Business Intelligence Sales Experts have a unique opportunity to witness and contribute to the remarkable transformation of the data-driven business landscape.
It is no longer just about selling solutions, it’s also about shaping how businesses perceive and utilize data.
Camila Peñailillo Bonacich is a renowned Business Intelligence (BI) Sales Expert. She specializes in the evolving LATAM market, and leads transformative initiatives, where she drives exponential revenue growth and forms strategic partnerships for the company with clients.
Originally from Chile, she says there weren’t many opportunities for women in technology when she was growing up: “When I was in college, studying business, the step to technology seemed odd, but I was amazed at the disruptions and potential for change.
“I’ve always loved technology, including areas of business and artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
“I recognized that BI was not just a product to be sold; it was a transformative tool that could redefine business strategies and outcomes.”
Peñailillo believes mastering BI enabled her to deep dive into the complexities of data analytics and emerging technologies: “I immersed myself in learning more than the technology itself, but understanding the different challenges that companies from different industries are facing. Sometimes the decision makers have a vision to achieve and I help them get there.
“For example, I worked with a company that needed to develop a solution to empower their own sales teams to overperform. They had the data, but they were not being able to correlate and visualize on a governed way.
“Every area had different definitions of metrics so it made it difficult for them to have a single source of truth. By having the proper technology and internal processes, they have been able to increase their volume of sales because they have the correct information and the correct analysis foreach salesperson.”
She adds: “My goal was to become a consultant to my clients, not just a salesperson. Clients often feel lost with technological and business alignment. My role often involves helping them build a technological ecosystem to support their business objectives, like reducing churn rates or monetizing data differently.
“Sometimes my customers come with an idea in mind, for example, to have governed dashboards and KPIs for measuring their internal performance and compare to other years.
“When I start digging we find out new use cases that bring a bigger impact to their companies, like embedding dashboards in their own sites for their customers, so when their customers login to their portal, they can see the information that each one must see, with the proper security and compliance.”
Peñailillo, who studied Business Administration and Management at the University Diego Portales in Chile, has impacted the businesses of more than 100 partners in the realm of BI, helping them understand how to use products and utilize them for success.
She adds: “The cornerstone of my approach has always been consultative selling. This involves actively listening to clients, understanding their unique challenges, and then crafting solutions that align with their business objectives. It’s about building trust and demonstrating the tangible value BI can bring to their operations.
“Every single customer meeting that I have, I spent some time figuring out where they are now and their desire state, what barriers do they have to achieve that desire state, and then I do tailored demos to show how they can solve those particular issues and sow them the vision with the technology itself.”
Here, she shares her insights and experiences in the ever-evolving world of business intelligence, data analytics, and sales.
Challenges on the Path
One of the biggest hurdles when I first started out was overcoming scepticism. Many businesses initially hesitated to invest in BI, viewing it as just another IT expenditure without clear ROI. Convincing them required not only showcasing the capabilities of BI tools but also painting a picture of the potential transformation in their decision-making processes and competitive edge.
Clients often feel lost with technological and business alignment. My role often involves helping them build a technological ecosystem to support their business objectives, like reducing churn rates or monetizing data differently.
Education and Advocacy
A significant part of my role has been educating clients about the power of data. It involved demonstrating how data-driven decisions could outperform gut feelings or traditional approaches. I became an advocate for BI, helping clients navigate the overwhelming sea of data and extract meaningful insights.
Adapting to Market Changes
The BI landscape is ever-evolving, with new technologies like AI and machine learning reshaping the future of data analytics. Staying ahead meant continually updating my knowledge and skills. This adaptability has been crucial in maintaining my edge as a top BI sales expert.
Success Stories and Milestones
The most gratifying part of my journey has been witnessing the transformative impact of BI solutions on businesses. I’ve seen companies transition from data-averse to data-driven cultures, leading to improved efficiencies, increased revenues, and better customer engagement.
