Podcasts about cpq

Industrial manufacturers have invested heavily in automation on the shop floor—but sales processes often remain manual, slow, and fragmented. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Laura Davis, editor-in-chief of New Equipment Digest, sits down with Le'ora Lichtenstein, founder and CEO of Corbel, a next-generation CPQ platform, to discuss how AI-powered configurators, unstructured data mining, and integrated financing tools are helping equipment builders modernize how they quote, sell, and close capital equipment deals. Le'ora brings a background in structured credit and early-stage investing, and holds a BSc in Finance and the CFA charterholder designation.

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we sit down with Dustin Anglen, Strategic Partnerships Manager at PandaDoc, to discuss how PandaDoc CPQ supports faster quoting for SMB teams (roughly 5–500 employees). PandaDoc is widely known for proposals and eSignature, and Dustin explains why CPQ is a natural extension—especially for organizations that want a practical, easy-to-administer approach without heavy configuration overhead. We cover where PandaDoc CPQ fits best (including SaaS, software & technology, professional services, and education) and how customers typically use it alongside their CRM. Dustin outlines PandaDoc's API-forward SaaSapproach and its key integrations with HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Salesforce. We also discuss what's available today—and what's still evolving—such as ERP connectivity (currently not a standard integration, with MVP work underway) and common customer expectations around implementation, which is often 8–12 weeks. On the capability side, Dustin shares the top requests he sees from the market: product configuration, contract-based pricing, and CRM integration. We talk about product structure support (including bundles), pricing flexibility across segments and regions, usage-based pricing, and how PandaDoc positions its CPQ as a rules engine that is largely no-code (with options for more advanced logic when needed). We also dig into PandaDoc's AI direction—template generation, OCR and document intelligence, metadata-driven automation, and an admin-focused AI feature for helping set up product and pricing rules (currently in testing, with broader availability expected later this year). You'll also hear a few personal moments from Dustin—from his early career in the Salesforce ecosystem (including starting at Apttus in 2014), to an unexpected chapter running a beekeeping business in Santa Barbara, to his passion for freediving near San Diego. A PandaDoc CPQ free trial is available on PandaDoc's website.

What happens when you deploy to prod on a Friday and it starts firing emails to every customer? Dan Barckley has lived it — and it's why he's now a DevOps believer. In this episode: accidental admin origins, why simple beats complex every time, Agentforce skepticism, and the leadership mindset that changes everything.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/4iCnas2About 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:01:36 Introducing Daniel Barckley: A Journey in Salesforce04:16 The Joy of Problem Solving in DevOps07:05 Learning from Mistakes: The Accidental Admin09:35 Tinkering and Innovation: Building in Salesforce12:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Leadership15:21 Characteristics of Great Leaders18:18 Navigating the Salesforce Ecosystem20:46 The Future of Salesforce: AI and Automation23:46 Data Management and Business Continuity26:43 Iterative Development and Continuous Improvement29:19 Embracing Change in the Tech World32:11 Closing Thoughts: Lead with Curiosity

Industrial Talk is talking to Klaus Andersen and Nils Olsson with Tacton about "Redefining buyers engagement for manufactures of complex products". Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevo Tech, a company offering ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions, and then transitions to discussing Tacton, a Swedish company specializing in advanced manufacturing configuration. Tacton's CPQ solutions help customers configure complex equipment, supporting both direct sales and omnichannel interactions. The platform integrates with existing systems like CRM, PLM, and ERP, aiming to increase win rates, efficiency, and reduce errors. Tacton's AI capabilities can cut configuration time by up to 80% by structuring unstructured product data. Implementation times vary, typically between six months and a year, depending on the project's scope. Outline Introduction to Elevotec and Industrial Talk Podcast Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevotec, highlighting their ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions.Scott Mackenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing the importance of celebrating industry professionals.Scott Mackenzie introduces Klaus and Nils from Tacton, discussing their platform and its solutions for today's challenges.Scott Mackenzie expresses excitement about the renaissance in industrial solutions and the importance of human-to-human connection in marketing. Challenges and Solutions in Advanced Manufacturing Nils explains Tacton's specialization in configuring complex equipment, comparing it to configuring consumer products like computers or cars.Klaus describes Tacton's CPQ solutions for advanced manufacturing, supporting both direct sales and omnichannel support.Scott Mackenzie and Klaus discuss the importance of making the configuration process easy for customers while ensuring technical accuracy.Nils emphasizes the need for a buyer-centric smart factory, making it easy for customers to navigate the solution space without technical expertise. Integration and Flexibility of Tacton's Solutions Scott Mackenzie inquires about Tacton's integration with existing IT systems like CRM, PLM, and ERP.Nils explains that Tacton is an agnostic player, able to augment existing systems without complete reconfiguration.Scott Mackenzie and Nils discuss the financial benefits of Tacton's solutions, including increased win rates, efficiency, and reduced errors.Klaus highlights the importance of accurate quotes and the impact of errors on warranty costs and rework. Customer-Centric Pricing and Data Management Scott Mackenzie asks about the flexibility of Tacton's pricing methods, including value-based pricing and detailed bill of materials.Nils explains that Tacton supports various pricing methods, depending on the business needs.Scott Mackenzie inquires about how Tacton ensures the system stays updated with the latest product changes and data.Nils describes the typical setup of connecting PLM and CPQ systems to ensure data accuracy and timeliness. Implementation Time and AI Integration Scott Mackenzie asks about the implementation time for Tacton's solutions.Klaus estimates the implementation time to be between six months and a year, depending on the project's scope.Scott Mackenzie inquires about Tacton's use of AI in their solutions.Nils explains that AI is used to structure unstructured product data, significantly reducing the time required for configuration. Future Challenges and Market Reception Scott Mackenzie asks about the future challenges and opportunities for Tacton.Klaus and Nils discuss the...

In this CPQ Podcast episode, Frank Sohn sits down with Nils Olsson, Chief Strategy, Product, and Customer Officer at Tacton, to discuss how Tacton is evolving beyond traditional CPQ into a broader platform for configurable products. Nils shares his unique perspective as a former Tacton customer who joined the company in 2015, and explains why staying close to manufacturing customers—through regular conversations across North America, Europe, and Japan—is central to Tacton's strategy. He outlines why 2026 will be a transformative year, with new offerings planned not only for CPQ, but also for engineering, order fulfillment, and services. The conversation also explores how customers are responding to Tacton's recent acquisitions of Variantum and Serenytics, and where AI is delivering real value today. Rather than replacing core CPQ logic, AI is primarily being used to support product modeling, helping customers turn unstructured data into usable configuration knowledge faster and with less effort. Additional topics include hybrid sales models in manufacturing, the shift from ETO to CTO, and why trust, security, and enterprise certifications matter more than ever. Topics covered: The shift from CPQ to end-to-end configurability AI adoption in real-world CPQ projects Manufacturing sales and automation trends What's next for Tacton in 2026 A must-listen for anyone tracking the future of CPQ, configurable products, and manufacturing transformation.

2025 was full of CPQ and Quote-to-Cash headlines: AI agents, platform transitions, consolidation, and promises of faster execution. Following those announcements is important — but it rarely tells the full story. In this episode, I look at what often gets lost between public messaging and real-world CPQ decisions. Drawing on patterns observed throughout 2025, I explore where market narratives diverged from evaluation and delivery reality — and why that gap becomes even more important as we head into 2026. The discussion covers AI and agent-based capabilities, platform transitions, consolidation, and delivery constraints — not to judge vendors or predict winners, but to explain how execution, readiness, and sequencing shape actual outcomes. If you're involved in CPQ as a buyer, vendor, system integrator, or investor, this episode offers a practical lens for reading headlines without mistaking them for reality. Contact Frank at Frank.Sohn@NovusCPQ.com for any questions LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksohn/ 

Send us a textSalesforce demand dropped 37% in 2024, but the 2026 recovery is already leaving "average" Admins behind. Are you catching the wave, or getting crushed by the coral?In this episode of The Hiring Edge, host Josh Matthews and 27x Certified Architect Scott Stafford break down the "75% Delta of Pain" currently hitting the ecosystem. We move past the Reddit rants and look at the actual data: who is getting hired, who is getting $25k premiums, and why "manual configuration" is a career dead-end.Key Insights for your 2026 Career Plan:The Surfing Strategy: Why you must match the speed of the AI wave before it hits you.The "Jimmy" Trap: How a negative mindset is costing professionals more opportunities than the economy is.The Premium Pivot: Why RevCloud, CPQ, and MuleSoft are the "safe havens" for $150k+ roles right now.AI Orchestration: Moving from "builder" to "architect" in the age of Agentforce.Featured Guest: Scott Stafford, 27x Certified Salesforce Architect.Stop guessing about your career. Listen now to get the 2026 Talent Roadmap.

