6sense is a fast-growing company with incredible employees all over the world. Our Employee Spotlight series introduces you to the people behind the technology that’s revolutionizing B2B revenue creation.
Mason Colombo knows that there’s always more for you to learn — regardless of your department and role. His career journey from Business Development Representative to Account Executive to 6sense’s Director of Enterprise Sales was profoundly impacted by the guidance of mentors. They inspired him to foster a culture of collaboration within his team and the wider organization.
His experience highlights the crucial emphasis 6sense places on supporting and developing talent, using innovative tools, and promoting a culture that balances growth and stability.
We spoke with Mason, who lives in San Francisco, about his foundational experiences as a BDR, his belief in the transformative impact of professional mentorship, and more.
A Mentor at Heart
Mason recalls how invaluable it was to have mentors willing to share their knowledge.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have mentors who were AEs and managers that took me under their wing,” Mason says. “I could take them to lunch, ask questions, and pick their brains — not only about how to excel in my current role but also how to prepare myself for the next role.”
This experience shaped Mason’s approach to leading his team at 6sense, making mentorship a cornerstone of his own leadership style. A supportive team culture enhances both professional and personal growth, he says, which creates a cycle of continuous improvement and success.
Because he understands the challenges that BDRs face, Mason puts special emphasis on supporting them. He dedicates time getting to know the BDRs on his team, learning their goals and what drives them, and ensuring they feel comfortable approaching him for advice.
Mason emphasizes the importance of providing guidance and encouragement, especially for those in demanding roles like BDRs. Hearing “no” more often than “yes” can be discouraging — especially early in one’s career — but having someone to remind you of the bigger picture and celebrating wins with you can make a difference, he says.
Aspiring sales reps should seek out mentors, Mason advises, starting with the AEs they feel most comfortable with. The act of reaching out, he stresses, shows maturity and a desire to invest in one’s career — key traits for success.
Tools for Success
Mason credits the 6sense platform as a significant factor in his and his team’s success. He emphasizes how the platform’s insights into account targeting and engagement strategies have been game changers.“It has not only streamlined our processes but also amplified our success rates,” he says.
Mason himself was a top user of the 6sense platform before working here, which he credits for much of his success. The insights and efficiencies provided by the platform alleviated much of the stress and grind associated with sales, enabling him to focus on strategic growth and development.
“You’re already taking that leap of coming into sales as your first job,” he says. “And you’re wondering, ‘How am I going to learn the lingo? How am I going to tailor my messaging? How am I going to find the right people to go after?’ There’s a fear stepping into this role because it already is a grind. Having a tool like 6sense will alleviate a lot of that. You’ll have the data and insights at your fingertips to be successful.”
A Culture of Growth and Stability
Mason is passionate about promoting a culture of coaching and collaboration. Every Wednesday, he dedicates an hour to cross-team collaboration, enabling everyone in the enterprise org to share deals and strategize together.
He acknowledges that he doesn’t have all the answers and values the diverse perspectives and insights that come from collective problem-solving. This approach enhances team performance and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
His philosophy is simple yet impactful: “Mentorship is not just about guiding others,” he says. “It’s about fostering an environment where learning and growth are at the forefront.”
At 6sense, Mason has observed a unique BDR experience. The company promotes many reps from BDR to commercial AE roles and even to management, providing a clear pathway for advancement. This virtuous cycle creates tangible goals for BDRs and reinforces the value of their hard work. This culture has supported the company’s expansion from 90 employees to 1,000+ without losing sight of our core values.
Mason is happy about the stability in the company’s consistent leadership.
“Having a stable and supportive executive team has been crucial in our scaling efforts and speaks volumes about our company’s leadership and long-term vision,” he says.
Looking Ahead
Mason is optimistic about the continued growth and success of 6sense. His journey has surpassed his expectations. “The trajectory we’re on is exciting, and I am eager to see where our leadership and collaborative efforts will take us next.”
He emphasized how strong leadership and a supportive company culture, rooted in mentorship, have contributed to 6sense’s growth over the years. The same principles of guidance and support that have shaped his career are integral to the company’s success.
“If I’m going to bet on a leadership team, I’ll bet on ours. And I’m excited to see where we continue to grow.”
