Paragon Learning Solutions builds professional sales training programs powered by the CODED PACT™ methodology — an 8-step system that takes reps from first conversation to closed deal.
Most sales training fails because it's built by people who've never sat in a sales seat. Zakiya Barnette founded Paragon Learning Solutions differently. With 20+ years designing and delivering enablement programs for sales organizations of 1,000+ reps, she knows exactly what it takes to move a new hire from orientation to their first close — faster.
Her work has helped companies reduce average new hire time to first sale from 4 months down to 2.5 — a 37% improvement that shows up directly on the revenue line.
"I help growing businesses fix the part of their sales process that costs them the most — getting new reps to revenue, faster."
— Zakiya Barnette, Founder & CEOEvery engagement is scoped to where you are. Whether you need a quick audit, a full training build, or an experienced facilitator — we meet you at the right starting point.
A structured review of your current onboarding and training process — identifying gaps, inefficiencies, and immediate opportunities so you know exactly where to invest.
A complete, custom-built onboarding program for your sales team — from curriculum design to delivery-ready materials — built around your product, your process, and your people.
Live virtual facilitation of sales training sessions — a one-time workshop or an ongoing multi-session program — delivered with energy, experience, and real-world credibility.
Strategic advisory for existing clients who need an ongoing thought partner — someone who knows your business and helps you keep optimizing your training and enablement engine.
CODED opens the door. PACT closes the deal.
Most sales training teaches reps what to say. CODED PACT™ teaches them how to think — an 8-step system that builds the consultative intelligence to win the conversation and the closing discipline to seal it. Every Paragon training program is built on this foundation.
Shift from pitching to partnering. Reps lead with curiosity and genuine interest in the customer's world.
Set the tone, establish the agenda, and create space for real dialogue — not a monologue.
Ask the right questions to uncover the challenges and goals that matter most to the buyer.
Surface the real cost of inaction. Help the buyer feel the weight of staying where they are.
Establish what success looks like in the buyer's own words — creating the standard your solution will meet.
Connect your offer directly to what the buyer defined as their ideal — in their language, not yours.
Handle objections and pushback with confidence — without discounting, caving, or losing momentum.
Secure verbal agreement and validate that the buyer is aligned before moving to close.
Close with clarity — defined next steps, timeline, and a signed commitment that moves the deal forward.
A 45-minute conversation to understand your team, your challenges, and what success looks like for you.
A tailored proposal with clear deliverables, timeline, and investment — no surprises, no vague retainers.
We kick off with a 50% deposit, sign agreements, and get to work building what your team needs.
Your program, your materials, your team — set up for success long after the engagement ends.
We work with growth-stage companies of 25–500 employees — founders, CEOs, VPs of Sales, and CROs who are scaling their sales team without the training infrastructure to support it.
Let’s TalkEvery engagement starts with a discovery call. Tell us a little about where you are and we’ll figure out together whether we’re the right fit.