It's the beginning of the year — a common time when companies evaluate a new CPQ or Revenue Management solution, or consider replacing what they have. If you've started researching and feel more confused than before, you're not alone. In this solo episode, Frank Sohn explains why CPQ selection is uniquely challenging: there are 125+ CPQ vendors, plus analyst rankings, review sites, partner input, Reddit threads, and now AI tools — all creating information overload. In this episode, you'll learn: Why there are so many CPQ vendors (and what that really means) The difference between CPQ and Revenue Lifecycle Management Why CPQ is a system decision, not just a sales tool What a unified data model is — and why it matters for AI Why subscriptions, amendments, and usage-based pricing change requirements How to build a smarter shortlist without relying on demos or rankings alone If you're in the market for CPQ — first-time or replacement — this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters. Any questions: Send an email to Frank.Sohn@NovusCPQ.com  Check out our CPQ Briefing Subscription @ https://novuscpq.com/cpq-briefing-subscription/  Check out our CPQ Sales Report @ https://novuscpq.com/cpq-sales-report/ 

Synopsis Dans l'épisode 0x285, Patrick, Steve, Jacques et Richer se retrouvent pour un tour d'horizon des sujets cyber et vie privée qui ont marqué la semaine. Entre actualités de sécurité, tendances ransomware, et signaux faibles qui deviennent des signaux d'alarme, l'équipe met en contexte ce qui compte vraiment, et pourquoi. On parle aussi d'événements à venir, notamment la Semaine de la protection des données (26 au 30 janvier 2026), des conférences et rendez-vous au Québec, et des enjeux très concrets autour du cloud et de la souveraineté numérique. Côté menaces, on revient sur l'évolution des ransomwares, l'industrialisation des attaques, et ce qui change avec l'IA dans l'outillage et les scénarios. Enfin, l'épisode aborde plusieurs dossiers d'actualité, dont la protection des données, les campagnes de phishing qui s'adaptent, des incidents d'infrastructure, et des débats sur l'accès aux technologies, la régulation et la confiance. Une écoute utile pour rester aligné sur les risques, et sur les décisions qui en découlent. Nouvelles Richer Richer veut savoir Jacques Ransomware activity never dies, it multiplies Cybersecurity spending keeps rising, so why is business impact still hard to explain? Microsoft shuts down RedVDS cybercrime subscription service tied to millions in fraud losses Steve 20260126, Google agrees to pay $68 million to settle voice recording lawsuit 20260126, China hacked Downing Street phones for years 20260122, Phishing kits adapt to the script of callers 20260120, XTC Mobile, Le pari audacieux de la souveraineté numérique avec le LynX Phone 20260120, VoidLink, Evidence That the Era of Advanced AI-Generated Malware Has Begun 20260126, Europe Prepares for a Nightmare Scenario, The U.S. Blocking Access to Tech 20260124, Cartes de crédit, attention à cette faille de sécurité chez Visa et Mastercard 20260123, Des voitures espionnes de la Chine, mythe ou réalité? 20260126, Massive Data Leak, 48M Gmail and 6.5M Instagram Entries Found in Open Database 20260126, Russian state hackers likely behind wiper malware attack on Poland's power grid 20260123, ESET Research, Sandworm behind cyberattack on Poland's power grid in late 2025 20260126, Data center power outage took out TikTok first weekend under US ownership 20260121, EU unveils new plans to tackle Huawei, ZTE as China alleges protectionism 20260123, Microsoft Gave FBI Keys To Unlock Encrypted Data, Exposing Major Privacy Flaw Crew Patrick Mathieu Steve Waterhouse Richer Dinelle Jacques Sauvé Shamelessplug Join Hackfest/La French Connection Discord #La-French-Connection Join Hackfest us on Masodon POLAR - Québec - 29 Octobre 2026 Hackfest - Québec - 29-30-31 Octobre 2026 Événements 26-30 janvier 2026, Semaine de la protection des données Privacy Day 2026, Ne laissez pas le cloud décider pour vos données, 28 janvier 2026 CICC, The Coming AI avec Bruce Schneier, 29 janvier 2026 DEL, Défense, saisir les opportunités d'un marché stratégique, 20 février 2026 ALTSECCON, 9-10 avril 2026 CYBERECO, 28-29 avril 2026 NorthSEC, 11-17 mai 2026 ITSEC Devolution, 2026 Matinée conférence CPQ, 29 mai 2026 Conférence 2026 du Consortium national pour la cybersécurité, 16-19 juin 2026 Crédits Montage audio par Hackfest Communication Music par Dynamic Range – Acid - Acid Locaux virtuels par Streamyard

In this CPQ Podcast episode, Frank Sohn sits down with Vinay Toomu, who leads both ScaleFluidly (CPQ / quote-to-order platform) and CommerceCX (a systems integrator working with Salesforce and Conga). Since Vinay's last appearance in 2023, ScaleFluidly has matured into a full quote-to-order revenue orchestration platform—built on a composable core engine that customers can extend with their own apps. Vinay shares what he sees across real implementations: the biggest wins come from improving adoption, reducing friction for sales teams, and putting the right governance in place. They discuss support for direct sales, partner sales, and ecommerce, ScaleFluidly's low-code/no-code approach, and how their architecture differs for SMB (multi-tenant)versus enterprise (environment separation). The episode also covers newer capabilities like role-based controls, security certifications (ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2), and a Chrome assistant designed to streamline CRM workflows. Finally, they unpack ScaleFluidly's practical view of AI in CPQ—where it works today, what's harder at enterprise scale, and how consolidation in the CPQ market could influence innovation.

Mark Walker, CEO of NUE, joins Jeff Mains to discuss how modern SaaS companies can transform revenue operations from fragmented systems into a unified lifecycle. With $30M in funding and customers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Jasper, NUE is redefining quote-to-cash by treating revenue as a continuous flow rather than disconnected handoffs. Mark shares insights on disrupting entrenched markets, building high-performance cultures, and why speed and flexibility have become the ultimate competitive advantages in an AI-driven world.Key Takeaways0:54 - The hidden complexity tax4:42 - Curiosity as a career compass8:59 - Skating to where the puck is going11:44 - The unified truth14:26 - The $2M discovery18:03 - Speed as strategy21:29 - Flexibility unlocks enterprise deals26:45 - The Trojan horse strategy28:09 - Productized implementation29:56 - Lightning-fast deployments38:21 - Market disruption wisdom45:47 - Culture starts at the top46:16 - NUE's three core valuesTweetable Quotes"The purpose of producing quotes isn't to produce quotes—it's to produce bills. Contracts are just a step toward invoicing and collecting money." - Mark Walker"If it takes you a year to stand up a system, how long will it take you to change it? Once you set that system up, changing it can often take longer than setting it up the first time." - Mark Walker"We have a saying at NUE: This is so hard not to love it. If you don't actually love working here, you should go." - Mark Walker"If you want to be trusted, be trustworthy. If you want to be respected, be respectful. If you want great partnership, be a great partner." - Mark Walker"The fastest-moving companies are over-indexing on what they don't know, whereas everybody else is buying systems based on what they think they know." - Mark WalkerSaaS Leadership Lessons1. Treat Revenue as a Lifecycle, Not a TransactionStop thinking of quoting, billing, and invoicing as separate steps. They're part of one continuous flow. When these systems are disconnected, you bleed 3-5% of ARR annually (per MGI research) and create unnecessary friction for customers and teams.2. Speed and Flexibility Trump Feature CompletenessIn a world where the pace of change has changed, the most critical attributes in technology partners are speed, flexibility, and time to value. Companies that can implement and iterate quickly have a massive competitive advantage over those locked into rigid, year-long implementations.3. Use a "Trojan Horse" Strategy—But Make It GoldWhen attacking entrenched markets, find a wedge product that serves as your entry point. But that wedge must be exceptional on its own merits. NUE's CPQ is so good that customers buy it standalone, then discover the billing platform inside.4. Build for Where Customers Are Going, Not Where They AreNUE targeted the hardest problems first—multi-attribute pricing, complex enterprise scenarios—because they wanted to help companies grow. If you're good at where customers are headed, small companies can use your platform to compete with giants.5. Culture Is What You Tolerate, Not What You PostValues on the wall mean nothing if leadership...

