Podcasts about cpq

In this episode, Frank speaks with Kristian Frøstrup Madsen, a CPQ expert with over 13 years at CPC (now part of PDSVision), about how modular thinking is reshaping CPQ for complex manufacturing industries. They cover: How CPC approaches Modular Architecture, Modular PLM, and Modular CPQ Why a product-focused background leads to better CPQ outcomes than pure IT consulting The growing need to connect PLM and CPQ Practical insights on where AI adds value to CPQ projects—and where it doesn't Partnerships with leading CPQ vendors like Tacton, Configit and Epicor Kristian also shares a personal glimpse into his life near Denmark's “Cold Hawaii,” where he surfs with his kids—and what keeps him passionate about solving complex configuration challenges. Whether you work in CPQ, PLM, or complex B2B manufacturing, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building smarter, modular configurators.

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we sit down with Philip Cunningham—CPQ veteran and co-founder of Shiftlogic—to explore his journey from the early BigMachines days through Oracle, SteelBrick, Salesforce, and now to leading one of Europe's fastest-growing Salesforce Revenue Cloud consultancies. Philip shares how his experiences at global CPQ leaders shaped his vision for Shiftlogic, a bootstrapped firm that reached Summit Partner Status in under three years and is now delivering high-impact Revenue Cloud Advanced solutions across industries like manufacturing, automotive, high tech, and financial services. With a deep focus on Europe—including the UK, DACH, France, and the Nordics—Shiftlogic is thriving without outside investors, and Philip explains why that matters. We discuss: Why demand for Salesforce CPQ and Revenue Cloud Advanced is growing fast in 2025 How Shiftlogic's company culture fuels feedback-driven growth and high performance Their plans to launch proprietary AI agents in response to growing customer demand What it takes to scale a specialized consultancy across diverse industries How Philip balances entrepreneurship with audiobooks and cycling If you're interested in Salesforce Revenue Cloud, CPQ innovation, or building founder-led consultancies in Europe—this episode is for you. Shiftlogic contact information: 

Ever wondered what it takes to climb the ladder from Salesforce developer to Salesforce architect to Salesforce manager in the complex and fast-paced ecosystem we live in?  In this episode of DevOps Diaries, host Jack McCurdy sits down with Salesforce leader Jessica Riffe to uncover her incredible journey. Get ready for a deep dive into the evolution of Salesforce DevOps, the secrets to impactful documentation, and the real-world challenges (and triumphs!) of growing a high-performing team. If you're navigating your own DevOps transformation or looking to elevate your team's collaboration, Jessica's hard-won insights on pipelines, understanding DevOps user needs, and effective communication are pure gold. Don't miss these invaluable lessons – listen to the full episode now!About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

Send us a textCRM systems generally center around four main suites—sales, marketing, customer service, and field service—often enhanced by contact center capabilities, though smaller platforms may streamline their offerings to focus primarily on marketing and lead generation. While enterprise-grade CRMs tend to offer robust, native support for complex features like CPQ and subscription management, smaller solutions often rely on third-party integrations to meet industry-specific needs. In this context, Keap stands out as a CRM designed specifically for small businesses, prioritizing simplicity, marketing automation, and affordability over extensive transactional or field service functionalities. Its position in the CRM landscape reflects a clear trade-off: it may lack the depth of enterprise tools, but excels in providing an accessible, all-in-one solution for small teams aiming to streamline customer engagement and growth.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Keap's capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Keap might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Keap.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs.rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

How do you bring structure to the chaos of service pricing? In this episode, Frank talks with Tracey Shirtcliff, founder of ScopeBetter, a "Services CPQ" platform helping creative agencies and consultancies ditch the spreadsheets and build scalable, repeatable pricing models. Tracey shares her journey from building Traffic Live to launching ScopeBetter, and why most of their competition is still Excel. You'll hear about: Why service pricing is messy — and how to fix it How AI and automation are reshaping the billable hour The role of integrations, open APIs, and their 12-week implementation model What it means to give teams pricing consistency across roles, regions, and workflows From SaaS innovation to outdoor adventure and biohacking, Tracey's passion for pushing limits comes through—don't miss this unique look into the future of services CPQ.

In this CPQ Podcast episode, Frank Sohn welcomes Jon Scott, Co-Founder and CEO of ScopeStack. With nearly 20 years of experience in the IT services industry, Jon shares the story behind launching ScopeStack in 2018 to eliminate the chaos of spreadsheets and manual SOW creation. Learn how ScopeStack's innovative platform bridges CRM and PSA systems, complements product CPQ solutions like Salesforce and NetSuite, and helps IT service providers deliver consistent, accurate project scopes. Jon discusses ScopeStack's growth journey — from securing Series A funding with Cultivation Capital to serving clients across North America and Australia — and gives insights into their API-first architecture, PSA integrations, and emerging AI initiatives. Plus, Jon reflects on sales lessons learned, entrepreneurship challenges, and why getting back into golf is now on his personal to-do list. Whether you're focused on streamlining IT services, improving project planning, or exploring CPQ and PSA integrations, this conversation offers valuable real-world insights. Listen now to discover how ScopeStack is transforming IT service delivery for mid-market and enterprise organizations! ScopeStack contact information: Website: https://scopestack.io/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scopestackjon/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scopestack/featured 

Valerio Chang from Gearset chats to Jack about the evolving landscape of customer support in SaaS companies. Valerio offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Gearset has built a world-class support team, leaning into the importance of truly understanding customer needs and using documentation to elevate user experiences.Valerio delves into the unique challenges of supporting customers in the Salesforce ecosystem, and how the nature of Salesforce DevOps conversations has matured over time. Valerio discusses Gearset's mission to act not just as a tool provider but as a trusted advisor, helping users navigate complexity through empathy, curiosity, and continuous improvement.Throughout the conversation, Valerio highlights the power of asking the right questions, the role of customer feedback in shaping product development, and the fulfilment that comes from solving meaningful problems. The episode wraps with a thoughtful reflection on the human side of support and the profound impact it can have on the people behind the tickets.About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKW

