We are excited to highlight Denise Castelli, our Director of Revenue Operations, who has been part of the team since the very beginning. With over a decade of experience in both B2B and B2C environments, Denise excels in ensuring our customers have the best possible experience with our product. Her commitment has been key in driving our growth and success. Join us as we get to know Denise a little better.
Q: Could you tell us about your background and how you ended up at Pistachio?
I'm originally from New Jersey, about 30 miles west of NYC. I started my career at High Grade Beverage, an Anheuser-Busch InBev distribution company, where I managed operations and customer accounts. The role was as fast paced as working at a startup, handling hundreds of calls daily and solving problems on the fly. When my French husband and I moved to Norway, I was drawn to Pistachio, a startup based in a garage across from where I lived in Oslo. Given my experience with the dynamic nature of startups, I jumped right in.
Q: How would you describe your job and its responsibilities?
It's essentially about keeping the commercial team operationally moving, managing a lot of moving parts, and ensuring we are all going in the same direction.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Pistachio? Are there any achievements you're particularly proud of?
My favorite part is definitely the people. The diversity and energy here have not only enhanced my work experience but have also helped me grow personally. Being the first employee and witnessing our evolution from a tiny room to becoming a significant presence in the industry has been incredibly fulfilling. The fact that our customers speak highly of us, often without us prompting them, is something I take great pride in. It's a testament to our genuine commitment to them.
Q: What skills or qualities are essential for success in your role?
You need to be a problem solver and a constant learner. Every day brings new challenges, whether it's supporting our sales team or directly assisting customers. My role requires a deep understanding of our products and the ability to share that knowledge effectively. Curiosity and a passion for learning are what keep me successful and motivated.
Q: What three words would you use to describe Pistachio's culture?
Vibrant, vigorous, and fast-paced. Our team is dynamic and diverse, always eager to push the boundaries and quick to adapt to new challenges.
Q: What advice would you give someone aspiring to lead a customer success team, especially in a tech-focused industry like cybersecurity?
Empathy is key. You must understand that your customers might not need you to be perfect, but they do need to feel heard. Quick responses and active presence can make all the difference. It's about being a people person, genuinely listening to your customers, and celebrating their successes as if they were your own.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any fun facts that might surprise your colleagues?
I'm a big fan of gaming, especially League of Legends. I balance that with staying active—running races with my husband yearly. Something that might surprise my colleagues is that I was a ball girl at the US Open for two years. Additionally, I was a member of CNN’s Fit Nation team, a program aimed at getting America fit, which included training for a triathlon. So, now you have two!
Q: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
It's simple yet powerful: 'Kick a** every day because if you’re not kicking a**, you’re getting your a** kicked.’' It's about being proactive and making sure you're the one driving change, not just reacting to it.
Q: What is one thing you cannot live without?
New Jersey bagels! I've learned to make them myself because I can't start my weekend without a good bagel.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Denise a little better. Stay tuned over the coming months as we shine a light on the unique personalities that make our team so great!
