At first glance, the path from acting to sales may seem like an odd one. But for Ben Baeza, the transition was more of an evolution than a sharp turn. As a Sales Development Representative (SDR) at Second Voice, Ben’s unique background and personality have been key to his success. His story illustrates how adaptability, resilience, and a touch of wit can propel someone into a completely new career with exciting opportunities for growth.
From hot sets to cold calls
Ben’s career began not with sales, but with a passion for acting. "Since I was about 18, I wanted to be an actor," Ben recalls. He pursued this dream relentlessly for over a decade, performing in national and international tours, and taking on a variety of roles in Brighton and London. But like so many others, Ben’s life was dramatically disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was on tour in Germany when COVID hit,” he says, “and my contract, which was supposed to last a year and a half, was cut short after six months. We were flown home with no further payment.”
With theatres shut down and his acting work dried up, Ben found himself at a crossroads. His other fallback—waiting tables—was equally precarious in the post-pandemic world. Restaurants closed, and the future felt uncertain. "I realised I actually didn’t have any other skills," Ben reflects. "I could talk to people, I could act, but beyond that? Not much." Like many, he turned to job hunting out of necessity.
Finding a new audience at Second Voice
Ben’s introduction to Second Voice was a turning point. "I found the job on Indeed," he says, with an amused tone, "and what really stood out was the training excellency program." For someone like Ben, who was looking for rapid growth and the chance to build new skills, Second Voice’s model seemed like the perfect fit. "I didn’t want to waste time. I wanted something that would give me skills quickly so I could launch into a lucrative career," he explains.
The appeal wasn’t just the structure or the promise of advancement—it was the culture. Second Voice offered a place where he could grow, fail, and learn without judgement. As Ben puts it,
"It’s about being willing to try, fail, and get better. There’s no ego. And when there’s no ego, there’s no fear of admitting you need help."
Learning a new set of lines
Of course, shifting from a career on stage to one on the sales floor wasn’t without its challenges. Ben had to adapt quickly to the nuances of sales and the art of cold calling. "At first, I thought sales would be like working in a shop, where you just chat with people," Ben admits with a laugh. "But sales, especially at Second Voice, is much more organised and structured than I expected."
Fortunately, some of Ben’s acting skills translated well into his new role. "I’m good at reading people, guessing their tone, and adapting to different personalities," he says. His experience handling rejection as an actor also came in handy. "In acting, you apply for hundreds of jobs and get a few. Cold calling is no different—you get a lot of no’s, but you can’t let that get you down."
The challenges, however, were largely around organisation. "I’ve never been particularly organised," Ben admits candidly. "Keeping track of prospects, setting tasks, managing my time—it was all very new to me." Yet, with guidance from his team and the structure Second Voice provided, Ben started to find his rhythm. "I had to learn how to block out my day-to-day calendar, so I didn’t just drift through it. And I’m still not perfect, but I’m getting better at it."
Does Ben go “method” when he’s on the phone?
One of the most interesting aspects of Ben’s transition to sales has been developing his unique selling style. "I’m naturally very personable," Ben says. "I’m not a clinical, hard-nosed salesperson. I like to joke around, have conversations, and make it more about building rapport." His easygoing style works well with the HR professionals he often speaks with, but he’s quick to point out that this approach doesn’t always work with every prospect. "When I’m talking to tech leaders, they’re not here for the chuckles. They want facts and efficiency, and I have to adjust."
Ben describes his SDR style as "a version of myself." He likens it to acting in a sense:
"I’m not putting on a mask, but I am showing a facet of my personality that’s right for the call. It’s like casting for a role—sometimes you’re the right fit, and sometimes you’re not. You can’t take it personally if you’re not."
Discovering the science behind the artform
As any SDR will tell you, motivation can sometimes wane. Ben acknowledges that staying motivated is one of the hardest parts of the job. "I had a rough patch a few months ago where I wasn’t hitting my targets, and I was beating myself up about it," he confesses. But instead of spiralling into frustration, he was able to rely on his team for support. "My manager sat me down and helped me look at the data. We saw that, sure, I wasn’t hitting meetings, but I was still delivering valuable insights to the client. It’s important not to be too self-critical and to celebrate the wins, even if they’re small."
This focus on data and objective evaluation has been a game-changer for Ben. "Don’t let perception get you down," he advises. "Look at the numbers, analyse what’s working and what’s not, and make adjustments. It’s all about learning and iterating."
Recreating that on-stage chemistry
Working with clients has been another rewarding aspect of Ben’s role. He’s especially proud of his work with Makers, a tech apprenticeship company that values diversity and inclusion. "Makers is a great client," Ben says enthusiastically. "What they do is so admirable—they provide people with a second chance, offering an alternative pathway into the tech industry without needing a degree. It’s a mission I really believe in."
Ben’s work with Makers has also broadened his technical knowledge. "I didn’t know much about DevOps or the intricacies of the government apprenticeship levy when I started," he admits, "but Makers has been great about onboarding me. I’ve had calls with their engineers, their data analytics team, and they’ve helped me understand what I need to know to speak intelligently with prospects."
Even though he sits alongside the team at Second Voice, Ben feels like a member of the Makers cast. "I join their weekly kickoffs and retros, and they’ve invited me to events and socials," he says.
"It’s a real partnership. I feel like I’m helping Makers move forward in a meaningful way."
And to continue to hit the highs, Ben is focused on continuing to improve and refine his skills. "I’m just going to keep driving forward," he says, with the same determination that carried him through years of acting auditions and cold calls alike.
Give that man an Oscar!
Ben Baeza’s story is one of resilience and adaptability. From the uncertainty of the pandemic to thriving as an SDR, Ben’s has lived the life of a character that has seen transformation, learning, and growth. His approach to sales—one that blends personality with practicality, and persistence with adaptability—serves as an inspiration to anyone facing the challenge of reinventing themselves in a new field.