Behind Zahara’s expanding network of clients and partners is a team driven by passion and persistence. One of those people is Lydia Hartles, part of Zahara’s Sales and Partnerships team.
We sat down with Lydia to learn more about her role, her journey, and a few fun facts you probably didn’t know about her.
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Quickfire Round 🔥
We started with a few light-hearted questions to get to know Lydia better.
Favourite beverage:
“If I’m really treating myself, a Fanta — but usually it’s sparkling water.”
Pets:
“Love them! I’d have a whole farm if I could.”
Desert island disc:
“That’s a tough one! At the moment I’m loving ‘You Can’t’ by Justin Bieber. I also like Drake and Dave — I’m into pop and R&B.”
Superpower for a day:
“I’d love to breathe underwater. Or fly — it’s got to be one of those two!”
Go-to feel-good movie:
“Finding Nemo! It’s easy to watch and genuinely funny. I also love the Minions.”
From Discovery to Delivery
Lydia’s day-to-day is anything but predictable. Her role covers the full sales cycle — from managing discovery calls and qualifying leads to closing deals and handing projects to the delivery team.
She’s also a key player in Zahara’s partner strategy.
“I work with a range of partners — from accountants and ERP resellers to e-commerce platforms and reporting tools,” Lydia explains. “It’s about maintaining those relationships, finding new ones, and identifying opportunities that help both sides grow.”
When she’s not building relationships, Lydia spends time making sure every lead from Zahara’s website, outreach, and trials is tracked, followed up, and reported on. It’s a fast-paced, multifaceted role that keeps her constantly moving.
What Makes a Great Salesperson?
For Lydia, success in sales isn’t about a single big win — it’s about curiosity and resilience.
“I’ve always been curious by nature,” she says. “That curiosity helps me understand what customers really need — their challenges, their priorities, and how Zahara can genuinely help.”
She also admits that tenacity is essential. Sales can be tough, and rejection comes with the territory.
“You need to be thick-skinned. You’ll hear ‘no’ a lot, but you have to pick yourself up and keep going.”
Lessons From Hospitality
Before joining Zahara, Lydia spent years working in hospitality — from nightclubs and casinos to fine dining restaurants. The experience taught her invaluable lessons about people, patience, and hard work.
“You deal with every kind of customer in hospitality. It teaches you people skills, resilience, and the value of graft — especially during those 14-hour shifts!”
That background in service has translated well into sales, where understanding human behaviour and keeping your composure under pressure are everyday essentials.
Staying Sharp and Learning Every Day
Lydia believes continuous learning is key to staying effective in sales.
She keeps up with market changes, listens to podcasts, joins webinars, and makes a point of understanding each client’s unique needs.
“Every industry Zahara works with is different,” she says. “The nuances matter — from how they process invoices to the systems they rely on. Knowing that detail helps me tailor how we position Zahara.”
Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals
When asked what advice she’d give to someone starting out in sales, Lydia doesn’t hesitate.
“Be open to learning and adapting. Don’t get stuck on one process or think there’s a single right way to sell. Every client and every situation is different.”
Adaptability, she says, separates good salespeople from great ones.
What Drives Lydia at Zahara
For Lydia, motivation comes from challenge, collaboration, and belief in the product.
“I love having my finger in different pots. I’ve also got a great working relationship with Jonathan (Zahara’s COO), which makes things flow. And I genuinely believe Zahara is a brilliant system — it’s just about talking about it in the right way.”
She’s excited by Zahara’s potential and committed to helping more businesses discover its value in a crowded marketplace.
Professional Pride
When reflecting on her proudest moments, Lydia mentions her first corporate role — a big leap from her hospitality days.
“My first nine-to-five was with Web Expenses. It was tough at first, but I stuck at it and adapted. I’ve always been determined to make things work.”
That same grit has followed her to Zahara, especially in her partner work, where building strong, lasting relationships takes time and patience.
Beyond the Office: Sharks, Adventure, and the Open Water
Away from work, Lydia’s passions take her below the surface — literally.
“I’m obsessed with sharks! I’ve got my diving licence, a shark calendar on my desk, and one day I want to swim with reef sharks.”
She’s also a self-confessed daredevil who loves snorkelling, travelling, and embracing adventure — including a childhood stint at school in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Lydia’s story reflects the spirit of Zahara — curious, committed, and always ready for the next challenge.
Her mix of people skills, determination, and genuine passion for connecting with customers makes her an essential part of Zahara’s growth story.
