Breaking the mold: Why more women should consider a career in sales

For decades, sales has carried a particular image: fast-talking men in suits, closing deals in boardrooms. It’s been a career that has, at least in people’s imaginations, been dominated by men. But the reality is changing. More women are stepping into sales roles and proving that success here doesn’t belong to one gender.

I’ve had a front-row seat to this transformation. I started my career in sales enablement, where I watched women sellers hit their stride, break records, and step into leadership roles – all while challenging outdated perceptions of what success in sales should look like.

However, early in my sales enablement career, I had a tough realization: I’d never actually carried a quota. Yet here I was, creating programs and resources I expected sales reps to use in the field. It made me feel like a fraud.

So I did something bold – I became a sales rep for a quarter. I joined standups, worked real deals, and even closed revenue. It was uncomfortable, and honestly, I was terrified I might fail. But instead of losing credibility, I gained it. That experience reshaped the way I approach enablement, how I build trust, and how I measure impact.

It also showed me something bigger: growth happens when you step into spaces that scare you – especially the ones you’re told aren’t for you. That’s why I believe more women should consider sales.

I’m particularly fortunate to work at a company that does so much to support its talent and to put its values into practice. At 1Password, we’re proud to sponsor Alisha Palmowski, a rising F1 Academy driver who embodies what it means to step into a male-dominated arena and push boundaries. Her story resonates with me, and hopefully with you, too: when women show up in spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented, they don’t just participate - they lead.

Why more women should choose sales

The reality is that sales isn’t the right path for every woman any more than it’s right for every man. Sales is a high-stakes, high-reward career that requires you to think fast, communicate clearly, and navigate ambiguity with confidence. But for too long, women have been shown the negative version of what sales looks like: macho, cutthroat, and unwelcoming. In practice, sales is about problem-solving, building trust, and creating value.

If you’re someone who excels at problem-solving and relationship-building, then a career in sales may have a lot to offer you.

Financial freedom & earning potential

Variable compensation means you have control over your income. If you want to accelerate your earnings, sales is one of the few roles where you can put your foot on the gas and truly see results.

Transferable skills for life

Sales builds critical skills: negotiation, communication, and collaboration. These are skills that apply whether you’re closing deals, managing teams, or even launching your own company.

Career growth & leadership

Sales is a launchpad. Whether your goal is to lead a global team or pivot into operations, product, or enablement, this is a field that opens doors.

Flexibility & work-life balance

With more remote and hybrid roles than ever, sales offers you the flexibility to build a career that suits your lifestyle.

Every industry needs sales

Just like every car needs a strong engine, every business needs sales to grow. Whether it’s tech, healthcare, retail, or media – you’ll find opportunity everywhere.

Entrepreneurial foundation

Thinking about building your own business? Sales gives you the fundamentals: how to pitch, price, negotiate, and close. Consider it your own startup bootcamp.

Starting Out? Here’s my advice for new sellers

Getting started in sales is like learning to drive a high-performance car: the first lap might be shaky, but once you find your rhythm, it’s exhilarating.

Find a team that invests in you: You want a company that’s going to hand you the keys and teach you how to drive. Look for a company with a strong onboarding program, ongoing training, and formal mentoring. The right environment will provide you with the tools to build confidence early and continue to develop your skills over time.
Choose a leader who sees your potential: Like a good coach, the right manager helps you push past your limits. A great manager doesn’t just check in – they challenge you. Find someone who prioritizes your 1:1s, gives you constructive feedback, creates opportunities for you to stretch, and holds you accountable to your goals.
Prioritize relationships: Great sales isn’t about pressure - it’s about connection. Get to know people at every stage of their career, ask thoughtful questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Your network will be one of your most valuable resources.
Don’t fear failure: Every missed target or tough call is a learning opportunity. Use the experience to understand what went wrong, adjust your approach, and move forward. The next opportunity is always around the corner, so don’t let one loss slow your momentum.
Be open to detours: Your sales career may lead you somewhere you never expected – and that’s part of the fun. Many women start in sales and go on to careers in leadership, operations, marketing, or even founding their own businesses. Get your foot in the door with sales, learn the business, and accelerate from there.

The road ahead

If you’ve read this far and you’re curious if a career in sales might be a good fit for you, I encourage you to take the next step: find your first job and see where it takes you.

Click here to find out how you can start your sales career at 1Password.

Emily Payne

Enablement Manager