In this CPQ Podcast episode, Frank Sohn speaks with Ethan, co-founder of Vendori, a fast-growing CPQ startup focused on reducing implementation time, cutting costs, and delivering faster ROI through a no-code, multi-tenant solution. Ethan shares his journey from Wall Street M&A at Merrill Lynch to leadership roles at SAP and Citrix, where he saw firsthand how traditional CPQ tools often caused more friction than they solved—especially for companies shifting to SaaS. That experience inspired him to create a better path forward. Vendori is built for B2B tech companies—hardware and SaaS—starting with 5-10 CPQ users and scaling into the hundreds. The platform offers subscription management, guided selling, and AI-assisted workflows, while boasting integrations with Salesforce, Hubspot, Oracle, SAP, Teams, and Slack—with some customers onboarded in under a day. In the episode, Ethan unpacks: Why many customers are three years into “18-month” CPQ rollouts How Vendori focuses on control and velocity The real role of AI in CPQ—and why price optimization isn't the holy grail What it means to build a CPQ company around family, faith, and community If you're exploring CPQ or rethinking your current solution, this is one episode you won't want to miss. Vendori contact information: Website: https://vendori.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-garonzik-1565aa2b/ 

In this must-listen episode of the CPQ Podcast, we dive into one of the most talked-about trends in the Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) space: Artificial Intelligence. Is AI in CPQ a game-changer today—or a promise for tomorrow? Join us as we explore the real-world state of AI in CPQ from the perspective of a seasoned CPQ expert (not an AI evangelist!). We cut through the hype and take a practical look at how AI is being used—right now—to improve quoting processes, enhance guided selling, personalize upsell strategies, and even write quote letters and automate testing. You'll learn:

Think database skills are dead in the Salesforce era? Think again. In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy talks to Chris Starleaf of Zinc Partners, who argues they're more relevant than ever. Listen in as Chris shares insights from his Salesforce journey, exploring why tech pros need sales skills, the crucial balance between quick wins and long-term strategy, and the vital role of data governance. They tackle the generalist vs. specialist debate and discuss how strong leadership and team development drive success. Want to build better data strategies and lead more effectively in the Salesforce ecosystem? Don't miss this episode!About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKWChapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Starleaf and His Journey03:02 The Relevance of Database Management in Salesforce06:00 Sales Skills for Tech Professionals09:12 Understanding Different Roles in Salesforce11:52 Balancing Quick Wins with Long-Term Success14:59 The Importance of Data Governance18:09 The Role of Generalists vs. Specialists20:58 Fostering Pride in Data Management23:55 Building a Data Governance Strategy27:03 Team Leadership and Development29:53 Creating Efficient Processes33:13 Navigating the Salesforce Ecosystem36:08 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, we explore a key question: How do you choose the right CPQ solution? Many customers come to Novus CPQ with a long list of vendors—often 6 to 20. Using our proven process, including targeted questionnaires, we help reduce that to a focused shortlist of 6–8 top candidates. We explain how these lists are typically formed—from consulting partners, direct vendor outreach, internet research, personal contacts, and analyst reports. Once you're down to 3 vendors, our CPQ Sales Reports offer deep insights into leading solutions like SAP, Salesforce RCA, Bit2win, Xait, Engineering Intent, and Camos. We also discuss the most requested CPQ capabilities in the past year:

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we sit down with Tom Stergios, co-founder of Craton Consulting, to explore his 35-year journey in the Quote-to-Cash space. Tom shares his experiences building high-impact consulting teams, including his leadership at ATG, where he scaled a 600-person Quote-to-Cash practice later acquired by Cognizant. We dive into Craton's role in the CPQ ecosystem, helping ISVs, system integrators, and investors navigate complex challenges. Tom discusses key trends in Salesforce CPQ and Billing, the challenges faced by what he calls "orphan revenue cloud customers," and how his firm helps businesses evaluate their best path forward. Beyond consulting, we explore AI's growing role in CPQ, from automating provisioning and billing to enhancing sales and customer success. Tom also highlights the future of AI monetization, the shift toward usage-based pricing models, and what businesses must consider to stay competitive. Plus, we get a glimpse into Tom's personal journey, his deep ties to Montana, and his passion for creating opportunities through consulting and talent development. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of CPQ, AI, and business transformation! Craton Consulting contact information: Website: https://cratonconsulting.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-stergios/  Learn from the Craton Advisor Network https://cratonconsulting.com/craton-advisor-network/ , a collective of seasoned quote-to-cash operators boasting over 200 years of combined experience across CRO, CFO, CIO roles, and more. Get practical, 'been there done that' insights alongside Craton Consulting's expertise. Craton Affiliated Entity contact information:  https://thewholegroup.com https://www.ravusinc.com https://www.theinsightstudio.com 

From his early days in the Salesforce ecosystem to becoming a driving force behind Okta's DevOps strategy, Varun shares candid insights and hard-won lessons.Jack McCurdy sits down with Varun Kavoori, Principal Salesforce DevOps Engineer at Okta, for a deep dive into his career journey and the evolving world of Salesforce DevOps. Jack and Varun explore how Okta approaches release management, the power of flexible DevOps practices, and why setting strong guardrails is key to compliance and scale. Varun lifts the lid on the tools and tactics that keep his team running smoothly, especially on high-stakes release days, and looks ahead to the growing role of AI in the DevOps space. Whether you're a seasoned Salesforce engineer or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives.About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset: https://grst.co/4iCnas2Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial: https://grst.co/4iKysKWChapters:00:00 Introduction to Varun Kavoori and His Journey03:06 Understanding the Role of DevOps in Salesforce06:08 Release Management at Okta08:55 Building a Flexible DevOps Process11:54 Guardrails and Compliance in Releases15:00 Scaling the Team and Managing Growth18:02 Challenges with Metadata and Deployment20:54 Release Day Process and Code Freeze23:51 Tools and Techniques for DevOps Success26:53 Future of DevOps and AI Integration29:53 Excitement for Salesforce Innovations

