Sales can open doors you might not have even considered, especially if you know how to work hard and handle setbacks with confidence. In the latest episode of the Meritt Podcast, Ezana Haddis, COO at Aria Grace Law, shared his inspiring journey—from his first sales role to a top leadership position. Here’s why he believes sales is a powerful skill for anyone starting their career and how grit and resilience helped him get where he is today.
Sales: A Skill for Every Career Path
Think sales is just for salespeople? Ezana’s experience says otherwise. He sees sales as a universal skill that can benefit anyone, whether you’re a programmer pitching a new idea to your team, a marketer launching a campaign, or a founder raising funds. Being able to present ideas confidently, connect with people, and understand their needs goes a long way in any profession. According to Ezana, sales taught him to understand people deeply, helping him succeed in roles he never expected—like leading a team at a top law firm.
Sales Teaches You to Handle Rejection Like a Boss
Sales can be brutal—tons of “nos” before you get a “yes.” But that’s the beauty of it. Learning to keep going builds serious mental strength. Ez’s career took off because he got good at brushing off rejection and pushing forward. If you can handle that, you’ll stand out in any workplace, showing grit and determination that managers love.
Spoiler Alert: No Shortcuts Here
We all want that one trick to make things easier, right? Well, in sales, there’s no cheat code. Ez’s favourite quote from Ben Horowitz sums it up: “Sometimes there are no silver bullets, only lead.” Translation? Success is about putting in the reps, even on the tough days. For Ez, that meant learning from every call, every pitch, and always looking for ways to improve. It’s hard work, but it’s the kind that pays off across every part of your career.
Sales is a Foundational Skill
Sales isn’t an easy path, but it builds skills you’ll carry for a lifetime. Ezana emphasises how sales teaches you to push through rejection, refine your approach, and ultimately develop confidence. “Sales is a foundational skill,” he says, pointing out that preparation, persistence, and resilience are valuable in any career. If you’re ready to put in the work and build a skill set that opens doors across industries, a future in sales awaits. Discover where it can take you on Meritt.