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Tim Baynes, CEO and founder of Compatio, discusses the complexities of selling configurable products and the evolution of CPQ (Configure Price Quote) systems. He shares insights on how Compatio addresses the challenges of product compatibility and configuration, particularly in B2B markets. The conversation also explores the role of AI in modern configurators, the trends in digital transformation within B2B commerce, and the importance of guided selling in enhancing customer experience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Compatio AI and Tim Baynes02:04 Tim's Journey and Background in CPQ Systems05:31 Understanding Complex Product Configuration10:28 The Evolution of CPQ Systems and Market Focus14:34 The Role of AI in Modern Configuration19:12 Guided Selling and Digital Transformation in B2B23:48 Closing Thoughts and Future of Compatio

Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Raj Darji, Founder & CEO of Aarav Solutions, about the company's launch of two generative AI accelerators—InsightForge and Omni360—designed to help communications service providers modernize billing operations, sales workflows, and customer engagement. Aarav Solutions is a long-standing Oracle Communications implementation partner with more than a decade of domain expertise across Oracle BRM and related telecom platforms. Darji explained that this deep operational knowledge is embedded directly into Aarav's GenAI accelerators, enabling CSPs to adopt AI without disrupting existing infrastructure. “We are not experimenting with AI—we are applying it where telecom operators feel the most pain, inside billing and operations,” said Darji. InsightForge is a GenAI accelerator purpose-built for Oracle BRM that allows business, finance, and operations teams to query complex billing data using natural language—without writing SQL or relying on back-office specialists. By translating plain-language questions into database queries, InsightForge delivers real-time visibility into invoices, balances, taxes, and discrepancies, significantly reducing operational dependencies and response times. Omni360 extends this capability with an AI-driven CRM and CPQ platform tightly integrated with BRM. Designed for mid-market CSPs, MVNOs, and enterprise connectivity providers, Omni360 unifies CRM and billing into a single pane of glass and enables sales teams to generate products, pricing, and quotes through natural-language prompts. Introduced at Mobile World Congress, both solutions drew strong interest for demonstrating how GenAI can deliver immediate, practical value rather than remain a conceptual buzzword. Learn more about Aarav Solutions at https://www.aaravsolutions.com/. Software Mind Telco Days 2025: On-demand online conference Engaging Customers, Harnessing Data

In this CPQ Podcast episode, Frank Sohn talks with Calvin Chow, Senior Director at Slalom Consulting, about what it really takes to move from Salesforce CPQ to Salesforce Revenue Cloud (RCA/ARM). Calvin has hands-on experience with multiple CPQ platforms — including PROS, Apttus (now Conga), Salesforce CPQ / Revenue Cloud, Zuora CPQ, and Vlocity — and shares what he wishes he had known about the end-to-end quote-to-cash process earlier in his career. Calvin explains how Slalom supports mid-size to Fortune 500 customers with strategy, process improvement, data management, and CPQ/Billing transformations, and walks through lessons learned from nearly 10 Salesforce CPQ to RCA/ARM migration projects. He highlights why RCA is more complex than many teams expect, why data migration is the single most critical success factor, and how to rethink processes when moving to usage-based and consumption billing models. The conversation also explores the growing role of AI, agents, and Agentforce in Revenue Cloud. Calvin shares real use cases where agents help create quotes, support renewals, and provide product and pricing recommendations — and why he believes AI will augment sales teams rather than replace them, with over 50% of Slalom's recent projectsnow involving AI and Agentforce. On a lighter note, Calvin also reveals his passion as a coffee connoisseur and aspiring future barista, adding a personal touch to a highly practical, insight-rich episode for anyone serious about CPQ, quote-to-cash, and Salesforce Revenue Cloud migrations.

In this CPQ Podcast episode, Frank talks with Max from Prodly about the shift from Salesforce CPQ to Revenue Cloud Advanced (now Agentforce Revenue Management, ARM) and what it really takes to manage that transition successfully. They look at how Salesforce is moving customers to ARM, why this is not a simple upgrade but a separate implementation project, and what that means for CPQ teams, partners, and customers. Max reflects on the early Steelbrick days and how it helped democratize CPQ, his path from engineer and product manager to founder, and why he had to learn marketing, sales, and go-to-market the hard way. He also shares a few personal stories, including a 48-hour round-trip flight to Munich for a four-hour meeting, and his view on the coming agentic revolution in enterprise software. You'll also hear how Prodly has grown into an Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) / DevOps platform for Salesforce with ~35–40 employees and a global, mostly North American, customer base. Max explains how Prodly helps larger organizations automate complex CPQ and quote-to-cash deployments (configuration, price rules, discount schedules, install base data, etc.), and why one of their biggest differentiators is that the platform is not limited to CPQ—it also supports use cases like field service, e-commerce, and rebate management. Today, Prodly works with any CPQ solution built on the Salesforce platform, with plans to expand beyond Salesforce in the future. Topics covered: Salesforce CPQ, Revenue Cloud Advanced, Agentforce Revenue Management (ARM), CPQ migration strategy, Salesforce DevOps, application lifecycle management (ALM), Prodly, Steelbrick, quote-to-cash, agentic revolution in enterprise software.

Glean started as a Kleiner Perkins incubation and is now a $7B, $200m ARR Enterprise AI leader. Now KP has tapped its own podcaster to lead it's next big swing.From building go-to-market the hard way in startups (and scaling Palo Alto Networks' public cloud business) to joining Kleiner Perkins to help technical founders turn product edge into repeatable revenue, Joubin Mirzadegan has spent the last decade obsessing over one thing: distribution and how ideas actually spread, sell, and compound. That obsession took him from launching the CRO-only podcast Grit (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRiWZFltuYPF8A6UGm74K2q29UwU-Kk9k) as a hiring wedge, to working alongside breakout companies like Glean and Windsurf, to now incubating Roadrunner which is an AI-native rethink of CPQ and quoting workflows as pricing models collapse from “seats” into consumption, bundles, renewals, and SKU sprawl.We sat down with Joubin to dig into the real mechanics of making conversations feel human (rolling early, never sending questions, temperature + lighting hacks), what Windsurf got right about “Google-class product and Salesforce-class distribution,” how to hire early sales leaders without getting fooled by shiny logos, why CPQ is quietly breaking the back of modern revenue teams, and his thesis for his new company and KP incubation Roadrunner (https://www.roadrunner.ai/): rebuild the data model from the ground up, co-develop with the hairiest design partners, and eventually use LLMs to recommend deal structures the way the best reps do without the Slack-channel chaos of deal desk.We discuss:* How to make guests instantly comfortable: rolling early, no “are you ready?”, temperature, lighting, and room dynamics* Why Joubin refuses to send questions in advance (and when you might have to anyway)* The origin of the CRO-only podcast: using media as a hiring wedge and relationship engine* The “commit to 100 episodes” mindset: why most shows die before they find their voice* Founder vs exec interviews: why CEOs can speak more freely (and what it unlocks in conversation)* What Glean taught him about enterprise AI: permissions, trust, and overcoming “category is dead” skepticism* Design partners as the real unlock: why early believers matter and how co-development actually works* Windsurf's breakout: what it means to be serious about “Google-class product + Salesforce-class distribution”* Why technical founders struggle with GTM and how KP built a team around sales, customer access, and demand gen* Hiring early sales leaders: anti-patterns (logos), what to screen for (motivation), and why stage-fit is everything* The CPQ problem & Roadrunner's thesis: rebuilding CPQ/quoting from the data model up for modern complexity* How “rules + SKUs + approvals” create a brittle graph and what it takes to model it without tipping over* The two-year window: incumbents rebuilding slowly vs startups out-sprinting with AI-native architecture* Where AI actually helps: quote generation, policy enforcement, approval routing, and deal recommendation loops—Joubin* X: https://x.com/Joubinmir* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Where to find Latent Space* X: https://x.com/latentspacepodFull Video EpisodeTimestamps00:00:00 Introduction and the Zuck Interview Experience00:03:26 The Genesis of the Grit Podcast: Hiring CROs Through Content00:13:20 Podcast Philosophy: Creating Authentic Conversations00:15:44 Working with Arvind at Glean: The Enterprise Search Breakthrough00:26:20 Windsurf's Sales Machine: Google-Class Product Meets Salesforce-Class Distribution00:30:28 Hiring Sales Leaders: Anti-Patterns and First Principles00:39:02 The CPQ Problem: Why Salesforce and Legacy Tools Are Breaking00:43:40 Introducing Roadrunner: Solving Enterprise Pricing with AI00:49:19 Building Roadrunner: Team, Design Partners, and Data Model Challenges00:59:35 High Performance Philosophy: Working Out Every Day and Reducing Friction01:06:28 Defining Grit: Passion Plus Perseverance Get full access to Latent.Space at www.latent.space/subscribe

