Caleb Smith started at Yellow Canary in May 2022 as YC’s first dedicated sales hire.  Based in Canberra, Caleb’s helped to grow YC’s growth function, bringing incredible energy and passion to everything he does.  When he’s not talking to new clients, Caleb’s spending time in his garden or experiencing Canberra’s foodie scene.  

1. What is your background before coming to YC?

I’ve worked in a few different spaces before joining YC. I first met Marcus Zeltzer (CEO of YC) around 8 years ago when we both worked for the NRL. Since then I’ve worked in professional sports as well as stints on the tools, as a concreter as well as a carpenter, and then found myself in sales.  Sales lets me utilise my personality and energy well whilst providing me with problem solving opportunities, which is something I really enjoy.

2. What does a day-in-the-life for you look like?

Being a remote employee, I’ve been able to structure my day to really nail the work/life balance that I need to perform. I’ll typically hop on the computer around 7am to get some admin tasks done and prep my day, then I typically try and hold prospect meetings between 9am-3pm before spending the end of the day wrapping up any loose ends. I try to break up my day by walking the dog or popping to the gym - giving myself those temporary breaks from the computer so that my mind stays fresh.    

3. What excites you about working at YC?

Hands down, the team. I didn’t grow up with a passion for payroll compliance, but I am passionate about the team that we have built here at YC - everyone is genuine and takes an interest in those that sit outside of their wheelhouse in the company. I also believe the culture they have fostered here at YC is a big point of difference, to see how much of a focus the YC values have played and continue to influence day-to-day life at YC is incredibly impressive to me. This is reiterated by Marcus and his weekly value shout outs, acknowledging employees living out our company values.

4. How have you found your first ~10 months at YC?

BUSY! It’s incredible to think how much this organisation has grown in the time I’ve been here. It’s a really exciting feeling being part of a such an innovative company and the leadership team do a brilliant job of informing staff of key developments in the organisation and our strategy moving forward. It makes us all feel like part of one team and continues to grow us closer together.

5. Where can we find you outside of work?

I’m a pretty boring guy; outside of work I’m likely in the garden with my fiancé or out at one of Canberra’s MANY great pubs/restaurants. YC has enabled me to establish a really strong work/life balance, letting me spend more time focusing on what's important to me outside of work so I can then perform at my highest levels professionally.

6. What are you looking forward to in the next few months?  

I’m really excited about the sales team growing and the new team members I get to work with. I get a lot of satisfaction supporting my teammates and I’m really excited for how this team develops over the next few months.