Today, we’re sitting down with Elie Mrad, RemotePass' Global Business Development Manager and Head of SDRs. Elie has a passion for leading and empowering his team, guiding them to reach new heights while driving results for the company. In this conversation, we’ll explore what excites him most about leading the SDR team, his approach to unconventional sales strategies, and how he maintains resilience under pressure.

What excites you most about leading the SDR team at RemotePass?

What excites me most about leading the SDR team at RemotePass is the opportunity to inspire and empower a group of talented individuals to reach their full potential. SDRs are the front line of our organization, and their energy, creativity, and persistence lay the foundation for our success.

I love the challenge of developing strategies that align their efforts with our broader goals while creating a supportive environment where they feel valued and motivated. Seeing team members grow, exceed their targets, and take pride in their contributions to RemotePass fuels my passion for leadership.

Ultimately, it's rewarding to witness the team's collective efforts driving meaningful results, whether it’s opening doors to exciting partnerships or redefining what success looks like in our space. It’s that mix of impact and growth that keeps me energized every day.

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Can you share a time when an unconventional sales strategy or approach led to unexpected success?

There was a time when one of our prospects kept rescheduling meetings, and it seemed like we were stuck in a loop. Instead of continuing to chase them, I asked the SDR to send a casual, friendly email with the subject line: "Did we lose you?"

In the email, we simply acknowledged their busy schedule and offered to reconnect when it suited them better. We also included a short summary of how we could help solve their pain points, keeping it light and conversational.

To our surprise, the prospect replied almost immediately, apologizing for the delays and confirming a time for the next call. That simple, human approach worked because it showed empathy and understanding rather than just pushing for the meeting.

It’s a reminder that sometimes less is more, and being relatable can go a long way in building trust.

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How do you maintain resilience and motivation, especially when facing high-pressure targets?

Maintaining resilience and motivation under pressure starts with having a clear purpose and focus. For me, it’s about remembering why we’re doing what we do, whether it’s empowering the team, solving meaningful problems for our clients, or driving growth for the company. That purpose keeps me grounded.

I also break down big, high-pressure targets into smaller, manageable milestones. Celebrating those small wins along the way helps build momentum and keeps me motivated. It’s about focusing on progress, not just perfection.

On a personal level, I stay motivated by competing with myself. I set personal goals to break my own records, whether that’s surpassing my past performance or exceeding the targets I’ve set for myself. It’s incredibly satisfying to look back and see how much I’ve grown, and that drive pushes me to keep improving. Lastly, I draw strength from my team. Collaborating with them, sharing ideas, and seeing their energy reminds me that I’m not alone in this. it’s a collective effort.

Ultimately, I see challenges as opportunities to push boundaries, innovate, and create new benchmarks for success.

What do you see as the biggest lesson you’ve learned from managing a remote SDR team?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from managing a remote SDR team is the importance of communication and trust. In a remote setup, you don’t have the luxury of quick check-ins or the energy of an office environment to keep everyone aligned. Instead, it’s about fostering an environment where team members feel connected, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their roles.

Clear, consistent communication is key—whether it’s setting expectations, providing feedback, or celebrating wins. I’ve learned to use a mix of tools and regular check-ins to ensure everyone stays on the same page without feeling micromanaged.

At the same time, I’ve realized that trust is the foundation of a high-performing remote team. By focusing on outcomes rather than processes and giving team members the autonomy to manage their time and strategies, they feel more motivated and engaged.

Another lesson is the value of creating moments of connection. Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, so I prioritize team-building activities, virtual hangouts, and open forums to keep the team’s morale high and relationships strong.

Ultimately, managing a remote SDR team has taught me to be adaptable and intentional in leadership. It’s not just about driving results but about building a culture where the team feels valued and inspired, no matter where they’re working from.

What’s your go-to song or playlist to boost team energy during crunch time?

My go-to song to boost team energy during crunch time is “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. It’s a classic that never fails to ignite that winning spirit and reminds everyone to push through challenges with determination.

When it comes to playlists, I go for upbeat, high-energy trance or techno tracks that keep the vibe positive and focused.

Music is such a powerful mood lifter, and playing the right tracks at the right time can help the team reset, refocus, and finish strong!

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If you could take any famous figure, past or present, on a sales call with you, who would it be and what role would they play?

A famous figure I’d take on a sales call would be Oprah Winfrey. Her ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level and build trust in an authentic way is unmatched.

I’d have Oprah take the lead in building rapport and establishing that emotional connection with the prospect. Her skill at listening and making people feel heard would make them more open and engaged in the conversation. She’s also incredible at making people feel empowered, which would be perfect for showing how our solution could help them achieve their goals.

I’d focus on handling the technical aspects of the call, making sure we align the product’s benefits with the prospect’s needs. Together, Oprah’s warmth and my expertise would create an atmosphere of trust and excitement, making it hard for the prospect to say no!

What accomplishment or impact do you hope to be remembered for in your leadership role here?

In my leadership role at RemotePass, I hope to be remembered for fostering a team culture built on trust, collaboration, and continuous growth. My goal is to help each SDR reach their full potential, not just by hitting targets but by developing skills that will serve them in their careers long term.

I want to be known for creating an environment where every team member feels supported and empowered to take initiative, share their ideas, and grow beyond their immediate role. By doing so, I believe we can not only meet our goals but exceed them, and create a lasting impact on the company’s success.

Beyond the numbers, I want to be remembered for my dedication to inspiring others—helping them realize their potential and contributing to their personal and professional development. I hope to be known for my consistency, persistence, and ability to exceed targets, setting an example for the team to follow.

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If I can look back and see that I’ve helped shape a team that’s resilient, high-performing, and motivated, while also consistently exceeding our goals, I’ll consider that my greatest accomplishment.

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