Glean started as a Kleiner Perkins incubation and is now a $7B, $200m ARR Enterprise AI leader. Now KP has tapped its own podcaster to lead it's next big swing. From building go-to-market the hard way in startups (and scaling Palo Alto Networks' public cloud business) to joining Kleiner Perkins to help technical founders turn product edge into repeatable revenue, Joubin Mirzadegan has spent the last decade obsessing over one thing: distribution and how ideas actually spread, sell, and compound. That obsession took him from launching the CRO-only podcast Grit (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRiWZFltuYPF8A6UGm74K2q29UwU-Kk9k) as a hiring wedge, to working alongside breakout companies like Glean and Windsurf, to now incubating Roadrunner which is an AI-native rethink of CPQ and quoting workflows as pricing models collapse from “seats” into consumption, bundles, renewals, and SKU sprawl. We sat down with Joubin to dig into the real mechanics of making conversations feel human (rolling early, never sending questions, temperature + lighting hacks), what Windsurf got right about “Google-class product and Salesforce-class distribution,” how to hire early sales leaders without getting fooled by shiny logos, why CPQ is quietly breaking the back of modern revenue teams, and his thesis for his new company and KP incubation Roadrunner (https://www.roadrunner.ai/): rebuild the data model from the ground up, co-develop with the hairiest design partners, and eventually use LLMs to recommend deal structures the way the best reps do without the Slack-channel chaos of deal desk. We discuss: How to make guests instantly comfortable: rolling early, no “are you ready?”, temperature, lighting, and room dynamics Why Joubin refuses to send questions in advance (and when you might have to anyway) The origin of the CRO-only podcast: using media as a hiring wedge and relationship engine The “commit to 100 episodes” mindset: why most shows die before they find their voice Founder vs exec interviews: why CEOs can speak more freely (and what it unlocks in conversation) What Glean taught him about enterprise AI: permissions, trust, and overcoming “category is dead” skepticism Design partners as the real unlock: why early believers matter and how co-development actually works Windsurf's breakout: what it means to be serious about “Google-class product + Salesforce-class distribution” Why technical founders struggle with GTM and how KP built a team around sales, customer access, and demand gen Hiring early sales leaders: anti-patterns (logos), what to screen for (motivation), and why stage-fit is everything The CPQ problem & Roadrunner's thesis: rebuilding CPQ/quoting from the data model up for modern complexity How “rules + SKUs + approvals” create a brittle graph and what it takes to model it without tipping over The two-year window: incumbents rebuilding slowly vs startups out-sprinting with AI-native architecture Where AI actually helps: quote generation, policy enforcement, approval routing, and deal recommendation loops — Joubin X: https://x.com/Joubinmir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/ Where to find Latent Space X: https://x.com/latentspacepod Substack: https://www.latent.space/ Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and the Zuck Interview Experience 00:03:26 The Genesis of the Grit Podcast: Hiring CROs Through Content 00:13:20 Podcast Philosophy: Creating Authentic Conversations 00:15:44 Working with Arvind at Glean: The Enterprise Search Breakthrough 00:26:20 Windsurf's Sales Machine: Google-Class Product Meets Salesforce-Class Distribution 00:30:28 Hiring Sales Leaders: Anti-Patterns and First Principles 00:39:02 The CPQ Problem: Why Salesforce and Legacy Tools Are Breaking 00:43:40 Introducing Roadrunner: Solving Enterprise Pricing with AI 00:49:19 Building Roadrunner: Team, Design Partners, and Data Model Challenges 00:59:35 High Performance Philosophy: Working Out Every Day and Reducing Friction 01:06:28 Defining Grit: Passion Plus Perseverance

What does it take to go from advising founders to becoming one?On this week's special Reverse Grit episode, we flip the script and put our Grit podcast host Joubin Mirzadegan in the guest seat.Joubin recently founded Roadrunner, where he is now co-founder & CEO. Roadrunner is building an AI‑native CPQ to modernize the quote‑to‑cash stack, drawing on years of conversations he's had with enterprise revenue leaders.Stepping into the host role, Mamoon Hamid joins Joubin to talk about his transition from sales leader to founder, how Roadrunner came together, and why it became our first incubation since Glean.Roadrunner is hiring! Check them out: https://www.roadrunner.ai/Guest: Joubin Mirzadegan, Partner, Kleiner Perkins​Connect with MamoonXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.com​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins

In this CPQ Podcast episode, host Frank Sohn talks with Andreas Westling, CEO and co-founder of Ignize, about how modern AI pricing and CPQ help B2B manufacturers increase EBIT, improve price fairness, and react faster to market volatility. Drawing on more than 20 years of pricing experience,  including his time as CEO of Navetti (acquired by Vendavo). Andreas explains why pricing fundamentals haven't changed, but the way manufacturers execute pricing has transformed. He also shares how Ignize supports mid-market and enterprise manufacturers with complex, multinational pricing operations that require both speed and precision. Andreas introduces Ignize's concept of Generative Precision Pricing (GPP) and the role of the Ignizer, a modern engine that turns pricing expertise into data-driven, explainable recommendations. You'll also hear how Ignize integrates with CRM systems such as Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics, ERP systems including SAP, Oracle, and legacy platforms, and CPQ solutions like Tacton to deliver consistent, value-based pricing across the commercial stack. We discuss why black-box AI pricing often fails in B2B manufacturing, and why explainability and transparency are essential to earn trust from pricing teams, product managers, sales, and customers. Andreas also outlines what manufacturers can expect from an Ignize implementation. From 8–12 week quick-start value phases to broader enterprise rollouts, and how modern pricing platforms help companies navigate tariffs, commodity swings, currency shifts, and other forms of market disruption. Ignize also operates on an enterprise-grade security foundation, backed by ISO 27001:2013 certification and SOC 2 Type II compliance, ensuring that sensitive pricing and commercial data is handled with the highest standards of information security and compliance. If you're interested in CPQ, B2B pricing, or how AI can strengthen price quality, win rates, and overall financial performance, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank Sohn sits down with Suren Reddy, founder of Cloudely, for a deep dive into where Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) is heading—especially inside the Salesforce ecosystem. If you're evaluating Salesforce CPQ, or wondering what Revenue Cloud Advanced really changes, this conversation is for you. Suren breaks down Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced (RCA) and Revenue Cloud Billing (RCB) in practical terms: why Salesforce is positioning them as the next-gen replacement for traditional CPQ, what's new in product, pricing, and catalog architecture, and how quote-to-cash is becoming a single, unified revenue platform. He shares real implementation expectations too—why RCA projects are now trending closer to 4–8 months due to expanded analysis and design, and how that tradeoff can pay off in fewer downstream touchpoints and stronger ROI. The discussion also explores the fast-moving AI layer around CPQ. Suren explains Salesforce's move toward multi-agent workflows through Agentforce, the role of Model Context Protocol (MCP) as an open standard for secure tool/data interaction, and what "Agentforce Vibes" (agentic development) could mean for accelerating CPQ and revenue applications. You'll hear a concrete AI use case he's seeing today: the Margin Optimization Agent, designed to recommend profitable product bundles while improving customer outcomes. Finally, Suren shares what he's hearing from customers about the Conga/PROS acquisition, why many are re-evaluating their CPQ options, and what demand signals he expects to rebound in 2026. Plus, a look at Cloudely's growth in India and emerging verticals like dairy, cement, and textiles. Tune in for a grounded, forward-looking CPQ conversation packed with Salesforce Revenue Cloud insights, AI realism, and customer-driven market perspective. Subscribe to the CPQ Podcast for more interviews on CPQ software, quote-to-cash, pricing, and revenue transformation.

