Meet the team | Guzel Oktyabreva da Silva

Welcome to another edition of our 'Meet the Team' interview series! This time, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Guzel, a key contributor in the Voltaware family. With nearly 20 years of sales experience under her belt, Guzel is instrumental in driving growth and building meaningful connections with our clients. Her passion for innovation and commitment to sustainability make her a perfect fit for our mission to reshape the energy landscape.

Meet Guzel, our dedicated Business Development Representative, who brings a wealth of experience and a vibrant personality to the team. Living in Brazil, she is not only a fan of the Flamengo football team but also enjoys the beauty of both beaches and mountains. As an Aquarius, she believes her sign is the best, embodying the traits of creativity and independence. When she's not engaging with clients or strategizing with her sales team, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors or cheering on her favorite football club. Get ready to learn more about Guzel's inspiring journey, her insights into sales, and the joyful spirit she brings to Voltaware!

What motivated you to pursue a career in business development, and how has this journey aligned with your long-term professional goals?

I’m Guzel, a Business Development Representative at Voltaware, where I’ve been for 10 months. I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of building connections and helping companies grow. Business development allows me to combine strategy and communication, which I enjoy. It’s aligned with my long-term goals of working in dynamic industries like energy, where I can make a real impact. Plus, the constant learning keeps me motivated and growing.

Which aspects of Voltaware’s mission resonate most with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to these goals in your role as a Business Development Representative?

Voltaware’s focus on energy management and sustainability really resonates with me because I believe in using technology to create a greener future. I’m particularly excited about how we help utilities boost customer engagement through AI-powered energy insights, making energy use more transparent and efficient for households. As a BDR, I contribute by helping clients see the value of our solutions in reducing energy waste and improving efficiency. It’s rewarding to be part of a mission that’s both innovative and meaningful.

One of your main responsibilities is lead generation and prospecting for new opportunities. What’s one essential trait for success in this role?

One of the most crucial traits for success in lead generation is the courage to approach individuals at all levels within a prospective company. It’s important to be confident that decision-makers will respond if you can effectively demonstrate the true value that Voltaware can add to their strategy. This fearless approach helps me reach the highest C-level prospects and initiate valuable conversations. By showcasing our innovative solutions that enhance customer engagement and foster strong relationships, you can create a compelling case for collaboration.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in data analytics. How do you see AI transforming the energy sector, and what role does it play in Voltaware’s work with energy data?

AI technology looks set to revolutionise the energy sector: smart homes are becoming smarter; consumers are increasingly using AI to make intelligent energy choices; and we are even seeing the use of deep learning based real-time models for demand side management. Voltaware is at the cutting edge of this AI revolution within the energy sector. As mentioned above, we leverage the power of AI/ML to accurately detect appliance signatures, and provide personalised insights which help customers reduce their energy costs as well as their carbon footprint.

Your LinkedIn profile mentions that you’re an advocate for remote work. How do you maintain high levels of motivation and productivity while working remotely, and which tools or practices do you rely on to manage your workflow efficiently?

I maintain motivation and productivity by setting clear goals and embracing a structured routine. Each day kicks off with a workout at the gym, which greatly contributes to my physical and mental well-being. After several years of remote work, I’ve established a dedicated home office that supports my productivity. I rely on tools like Pipedrive to track leads efficiently, Slack for seamless communication with my team, and Trello to manage my tasks and stay organized. These tools help me visualize my workflow and prioritize effectively. During breaks, I enjoy watering my plants and chatting with my two canaries, which allows me to recharge and stay refreshed throughout the day.

What’s one unique or unconventional insight you’ve gained from collaborating with people from different cultures or industries, and how has it impacted your approach to business development?

One key insight I’ve gained from working with people from various cultures and industries is the importance of flexibility and open-mindedness. Everyone has a unique way of approaching problems, and being receptive to different perspectives can inspire more innovative solutions. Having visited over 50 countries has provided me with invaluable experiences, allowing me to meet a wide range of nationalities. Each interaction has taught me something new, enriching my understanding and broadening my mindset, which ultimately enhances my approach to business development.

I’m also grateful that at Voltaware, we have an international team with co-workers from India, Brazil, France, Spain, the UK, Italy, and many others, allowing me to continue learning from their diverse perspectives.

Who has been the most influential person in your life, and how have they shaped your mindset and approach to overcoming both personal and professional challenges?

The most influential person in my life has been my mother. She instilled in me the values of persistence and resilience, teaching me that challenges are simply opportunities for growth. For instance, during my first year at university, I was told I had no talent for learning languages and should consider switching majors. My mother encouraged me to stay the course and put in my best effort. Thanks to her unwavering support, I persevered and now speak four languages, a testament to the power of determination and belief in oneself. Her influence has shaped my mindset, guiding me through both personal and professional challenges with confidence and tenacity.

A quick sprint round of “this or that” questions

1. Networking events or online webinars?
• I love networking events and professional fairs.
2. Email outreach or social media engagement?
• Social media engagement
3. Data-driven decisions or intuition-based decisions?
• Data-driven decisions
4. Energy efficiency or renewable energy?
• Energy efficiency
5. Morning meetings or afternoon meetings?
• Morning meetings, definitely!
6. Work hard or work smart?
• I believe in working both hard and smart
7. The best place to live in?
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! 🇧🇷