Rachel Gelb-Tooley [Google, Skai]
Rachel shares her career growth from Jazz Studies major to Account Exec at Google, and credits the mentors & colleagues who championed her along the way.
A Q&A interview with Rachel Gelb-Tooley, a Chicago-based tech sales & marketing pro. Rachel has ~9 yrs experience in adtech, digital marketing, and retail media across agencies, Skai, and now Google.
Did you pursue what you studied in college? If not, how did you end up in your current role?
I started college as a Jazz Studies major, aspiring to a career in vocal performance. However, my interest shifted to the business side of music, leading me to add a Marketing major and minor in Jazz. I even considered a Master's in Music Business at Berklee. Ultimately, I decided to enter the workforce and gain practical business experience, deferring further student debt.
My career began in digital marketing agencies, where I quickly immersed myself in a new world of skills like Google Ads and strategic campaign optimization for major brands. It was a steep learning curve, and I made my share of mistakes, but I persevered and mastered the intricacies of the field. This hands-on experience then led me to a customer success role at Skai, where I advised clients on their marketing strategies, honing my ability to engage with stakeholders, drive revenue, and build comprehensive business plans.
Google had always been a goal, and after several attempts and interviews for various roles, I finally landed a Business Development Representative position in Google Cloud in 2020. I dedicated myself to preparing for that interview, and it paid off. Since then, I've transitioned to Google Ads, and in my five years here, I've evolved into a confident sales professional. My passion for connecting with people, first ignited through music, now fuels my ability to pitch, present, and influence global retail brands, a journey I never anticipated but truly cherish.
Who is someone you credit with accelerating or supporting your career?
I've been incredibly fortunate to have strong mentors at Google. In my first role, assisting Key Account Executives with international retail brands, I initially lacked experience in cold outreach and C-suite interactions. My colleagues and Customer Engineers quickly became my coaches, teaching me effective communication and helping me develop a compelling story for Google Cloud. Their unwavering belief and advocacy created a safe space for me to learn and grow, transforming me from timid to confident. I'm so grateful to them for their foundational support during my first two years.
What is a lesson you learned from an influential leader and how has it shaped your career?
During my time as an Account Manager at Google, I got to act as an Account Executive for my accounts when a colleague was out. This was an incredible opportunity to hone my leadership skills. When a permanent AE role opened on my team, I was unfortunately told I wasn't qualified. While disheartening, my Industry Director provided crucial advice: "Don't waste the year – prepare for the moment you can go for that role. It's not a matter of if, but when." This really resonated with me, reinforcing that you can always grow and challenge yourself regardless of your current title. True to his words, exactly one year later, another AE position became available. I was prepared, with strong references and relevant experience, and I landed the role.
Thank you Rachel for sharing your career story with Top Talent in Tech!