Why you should listenDiscover how ExpandAP fills a critical gap in Salesforce by providing spend intelligence that ties your marketing investments directly to sales opportunities, campaigns, and customer lifetime value.Learn about a native Salesforce solution that can finally help marketing and sales leaders prove ROI on campaigns and customer acquisition costs—a persistent challenge for tech consultants.Paul Wnek shares valuable insights from 12 months of bringing this solution to market.Are you struggling to track the true costs of acquiring and maintaining your clients within Salesforce? In this episode, I talk with Paul Wnek from ExpandAP about their native Salesforce solution that bridges the gap between your sales data and spending intelligence. Whether you're running campaigns, traveling to meet prospects, or managing client projects, ExpandAP provides visibility into what you're actually spending to win and maintain business. Paul explains how this solution evolved from his experience implementing ERP systems and seeing the consistent challenge of expense tracking and attribution across organizations. If you've ever wondered about the real ROI of your marketing efforts or the true profitability of specific clients, this conversation reveals how bringing spend data directly into Salesforce can transform your business decision-making.About Paul WnekPaul Wnek is the founder and CEO of ExpandAP and a 15x certified Salesforce B2B solutions architect. Paul is an expert in complex business systems management, integration and implementation and is well versed in CRM, ERP, PSA, payment systems, subscription billing and CPQ and how to connect workflows for a holistic view of business outcomes.Resources and LinksExpandap.comPaul's LinkedIn profileBook a demo here!Previous episode: 600 - From Bootstrap to 7 figures: Building a NetSuite Powerhouse Through Marketing with Nathan GaringCheck out more episodes of The Paul Higgins ShowSubscribe to our YouTube channel: @PaulHigginsMentoringThe Tech Consultant's RoadmapJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

In this episode, we answer key questions about our own Industry Analyst Report, the "CPQ Sales Report." Exciting news—it's now available for SAP CPQ! So far, we've released four reports covering Camos Software, Bit2Win, Xait, and Engineering Intent, with more coming soon, including Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced (RCA). We discuss why we created this report (because the world clearly doesn't have enough industry analyst reports yet!

In this episode of the Transform Sales Podcast: Sales Software Review Series, Dave Menjura

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank sits down with Kristofer to dive into the evolution of DynaMaker, a platform that seamlessly integrates CAD and visualization software with CPQ vendors. Kristofer shares insights on how DynaMaker enhances usability for engineers, fosters community engagement, and advances API integration. They also discuss the growing demand for visual configuration in CPQ, highlighting how customers expect dynamic, interactive previews of their configurable products. Kristofer explains the benefits of parametric visualization, which enables real-time 3D model adjustments, reducing the reliance on static images and improving the quoting process. Additionally, the conversation touches on DynaMaker's focus on the European market, its potential for U.S. expansion, and its partnerships with CPQ vendors like Tacton, Elfsquad, and Experlogix.  Whether you're an engineer, a CPQ professional, or just interested in the intersection of visualization and automation, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of CPQ-driven visual configuration. DynaMaker contact information: Website: https://dynamaker.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristofer-skyttner/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dynamaker 

Megan Tuano shares her unique journey into the tech industry, the importance of communication, questions, and the value of empathy in customer service. She discusses her experiences with Salesforce and the significance of building relationships, emphasizing that success comes from being authentic and understanding the human aspect of technology. Megan and Jack also explore various themes surrounding customer service, the journey of content creation on YouTube, the challenges of balancing careers and parenthood.They wrap up by discussing the impact of artificial intelligence on business analysis, how to craft effective user stories, and how shifting left collaboratively harnesses the best results. Learn more:- Salesforce release management best practices.- How to deploy Agentforce.- DevOps for enterprise Salesforce implementations.About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:08 Breaking into Tech: Overcoming Misconceptions05:53 The Role of Communication in Tech08:49 The Importance of Asking Questions11:59 Shift Left: Identifying Issues Early15:01 Building Relationships in Tech18:02 Empathy in Customer Service20:58 Salesforce Experience and Insights23:54 The Relationship Between Customer Service and Tech28:00 Navigating Customer Service Challenges30:55 Creating on YouTube33:57 Balancing Parenthood and Careers35:57 The Role of AI in Business Analysis40:00 Crafting Effective User Stories43:02 Collaboration Between Teams for Success47:04 Building Community and Finding Your Why

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we sit down with Leon Panjtar, Co-Founder & CEO of SaleSqueze, to explore his journey from industrial automation and robotics to transforming manufacturing sales. Leon shares insights on how his company is simplifying complex manufacturing processes through CPQ and digital transformation, making sales and product configuration more accessible to non-technical users. We discuss SaleSqueze's growth strategy, including its $1.5M seed funding, upcoming Series A round, and expansion into the US market. Leon also provides a deep dive into the platform's architecture, with a focus on capabilities for dealer networks, API integrations with Microsoft Dynamics and SAP, and upcoming AI-powered automation for sales and order processing. Join us as we unpack the post-Covid shift in manufacturing, the role of 3D configurators and CAD integrations, and why mid-market manufacturers are prioritizing efficiency and automation. Plus, get a glimpse into Leon's personal life—from his passion for travel to coaching a successful handball team.

Send us a textMarketing automation is a highly competitive space, with numerous tools designed for different industries and platforms. Within the Shopify ecosystem alone, businesses can choose from at least a dozen options, including Shopify's own built-in solutions, all offering similar core functionalities. However, the differences lie in their specialized capabilities—some platforms emphasize eCommerce-driven workflows like product recommendations and push notifications, while others cater more to content management or CPQ processes. Klaviyo, a well-known player in this space, distinguishes itself with a strong focus on data-driven personalization and deep eCommerce integrations. In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Klaviyo's capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Klaviyo might be a a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Klaviyo.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

From dot-com dreams in Prague to cutting-edge 3D CPQ with AI, dive into the journey of Matthew Gertner, CEO of Salsita Software. Discover how his unique background in linguistics and computer science fuels a company revolutionizing custom product sales. We explore the rise of web-based CPQ, the power of 3D configurators, and how AI is shaping the future of online sales. Learn how Salsita is helping businesses, especially those in custom manufacturing, simplify complex pricing and reach global audiences. Tune in to hear about their innovative tech stack and why they believe AI-assisted configurator creation is the next big thing. Connect with Matthew and his team at salsita.ai. Salsita Software contact information: Website: https://salsita.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgertner/ 

