Sales is about solving problems rather than pushing products. Start with discovery by asking open-ended questions to uncover client pain points, listening more than talking.
First principles thinking is literally just breaking down complicated problems into their basic, underlying facts and rebuilding solutions afresh from scratch. Instead of analogizing solutions from one's own background (or worse, copying competitors), this process forces you to question assumptions, drill down, and generate true innovation.
Software architecture is critical across sectors, from finance to healthcare, in crafting systems that genuinely solve problems rather than just creating technology for its own sake.