In a rare and candid move, Carles Reina, head of go-to-market at ElevenLabs, has issued a stark warning to prospective sales candidates at the rapidly growing voice AI company. Reina, one of ElevenLabs’ earliest employees, emphasized that the sales role comes with intense expectations, long hours, and a demanding performance threshold that could lead to termination if not met.
High Expectations, High Stakes
The company, valued at $11 billion, is no stranger to ambition and growth. Reina’s warning underscores the high-pressure environment that comes with being part of a fast-scaling startup in a competitive market. Sales representatives at ElevenLabs are expected to meet a quota that is 20 times their base salary, a benchmark that reflects both the company’s aggressive growth targets and the high value placed on revenue generation in the AI sector.
Long Hours and Constant Travel
In addition to the financial pressure, candidates are also warned about the lifestyle demands of the role. Long hours and frequent travel are standard, with the position requiring a significant time commitment. This is not unusual for high-growth tech companies, especially in the AI space where the race to capture market share is fierce. However, Reina’s directness in outlining these expectations may signal a shift in how ElevenLabs approaches recruitment, prioritizing alignment with company culture and performance over traditional soft selling.
Conclusion
While such warnings may deter some candidates, they also serve to attract those who thrive under pressure and are aligned with the company’s ambitious goals. As ElevenLabs continues to expand its presence in the voice AI market, the company’s approach to building its sales team reflects its commitment to scaling quickly and efficiently — even if it means setting tough standards for its employees.
