Pathfinder

What is a Pathfinder?

Discover 8x8’s next-generation sales training program

• Our Pathfinder Program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of sales professionals who embody the core values of 8x8. We are committed to fostering an environment of unwavering integrity, relentless dedication, and exceptional teamwork. 
• Our mission is to inspire and equip our graduates with the skills, discipline, and resilience to achieve unparalleled success in their sales careers while upholding the highest standards of service, respect and commitment to excellence.

Setting off on the path

Becoming a Pathfinder:

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey, one that challenges, inspires, and sets you apart? The Sales Pathfinder Program isn’t just a training initiative—it’s an adventure designed to discover and shape the sales leaders of tomorrow. Over 11 dynamic months, you’ll push boundaries, develop exceptional skills, and pave your path to success in sales.

Designed to get the best out of you

Pathfinder isn’t for everyone—and that’s by design. This program is as rigorous as it is rewarding, meant for individuals with the ambition to rise to the challenge. Only the most dedicated and resourceful will complete the journey. This is your chance to prove you have what it takes to not just succeed but to thrive in the competitive world of sales.

What awaits

Delivering results from day one, backed by top-class support and training:

Comprehensive training

From day one, you’ll dive into a robust onboarding experience that equips you with mastery over our products, sales strategies, and customer journey. But it’s not just about selling—it’s about leading. You’ll learn critical skills like negotiation, problem-solving, and collaboration, all under the guidance of an experienced team dedicated to your success.

Real world impact

You’ll begin closing deals from day one, managing real accounts and creating tangible impact. Through structured rotations, you’ll gain experience in every facet of the sales process—from prospecting leads during the SDR phase to working alongside seasoned account executives in the AAE rotation. By the end of the program, you’ll have a wealth of practical knowledge that sets you apart from the competition.

Dedicated support

At Pathfinder, growth isn’t left to chance. You’ll have a dedicated team of leaders supporting you throughout the entire journey. From daily check-ins to personalized coaching, they’ll be there to champion your development—not just as a sales professional, but as a leader.

Progression to success

How Pathfinders will succeed and grow

Career progression

Pathfinder is more than a stepping stone—it’s a launchpad for a fulfilling career. Graduates of the program emerge prepared to take on impactful roles such as Account Manager, Channel Account Manager, or Sales Engineer, positioning you for a future where you can thrive and lead.

The grand finale

The program’s challenges are designed to push you, and only the most committed will reach the finish line. Completing Pathfinder is a testament to your dedication and opens doors to exciting roles like Account Manager, Channel Account Manager, or Sales Engineer, setting you on a path toward a thriving career.

Why Join the Pathfinder Program?

Jude was motivated by the opportunity to network with successful executives, gaining the confidence to tackle challenges: "Having the opportunity to network and speak with these successful executives gave me the confidence to embrace all the challenges... and gave me the optimism that I will succeed and I will achieve."

Opoku sought more ownership in the sales process, and the program provided just that: "I wanted an opportunity to be a dedicated point of contact and to work with customers on their complex issues and to really solve customer issues."

Shai, with 15 years in B2C, found the Pathfinder program to be his bridge into the B2B world: "I was drawn to the Pathfinder program because it offered someone like me a rare opportunity to break into the B2B world. I was also really excited about the structured learning environment it promised."

Matthew was driven by his curiosity about the sales role and the opportunity to build relationships with customers: "I was really, really interested in the job role and what they did every day. Every day is a bit different, and they're spending time building relationships with prospects and with customers, and that's something that really appealed to me."

A Moment of Growth in the Program

For Jude, leading client-facing presentations was a pivotal moment: "Having the opportunity to lead my own client-facing presentations and carry on those meaningful conversations independently was extremely impactful and important to... the success and the growth that I've had here at 8x8."

Opoku shares how the program allowed him to develop real-world skills: "It's been an amazing opportunity to constantly learn, constantly improve... and to now be a point of contact for customers, providing solutions for their problems."

Shai highlights the value of mentorship and the opportunity to develop both technical and soft skills: "The support from my mentors and managers has been amazing... They helped me grow and refine my skills, offering guidance whenever I faced challenges. Their mentorship not only helped me overcome obstacles but also taught me to approach problems with independence and confidence."

Matthew speaks to the importance of the learning moments throughout the program: "There's a lot to learn and nobody's perfect, but through the sales enablement training, you're learning different techniques and styles and questions to ask. It's those wee tiny moments where you know that you're levelling up and you're able to get more information."

What Makes the Program Impactful

Jude appreciated how the program allowed him to apply classroom lessons immediately: "Walking out of the classroom sessions, you're able to immediately apply what you've learned into live client-facing conversations. If you're a self-driven, motivated individual, this program is definitely for you."

Opoku highlights the transformation in his skills: "From who I was in the beginning till now, I talk better, I present better and honestly, I sell better."

Shai found the program’s combination of technical and soft skill development invaluable: "The Pathfinder program significantly boosted my technical skills, particularly in discovery and problem-solving, and taught me how to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. It also refined my communication skills, helping me articulate ideas more clearly and work smoothly with others."

Matthew shares how the program’s structure encouraged consistent growth and improvement: I'd say that it's definitely rewarding. You can see it, you feel yourself getting better every day, every week, every quarter."

Advice for Potential Participants

Jude encourages those seeking a clear path to closing roles: "I believe the Pathfinder program is a great opportunity for any tenured SDR looking to find a clear road map into a full closing role."

Opoku offers a candid perspective: "Be ready to work, be ready to learn, but ultimately be ready to become a whole new you. It’s rigorous, but it will absolutely change your selling skills and make you an amazing seller."

Shai advises future participants to embrace every learning opportunity: "My advice to future Pathfinders would be to stay curious and open-minded. Embrace every opportunity to learn, even if it’s outside your comfort zone or area of expertise. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is a learning experience, and the more you engage, the more you’ll benefit."

Matthew reflects on how important drive and motivation are in the program: "The Pathfinder program is fast-paced. It can be demanding in terms of learning... you need to want to be better every day and you need to have that drive."

Leading the Talent

Under the leadership of Devin Holub, MA (Head of Global Sales Enablement), the innovative minds of 8x8’s Sales Enablement team brought the visionary Pathfinder Program to life. This program focuses on empowering and nurturing the next generation of sales leaders to achieve their full potential.

Supporting the success of new Pathfinders is Joshua Maleary (Sr. Manager, AE Commercial Sales), who leads the hiring process and ensures each participant thrives throughout the program. With years of experience and a passion for developing talent, Josh is deeply committed to fostering growth, providing guidance, and making every step of the journey impactful. As a key leader in the Pathfinder Program, he works closely with participants, helping them unlock their potential and achieve lasting success.

Becoming a Pathfinder

Take the first step toward becoming a sales leader who pushes boundaries and makes an impact. Apply now and begin your journey in a program designed to challenge, inspire, and shape your future. The path is challenging, but the rewards are worth it. Are you ready to seize this opportunity and shape your future?

It’s a four-step process:

1. Apply (UK Pathfinders) ; (US Pathfinders)
2. Pre-screening call: Start with a quick call with a recruiter to discuss your potential and answer any questions.
3. Aptitude test: Showcase your skills through a focused assessment designed to evaluate your readiness.
4. Assessment day: Participate in interactive activities, culminating in a final interview with the hiring manager.

Make your mark! Join the Pathfinder Program and unlock your true sales potential!