Andrae Rainey

Andrae Rainey, a valued member of the Microsoft family, embarked on his journey with the tech giant in 2020, taking on the pivotal role of leading the Sales Academy. Over his three-year tenure, he has made significant contributions to the organization, primarily by nurturing and training sellers in lead generation and deal closure. Andrae’s mission within Microsoft is multifaceted, and it centers on fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment within the sales team.

At the core of Andrae’s responsibilities lies the coaching of individuals to excel in opportunity management. He instills the art of successful planning and prioritization, ensuring that engagements are meticulously planned on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. His commitment extends to improving sales and technical competency through mentoring and supporting individual professional development. Andrae is unwavering in his dedication to Microsoft’s customers and prospects, striving to set the team up for delivering world-class customer engagement experiences. His operational excellence and dedication to Empower Success form the backbone of a sales discipline and coaching culture. Moreover, Andrae’s leadership prowess is evident in his role as a builder, motivator, and mentor of a high-functioning Digital Sales team, leading the charge in driving meaningful sales conversations. He rounds out his responsibilities by coaching team members in modern sales and communications tools and techniques, equipping them to effectively engage with Microsoft customers, including guiding them through product demos.

Andrae’s professional journey began as a Territory Account Manager for Xerox, providing him with early exposure to sales and customer engagement. His academic foundation was laid at Iowa State University, where he majored in Liberal Studies with a minor in Speech Communications. During his time at Iowa State, Andrae also showcased his athleticism as a college football player for the Iowa State Cyclones. His passion for speech communication shone through as he excelled in his favorite classes.

Professionally, Andrae holds his role at Microsoft in high regard, as it has allowed him to contribute significantly to the organization. On a personal note, he cherishes his college football journey, earning the honor of lettering in college football and participating in two bowl games. Beyond his professional and personal achievements, Andrae has dedicated his time to youth leadership as a YoungLife leader. This experience has been instrumental in shaping and honing his leadership and training abilities.

Andrae Rainey’s advice to aspiring professionals is profound: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” He recognizes that success and growth cannot coexist with comfort. To achieve meaningful progress and realize one’s potential, it’s crucial to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for personal and professional development. Andrae’s journey at Microsoft and his commitment to excellence are a testament to his dedication to this principle.