How do DORA metrics apply to the unique challenges of Salesforce development? Join Jack McCurdy and Nathan Harvey as they dive into the evolving landscape of software delivery, exploring the intersection of platform engineering, AI, and human performance. They discuss practical strategies for implementing DORA metrics, navigating the shift to agile, and reducing developer burnout. In this episode they uncover how to foster empathy, improve team collaboration, and leverage AI to enhance your Salesforce development processes. Expect insights on effective tooling, communication strategies, and the importance of questioning the status quo to drive innovation.Learn more:- Everything you need to know about Agentforce- Insights from the latest DORA report- How to apply DORA metrics to SalesforceAbout DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters00:00 Introduction to DORA and Its Importance02:57 Understanding Software Delivery Performance Metrics06:01 Challenges in Measuring Metrics in Salesforce09:04 The Role of Platform Engineering12:04 AI's Impact on Software Delivery17:57 Navigating AI in Development and Deployment29:38 Understanding Customer Needs in AI Development30:43 The Journey of Continuous Improvement32:45 Collaboration in Salesforce Teams36:07 Effective Communication Strategies40:12 The Shift from Waterfall to Continuous Improvement42:25 Reducing Developer Burnout48:24 Building Empathy with Users53:10 Challenging the Status Quo

Unlock the potential of your CPQ with AI and unified data. We discuss how combining these technologies can drive smarter quoting, personalized recommendations, and improved sales efficiency. This episode provides a high-level overview of the concepts, benefits, and crucial risk considerations for businesses looking to leverage this powerful combination.

Two years later, interest in CPQ and AI remains strong. While AI is now widely used daily for various tasks, CPQ adoption of AI is less clear. Although many vendors have announced AI capabilities (or rebranded existing machine learning as AI, which is technically accurate), it's still unclear what AI features customers truly need in CPQ solutions. Therefore, I explored what different language models suggest by asking them some basic questions. I encourage you to listen to their responses and use these tools for your own research, both before selecting a CPQ solution and after it's installed.

In this episode, we bring you key excerpts from a recent webinar featuring Configit and Coolshop. Configit, a leading CPQ vendor from Denmark, was represented by Max Mirbaz, VP of Global Partner Business. Coolshop, an IT & Service company that partners with Configit on solution implementations, was represented by Enrico Magnone, Chief Strategy Officer. The discussion is divided into three key segments: ✅ How to Differentiate CPQ Solutions in 2025 ✅ Configit's Overview & New Go-to-Market Program ✅ Coolshop's Approach & a Real-World Partnership Example If you're exploring partnership opportunities with Configit in North America or Europe, this episode is a must-listen!

Daniel shares his unique career path and how his background informs his approach to business. He discusses how servicePath helps businesses manage complex product configurations, pricing, and deployments. In the interview, you'll learn about: How servicePath evolved from addressing the challenges of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to a broader solution for various industries. The platform's unique features, including detailed financial analysis tools and the ability to handle complex pricing scenarios. How servicePath integrates with other systems and their commitment to continuous innovation. The potential and challenges of integrating AI into CPQ systems, including ensuring accuracy and a user-friendly experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in CPQ solutions, the future of AI in sales, and insights from a successful CEO. servicePath contact information: Email: daniel.kube@servicepath.co  Website: https://servicepath.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkube/     

Jack McCurdy is joined by Ian Gotts and Jack Lavous from Elements.cloud to discuss the transformative impact of Agentforce within the Salesforce ecosystem.In this episode we explore how Elements.cloud implemented Agentforce internally, emphasizing the importance of well-defined business processes and the role of business analysis in building effective agents. The conversation delves into the Job to Be Done framework, the challenges organizations face in adopting agents, and the necessity of documentation and structured approaches to ensure success.Jack Lavous offers insights into the actual build process of agents and the importance of making documentation AI-ready, how to use prompt templates, data cloud strategies, and deployment using Gearset. They also discuss the significance of internal trust and the return on investment from implementing AI agents, while also expressing excitement for the future of AI technology in business.Learn more:- Deploy Agentforce with Gearset- What is Agentforce?- How to effectively document Salesforce processesAbout DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Agentforce and Its Impact01:47 Elements Cloud's Implementation Journey06:00 Understanding Topics and Their Importance09:59 The Role of Business Analysis in Building Agents13:56 Applying the Job to Be Done Framework17:54 Challenges in Building Agents and Organizational Readiness22:00 Starting the Fix: Documentation and Business Processes25:57 The Implementation Process of Agents28:14 Understanding AI Language and Communication33:10 The Learning Curve of AI Agents35:47 Designing Effective Prompt Templates37:57 The Role of Data Cloud in AI Implementation43:11 Return on Investment and Internal Trust51:06 Looking Ahead: The Future of AI Agents

Send us a textWith free-tier offerings mask hidden costs and complex pricing structures, Pipedrive positions itself as a streamlined, value-driven alternative. Unlike HubSpot, which often surprises users with significant upcharges, or Zoho, which nudges customers toward bundled solutions, Pipedrive maintains transparent pricing with a strong focus on sales pipeline management. While many CRMs require costly external add-ons for essential features like CPQ, AI-driven workflows, and document integration, Pipedrive incorporates sales-focused automation, reporting, and integrations without excessive complexity. Its user-friendly interface, predictable cost structure, and built-in sales enablement tools make it a compelling choice for businesses seeking a scalable yet cost-effective CRM solution.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Pipedrive CRM's capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Pipedrive CRM might be a a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Pipedrive CRM.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform. 

