Rafael Valadez
About Rafael Valadez
Rafael Valadez is a seasoned sales professional currently serving as Sr. Manager of SMB Sales at Handshake. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, he has held various leadership roles at companies such as LinkedIn, Superhuman, and Citi, focusing on customer growth and delivering actionable insights.
Current Role at Handshake
Rafael Valadez serves as the Senior Manager of SMB Sales at Handshake, a position he has held since 2024. In this role, he focuses on developing and executing key business objectives while delivering customer value. His responsibilities include managing sales strategies and fostering relationships with small and medium-sized businesses.
Previous Experience at LinkedIn
Rafael Valadez has extensive experience at LinkedIn, where he held multiple roles. He worked as an Enterprise Relationship Manager from 2018 to 2021, focusing on client relationships in New York. He later served as the Global Head of Out@In for eight months in 2021 to 2022, and as NYC Chief Office Lead from 2019 to 2021. His role as Account Director lasted for seven months in 2021 to 2022, showcasing his versatility within the organization.
Sales Leadership at Superhuman
At Superhuman, Rafael Valadez held several key positions. He was the Interim Head of Sales for eight months in 2022, followed by a role as Sales Manager for Customer Growth during the same year. He then advanced to Senior Manager of Customer Growth and Revenue, a position he held until 2024. Additionally, he served as Director of Enterprise Sales for three months in 2024, emphasizing his leadership in sales within the tech industry.
Education and Expertise
Rafael Valadez studied at The Wharton School, where he achieved a focus in Banking and Corporate Finance. His educational background complements nearly two decades of experience in sales, particularly within AI, SaaS, and Talent ecosystems. He is passionate about using data to deliver actionable insights for decision-making.
Commitment to Inclusion and Development
Rafael Valadez is committed to creating safe spaces for individuals of all identities to reach their potential. He focuses on developing environments that drive business results while ensuring inclusivity. His previous roles in training and development, including as Manager at Stream Global Services, reflect his dedication to fostering growth and development in the workplace.