From Convenience Accounts to Sales Leadership: How Holly Baum Embraced Unexpected Opportunities at BIC World

 

Navigating a long-term career isn’t about following a rigid, linear path—it’s about leaning into uncomfortable challenges, building a broad internal network, and embracing unexpected opportunities that stretch your capabilities. At BIC World, our culture thrives when team members are empowered to explore new business areas, learn from cross-functional peers, and pay forward the mentorship they receive along the way.  

Holly, Director of Sales Office Products and E-commerce, exemplifies how stepping out of your comfort zone can transform a career.  

Based out of our Shelton, Connecticut office, Holly joined BIC World over a decade ago and has built an expansive commercial track record spanning Convenience accounts, Retail, Stationery, Lighters, and digital platforms. We sat down with Holly to discuss her multi-category evolution, the power of workplace mentorship, and why the most rewarding growth often comes from the opportunities you least expect.  

The Timeline: A Multi-Category Commercial Path 

Holly joined the BIC team in 2013. Over the course of her tenure, her trajectory has been defined by versatility and continuous growth across diverse sales channels:  

  • 2013: Joined as Key Account Manager, Convenience  
  • 2016: Promoted to National Account Manager (NAM), Staples Retail  
  • 2018: Promoted to Business Development Manager (BDM), Lighter Category  
  • 2019: Made a strategic lateral move to Business Development Manager, Stationery Category  
  • 2021: Promoted to Director of Sales, Office Products  
  • Expanded Scope: Added E-commerce sales leadership to her overall responsibilities  

 

"I was given an opportunity to take on additional responsibility, and it was a great opportunity to learn a new area of business," Holly reflects on her expanding leadership scope.  

The Evolution: Seeing the Bigger Picture 

Moving across multiple product categories and transitioning into senior executive leadership changes how you approach the business every day. For Holly, expanding her responsibilities brought a deeper appreciation for organizational strategy.  

When reflecting on the biggest shift between her early days at BIC and her current scope, Holly highlights her seat at the table: "Exposure to higher levels of leadership, strategy, and how decisions are made."  

That high-level strategic lens now shapes how Holly leads her commercial teams across both traditional office channels and fast-growing e-commerce marketplaces.  

A Culture of Mentorship and Paying It Forward 

Stepping into new business units and navigating unfamiliar commercial landscapes requires a strong support system. Holly attributes her career progression to the strong network of coaches and advocates who guided her through every new challenge.  

"I have been fortunate to have many managers, peers, and others who have been mentors and coaches to me as I grew in my career," Holly shares. "Having people who believe in you and encourage you as you take on new challenges and do things you haven't done before that are new/uncomfortable is a huge factor in success."  

Today, as a senior commercial leader, Holly considers championing the next generation of talent to be one of her most meaningful contributions to BIC culture.  

"In my current role, I look to be that mentor or coach or cheerleader for others who want to continue to develop and grow their careers and help in any way I can," she says. For Holly, the most rewarding part of her journey has been simple: "Learning from so many really smart, knowledgeable people at BIC."  

Holly’s Advice: Build Your Network and Embrace the Unexpected 

For professionals looking to grow their careers within BIC World, Holly offers practical advice grounded in her own experience:  

"BIC is a fantastic place to grow your career. My biggest advice is to grow your network within BIC and learn from colleagues in other departments and regions. Also, being open to new opportunities that may not have been on your radar but give you an opportunity to stretch yourself and give you insight into different areas of the business. The unexpected opportunities can be the ones that provide the most reward and growth."  

 

Ready to Own Your Growth? 

Whether you're looking to launch your commercial sales career, master key category accounts, or build multi-channel retail strategies, BIC World provides the mentorship, cross-functional exposure, and culture to support your ambitions.  

Explore Commercial Sales & Business Development Opportunities at BIC World.