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank sits down with Martin Spritzer, the founder and CEO of iQuoteXpress, a software designed to simplify and streamline CPQ processes for salespeople by salespeople. Key discussion points: The impact of sales automation and customer success on businesses How iQuoteXpress simplifies CPQ processes with automation and customization The top 3 capabilities clients look for in a CPQ solution (guided selling, price book management, and quote to cash) iQuoteXpress's integration capabilities with various CRM systems and e-commerce platforms How iQuoteXpress leverages AI for catalog management, reporting, and data management The future of AI in CPQ and the growing adoption by businesses This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to: Improve their sales efficiency and accuracy Streamline the CPQ process Leverage automation and AI to gain a competitive edge Listen and learn how iQuoteXpress can help you transform your CPQ game! iQuoteXpress contact information: Email: mspritzer@iquotexpress.com Phone: 305.775.4616 Website: https://www.iquotexpress.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinspritzer/

In this episode of the Salesforce for Everyone podcast, hosts Anita Jones and Bradley Rice, along with guest developer Warren Walters, delve into the critical yet often underrated topic of Salesforce integrations.   They discuss the significance of integration skills, even beyond popular Salesforce topics like AI and CPQ, and their pivotal role in most Salesforce projects. The conversation covers the basics of integration, different types of tools, and advanced technical aspects such as APIs and data security. Warren further elaborates on the demand for integration specialists and shares resources for beginners. Whether you're an admin, developer, or consultant, this episode offers valuable insights into enhancing your Salesforce capabilities through integrations. Links and Resources: Find Warren's Integration Roadmap and connect with Warren on LinkedIn! You can also find more at Cloud Code Academy to learn to become a Developer. Start learning Salesforce AI with Free AI Certification Training Apply for Free 1:1 Salesforce Career Mentorship Start Your Salesforce Career w/ The Free 5 Day Challenge at TalentStacker.com/Start Follow TalentStacker on LinkedIn! Looking for Community? Join our Free Salesforce For Everyone Facebook Group   Timestamps:   00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview   02:39 The Importance of Integration Skills   04:07 Understanding Integration Skills   06:32 Resources for Learning Integrations   09:10 Custom vs. Point-and-Click Integrations   11:59 Popular Integration Use Cases   15:06 Salesforce's Marketing Influence   19:16 The Value of Integration Skills   27:36 Getting Started with Integration Skills   34:39 Conclusion and Additional Resources

In this episode, we sit down with Sandhya, the visionary founder of DealDox. Sandhya shares her inspiring journey from a corporate sales role at giants like Disney and Salesforce to launching her own company to revolutionize the CPQ space. We delve into: The Pain Points of Sales Teams: Sandhya discusses the inefficiencies and time-consuming tasks that plague sales teams and how Deal Docs addresses these challenges. The Rise of CPQ in Asia: We explore the growing demand for CPQ solutions in regions like India and the unique opportunities and challenges in these markets. The Power of AI and Automation: Sandhya sheds light on the potential of AI and automation to transform the CPQ landscape and how Deal Docs leverages these technologies. Building a Scalable CPQ Solution: We discuss the technical aspects of Deal Docs, including its customization capabilities, integrations with ERPs and CRMs, and its multi-lingual and multi-currency support. Client Success and Future Plans: Sandhya shares insights into DealDox' client-centric approach, the company's growth strategy, and its vision for the future. This episode offers valuable insights for sales leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the world of CPQ. Tune in to learn how DealDox is empowering sales teams and driving business growth. Website: https://www.dealdox.io/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandhyadealdox/ 

Mitch Spano, Senior Application Engineering Manager at Google, shares his journey in the Salesforce ecosystem and discusses his early experiences with Salesforce, the importance of an engineering mindset, and how to advance your career in tech. He outlines the typical role structures in technology companies, from junior to VP levels, and emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation to avoid career stagnation. Mitch also shares hard truths about career growth and the importance of taking initiative to create new opportunities. Jack and Mitch share their insights, emphasizing the importance of identifying opportunities, key traits for success, the significance of organizational culture, and the necessity of setting ambitious goals. They also discuss how to navigate workplace dynamics, the value of mentorship, and the need for self-awareness and resilience in the face of challenges. The conversation culminates in actionable advice for listeners to track their progress and to set high aspirations for their careers.Learn more:- Automate Salesforce releases with Pipelines- How to analyze your Apex code- How to document processes in large Salesforce teamsAbout DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mitch Spano and his journey03:57 Career Advancement in the Salesforce ecosystem08:59 Understanding role structures in tech companies15:09 The path from Senior to Director and VP23:02 Hard truths about career growth29:33 Identifying opportunities in your career39:21 Key traits for career growth46:28 Building and transforming organizational culture53:55 Setting ambitious career goals

In this episode of DevOps Diaries, host Jack McCurdy welcomes Paul Battisson to discuss his 15-year journey in Salesforce. They explore the importance of saying yes to challenges, the evolution of the Salesforce platform, and the balance between simplicity and complexity. Paul shares insights on innovation, problem-solving, and the significance of good processes and communication in successful project delivery. In this conversation, Paul and Jack discuss the challenges and strategies involved in implementing change within organizations, particularly in the context of DevOps and consulting. They emphasize the importance of transparency, building trust, and involving stakeholders in the process to overcome resistance. The discussion also touches on the human element of consulting, the impact of technology on job security, and the necessity of consistency and detail in achieving success.Learn more:DevOps for the Salesforce enterpriseTransforming Salesforce DevOps in financial servicesHow to deploy Salesforce flowsGroundwork AppsAbout DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters:00:00 The journey of saying yes06:06 Innovation in a mature platform09:01 solving problems creatively12:03 Salesforce: simplicity vs complexity15:06 The double-edged sword of low technical barriers18:06 Establishing good processes20:55 The Importance of communication in teams26:24 Incremental changes29:15 Building trust through transparency32:37 Overcoming resistance to change36:44 The human element in consulting41:40 How AI agents change the job market53:20 Consistency and detail: keys to success

The CPQ Podcast team has some updates for you before we take a short break for the winter holidays. 1. CPQ Sales Reports Are Here! We've been busy collaborating with CPQ vendors throughout 2024. We're proud to announce the release of our first industry analyst report called "CPQ Sales Report." These insightful reports analyze leading CPQ solutions, highlighting their strengths and ideal use cases. While we initially aimed to publish 10 reports by the end of the year, we're happy to report we're on track to deliver several more in the first quarter of 2025. Our goal remains to have 25-30 CPQ Sales Reports available by this time next year. 2. Power Up Your Feedback We want your help to make the CPQ Podcast even better in 2025! Here are some ways you can contribute: Would you like to see us regularly on YouTube? What do you love (or not love) about the show? Would you prefer deeper dives into specific CPQ topics with experts?  Are you craving more technical discussions? Let us know your thoughts! Your feedback is crucial as we strive to create even more engaging CPQ content next year. Share your ideas with us at info@novuscpq.com. We appreciate all your input and will take it to heart. Happy Holidays from the CPQ Podcast Team! We look forward to bringing you another year of thought-provoking episodes in 2025. The CPQ Podcast will be back on January 26, 2025

