Meet Herbert Bempah, Associate Account Executive at Plative!
Fun Facts:
- When I was 13, two of my classmates and I had an opportunity to write an article for the BBC regarding Ghana’s entry and a stellar performance at the 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup. I was confident that I would end up a journalist in the future. I was wrong.
- I competed against 3000 Canadian students in a series of rounds at a Sales Competition put on and hosted by Google! And thus my strong interest in a long term sales career.
- My cultural name “Kofi” (I am from Ghana, West Africa, and of the Ashanti tribe) means, Friday born. Some of the characteristics of a “Kofi” according to some websites I found on the internet is that “you would be well-suited to be an artist, priest, or politician”. Maybe one day I’ll live up to this name.
What do you do at Plative?
I started at Plative as a Business Development Representative, reaching out to prospective clients utilizing Salesforce and validating if there are initiatives, challenges, or priorities we could potentially partner to support. Six months into the role, I stepped into a new role as an Associate Account Executive supporting sales in our NetSuite practice. This role is an exciting one as it provides the opportunity to do a bit of both prospecting and running a full sales cycle which allows me to gain even more relevant sales experience(s) and skill as I prepare myself towards a full-on Account Executive role in the near future.
What has been your favorite Team event and why?
There are a number of fun events we have had at Plative Toronto including some team barbecues, potluck with our neighbor companies and colleagues on our WeWork floor but perhaps the biggest event hit is the Meditation in a Salt Cave event. This was an extremely relaxing event right before the day and has actually led me to start meditating in the mornings before work!
What book are you reading right now? Any reason behind it?
I just finished reading Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. She is a renowned author from Nigeria. Chimamanda is one of my favorite authors ever, next to Chinua Achebe and his book, “Things Fall Apart”. I am a big fan of her work and believe she is one of the best orators of our time! Check out some of her TED Talks on YouTube.
How did you get to Plative?
Plative is my first company after graduating from university. After school, I was fortunate to receive offers from some exciting tech companies. However, Plative (GSD at the time) stood out. I had three main criteria when it came to making some pros and cons with my offers. Ultimately, my hope was to end in an organization where I could 1) Grow 2) See myself long-term and 3) an organization that recognizes individual & team efforts and also provides learning opportunities to improve skills. It has been a great decision so far! I am pleased to have begun my career with such a phenomenal company that truly cares about transforming the performance of its clients and employs some of the most passionate, hardworking, and smart individuals I have encountered.
If you wrote a memoir, what would you title it and why?
“Loose Threads”. The other day, I noticed some threads on one of my favorite over-worn shirts and noticed some (you guessed it) loose threads. I thought “How sad, but what an awesome book title?!. I’d read that” So yeah. Or Herbert by Herbert if I’m influential or famous enough in the future.
If you could go back to your first day at Plative, what advice would you give yourself?
It’s going to be okay! Better than okay even. Everyone here wants to support you and see you succeed.
Who are you sitting closest to and what is the best thing about them?
I am sitting next to my boss. Jeff St. Louis! It’s hard to pinpoint the best thing about him because there are plenty! Jeff is very impactful and has extremely positive energy in the Toronto office. The next best thing, personally, is getting direct feedback from him and the opportunity to shadow a lot of his calls and client meetings, of which he is brilliant at. I can only aspire to that level of skill and suave!
If you could choose any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would probably be open to absorbing other powers. Ability to tap and absorb the qualities of everything I touch but, of course, this power depends on there being other powers around and so I will opt for my second best superpower, Teleportation; for easier travel and exploring the world!
What would you tell someone who’s thinking of applying for a job here?
Plative is fast-growing and this is genuinely the best time to join the company! If you are looking for a fast-paced experience and a learning platform to advance your career, I’d encourage you to take that leap of faith.
What is your most unusual talent?
I used to be ambidextrous. Sadly, I no longer possess this ability after being forced to write with my right hand as a child by my teachers.