“Every single customer meeting that I have, I spent some time figuring out where they are now and their desired state, what barriers they have to achieve that desired state. Then I do tailored demos to show how they can solve those particular issues and show them the vision with the technology itself.
“These success stories are a testament to the power of BI when effectively utilized.”
The Future of BI Sales
Looking ahead, I see the role of BI sales evolving further. The integration of predictive analytics and AI in BI solutions is set to offer even more sophisticated insights. As a BI sales expert, my focus is on staying at the forefront of these developments, continuously learning, and innovating in my approach.
Insights for Aspiring BI Professionals
For those aspiring to enter the field, here are a few insights based on my experiences:
*You have to become a technical person so you can articulate yourself better, but it is really important to understand the business and what is the impact that the customer wants. Everything must start from there.
*Build relationships, not just client lists. Successful BI sales are about long-term relationships, not just one-off sales.
*Be a consultant, not just a salesperson. Offer solutions, not just products. Understand your client’s needs and tailor your approach accordingly.
*Keep learning and adapting. The BI field is dynamic. Staying relevant means keeping up with technological advancements and market trends.
*Be critical and have the flexibility to adapt to changes. Ask your team to challenge yourselves. Be clear on what things are working, what is not working and what is needed to change.
*Technology is dynamic. You must be at the top of what’s going on in the industry, at a product level, and at a business level as well.
About Camila Ignacia Peñailillo Bonacich
A series of significant roles in leading global companies mark Camila Peñailillo Bonacich’s impressive career in the tech industry.
As a Cloud BI Sales Specialist for LATAM at Google since April 2023, she has been pivotal in advancing Looker’s initiatives in the region, leading to substantial revenue growth and strategic partnerships.
Peñailillo’s deep understanding of the LATAM market and innovative approaches to market strategy and solution development have positioned Looker as a frontrunner in data analytics.
Before her tenure at Google, she was an Analytics Sales Specialist for the Multicountries in LATAM, playing a crucial role in driving digital transformation through data innovation from June 2022 to April 2023.
Her cybersecurity prowess was further developed at Palo Alto Networks, where she served as a Prisma Cloud Sales Specialist for Latin America, for the biggest companies in LATAM, significantly boosting sales and market share from December 2021 to June 2022.
Peñailillo’s expertise also extends to AI and Machine Learning, which she honed while working in Data Science & AI Sales at IBM, Chile, from December 2018 to December 2021. Here, she was instrumental in fostering strategic alliances and promoting innovation.
Earlier, at Cisco, she excelled as a Virtual Cybersecurity Sales Specialist, achieving substantial growth in security sales and partner engagement from March 2017 to September 2018.
Peñailillo’s role as a Product Manager for Cloud & Enterprise at Microsoft further underscores her abilities in product management and strategic partnerships, leading to noteworthy market success.
Her analytical skills were evident during her stint as a C&RR Analyst Intern at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in 2015-2016, where she managed complex financial instruments with exceptional proficiency.
Peñailillo’s early career also includes impactful experiences in marketing and strategy with Estée Lauder and L’Oréal. Notably, at L’Oréal, she represented Chile in the Brandstorm L’Oréal 2014 in Paris, achieving 7th place internationally.
In addition to her professional achievements, Peñailillo has been active in academic and social circles, notably as a University Representative for Enseña Chile, contributing significantly to the Teach for All program.
As a mentor at Google, Peñailillo stands out for exceptional achievement, earning a nomination to Google’s esteemed Leadership Academy — a privilege accorded to the cream of the crop globally.
In 2023, she distinguished herself among her peers, securing the top echelon’s highest accolade, a testament to her unwavering commitment and stellar performance that places her within the elite 2-4% of performers across the globe.
Peñailillo extends her passion for equitable representation and progress within the tech realm by guiding fellow Women in Tech, enhancing the community’s diversity and innovation.
Beyond mentoring, Peñailillo actively engages with the IEEE and IEEE Women in Engineering, dedicating her efforts to technological progress and empowering female engineers in carving out their success paths.