Join Frank as he sits down with Suren Reddy, co-founder and principal at Cloudely, a leading Salesforce and Conga CPQ System Integrator. In this insightful episode, Suren delves into the world of CPQ, discussing: A Diverse Client Base: Learn how Cloudely caters to a wide range of clients, from SMBs to large enterprises. Innovative No-Code/Low-Code Solutions: Discover "Config," Cloudely's proprietary solution that empowers businesses with three powerful modules: HRMS, PMS, and Quality. The Future of CPQ with Agentforce: Explore how Agentforce can revolutionize the way Cloudely's clients approach CPQ and leverage the power of data. Data Cloud Integration: Understand the synergy between Agentforce and Data Cloud, and how this combination can drive business growth. Industry Insights: Learn about industry events, including Tahoe Dreamin', which Cloudely attends. Tune in to this informative podcast to gain valuable insights into the latest CPQ trends and how Cloudely is helping businesses achieve their goals. Website: https://cloudely.com/ email: sreddy@cloudely.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suren-reddy-94735887/ 

In this episode of DevOps Diaries we cover some of the outstanding moments from DevOps Diaries in 2024. Hear about everything from artificial intelligence and Salesforce Flows, to Heroku and QA testing.You can expect snippets of conversation with: Julián Duque, Steve Fouracre, Alba Rivas, Dave Carroll, Jon Robinson, Todd Halfpenny and Andy Utkan. Thank you to all our guests this year for sharing wonderful insights and knowledge!All episodes from this year can be found on Gearset's YouTube channel as well as audio platforms.Learn more:- Deploy Salesforce Flows easily- Salesforce DevOps for enterprise organizations- Easy backup and restore solutions for Salesforce- How successful are teams using Gearset?About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters:00:00 Julián Duque — Heroku and Salesforce03:55 Steve Fouracre — Impact of AI on Salesforce Development08:02 Andy Utkan — Why Salesforce Developers should care about Salesforce Flows 10:58 Todd Halfpenny — The future role of Salesforce Developers15:12 Dave Carroll — The best learning method for Salesforce professionals19:38 Alba Rivas — How does Agentforce work?25:38 Jon Robinson — How to implement a good Salesforce QA strategy

This week on the CPQ Podcast, we ditch the script and dive deep with industry veteran Manika Goyal, Founder of Intellicloud Solutions. With 20 years of experience conquering the telco landscape, Manika isn't afraid to shake things up.  Discover why she ditched the traditional SI model and built an AI-powered product configurator specifically for the telecom industry. Get ready to hear about: The spark that ignited Intellicloud's creation (hint: it involves frustration with the status quo!) The biggest challenges and triumphs of building a product-led services company The power of AI in product configuration and how it's transforming the telco industry Intellicloud's secret sauce: their cloud-agnostic product catalog and seamless 3rd party integrations The current state of the CPQ economy and what it means for your business And much more! Manika is a force to be reckoned with, and this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to push boundaries and leverage cutting-edge technology in the CPQ space. Ready to learn from a true innovator? Tune in! Website: https://intellicloud-solutions.com email: sales@intellicloud-solutions.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manika-goyal-4a3386b/  Check online for events that were mentioned in this CPQ Podcast episode 

Unleashing the CPQ Artist Within: Canidium Integrates Creativity with Technology This episode of the CPQ Podcast takes a unique turn as Frank chats with Andy Kumar, the CPQ + Pricing Practice Lead at Canidium. Forget your typical CPQ expert – Andy's background in art and anthropology brings a fresh perspective to the table. Intrigued? We dive deep into how Canidium leverages a powerful trio of CPQ and Pricing tools – SAP CPQ, Pricefx, and Salesforce. You'll hear: The unexpected benefits of Andy's artistic background in his current CPQ and Pricing role. The full spectrum of Canidium's services, from SPM and CRM to, of course, CPQ and Pricing and more.    Canidium's industry focus and the specific challenges their customers face. How Canidium bridges the gap between SAP, Pricefx, and Salesforce for seamless integration.    The impact of the current economic climate on CPQ strategy. What truly matters to Canidium's customers right now. This episode is more than just CPQ talk – it's about harnessing creativity for efficient and impactful solutions. Ready to learn more? Head over to https://www.canidium.com for insights on their offerings and upcoming events. LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewakumar/  email  andykumar@canidium.com 

In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy interviews John Robinson, a seasoned QA professional. They discus the significance of quality assurance (QA) in the Salesforce ecosystem, exploring the evolution of QA, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the necessity for dedicated QA roles within teams. John emphasizes the importance of understanding testing practices at their core, the role of tooling, and why there's the need for education to elevate the QA standards in Salesforce implementations. Jack and Jon's conversation highlights the challenges faced by teams in adopting effective QA processes and the critical need for a proactive approach to ensure quality in software delivery. They delve into the critical aspects of testing and quality assurance (QA) within the Salesforce ecosystem. They chat about the misconceptions surrounding testing, the importance of understanding user perspectives, and the need for a robust QA strategy. Jon also shares his take on the shift left ideology and the necessity of collaboration between QA and business analysts. Learn more:- What is Salesforce test automation?- How to integrate testing into your Salesforce deployment pipeline- What are the best practices for Salesforce testing?About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to QA and Its Importance in Salesforce Development06:03 The Role of Salesforce Tooling in QA12:14 Educating the Salesforce Community in QA17:46 Challenges of Salesforce QA and Perception of Testing29:23 Understanding Good Salesforce Testing Practices37:13 The Shift Left Ideology in Salesforce Testing43:30 Resources for Quality Assurance in Salesforce

