just filling a position—it’s about welcoming new members into a community that shares our mission and values. 

In this interview, we explore Harley's experience at DEFCON, the world’s largest hacker convention, where he took his skills to new heights. His story goes beyond technical expertise; it's about perseverance, community building, and a quest for knowledge.

The Journey Begins

Harley’s fascination with cybersecurity began at 14 when a phishing attempt in an online game sparked his curiosity. This early experience ignited a passion that would shape his career path. He began teaching himself about phishing websites and hacking tools despite being a self-described "script kiddie" at the time.

“I was immediately intrigued. I knew the site was not real because there were clear signs, but I couldn’t believe someone could clone a website. It felt like discovering a superpower.” 

Harley’s determination to learn more led him to enroll in cybersecurity courses at a local community college. While there, a chance encounter with a YouTube video of Dave Kennedy at DEFCON solidified his desire to be part of the cybersecurity community. 

“Watching him type so fast during live demonstrations made me realize how much I had to learn, but it also made me want to be there, at DEFCON, among people who shared my passion.”

Getting to DEFCON

Harley’s journey from imposter syndrome to validation began with small steps, including starting the first cybersecurity club at his college and working on various information technology (IT) projects focusing on security. Despite financial constraints, Harley was determined to attend DEFCON in 2019. 

“I just scraped up money, asked a friend if I could crash with them, and made it happen. It wasn’t easy, but once I got there, it solidified that this is what I want to do.”

This newfound motivation led Harley to pursue various security certifications, launch a YouTube channel to share his knowledge, and eventually transition into a full-time cybersecurity role.

“When I went to DEFCON and saw thousands of people like me, it was like, ‘Sweet, I’m not alone.’ It gave me a sense of belonging and inspired me to pursue my goals more fiercely.” 

Key Takeaways from DEFCON

Harley’s dedication to continuous learning and community involvement paid off when he landed a job that sponsored his second DEFCON trip. 

“Convincing my company to sponsor my trip was a big deal. Returning to DEFCON, I realized it’s not just about the talks; it’s about the people you meet and the connections you make.”

In 2024, Harley took his involvement with DEFCON to the next level by organizing the inaugural Bug Bounty Village. This initiative reflects his commitment to innovation and fostering community, which are integral to HackerOne’s culture. 

“The idea came from my deep involvement in the security community and discussions with colleagues who shared my passion for DEFCON. Bringing the Bug Bounty Village to life was a way to give back to the community and create a space where others could learn and grow, just as I have.”

Harley's journey from a curious teenager to a leader in cybersecurity shows the impact of staying true to oneself and achieving dreams through hard work and determination. His story inspires anyone looking to make their mark in the field. Harley says, “It’s about pushing yourself, taking risks, and never losing sight of your passion.” At HackerOne, we’re proud to support individuals like Harley, who embody our core values and strive to make the digital world a safer place.

Hack My Career is a special edition in which we share HackerOne employees’ career journeys and how they arrived at their current roles. We talked to Harley Kimball, Senior Technical Community Manager from Oregon, US, about his unique path and asked him to share insights into his remarkable cybersecurity journey.

At HackerOne, SDRs focus on prospecting, qualifying leads, and setting up meetings for AEs, while developing these skills to take on more responsibilities, including closing deals and managing client relationships.

We love talking to Hackeronies about their drive and dedication to pursuing new opportunities within the company. We talked to Jon Stone, a Senior Account Executive (SAE) based in the U.K., about his career, how he made the leap from SDR to AE, and how others can follow the same path. 

Why did you join HackerOne?

I have a strong interest in cybersecurity, especially on a global scale. Books like Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall and Countdown to Zero Day by Kim Zetter have fueled my fascination with the connections between global politics and cybersecurity. 

When I decided to transition into cybersecurity, HackerOne was the only company I applied to. I was drawn to HackerOne's unique role at the forefront of ethical hacking and its mission to make the internet safer. HackerOne was the perfect place to apply my skills and passions to contribute to a cause I truly believe in.

What motivated you to transition to an AE role?

During my SDR interview, I was impressed by the academic approach the sales organization took to partnering with customers. I come from a background in advertising, where I sourced and managed my customers. I wanted to get back into a similar role where I could build and maintain relationships to form partnerships.

What skills or qualities do you believe were crucial for your growth and success in sales?

You have to be interested to be interesting. The people around me who I listen to, both colleagues and customers, are incredibly fascinating. Listening is the most crucial skill in learning, sales, and friendship.

“Mentorship and guidance from others in my career have been essential. It’s the reason I joined HackerOne. You never want to be the smartest person in the room!”

How has HackerOne's culture supported you in balancing life's milestones and professional growth?

HackerOne has a culture that enables me to find the perfect balance to overcome challenges when they present themselves. When I started at HackerOne, we had just discovered that we were expecting our first kid; I was gearing up for a promotion to AE when the kid was born!

The second promotion round to SAE coincided with our wedding and honeymoon. Juggling life and taking the role seriously while remembering why we work so hard is important. It's crucial to make the most of the moments when they present themselves. 

“Successfully managing both personal and professional aspects of life, while staying focused on our goals, is truly significant. Speaking with other reps who understand the challenge would have been impossible in some other companies.”

What advice would you give to current SDRs who aspire to become AEs?

Learn the basics of sales conversations. Shadow your AE. Ask to run mock discovery calls. Understand the full process of closing a deal from start to finish. Learn when to ignore rigidity, when to be flexible, and what types of buyers your business has.

Today, Jon not only meets but exceeds targets as an SAE. He also mentors current SDRs, guiding them through the nuances of the sales process and encouraging them to envision and work toward their career aspirations.

The path from Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) to Account Executives (AEs) is a great way for those interested in a career in sales to develop valuable experience in understanding the company's products, market, and sales process, as well as developing skills in communication, negotiation, and relationship-building.