Austin Pinkerton
Sr. Business Development Executive
Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic Business Development professional with an educational background in Political Science and International Relations. Experienced in driving growth and building key client relationships across diverse markets. Notable achievements include receiving the Medtronic Bakken Fellowship for advocacy excellence and leading successful sales strategy initiatives for UK/European expansion. Strong skills in B2B sales, communication, and teamwork, with a focus on identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities. Driven to contribute to a forward-thinking team that values growth and innovation. Skilled business development professional with proven track record in driving growth and forging strategic partnerships. Known for strong leadership and team collaboration, adapting to changing market needs and consistently delivering results. Expertise in client relationship management, market analysis, and strategic planning. Highly dependable and goal-oriented, with focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Business Development Executive
Catalyst Solutions
Johannesburg
11.2024 - Current
- Utilised advanced data analysis tools to track sales performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop targeted strategies for growth.
- Mentored junior team members to improve their skills in sales, negotiation, and relationship building for overall team success.
- Expanded market presence by researching industry trends, analyzing competitors' strategies, and adjusting sales tactics accordingly.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive proposals and deliver customized solutions that addressed unique client needs.
- Identified untapped markets by conducting thorough research on emerging trends and incorporating findings into targeted sales campaigns.
Business Development Executive
Catalyst Solutions
Johannesburg
04.2024 - 11.2024
- Communicated directly with customers and partners to build strong business networks and relationships.
- Leveraged CRM tools to track leads and analyze data, optimizing sales efforts for maximum return on investment.
- Established a robust sales pipeline by consistently identifying, qualifying, and nurturing leads through various outreach methods.
- Assisted marketing department in creating targeted campaigns that effectively communicated the value proposition of our products/services to potential customers.
Business Development Executive
WTax (VAT IT)
Johannesburg
04.2022 - 04.2024
- Leveraged CRM tools to track leads and analyze data, optimising sales efforts for maximum return on investment.
- Generated revenue growth by developing and executing targeted sales strategies to expand market share.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for product improvement, driving innovation in the company''s offerings.
- Drove revenue growth, developing and executing a robust sales plan.
- Booked meetings with C-Suite executives across 12 EU countries, including the U.K.
- Awarded Biggest Heart of Wtax for going 'above and beyond' to help fellow colleagues (2023).
Assistant Lecturer (2nd Year Political Sciences)
University of Pretoria
Pretoria
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Initiated and facilitated classroom discussions.
- Boosted students' critical thinking skills through active learning strategies and problem-solving activities.
- Developed strong rapport with students through clear communication, empathy, and genuine interest in their academic growth.
- Met with students during and after office hours to address concerns and offer feedback.
- Organised extracurricular activities such as study groups or tutoring sessions to further support student success outside the classroom setting.
- Dispersed, collected and graded assignments to give detailed feedback.
- Worked alongside senior members of faculty during this tenure, including Prof. Christopher Isike and Anthony Bizos.
Commissioning Editor
Emerging Scholars
Pretoria
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Sourced high-quality content by attending conferences, workshops, and networking events within the publishing industry.
- Managed author relationships, providing timely feedback and fostering a professional atmosphere.
- Enhanced publication quality by meticulously editing and proofreading manuscripts.
- Attended professional meetings and interacted with contributors, consultants, and editors
Education
Bachelor of International Relations (Hons) - International Relations
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 01.2019 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Political Sciences - Political Science And Government
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 01.2016 - 12.2018
Skills
New business development
Relationship building and rapport
Marketing
Proposal development
Training and mentoring
Cold calling
Lead generation
Sales pipeline management
CRM platforms (Sales Force & Hubspot)
Team collaboration
Research
Accomplishments
- Opening speaker for the International Alliance of Volunteer Effort (IAVE) Global Youth Forum on Volunteering. Under the auspices of the IAVE and the Medtronic Foundation. Held in Augsburg, Germany (2018)
- Panel discussant - Time to Disrupt the Health Care System: Novel Solutions for Quality Care in the NCD Era. Under the auspices of the American Heart Association and the Medtronic Foundation. Held in New York, USA (2018).
Medtronic Bakken Invitational Honouree (2017)
- The Bakken Invitational Award recognises patients who, with the help of medical technology, have overcome health challenges, and use their “extra life” to give back through volunteerism and community service.
Rotary Youth Star Award (2014)
- Awarded for dedication to community service
Additional Information
Academic/media Publications (selected):
• Pinkerton, A (2020) ‘Percy Qoboza: Armed With A Pen’ in Reddy, Bohler-Muller, Houston, Schoeman & Thuynsma. The Fabric of Dissent: Public Intellectuals in South Africa. Cape Town: HSRC Press pp. 342-346.
• Pinkerton, A (2020). Book review: The end of epidemics: The looming threat to humanity and how to stop it by Quick, J.D. with Fryer, B. Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict and Social Transformation. 9 (2), pp. 99-102.
• Pinkerton, A. (2021). Opinion | Put men at the centre of mental health matters. The Sowetan. [Online] 8 October 2021. Available from: https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/columnists/2021-10-08-putmen-at-the-centre-of-mental-health-matters/
Running, hunting for rocks and fossils, reading Japanese short stories.
- Ever since I was young, I loved looking for rocks and fossils across any new destination my family and I traveled to. My best finds is a half Amethyst geode from Namibia and a fully intact Mosasaurs tooth for Mazamba Beach, KZN. I love running because what you put in, you get out. My most recent achievement was running the Tom Jenkins Half Marathon in Pretoria (2hr26min). Additionally, I have recently got into Japanese short stories such as those by Hisashi Kashiwai and Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Timeline
Senior Business Development Executive
Catalyst Solutions
11.2024 - Current
Business Development Executive
Catalyst Solutions
04.2024 - 11.2024
Business Development Executive
WTax (VAT IT)
04.2022 - 04.2024
Assistant Lecturer (2nd Year Political Sciences)
University of Pretoria
01.2022 - 12.2022
Commissioning Editor
Emerging Scholars
01.2021 - 12.2022
Bachelor of International Relations (Hons) - International Relations
University of Pretoria
01.2019 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Political Sciences - Political Science And Government
University of Pretoria
01.2016 - 12.2018
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