From super yachts to startup sales, Joel Pearlman shares a global career journey of resilience, mindset, and breaking into tech from an unconventional path.

Guest Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-pearlman-642a3a14/
• Company: https://riverside.fm

In this episode of the SDR DiscoCall Show, Neil Bhuiyan chats with Joel Pearlman, Senior Business Development Manager at Riverside.fm.

Joel’s career didn’t begin in tech - it began on building sites. From working in construction to the luxury super yacht industry and navigating the job market during the 2008 financial crisis, Joel’s route into tech sales was anything but linear.

Now based in Tel Aviv, Joel shares the cultural contrasts of working in Israel’s vibrant tech scene, the mindset shifts needed to succeed in sales, and why asking for help is one of the most underrated skills for new SDRs.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unqualified, or unsure how to break into tech, Joel’s story is one you’ll relate to

Key Takeaways

• Career transitions can come from unexpected life moments
• The 2008 financial crisis forced reinvention for many
• Sales is stressful - but mindset and support make the difference
• Israel’s tech scene is fast, direct, and heavily network-driven
• Experience often outweighs formal education in hiring decisions
• The super yacht industry taught Joel about pressure and precision
• Asking questions is one of the most powerful things you can do early on
• Imposter syndrome is common - don’t let it stop you from applying
• You’re allowed to start over, and growth often comes after discomfort

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show

02:56 – Meet Joel: From Construction to Tech Sales

11:02 – Navigating Career Changes and the Job Market

14:49 – Life on the French Riviera: Working on Super Yachts

17:27 – Positive Mindset in Challenging Times

21:50 – Navigating Stagnation and Seeking Change

24:18 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Career Direction

27:36 – Jealousy, Tech Ambition, and Self-Reflection

29:27 – First Steps into Tech Sales in Tel Aviv

31:41 – Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in Job Applications

33:28 – Managing Stress and Expectations in Sales

37:22 – The Art of Genuine Connection in Sales

40:07 – Learning Through Experience: The Sales Journey

43:38 – Advice to My Younger Self