5 minutes

with Lior Pinsler

Director of Partnerships

Question Mark Icon

How long have you been at the company?

Almost 7 years.

What did you study?

Bachelor of Business Administration at IDC, and an MBA at Bar Ilan University.

What was your career path before coming to Bright Data?

I worked at WebPick as an account manager.

Tell us about your time at Bright Data

I started off as a Business Development Manager. We were 10 people in sales at the time, led by the VP of Sales. As the company was in its beginning stages, there was definitely a feeling that we were building the department, and we were all hungry to succeed.

After 1.5 years, we grew a lot, and the network needed to grow as well. The company came up with the idea to build the network by initiating partnerships with app developers and creating a new monetization model in the market. I was always looking for new responsibilities and opportunities, so I was offered this project to lead from beginning to end – from SDR to sales and support, I did it all. It was a success, and in our first month, we built the network to 1 million users.

For around a year, I built the department, initially alone, and eventually, we brought on more people to join the team. Today, we are 7 people. The most exciting part of this role is that our department is in charge of Bright Data’s most important asset, and has such a massive effect on the success of the company – and we all feel that.

What is the secret to moving up at Bright Data?

You simply have to take initiative. Don’t wait around for someone to come to you and tell you what to do. Come with ideas – take responsibility – and make a plan. This is the only way to move up.

What do you look for in a partnership manager?

When I’m interviewing someone, I always imagine them as if they were presenting to a potential partner and think about how they will come across. I look for highly organized, presentable, and communicative people. 

No one was born with experience – so I pay more attention to the way they think and their ability to take initiative – that is much more important to me than experience (and I am happy to open the door for non-experienced people). 

Advice for someone wanting to get into the partnerships field?

I believe you need to be a certain type of person – a ‘people person.’ You need the ability to see the value for both sides, not just yours. It’s highly important that both sides will be satisfied with the partnership and make sure to maintain it in the long run.

In the interview, you need to come as if you’re trying to partner with a potential customer/partner. Do deep research into the company and its most recent activities – read, learn, and make sure you’re extremely ready – this is the way you can show professionalism and instill belief. 

Tips for getting ahead in your career?

You have to take initiative – it’s very hard to shine in a team. The only way to do so is to take on more responsibilities. And of course, be excellent at whatever you do. 

What’s your management style?

I make sure that everyone brings their own unique personality into their role – the last thing I want is for people to become ‘machines’ without thinking outside of the box – the processes should run like a machine, but the people need to bring their imagination.

I also really encourage creativity – my team comes to me with ideas and I give them my full support in making them happen. I make sure to give each person their own set of responsibilities over and above their stated role – I think that gives them an extra feeling of responsibility and importance as well as a stronger connection to the company.

Favorite part of your job

Favorite part of your job?

The opportunity to have such a huge influence on the company – we’re a small department but our success is directly correlated to the company’s success, and it’s the best feeling.

What has kept you at Bright Data for 7 years?

My position and what we’ve built feel like my ‘baby’. It’s been a huge challenge and it always will be – the company is growing, and that means my department needs to grow as well –  quickly. The needs change all the time and it keeps it all very exciting.

Future plans?

It’s fun to work at a company that is growing so rapidly. At the moment, my future plans are to reach our next goals. I also want to develop my team and find new solutions. There is always room to grow and improve.