Andrew Bennett is the CMO at Conga, a revenue lifecycle management company. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a bachelor's degree in computer science, he began his career in tech at Onyx Software, where he led professional services for nine years. He later pursued his entrepreneurial aspirations by running a successful fly-fishing lodge business for almost a decade. Returning to the tech sector, Andrew joined Smartsheet, where he built the company's digital marketing and demand generation capabilities, led commercial sales, and ultimately served as CMO for his last three years, during which Smartsheet achieved over $1 billion in ARR. Six months ago, he joined Conga, where he now focuses on enhancing the company's global brand and driving demand for its offerings.Conga is a revenue lifecycle management company offering solutions across three main pillars: contract lifecycle management, document automation, and configure, price, and quote (CPQ). What sets Conga apart is its unified platform, where all these products seamlessly integrate to support customers' needs.In today's show, Alan and Andrew discuss Andrew's role at Conga and his efforts to drive alignment between sales and marketing. They delve into MarTech stacks, exploring how to prioritize and optimize these investments, along with strategies for measuring the real financial impact of marketing efforts.In this episode, you'll learn:Strategies to align marketing and salesHow to prioritize and rationalize MarTech stacksSteps to meaningfully measure the impact of your marketingKey Highlights:[01:27] Merging fly-fishing and MarTech[04:50] Career path to CMO of Conga[07:52] What is Conga[10:15] How to bring marketing and sales together and get them aligned[15:40] Rationalizing and maximizing MarTech stacks[18:40] Approaching impact measurement[23:30] Net dollar retention rate[24:34] Leveraging partnerships for brand and results[29:50] An experience from your past that defines you[31:02] Advice to your younger self[33:22] A topic that you and other marketers need to learn more about[35:02] Trends or subcultures others should follow[37:34] Largest opportunity or threat to marketers todayLooking for more?Visit our website for the full show notes, links to resources mentioned in this episode, and ways to connect with the guest! Become a member today and listen ad-free, visit https://plus.acast.com/s/marketingtoday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful conversation, Sandeep shares his entrepreneurial journey from the early days of February 2021 to the present. We delve into the crucial role of combining CPQ, Billing, and Metering, and explore how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing MonetizeNow. Sandeep also discusses the latest trends in the CPQ/Billing/Metering industry, highlighting why MonetizeNow is the ideal solution for B2B SaaS businesses. We uncover the importance of timely implementation and delve into the challenges faced by salespeople when using CPQ software. Don't miss this exciting episode where we uncover valuable insights and practical advice. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeeja/ email  sandeep@monetizenow.io  Website https://www.monetizenow.io/

Join us on this episode of the CPQ Podcast as we delve into the world of Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) with industry veteran Charan Singh, Principal at Deloitte Digital. Charan brings over 20 years of business experience to the table, and in this episode, he'll be sharing his insights on: Customer Segmentation Strategies: How does Deloitte Digital structure and understand their customer base? CPQ in Action: What are Charan's clients using CPQ for throughout the Quote-to-Cash lifecycle? Investment Landscape: What are CPQ investors looking for in today's market? The Future of CPQ: How will artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, impact CPQ? Salesforce Revenue Cloud: Charan's take on the latest solutions from Salesforce. CFO Perspective: What are enterprise-level CFOs considering when it comes to CPQ? Global Outsourcing: Exploring the advantages and considerations of outsourcing to locations like Mexico and India. Deloitte Accelerators: How can you leverage the accelerators offered by the Deloitte team? This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to optimize their CPQ processes and drive business growth. Connect with Charan on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/charan-singh-1576a13/ 

In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy speaks with Alba Rivas, Principal Developer Advocate at Salesforce. They discuss Alba's journey in the Salesforce ecosystem, her role in engaging the developer community, and the evolving landscape of Salesforce technologies.Alba dives in to the nuances of artificial intelligence and Salesforce's new Data Cloud. She shares insights on the differences between Agentforce and Einstein Copilot, the importance of hands-on experience, and how to effectively test AI applications. Their conversation emphasizes the need for developers to embrace new technologies, engage with the community for growth and learning, and how to submit a great session for TrailblazerDX.Learn more:- How to pick the right Salesforce DevOps solution for your needs- What is Platform Engineering and how does it impact Salesforce DevOps? - Salesforce CI/CD Pipelines that include LWC testing DevOps - Salesforce DevOps for AI Enterprise About DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Alba and Her Role03:02 The Developer Advocate Journey06:06 Engaging the Developer Community10:00 Navigating the Evolving Salesforce Ecosystem14:23 Embracing AI and Data Cloud16:45 Generative AI: Surprises and Insights22:04 Understanding Agent Force vs. Copilot27:53 Hands-On Experience with Agent Force37:45 Testing and Evaluating AI Applications40:04 Data Cloud Innovations and DevOps45:47 Final Thoughts and Learning Recommendations

Join us for a deep dive into Salesforce-focused CPQ solutions in Germany with Dennis Knodt, Founder & Managing Director, and Ivan Todorov, Managing Director, from Valuent. These industry experts share valuable insights on: The inspiration behind Valuent and its journey (combines "why" and "how" they started) Their target market segments (clarifies focus areas) Valuent's Salesforce consulting expertise (streamlines specific service offerings) Why they specialize in High Tech and Tech companies (highlights industry focus) Collaboration between their German and Bulgarian teams (explains teamwork structure) The dynamics of working with Salesforce Teams (clarifies partnership) The current Salesforce market landscape in Germany (streamlines market analysis) Their take on the evolution of Salesforce CPQ solutions (addresses "old + new" solutions) Don't miss this opportunity to learn from these experts and explore the future of Salesforce CPQ in Germany! Connect with Dennis and Ivan on LinkedIn: Dennis Knodt: https://de.linkedin.com/in/dennis-knodt Ivan Todorov: https://bg.linkedin.com/in/ivan-todoroff-8a8398167 Visit Valuent's website: https://www.valuent.io/en

In this episode, I sit down with Frederik Taleman, founder and CEO of Hive CPQ, and Vera Vingerhoets, their Sales and Marketing Director. Join us to hear their insights on:   Growth Strategies: Frederik shares how Hive is scaling rapidly by building a powerful reseller and system implementer network. Low-Code/No-Code Approach: Vera highlights the impact of this approach that empowers users to build configurators. Microsoft Dynamics Success: Hive is now integrated with the Microsoft Dynamics 365 stack, offering streamlined sales processes. Omni-Channel Excellence: Hear how Hive supports businesses with partners, enabling efficient sales processes across multiple channels. Future Goals: Frederik and Vera explain their ambitious five-year plan and how they're setting the stage for future growth. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader, this conversation offers insights into Hive CPQ. Connect with Frederik and Vera on LinkedIn or via email. Connect with Frederik and Vera:  Frederik Taleman  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederik-taleman-a0176928/ email: frederik@hivecpq.com  Vera Vingerhoets  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/veravingerhoets/ email:vera@hivecpq.com Website: http://hivecpq.com