Evaluating Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) solutions and drowning in buzzwords, vendor decks, and generic analyst reports? In this solo episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank walks you through something he has been building for exactly that problem: the CPQ Sales Report from Novus CPQ. This is not a sales pitch. Think of this episode as a reference guide you can come back to whenever you need to shortlist CPQ vendors, support a sales cycle, or explain a solution to your internal stakeholders. You'll learn: What the CPQ Sales Report is and who it's for (buyers, system integrators, and CPQ vendors) What's inside each 20+ page, vendor-specific report and how it adds value to real sales cycles When to use a report for shortlisting, internal alignment, business cases, and partner enablement How the CPQ Sales Report differs from the CPQ Briefing Subscription Which vendors are currently covered: camos Software, Bit2win, XaitCPQ, Engineering Intent, SAP (CPQ-related), Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced, Nue.io – plus an upcoming report on Revalize Frank also shares what's new (including the updated XaitCPQ report), what's coming next, and how these reports stay vendor-neutral, fact-based, and practical—so you can make better CPQ decisions without rewriting everything yourself.

Send us a textGuest: Mark Walker, CEO at Nue.io -- SaaS pricing isn't breaking because of AI — it's breaking because most revenue systems were never built for the speed and complexity of today's models.In this episode, Mark Walker, CEO of Nue.io, joins host Ken Lempit to unpack why modern SaaS and AI companies are abandoning legacy CPQ and billing stacks for a flexible, unified revenue infrastructure built for rapid change.Key highlights:Why legacy CPQ + billing can't support modern SaaS pricingHow committed consumption + bank-billed models are reshaping monetizationWhy speed of configuration is now a GTM advantageWhat RevOps must rethink as pricing experiments explodeHow elite teams thrive on hard problems and high-velocity executionIf you're a B2B SaaS founder, CRO, CMO, or RevOps leader navigating complex pricing models, upgrading your revenue stack, or preparing for next-gen AI monetization, this conversation will change how you think about scaling.---Not Getting Enough Demos? Your messaging could be turning buyers away before you even get a chance to pitch.

In this episode, Frank Sohn talks with Hiren Shah, founder of B2B-Matrix, about how small and mid-sized manufacturers and distributors are modernizing their sales processes through AI-driven CPQ, CRM, and ERP integration. Hiren, a former SAP America consultant turned Salesforce expert, shares his perspective on the future of Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ), Revenue Cloud, and AI in sales automation. He explains B2B-Matrix's three-phase Salesforce AI project, where automation is already reducing clicks, quote times, and approval delays—and how the final phase will connect directly to ERP and internet data. You'll also hear his insights on: When and why companies should migrate from Salesforce CPQ to Revenue Cloud Advanced (RCA) The "death of middleware" and how modern APIs enable seamless CRM-CPQ-ERP integration The top three customer priorities today: AI, master data cleanup, and faster transaction velocity Why CPQ customers typically replace systems every eight years How B2B-Matrix white-labels its services for larger consulting firms and delivers sub-$100K CPQ projects for SMBs Beyond business, Hiren also shares his personal passion for Pilates and Hot Yoga, a balance that keeps him focused as he leads digital transformation projects for manufacturers across North America. Whether you're interested in Salesforce Revenue Cloud, CPQ modernization, AI in sales, or integration strategy, this episode offers practical, real-world insights from someone who's bridging enterprise architecture, business process design, and cloud innovation.

Do you actually need a Release Engineer to manage Salesforce DevOps? Ana Moreno joins Jack to share her incredible (and truly accidental) journey from the world of art history to the heart of tech. Before they dive into release management, Jack derails the conversation to hear all about the fascinating world of art fraud, including tales of Man Ray's lost negatives and fake Victorian photographs.Once back on track, Ana pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to manage a complex, high-stakes Salesforce release process at a company that lives and breathes DevOps.Tune in to learn:- What the day-to-day life of a dedicated Release Engineer actually looks like.- How GitLab manages weekly Salesforce releases with a 30+ person team across five pods.- Strategies for handling merge conflicts as a "necessary evil."- Ana's top advice for teams looking to overhaul their process (Hint: It's not just about buying a tool).- The practical role AI is playing in their DevOps cycle today.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 Welcome Ana Moreno, Salesforce Release Engineer at GitLab02:36 Ana's journey: The "Accidental Admin"03:30 From art history to tech09:33 Let's talk about art fraud!15:14 From Admin to Release Engineer22:35 What does a Release Engineer actually do all day?25:48 Inside GitLab's weekly Salesforce release cycle28:09 The challenge of managing 1,000+ Apex tests33:07 Taming the "necessary evil" of merge conflicts38:41 Key advice for teams overhauling their DevOps process46:12 The real-world future of AI in the DevOps pipeline50:57 Ana's Final Mantra

Confused by all the CPQ options out there? You're not alone — with more than 135 vendors and endless marketing claims, figuring out where to start can feel impossible. In this episode, host Frank Sohn (Novus CPQ Consulting) breaks down the CPQ landscape in under 15 minutes and shows you a smarter way to learn it. You'll hear how the CPQ Briefing Subscription helps you cut through the noise with short, fact-based reports based on real demos — not hype. Learn how analysts, students, and business leaders use these briefings to understand capabilities, compare vendors, and explore the market with AI tools like ChatGPT.

How do you prove CPQ value in CFO terms—not hype? In this episode, Cameron Marsh, Analyst at Nucleus Research, breaks down how their ROI Case Study and Value Matrix quantify CPQ outcomes customers feel every day: faster quote cycles, higher throughput with the same team, better margins from pricing, and fewer back-and-forth revisions thanks to visualization. We also dig into why data quality—not model magic—decides CPQ AI success, and where channel vs. direct CPQ returns really land. Key Takeaways: Quantifying ROI like a CFO: Nucleus standardizes benefits into save time, save money, make more money—and they're NASBA-certified in how they measure value. Quote Cycle Efficiency: Typical improvements of 60–80%—from hours to minutes—plus 20–30% more quote throughput with the same headcount. Pricing > Cross/Upsell: Price optimization usually creates more value than cross/upsell alone by protecting margin. Payback Windows: Average CPQ payback in 9–12 months; channel CPQ often sees faster first-year payback, while direct CPQ compounds larger value longer-term. What's Beating AI (for now): Visualization (≈ 25% reduction in quote revisions), Deal Desk Automation (≈ 85% reduction in manual review time), and eSignature are delivering immediate, measurable wins. AI's Real Bottleneck: Inconsistent rules, outdated/fragmented price lists, and weak integrations. Bad data = bad outputs. Market View: Strongest traction in North America enterprise, with growing momentum across Europe and APAC. Vendor Advice: Lead with customer value and usability, not feature lists.

"Data loss" is a phrase that strikes fear into the heart of every Salesforce professional. But what if you could face a data incident with calm and confidence?Jack speaks with Aga Peryie, Senior Product Manager at Gearset, about building a solid data management strategy. They discuss the vital role of understanding customer needs, the challenges of data backup, and why so many teams are vulnerable to simple user errors.This conversation is a masterclass in shifting from anxiety to control.Tune in to learn:- Why most teams are unprepared for the most common cause of data loss: user error.- The key to reducing anxiety: regularly testing your recovery process before you need it.- Practical strategies for archiving data to manage Salesforce storage limits effectively.- How to build a backup solution truly tailored to the complexities of Salesforce.- Why a "set it and forget it" backup plan is a recipe for disaster.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 Product Management at Gearset02:52 The Importance of Customer-Centric Product Management05:15 Understanding Customer Needs and Asking 'Why'08:00 Data Backup Solutions: Common Practices and Misconceptions10:54 Assessing the Importance of Data and Trust13:35 Identifying Data Loss and Recovery Strategies16:16 Best Practices for Data Restoration19:09 Archiving Strategies for Salesforce Data21:47 The Role of Data in AI and Customer Experience24:39 The Benefits of Backup and Archiving Solutions27:28 Creating a Culture of Data Awareness29:58 Final Thoughts on Data Backup and Recovery

