Sonja Duplessis
Senior Sales Executive & Operations Leader Driving Growth, Transformation & High‑Performing Teams
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About
MBA‑qualified operations leader with extensive experience managing large teams, multi‑department operations, and complex projects across financial services, manufacturing, and community development. Proven ability to thrive in fast‑paced environments, improve processes, and deliver sustainable growth. Large‑scale team leadership managing ~80 employees across multiple departments and 450+ workers and contractors in infrastructure projects.
Expertise in operational planning, reporting, process improvement, cross‑functional collaboration, performance management, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience
Business & Operations Coach at Freelance/Small Business Owners (2022-01 – 2025-05)
Supporting community growth and small business development by guiding entrepreneurs from inception to operational execution.
- Provided strategic coaching to startup owners and local entrepreneurs, helping them move from idea stage to fully operational businesses
- Developed sales strategies, GTM plans, and RevOps frameworks, enabling ventures to build scalable models
- Helped entrepreneurs design inbound/outbound funnels to improve customer acquisition and retention
- Fostered strong community networks and partnerships, driving collaboration and a thriving local business ecosystem
- Offered mentorship and expertise to improve operational efficiency, customer acquisition, and revenue growth
- Consulted across diverse industries, including engineering, retail, and services
Senior Sales Leader at Liberty (Standard Bank Group) (2008-02 – 2024-12)
Led and scaled advisory teams, delivering measurable sales growth, national recognition, and operational excellence across financial services and wealth creation.
- Built and developed a high‑performing advisory team consistently exceeding sales targets and fostering team excellence
- Achieved national recognition for sales performance and operational excellence
- Managed a portfolio exceeding R580M in assets under management
- Designed and implemented coaching and development programs, improving retention, sales performance, and team engagement
- Championed compliance and regulatory adherence, aligning processes with FSCA regulations and internal governance
- Developed and executed performance incentives and recognition frameworks
- Coached sales teams using Life and NLP methodologies
- Implemented segmentation strategies integrated into Salesforce CRM
- Designed inbound/outbound funnels and structured RevOps processes to optimize customer acquisition and pipeline conversion
