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Ismail Shakra

@ishakra

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Strategic Transformation and Sales Leader, scaling AI-powered GTM and ecosystems across EMEA and APAC.

France

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead GTM and transformation at global scale—aligning C-suite goals with measurable frontline execution, using AI-driven outreach and PLG to build high-velocity ecosystems across EMEA/APAC.

I’m a Strategic Transformation and Sales Leader with 15+ years of experience architecting high-performance GTM engines and driving large-scale engagement for global enterprises. I bridge the gap between C-suite strategy and frontline execution, turning low-awareness platforms into high-velocity ecosystems.

Most recently, I’ve operated as a Strategic GTM & Sales Performance Consultant, building AI-driven outreach and sales architecture using Claude Code, Apollo, and LinkedIn Sales Navigator. I’ve delivered measurable engagement and conversion outcomes, led market entry strategy work for EMEA/APAC, and coached leadership teams on performance management aligned to Digital Sovereignty.

I also co-founded GMATBUDDY to scale a profitable EdTech SaaS platform, reaching 200% year-over-year revenue growth through a full-funnel engine combining AI automation and SEO. Earlier in my career at Oracle Systems and other technology-focused firms, I led regional revenue architecture, partner-led GTM frameworks, and cross-functional teams to secure multi-million-dollar wins and accelerate SaaS adoption through consulting, coaching, and ecosystem alignment.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Strategic GTM Consultant

Current

Independent Consulting

Aug 2024 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Architected a multi-channel AI outreach engine using Claude Code, Apollo, and LinkedIn Sales Navigator, achieving a 15% stakeholder engagement rate and a 5% qualified meeting conversion. Served as a fractional GTM lead for SaaS vendors across EMEA/APAC, including sales coaching and skills-based transformation initiatives to improve internal mobility and user adoption.

Sales Coaching GTM Strategy EMEA APAC Market Entry Claude Code Apollo LinkedIn Sales Navigator Product Led Growth Executive Enablement

Current

Co-Founder & GTM Architect

Current

GMATBuddy

Jul 2022 - Present (3 years 11 months)

Co-founded and scaled a profitable EdTech SaaS platform, driving 200% year-over-year revenue growth by building a full-funnel sales engine with AI-driven automation and SEO. Implemented community-first GTM and product-led sales that reduced customer acquisition cost by 40% and doubled course completion rates, increasing LTV.

Sales Automation SEO Strategic Partnerships Community First GTM Learning Analytics

Sr. Regional Director (GTM)

Oracle Systems

Nov 2019 - Apr 2022 (2 years 5 months)

Orchestrated a $15M cloud-native mandate via a Global System Integrator partnership, translating complex technical requirements into business narratives to secure executive buy-in. Defined the EMEA GTM roadmap, originating $8M+ in net new revenue, and led multi-country account teams through sales coaching to accelerate SaaS adoption and improve retention.

GTM Enterprise Sales Sales Coaching Revenue Operations Digital Sovereignty Compliance

Sr. Regional Director (Pre-Acq)

ENEA

Nov 2018 - Nov 2019 (1 year)

Secured two lighthouse accounts within a 10-month window to strengthen the company’s value narrative ahead of acquisition, including wins across Tier-1 telcos. Drove pre-acquisition growth activities and strategic account execution for the region.

Pre Acquisition Growth Strategic Accounts Telco Sales Stakeholder Management

Global Director (Partner Strategy)

Cellusys Ltd.

Nov 2017 - Nov 2018 (1 year)

Architected a global partner-only GTM framework, originating and delivering a €10M+ strategic win in Sub-Saharan Africa with a Tier-1 operator. Recruited and mentored an SDR team, embedding a data-driven sales-first culture across customer-facing operations.

SDR Leadership Sales Enablement Data Driven Sales Cybersecurity Sales Sub Saharan Africa Expansion

Regional Director (ISV Ecosystems)

Movius Inc.

Nov 2012 - Nov 2017 (5 years)

Positioned Movius as a strategic ISV within Telefónica’s ecosystem via IBM Cloud and Red Hat OpenShift, enabling LATAM market entry through B2B catalog integration. Led ecosystem growth and strategic market expansion activities across regional stakeholders and partners.

IBM Cloud Red Hat OpenShift Telefónica Ecosystem Positioning