MEET THE MAESTRO: Fractional Expert Melbourne

Dominic - Fractional Sales Expert

At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In fact, it’s the experiences, relationships and pursuits we have outside of work that can often give us an edge in what we do each day. We are kicking off an interview series called “Meet the Maestro” where we interview our Maestros and get an insight to who they really are and what makes them tick - beyond the CV.

Dominic helps founders, CEOs and executives turn uneven sales into something steady and predictable. As a fractional sales leader, he brings strategy, structure, process and accountability to the sales function, ensuring growth targets are achieved. He approaches sales transformation by analyzing what’s actually happening in sales activity, identifying what’s working and what’s not, recommending the right structure, processes and systems to close gaps, and working alongside teams to implement changes that stick. Dominic’s superpower is fast, practical thinking. He is always running Plan A, B and C in his head, allowing him to respond quickly without losing the plot. While it may sometimes appear improvised, it is grounded in constant “what if” thinking. Those close to him might say his real superpower is tidying up - a skill that explains his talent for turning noise into simple systems that people actually follow.

‍1. Tell us about a career highlight to date…

I have had some spectacular opportunities over the years and have lived and worked in the UK, Germany, South Africa, China and Australia, but in some respects my career highlight was what I built in China, a well-functioning organisation that was growing and when I left I replaced myself with someone who I had mentored for years.‍

2. Talk us through an unusual career choice you’ve made along the way…

The concept of selling and being in sales was an unusual career choice for me, I finished my time in the army, spent a year overseas and when I got back home I needed a car and at that time the easiest way to get a car was to become a sales person, so I only went into sales for the company car, then stayed because I discovered the craft, the humanity and the fact that I had a talent for it.

3. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I grew up in South Africa and as a youngster I always wanted to be a Game Ranger and work outdoors with wild animals, making a difference to the environment.

4. What are your passions outside of work and how do you make time for them?

My passions are my children, riding my motorbike and learning. My two eldest sons are passionate about cars so I spend a lot of my spare time under old cars fixing things I learnt via YouTube. Riding my motorbike allows me to clear my mind as the only thing I can think about is riding, traffic and freedom. There is a quote from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance that I love “Peace of mind produces right values, right values produce right thoughts. Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all”

5. If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

Sing & Guitar.

6. What’s a personal value or belief that guides the way you live your life?

I am busy writing a book, that I may never publish but the key focus of the book is understanding what the values are that I believe in that guide me in business and life. A core belief for me is to choose principle over panic, principle over reward. Under pressure I slow down, listen, and act by a few non-negotiables: serve before I sell, show up fully when it’s uncomfortable, and recognise everyone’s humanity. Reliability matters to me I do what I say I will do and build trust one kept promise at a time. That belief guides how I parent, how I lead, and how I sell.

7. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome outside of work that shaped you?

I come from a large immigrant family in South Africa (myself and my older siblings were born in the UK) and after high school I did my compulsory military service, and I learnt that as humans we are often able to overcome challenges that we never believed we could, that we are stronger than we imagined and that regardless of how tough it gets it is still possible to have humanity.

8. What do you think your job will look like in 10 years time?

I think that the core of selling is human, and that as we move to a more AI led approach, there will be some loss of humanity and authenticity in sales as we adopt tools, but that there will come a time in business where we will see a resurgence of face to face selling and engagement, like a slow food movement of sales where in a number of industries people will want to talk to someone real and it will be easier to get in front of real people.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do?

That is easy, I would love to take my kids and their partners to Cape Town, and take 3 or 4 4WD’s and drive Cape Town to London exploring all of the magical places that they have never seen in Africa.

10. What does success look like to you?

Success to me is simple. At the end of the day, everything we leave behind is impermanent, but all I want to leave behind is children who give more to society than they take from it. Who contribute positively in small ways or big to those around them, and who are happy and fulfilled.