In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy sits down with Dave Carroll, a veteran in the Salesforce ecosystem. They discuss Dave's journey from being a Salesforce ISV partner to a key player at Salesforce for 21 years. Dave's mission has been to help develop the tools and practices that empower Salesforce developers to be successful, and has graciously stepped out of retirement briefly to appear on DevOps Diaries.Jack and Dave's conversation covers the evolution of Salesforce, the importance of customization and integrated solutions, as well as the challenges faced by developers across the development lifecycle.Dave shares insights on what it takes to build a successful developer evangelism team through experimentation, and offers valuable advice for aspiring developers looking to navigate the Salesforce ecosystem successfully.Dave Carroll was a Senior Director at Salesforce, managing product development for Salesforce DX, Salesforce Einstein, and was the founding member of the Salesforce developer relations programme.Learn more:How to pick the right Salesforce DevOps solution for your needsWhat is Platform Engineering and how does it impact Salesforce DevOps? Salesforce DevOps for Enterprise customersImprove the quality, performance, and security of your Apex codeAbout DevOps Diaries: Salesforce DevOps Advocate Jack McCurdy chats to members of the Salesforce community about their experience in the Salesforce ecosystem. Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes. New episodes bi-weekly on YouTube as well as on your preferred podcast platform.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Dave Carroll and His Journey02:54 The Evolution of Salesforce and Developer Tools05:52 Customizability and Integration in Salesforce08:59 Developing for the AppExchange Platform11:51 Salesforce DX and Developer Tooling17:52 Challenges in Developer Experience and Testing23:48 The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Salesforce29:

Have you been wondering how to best leverage customer reference calls to make better CPQ Solution decisions? In this episode, we dive into the essential questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. We'll share practical tips and best practices to make the most of these important and powerful calls.

Todd Halfpenny is a Salesforce MVP, Golden Hoodie recipient, and community leader. His impact on the UK Salesforce community is extensive and far reaching. Todd co-leads the London Salesforce Developers user group, is an organizer of Salesforce community conference London's Calling, and a co-founder of charitable clothing organization, Shirtforce. In this episode Jack and Todd discuss Todd's journey from a telecoms engineer to a prominent figure in the Salesforce ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of luck, opportunity, and community engagement. Throughout the conversation, Todd explores the dynamic between declarative and programmatic development, the evolving roles of admins and developers, and the significance of empathy in collaboration. Todd shares insights on the growth of business analysis roles, the challenges of managing complex Salesforce orgs, and the value of open source contributions. They also touch on the impact of AI on future roles, the importance of building resilient applications, and investing in community relationships. Learn More: Gearset acquires Salesforce code analysis platform, ClaytonHow to deploy Salesforce Flow with easeJoin the Salesforce community at DevOps Dreamin'Discover ShirtforceAbout DevOps Diaries: Expect to hear and learn from inspirational stories of personal growth and business success, whilst discovering all the trials, tribulations, and joy that comes with delivering Salesforce for companies of all shapes and sizes.Podcast produced and sponsored by Gearset. Learn more about Gearset.Subscribe to Gearset's YouTube channel: https://grst.co/4cTAAxmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearsetX/Twitter: https://x.com/GearsetHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gearsethqAbout Gearset: Gearset is the leading Salesforce DevOps platform, with powerful solutions for metadata and CPQ deployments, CI/CD, automated testing, sandbox seeding and backups. It helps Salesforce teams apply DevOps best practices to their development and release process, so they can rapidly and securely deliver higher-quality projects. Get full access to all of Gearset's features for free with a 30-day trial.Chapters:00:00 Introduction03:00 The Role of Luck and Opportunity in Career Development06:06 Transitioning from Telecoms to Salesforce Development08:57 The Dynamic Between Declarative and Programmatic Development12:04 The Importance of Empathy in Admin and Developer Roles15:01 The Evolution of Business Analysis in Salesforce17:47 Navigating Complexity in Salesforce Orgs21:01 The Balance Between Over-Engineering and Practical Solutions23:59 The Value of Documentation and Flexibility in Development27:11 Open Source Contributions and Community Collaboration30:09 The Impact of Open Source on Developer Creativity32:59 The Role of Shirtforce in the Salesforce Community36:13 Building Resilient Applications in the Face of Outages39:01 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Salesforce Roles51:57 Final Thoughts

Ever wondered what Salesforce CPQ customers are asking about migrating to RLM? This episode dives deep with CPQ veteran Phil Rapp, who's seen it all from Big Machines to his own company, Ascribe IT. Phil unpacks current projects with Salesforce and Logik.io, shares insights from the Mile Hi Dreamin' event, and reveals the top integration needs and customization trends he's encountering. Learn what drives Phil's clients and get a glimpse into the future of CPQ! Bonus: Get Phil's perspective on the current business climate for CPQ users and discover the top 3 customer requirements he sees most often. Connect with Phil: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-rapp-7460b42a Website: https://ascribe-it.com/

Join us for an insightful conversation with Heather Hershey, the Digital Commerce Research Director at IDC. Heather, a self-made entrepreneur with a unique journey from adult learner to commerce expert, shares her personal experiences and industry insights. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of IDC Analyst Reports and explore the current state of CPQ. Heather discusses her early days in CPQ, the valuable lessons learned from recent ProductScape and MarketScape reports, and her surprising discoveries during CPQ solution reviews. We also cover hot topics like digital quoting, subscriptions, and the "everything as a service" trend. Heather provides her expert perspective on these issues and shares her thoughts on the future of CPQ. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's leading analysts. Tune in to learn more about IDC's research and gain valuable insights into the world of CPQ. Note: Want to meet Heather in person? She'll be attending Optimizly Opticon the week of November 18th. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhershey1/