How Taboola’s New Director of Sales Has Prioritized Embracing Change

by Janey Zitomer
October 18, 2019
Robyn Malcomb
Taboola

Making the decision to change your work environment after a decade is undoubtedly brave. But that’s not the only adjective that describes Robyn Malcomb, new director of sales at Taboola. She is consistently curious and hardworking, qualities that make her a great fit for a position that’s about meeting prospects where they are. 

Taboola is a discovery platform that targets audience members when they are most receptive to advertisements and likely to make purchases. It matches online users with tailored content, and provides publishers with engagement opportunities. 

And though she hasn’t been there long, Malcomb said she feels right at home. Taboola sets their team up for success. Perhaps most significantly, she notes the leadership team’s support and generous resource allocation at all levels of the sales process. We spoke to her about why that matters, the company traditions she’s most excited to partake in, and the important reminder she’s found herself relying on.  
 

 

If you could summarize Taboola’s main message/objective for potential prospects, how would you do so? 

Taboola helps over 1.4 billion people discover what’s interesting and new at the moment they’re most ready to explore. Advertisers use Taboola to reach their target audience when they’re most receptive to new messages, products and services. We also create new monetization, audience and engagement opportunities for digital properties, including publishers, mobile carriers and handset manufacturers.

 

You recently started as Taboola’s Director of Sales after 11 years with Smarter Travel. What caused you to make the leap and what has surprised you most about the transition?

I had a long and productive tenure at SmarterTravel. Near the end of my 11-year journey, I was ready for a new adventure. I wanted to find a company that featured all the things that I had grown to love at Trip: a great product, incredibly smart people, and a really strong culture. Taboola ended up fitting the bill for me.  

The thing that has surprised (and impressed) me at Taboola has been the incredible wealth of resources that are made available to both publisher and advertiser partners. The work that is put into the client-facing platforms and tools is amazing, and not a day has gone by that I haven’t been really excited about something I learn.

I’m hoping that I can bring my experience in travel and my deep knowledge of performance-based travel advertisers to Taboola in the form of new product ideas.   

...Not a day has gone by that I haven’t been really excited about something I learn.’’

 

What should someone who’s looking at open roles know about Taboola’s sales team’s workflow?

The leadership at Taboola has really done an amazing job getting the sales team all the resources they need. As a seller, you have daily access to client-facing optimization and data tools, a strong and knowledgeable account management team, and sales resources in terms of case studies and pitch decks. 

 

Are there any specific company traditions or practices that have spoken to you since starting at Taboola?

Each Friday, we do a company toast and celebrate wins across the board. I think it’s a great way to highlight our team members’ individual accomplishments. And it’s nice to take a moment and recognize the great work we’ve done each week.  

 

What’s the most valuable thing you have learned since you started? 

Starting at a new company is crazy. It’s going to take a while to feel like you’re up to speed on everything. So I’m reminding myself to be patient with myself and know that each day I’m learning new things and understanding more about the products we offer. And I’ll get there!  

 

 

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