Send us a textThe CRM needs of large enterprises are shaped by scale, complexity, and stringent governance demands that go far beyond what smaller organizations require. These businesses operate across multiple geographies, currencies, and regulatory environments, making territory management, multi-level forecasting, and compliance core to their CRM strategy. Unlike smaller firms that prioritize ease of use, large enterprises demand robust systems capable of managing global data consolidation, advanced security, and enterprise-grade scalability. Their CRMs must seamlessly integrate with ERP, CPQ, marketing, and analytics ecosystems while maintaining strict data sovereignty and access control standards. With decision-making dispersed across regions and divisions, AI-driven insights, predictive forecasting, and centralized reporting become essential. Ultimately, for large enterprises, a CRM is not just a sales tool—it's a governance and intelligence engine powering global alignment, operational efficiency, and strategic execution.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Large Company CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Large Company CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.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 CPQ Podcast episode, Frank Sohn talks with Martin Johansen, founder of Mercura, a Denmark-based CPQ vendor focused on small to mid-sized manufacturers. With a background in finance and international business, Martin started Mercura straight out of college—initially building a configurator “by accident” for a customer request—and has since grown it into a SaaS platform used across Europe. We discuss Mercura's no-code setup and short implementation cycles (often 1–2 months), its support for cost-plus pricing, and partner/distributor workflows where channel users can upload and manage their own price lists. Martin explains how Mercura's in-browser 3D visualization enables room planning, snap-to placement, and collision detection in real time. While Mercura doesn't connect directly to CAD suites, customers can supply STEP files or drawings for CPQ-side visualization. A big portion of the conversation covers integrations—especially Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales and Microsoft Business Central—plus experience with PIM solutions and HubSpot. Martin shares how Mercura applies AI on the admin side to speed configuration/rules setup, why headless is not a near-term priority, and the company's focus on manufacturers in sectors like playground equipment and healthcare (typical 5–200 users). We also touch on his sales mindset, weekly tennis/soccer routine, and how the book Work the System shapes Mercura's process discipline. Listen in for practical insights on delivering an easy-to-implement CPQ with modern visualization and tight Microsoft integrations.

Send us a textThe mid-market CRM buyer occupies a distinct and often underestimated space between simplicity and scale. Unlike startups that seek rapid deployment or small businesses focused on cost efficiency, mid-sized organizations require systems that can support growing operational complexity without the burden of enterprise-grade bureaucracy. Their CRM priorities revolve around robust workflow automation, stronger data security, and cross-departmental collaboration across sales, marketing, service, and operations. With multiple product lines or regional divisions, they need a platform that offers deeper analytics, moderate ERP or CPQ integration, and flexible reporting capabilities for managerial insight and planning. Yet, they're not contending with the global consolidation, multi-currency, or data sovereignty challenges faced by large enterprises. Instead, their goal is to scale efficiently—to deploy a CRM that's powerful enough to grow with the business but still agile enough to adapt quickly to evolving market and organizational dynamics.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Mid-Sized CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Mid-Sized CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.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. 

Host Frank Sohn welcomes Marc de Mey of Merkato Group—the team behind Merkato CPQ and brands Quootz, CPQ Belgium, Sell It Easy, CPQing Solutions, and DOK.legal. Marc shares his path from aircraft mechanics to CPQ leadership and explains how Merkato's low-code/no-code, API-first, headless architecture helps manufacturers move from complex requirements to accurate quotes fast. We compare hands-off vs. hands-on implementation models across the group, and why an external ecosystem of Merkato experts accelerates adoption. You'll hear practical integration patterns with Salesforce, SAP, Epicor, Infor, Odoo, Zoho and CAD tools like PTC Creo and Solidworks. We also cover three buying drivers—capturing hard product knowledge, creating a single source of truth that eliminates double entry, and delivering modern visualization. Best for manufacturers, OEMs, distributors, and EPCs (50–1000 employees), primarily in Europe but with global reach.

What's the most overlooked element in a successful DevOps strategy? According to Salesforce Architect and community leader Raksha Sanganee, it's culture.In this powerful episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy sits down with Raksha to uncover her remarkable journey from a school finance officer to a respected DevOps consultant. She shares the invaluable lessons learned while training over 300 people in Salesforce for free and unpacks her core principles for transforming a team's software delivery lifecycle.Tune in to learn why "seeing is believing" is the key to overcoming client skepticism, how to build unbreakable trust, and why you should never, ever forget your backups!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 Raksha Her Journey04:23 Transitioning to Salesforce and Community Impact09:13 Understanding DevOps: Culture and Trust13:41 Common Mistakes in DevOps and Importance of Automation18:24 Building Trust with Clients and Overcoming Skepticism23:02 The Role of Training and Demos in DevOps27:29 Data Strategy and Best Practices in Salesforce32:00 The Importance of Community and Continuous Learning36:31 Parting Wisdom and Final Thoughts

Headed to Dreamforce (Oct 14–16)? In 30 minutes, Salesforce's David Beebe breaks down: RCA now: 6 releases, faster UX, upgraded constraint builder Revenue Cloud Billing: what's new + why demand is spiking Unified CPQ + Billing: fewer errors, faster cycle time Pricing & AI/Agents: usage-based, analytics, interoperability Sessions to add: RC Keynote, Consumption Models, Invoice-to-Cash Listen Oct 12 to plan your week!

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank Sohn welcomes Adam Wainright, a veteran with 15+ years in the Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) space, now helping lead HubSpot's CPQ and revenue strategy. Adam shares his career journey across Selectica/Determine, CallidusCloud, Clari, Cacheflow (acquired by HubSpot), and beyond. Adam discusses: HubSpot's CPQ launch at INBOUND and how it delivers speed, visibility, and control to sellers and revenue operations teams. Why their North Star is Revenue Operations—and how HubSpot is building a complete Revenue Lifecycle Management solution. Lessons learned from scaling companies from $7M to $200M in revenue, navigating multiple M&As, and leading global sales teams. His “Supersonic Sales Process” philosophy, with the mantra: Don't pitch product—pitch process. The role of AI in CPQ, from conversational quote builders to revenue governance. Personal insights on leadership, active listening, and balancing life in Marina, CA with family, running, and hiking Big Sur. If you're interested in HubSpot CPQ, Revenue Operations, or the future of Revenue Lifecycle Management, this episode offers valuable insights into strategy, technology, and customer success.

In this CPQ Podcast episode, host Frank Sohn speaks with Tarak Patel, Sr. Vice President of Product and Technology at Aleran Software, about how Aleran is bringing sustainable innovation to Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) and digital commerce. Aleran's Connected Commerce platform is designed for mid-size manufacturers ($20M–$1B) and their channel partners. Built on headless, API-first, cloud-native architecture, the platform integrates with leading ERP systems(SAP, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, Acumatica and more) and CRM solutions (Salesforce, SugarCRM). It also offers native eCommerce, pre-built connectors, Avalara tax, payment gateways, and shipping integrations—helping companies move beyond spreadsheets and home-grown tools. Tarak explains how Aleran supports CTO and ETO products, with a feature- and rules-based configuration engine, plus AI-driven guided selling and automated product content generation. With low-code/no-code flexibility and an average 2-month implementation, manufacturers can achieve fast ROI. Beyond technology, Tarak shares insights on trust-based leadership, Aleran's rapid growth, and how his philosophy of “sustainable innovation” drives both the company and his personal life—including golfing with his two teenage sons.

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, host Frank Sohn sits down with Matthias Radner of Resolto, a Festo company, to discuss his journey from face-to-face mattress sales to enterprise CPQ software. Matthias shares how early lessons in customer interaction shaped his approach to selling Configure, Price, Quote solutions, and why patience is key in long sales cycles—like when a customer signed an offer he created four years earlier. Listeners will hear about Resolto's Configon CPQ platform, designed for both SMB plug-and-play deployments (with average implementation times of just four weeks) and enterprise-level projects worth €400K–€500K. Matthias explains the importance of CAD integration via Cadenas, their unique use of Google Blockly-style rule building, and how Resolto works closely with parent company Festo to shape its roadmap, including upcoming AI-driven innovations. Beyond technology, Matthias opens up about his personal passions—from competing in international hip hop dance championships to playing tennis for relaxation today. The conversation also explores Resolto's growing footprint across DACH, Italy, the Netherlands, the US, and Japan, and why industries like machine engineering and electrical devices are key focus areas. If you're interested in visual product configurators, CAD-driven CPQ solutions, and strategies for simplifying complex product sales, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of CPQ.

