Selling Like a Human: Samantha McKenna on Building Impact-Driven Teams

If you think sales is all cold calls and pressure tactics, Samantha McKenna has a message for you: it doesn’t have to be. In fact, she’s built her whole career—and now, her company—on proving it.

As the founder of #samsales Consulting and a former exec at LinkedIn In, Samantha is rewriting the rules. Her secret? Show up to solve, not to sell.

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Solve First, Sell Later

Too many people think they have to put on a persona to be good at sales. Samantha calls B.S. on that. Her approach is simple: if someone’s agreed to a sales call, they likely have a reason. So get curious. Ask what’s hard for them right now. Find out what’s keeping them up at night.

"When you show up to solve—not to pitch—the questions you ask naturally change. And that changes everything."

Reflection prompt: What would happen if your next work conversation started with: "What’s the real challenge here—and how can I help?"

You Can Succeed Your Way

Samantha has never made a cold call. Not one. She’s also shattered sales records and built a 7-figure business. The point? You don’t have to follow the tired playbook. You can do it your way—with manners, empathy, and zero pushiness.

Every week, her inbox fills with stories from people who tried her tactics and saw their careers shift. That’s what fuels her mission: showing others they can succeed without becoming someone else.

Reflection prompt: What’s one sales (or leadership) “rule” you’re ready to let go of? What might open up if you did?

Build the Business You’d Want to Work For

At #samsales, team members get Summer Fridays, 36 paid office-closure days, generous leave policies—and the space to show up as full humans. Samantha’s bet? Treat people well and they’ll bring their best. Her team’s loyalty and results prove her right.

"Another half-million in revenue isn’t worth losing what makes this place feel like home."

Reflection prompt: Where might a little more trust or flexibility unlock deeper loyalty on your team?

Impact > Optics

Samantha donates time and raises funds for causes like the Trevor Project, Alzheimer’s research, and criminal justice reform. Her goal isn’t PR—it’s purpose. From pro bono consulting to charity events, her company culture revolves around giving back.

Reflection prompt: What cause would you champion if you knew your work could genuinely move the needle?

Use Your Voice, Even If It Shakes a Bit

Samantha didn’t start out planning to lead a movement. She just started sharing what worked. A few posts turned into a following, then a business, then a ripple effect that’s changing how people sell and show up.

"Your legacy won’t be ‘she hit her KPIs.’ It’ll be who you helped and how you made them feel."

Reflection prompt: What’s one insight you’ve been holding back that could help someone else today?

Keep the Ripple Going 🌊

Catch Samantha’s full story—authentic sales strategies, leadership lessons, and heart-forward business building—on The Ripple.

Listen: The Ripple is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

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Make Your Own Waves: Learn how we do what we do from our amazing Host, Ashley Laabs of Composure Digital, and our Producer, Jelena Djordjevic of KIND Media Productions.

Let’s show up to solve, not to sell—and lead with purpose every step of the way. 🤝