Employee Spotlight: Sam Pleeth

In this ongoing blog series, we speak with WP Engine employees around the globe to learn more about their roles, what they love about the cities they work in, and what they like most about working at WP Engine. 

In this interview, we speak with Sam Pleeth, a Sales Development Manager on WP Engine’s London-based team who joined us six months ago. 

Going back to the start, how did you discover WP Engine?

WP Engine reached out to me around the same time I was looking for a change. Upon doing research, I was excited to see that WP Engine has an amazing female CEO as well as a key focus on culture and diversity.

The company’s core values aligned with my own, and the idea of coaching Sales Development Reps (SDRs) in tech while at a hyper-growth company that aspires to be public ready, was incredibly attractive. 

Joining WP Engine has felt like coming home, being able to work with incredibly smart, talented, supportive people along with a great culture has been an amazing experience. 

Can you explain your current role at WP Engine?

I train/coach/motivate sales development reps across two motions (inbound and proactive outbound) and prime them for their next career move within the company. The usual progression of an SDR is to move into a closing role within sales however, recently, we had an amazing success story with one of our SDRs being promoted into a Sales Engineer role, proving that you can progress into multiple roles across the company. 

What is your favorite thing about working at WP Engine?

The culture, people, supportive nature of the company. Everyone wants to help you succeed, it’s just such an exciting time. It’s rare to have a company deliver on both incredible results and an incredible culture.

Can you describe the culture of the London office?

I actually have never been into the office as I onboarded remotely due to Covid-19, but the culture across the team is engaging and collaborative. I have an ability to be myself and express my thoughts and more so than that be able to positively impact the business. 

How do you contribute to the success of WP Engine?

I train/coach/motivate green SDRs which is incredibly exciting, SDRs are the first person you speak to when you come to our website, they massively impact the buyer’s journey as the moment of first impression. They are also our future leaders within WP Engine, and I take great pride in being a part of their success. 

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part is also the most exciting part because we are growing so quickly and there is a lot of upward career growth. My team moves on to closing roles rapidly which means we are constantly training, developing, and hiring, which creates endless opportunities for me.

What is a good lesson you’ve learned in your career?

There are a few lessons that stand out to me: “Trust your gut.” It will never lead you astray. “Always lead with positive intent.” “Invite feedback.” “Get comfortable with being challenged.” And mostly, “Be your team’s biggest cheerleader.”

What’s the favorite part of your workday?

My team; UK SDRs are truly the best, being a part of their success and enabling them to advance their careers is massively rewarding. 

What is one of the coolest projects you’ve worked on while at WP Engine?

Would probably be the integration of Flywheel and WP Engine, learning what works best for all teams, how we can work well together, merging our platforms, processes and teams has been challenging but also pretty cool.

Which one of WP Engine’s values speaks to you the most?

Built for Growth: It speaks to the idea that we are constantly learning, evolving, and growing. When we win, we win together and celebrate each win, and we always stay hungry, never getting comfortable with our success, constantly looking for ways to improve and grow. Likewise, when we lose, we learn, hold ourselves accountable, and grow from those challenges. 

What are some of your favorite things about working and living in London?

I moved to London six years ago from my island Barbados and never looked back. What I love most about London is that the city always surprises me with its vast history, culture, food, and every building tells a story of a different time. 

If London were a person, it would be an old gentleman sitting in a whisky bar in Piccadilly and would call everyone “old chap.” It is such a special place and definitely a great place to call home. 

What are some hobbies you enjoy outside of work?

Working out, going for long walks with my dog Winston, and traveling

Favorite TV show of all time?

Big Bang Theory.

Current addiction?

Peloton!

What would you recommend others do if they’re interested in exploring roles at WP Engine London or other open positions in Europe? 

Do the research and reach out. If you love a fast-paced environment and working with smart, engaged teams who are driven to overall success, this is the place for you!

Thank you Sam!

Want to find out more about what it’s like to work at WP Engine? Visit our careers site to see the roles we currently have open and check out our blog for more information about all the great people who work here!