In the world of tech, it's easy to get lost in the code, the pipelines, and the deadlines. But what truly separates a good team from a great one? In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Conlan makes the case that it's a culture built on trust and continuous improvement.Conlan shares his experience managing a complex Salesforce project management application where the stakes are high. He reveals how his team navigates the strict world of SOX compliance, not as a burden, but as a driver for quality. We explore his passion for automation, from CI/CD pipelines that supercharge efficiency to automated deployments that eliminate human error.However, the real magic lies in the human element. Conlan explains how creating psychological safety and running blameless post-mortems transforms mistakes into learning opportunities, and why true collaboration only happens when every single person, including contractors, feels like a core part of the team. If you want to build systems and teams that last, this episode is for you.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 Conlan02:11 Managing Compliance in Project Management Applications07:04 The Intersection of Compliance and Data Quality08:32 Importance of DevOps in Delivery Processes12:02 Automation and Change Management in Salesforce17:37 Correction of Errors and Continuous Improvement20:40 Continuous Quality Improvement in Software Development22:42 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety24:50 Anomaly Reports vs. Correction of Errors27:21 Empowering Team Members to Speak Up31:03 Integrating Contractors into Team Culture37:00 Ensuring Quality Oversight in Contractor Work39:32 Exciting Innovations on the Salesforce Platform

Is your Salesforce org as secure as you think? Many common configurations leave companies vulnerable, but mastering a few core principles can transform your security posture.In this episode of DevOps Diaries, Jack McCurdy is joined by Technical Program Manager and Salesforce security author Alice Jessop to demystify the art of protecting your CRM. They cut through the noise to deliver actionable insights for admins, developers, and managers.Alice unpacks the modern challenges of Salesforce security, from debunking dangerous misconceptions to navigating the complexities of user management. You'll learn the critical difference between Profiles and Permission Sets, why the principle of least privilege is non-negotiable, and how to cultivate a security-first mindset within your team.Tune in to explore:- The Evolution of Salesforce Security: How to stay ahead in the ever-changing Salesforce landscape.- Profiles vs. Permission Sets: Finally understand when and how to use each for optimal security.- The role of humans in security: Why your biggest vulnerability might not be technical.- The future of AI in security: How artificial intelligence is poised to change Salesforce security forever.- Actionable advice: Concrete tips on data classification and career growth for Salesforce professionals.Whether you're new to the ecosystem or a seasoned architect, this conversation provides a crucial framework for building a more resilient and secure Salesforce environment.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 Salesforce Security02:41 Evolution of Salesforce Security05:23 Common Misconceptions About Salesforce Security07:56 The Role of Admins in Security10:45 Profiles vs. Permission Sets13:30 Balancing Business and User Needs16:01 Building a Security Mindset18:25 Human Factors in Security21:00 The Exciting Intersection of AI and Security24:07 Data Management: The Foundation for AI Agents27:14 Experimenting with AI: Low-Risk Environments31:15 Conducting Effective Security Reviews35:24 The Future of Salesforce: Admins and AI37:55 Career Advice: Adapting in a Changing Landscape38:48 Humor and Learning: Insights from a Unique Journey

Get the inside scoop on HubSpot's game-changing INBOUND 2025 releases! Denamico team members, Alise Kostick, RevOps Strategist, and Sophie Schaffran, Marketing Director, break down key updates through the lens of organizational roles.They focus on how HubSpot is unifying data and transforming how teams work together. This episode is for RevOps leaders, marketers, sales professionals, and service teams who want to understand how these updates will impact their daily workflows and strategic initiatives.What You'll Learn:Operations Hub to Data Hub transformation and what it means for RevOps professionals managing complex data workflowsMarketing Studio, the new visual campaign planning tool that combines whiteboarding, project management, and performance trackingSmart CRM updates including Kanban boards, timeline views, and a map view for territory planningAI-powered CPQ in Commerce Hub and who it's for today Breeze AI evolution including Breeze Studio, Assistants and new AgentsSelf-generating CRM data that pulls unstructured data from sources like email signatures, auto-responses, and call transcriptsReleases Mentioned:HubSpot INBOUND 2025 Fall Spotlight Denamico newsletter: 3 big shifts from INBOUND Data Hub: Data Studio, Data QualityCommerce Hub CPQ (in public beta)Smart CRM: Self-Generating CRM Data, Smart Insights, Flexible CRM ViewsBreeze Studio: Customer Agent, Prospecting Agent, Data Agent, Breeze Assistant Marketing Hub: Marketing Studio, AI-Powered Email, Segments and PersonalizationIs your business ready to scale? Take the Growth Readiness Score to find out. In 5 minutes, you'll see: Benchmark data showing how you stack up to other organizations A clear view of your operational maturity Whether your business is ready to scale (and what to do next if it's not) Let's Connect Subscribe to the RevOps Champions Newsletter LinkedIn YouTube Explore the show at revopschampions.com. Ready to unite your teams with RevOps strategies that eliminate costly silos and drive growth? Let's talk!

The CPQ Podcast is taking a short late summer break — but we'll be back with new episodes on September 21! In this quick update, Frank Sohn shares what's happening at Novus CPQ in the meantime: ✅ 18+ CPQ Briefings now available – more coming soon ✅ CPQ Sales Report updates for XaitCPQ, camos software, and Bit2win ✅ CPQ Selection help for customers evaluating vendors ✅ CPQ Circle Subscription with 12 monthly newsletters + 20 hours of consulting ✅ New webinars available on the CPQ Channel

How does someone with a non-traditional background end up leading Developer Relations for a tech giant like Slack? In this episode, host Jack McCurdy dives deep into the incredible story of Kurt Kemple.Kurt pulls back the curtain on his journey and shares the hard-won lessons that shaped his philosophy on community, collaboration, and creating meaningful tech. He reveals the critical importance of developer enablement and challenges a "build it and they will come" mentality.Get ready for a powerful conversation about the human side of DevOps. You'll hear Kurt's take on the future of community, the one framework that clarifies every project, and why building relationships is the ultimate key to shared success.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 Kurt Kemple and Slack02:56 Kurt's Journey into Tech and Developer Relations05:34 The Importance of Tech Enablement08:42 Building a Career in Tech11:35 The Role of Community in Tech14:16 Job to Be Done Framework and Its Impact17:25 The Future of Community and Connection19:57 Reflections on Personal Communities and Growth24:53 The Power of Community in Professional Growth26:40 Aligning Business with User Needs28:23 Building Internal Communities30:08 Overcoming Resistance in Internal Teams31:41 The Importance of User Feedback33:51 Empathy in Community Building35:40 The Flywheel Effect in Developer Relations37:36 Collaborative Language and Shared Ownership39:44 The Role of Developer Relations41:54 Education and Enablement through Community43:13 Leveraging Slack for Effective Collaboration47:02 The Future of Slack and Developer Experience

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most talked-about moves in the CPQ space—ServiceNow's acquisition of Logik.ai for a reported $500 million. I'm joined by Anandan “AJ” Jayaraman, VP of the Lead to Cash portfolio at ServiceNow, and Christopher Shutts, Co-Founder and CEO of Logik.ai, for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation. Together, we explore what this acquisition means for the future of CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote), CRM, and Revenue Operations. Discover why Logik.ai's composable, headless architecture, world-class configuration engine, and Amazon-like user experience caught ServiceNow's attention. Learn how the combined power of AI-driven quoting, Salesforce and Shopify integrations, and a unified ServiceNow platform is setting a new standard for modern CPQ. Chris shares how the acquisition talks began around Christmas 2024 and what it was like working with ServiceNow's leadership—including inspiration from CEO Bill McDermott's Winner's Dream. AJ reflects on his global journey across India, Israel, and the U.S., and explains how CPQ is at the heart of modern enterprise selling. Whether you're in sales ops, revenue management, CRM architecture, or enterprise technology, this episode delivers key insights on: Why CPQ is core to digital selling How AI is transforming CPQ for sales reps and admins alike What this means for Salesforce, Shopify, and standalone customers Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving CPQ and Revenue Tech landscape.

Send us a textThe Configure-to-Order (CTO) space within manufacturing demands systems built for flexibility—balancing standardized components with the ability to configure products quickly and accurately. Unlike Engineer-to-Order (ETO), where each project starts from scratch, CTO relies on predefined options that can be assembled in various ways to meet customer needs. This configuration may occur within ERP or PLM systems, or extend outward through CPQ tools and e-commerce interfaces, depending on how a company structures its sales and fulfillment processes. Given the wide variability in product complexity and go-to-market strategies, there's no universal approach—successful CTO execution hinges on aligning configurability with business objectives and user experience.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each configure-to-order manufacturing ERP system.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, we welcome Don Khamapirad, CEO of Veloce Apps, to explore how modern CPQ solutions are evolving for complex industries like manufacturing, life sciences, business services, and fintech. Don shares his journey from Oracle and Apttus/Conga to leading multiple startups through growth stages—and now driving Veloce's transformation from a software provider to a full-service Salesforce Revenue Cloud implementation partner. You'll hear insights on: Why constraint-based configuration is key to solving large-scale quoting challenges How Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced supports multi-layer configurations and up to 100,000 quote lines Where AI fits into the CPQ process, especially in speeding up quote creation and improving customer response times How Veloce delivers CPQ success with 5–18 month projects, deep Salesforce alignment, and a focus on high user adoption The five major use cases Veloce solves, including SAP upgrades and complex pricing transformations Don also shares a personal side—his love for archery with his daughter and his excitement about building industry connections at Dreamforce this October. If you're navigating the shift to Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced, or tackling complex quoting problems, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

How much has DevOps really changed since the AI boom? Are you truly observing your Salesforce org, or just reacting to fires? When do you pay down technical debt versus pushing for the next big feature?If you're asking these questions, you're not alone. Host Jack McCurdy is joined by DevOps expert Andy Barrick to tackle the tough challenges facing teams today. This practical conversation covers the evolution of the field since 2022, providing actionable advice on implementing proactive observability, managing risk, and making incremental changes that deliver massive impact.Learn more:Read the observability whitepaper: https://grst.co/4lFfxmmHow Salesforce teams execute observability for Salesforce: https://grst.co/3GXddrUSee Flow and Apex Error Monitoring in action: https://grst.co/3IF5EqqAbout 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 The Evolution of DevOps Since 202202:35 The Role of AI in Automation05:21 Testing Fundamentals in DevOps08:29 Understanding Observability in Salesforce11:05 Reactive vs Proactive Observability14:03 The Importance of Proactive Monitoring16:29 Implementing Observability in DevOps19:41 Starting Your Observability Journey22:14 Balancing Refactoring and New Initiatives24:56 Risk Management and Observability27:48 Final Thoughts on Observability

In this episode, we sit down with Derik Quinn, Managing Director at Spaulding Ridge, to explore the fast-evolving landscape of CPQ, Revenue Management, and Salesforce Revenue Cloud Advanced (RCA). Derik shares insights from his two-decade journey across BigMachines, Apttus, Argano, and now Spaulding Ridge, where he leads large-scale quote-to-cash transformations in manufacturing, high-tech, and medtech. We discuss the shift toward constraint-based configuration, the excitement around Dynamic Revenue Orchestration (DRO), and why Salesforce RCA is gaining traction across industries. Derik highlights differences in adoption trends—new implementations in manufacturing versus migrations in high-tech—and the growing interest in AI for sales efficiency and revenue intelligence. With over 100 RCA consultants globally, Spaulding Ridge is driving momentum into Dreamforce and beyond. Plus, we hear about Derik's passion for endurance sports, parenting two active daughters, and how customer KPIs shape project success. If you're interested in quote-to-cash innovation, Salesforce RCA adoption, or industry-specific CPQ trends, this episode delivers expert perspectives you won't want to miss.

When the U.S. introduced sweeping tariffs in early 2025, the global trade ripple effects hit the paper and packaging sector hard. Input costs soared, supply chains got tangled, and market competitiveness dipped. But out of this disruption comes transformation.Based on the Future of Commerce article, this episode dives into how paper and packaging companies are stabilizing short-term operations, adapting mid-term strategies, and investing long-term in a more resilient future. From digital supply chain modeling to intelligent pricing and inventory optimization, IT is the backbone of a smarter, stronger, and more agile industry.What You'll Learn in This Episode:1. Immediate Stabilization Through TechnologyHow supply chain risk software and AI-powered analytics uncover tariff exposureUsing pricing engines and FP&A tools to protect margins and manage cash flowBuilding short-term resilience with inventory buffers and foreign trade zones2. Medium-Term Strategies to Adapt and CompeteSupplier diversification with source-to-pay and SRM platformsManufacturing efficiency via MES, APM, TMS, and predictive maintenance toolsExpanding to untapped markets using CRM and market intelligence softwareContract renegotiation supported by CLM and CPQ applications3. Long-Term Resilience Through Integration and InnovationSimulating global network redesign with digital twin supply chain toolsConnecting ERP, SCM, CRM, and pricing systems into a unified digital corePrioritizing high-margin product innovation with PLM systemsTracking trade policy shifts with risk intelligence platforms and IRM toolsKey Takeaways:Tariff disruptions have exposed inefficiencies long tolerated across the paper and packaging industryCompanies that digitize and integrate their systems gain speed, agility, and better decision-makingSupply chain flexibility, predictive analytics, and dynamic pricing are now competitive necessitiesResilience isn't just about surviving the next disruption—it's about being prepared to win during itTechnology is the essential thread enabling transformation across all time horizonsSubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on supply chain resilience, trade policy, and manufacturing innovation. Visit The Future of Commerce for the latest research on how industries are using technology to turn disruption into competitive advantage. Share this episode with operations leaders, digital transformation teams, and anyone preparing for what's next in global commerce.

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Barlas, Co-Founder and Solution Architect at Quick2Bid, a fast-growing system integrator specializing in CPQ solutions for mid-market manufacturers and enterprise service providers. With over 10 years of CPQ experience, Bill shares his unique journey—from working on his first CPQ project at a plumbing company using Blueprint CPQ (now Xait CPQ) to building a consulting firm that tailors every solution from the ground up. We dive into: How Quick2Bid balances Xait CPQ, HubSpot CRM, and PandaDoc to deliver high-impact quoting solutions Why demand for product configuration on HubSpot is surging—and how they're meeting it The top 3 business drivers for CPQ buyers today: quote velocity, quote accuracy, and faster onboarding The shift away from Salesforce CPQ—and what customers are looking for instead Where AI fits into CPQ workflows (and where it doesn't) How Quick2Bid delivers projects—time & materials for CPQ, fixed price for HubSpot Plus, we get personal: Bill opens up about his martial arts practice, homeschooling his three kids, and how his mother and Kevin Geraghty (Blueprint CPQ co-founder) helped shape his career. If you're selecting a CPQ solution or want to understand the evolving CPQ landscape—from 2D visual quoting to AI-driven insights—this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical takeaways.

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, we're joined by Nikhil Muralitharan, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Chargebee, to explore how modern CPQ solutions are evolving for software and digital service businesses. Nikhil shares his unique journey from software engineering to product marketing leadership—and how his career path mirrors his personal theme of "connecting the dots." We dive deep into Chargebee's API-first, modular CPQ platform, built to support hybrid sales motions like PLG and sales-assisted selling—without maintaining separate catalogs or tech stacks. With customers ranging from $3M to $150M in revenue across the UK, Europe, ANZ, and North America, Chargebee offers out-of-the-box integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and over 60 other systems. Nikhil also discusses: Their AI-generated quote summaries and vision for CPQ in an AI-native world Why sales and finance teams should operate from a shared data foundation Chargebee's approach to billing-first CPQ architecture, SOC 1/SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance A new guided selling experience launching later this year Their 6-stage implementation methodology and fast go-live timelines If you're looking for a CPQ solution designed for digital growth, flexible pricing models, and enterprise-grade compliance—this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we're joined by Tina Kung, Co-Founder and CTO of Nue.io, a rising CPQ & Billing platform redefining the quote-to-cash experience for modern SaaS businesses. With a career spanning Ariba, Oracle, Zuora, Salesforce, CA Technologies, and more, Tina brings over two decades of experience building and evolving four generations of CPQ and Billing systems.