POPULARITY
Categories
AI search is changing how buyers discover products. But most founders are either ignoring it, or getting sold misinformation.In this episode, Jon Mest (https://chatrank.ai/ and https://justreachout.io/) breaks down what actually drives “AI visibility” and how he's building two bootstrapped companies in a market that's shifting weekly.We get into the real execution behind:Why “pump out 1,000 blog posts” is bad strategy in AI searchWhat AI models struggle with (and the on-page fixes that matter right now)The off-page signals that influence AI recommendations (reviews, Reddit, YouTube, real human sentiment)How Jon sells a $500/mo product without spray-and-pray outboundPartnerships vs affiliates, what worked and what completely failed (PartnerStack experiment)Why podcasts are underrated for both backlinks and AI citationsJon's “rotate AI tools weekly” habit to stay sharp across modelsWhy bootstrapping beats VC for most SaaS right now (and when he'd reconsider)If you're a SaaS founder trying to understand what's real in AI search, this one will save you time and mistakes.
Turn your idea into a launched, profitable MVP in 2-6 months: https://www.saasmastery.com/?video=67MX3_N4LfoOr prefer a one-off advisory call? Here's my calendar: https://www.saasmastery.com/call?video=67MX3_N4Lfo--- Most founders struggle to get their first 100 customers for their SaaS, not because their product is bad, but because their GTM is.Today, I sit down with Margo, who has been helping B2B SaaS founders with marketing and customer acquisition for the last 8 years.If you're in the process of building a SaaS, then this video will give you a working Go-To-Market strategy that works in 2025 and beyond.Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 0:48 - 3 big mistakes to avoid 3:22 - How to get the first 10 customers 4:45 - 5-step Go-to-market strategy (First 100 customers) 11:36 - Scaling beyond the first 100 customers 13:26 - Ending-------------------- Resources: Enhance decision-making in software development and product management with the right leadership - https://saasmastery.com/call ▸▸ SaaS Mastery website - https://www.saasmastery.com/ Get in touch with us, and let's talk about your project! https://saasmastery.com/call #SaaS #MVP #SaaSMastery Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Find Your First 100 Customers(00:00:42) - 3 Mistakes SaaS Startups Make to Get Their First(00:03:22) - How do we get our first 10 customers?(00:04:54) - How to Find and Convert Early Adopters: My Core Go(00:07:19) - 3 Creative Outreach Strategies for Early Adopters(00:10:10) - 4 Steps to Your Landing Page(00:11:22) - 5 Steps to Scaling Beyond The First 100 Customers(00:13:26) - How to Win Your First 100 SaaS Customers Fast
AI is reshaping every part of sales, marketing, and revenue operations—and few leaders understand that transformation better than Amy Cook, Co‑Founder and CMO of Fullcast. In this conversation, Amy breaks down how AI is redefining go‑to‑market strategy, why authenticity matters more than ever, and what modern revenue teams must do to stay competitive. From her journey as a single mom rebuilding her career, to leading multiple companies through acquisition, to now architecting AI‑powered GTM systems, Amy brings a rare blend of heart, experience, and strategic clarity. We dive into the future of commissions, territory planning, deal intelligence, lead quality, and the new rules of sales + marketing alignment.
In this episode of AI With Sally, hosted by EE Times' Sally Ward-Foxton, Muneyb Minhazuddin discusses Ambarella's evolving go-to-market strategy, emphasizing the shift from a direct sales approach to a more collaborative model involving ISVs and system integrators. He highlights the role of AI in creating new market opportunities and the importance of simplifying application development through the DevZone and Agentic Blueprints. The discussion also covers the challenges and strategies in building partnerships, understanding value realization in vertical markets, and the anticipated impact of these changes on Ambarella's growth and market presence.
Why are buyers more skeptical, and what can marketers do to win them back? This episode of StrategyCast shares actionable ways to build trust, prove real value, and use AI wisely, so your brand shines even in the toughest markets! Rethink your Go-To-Market playbook and grow with confidence!And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details.==Let's Break It Down==05:51 AI Evolution: GenAI to Autonomy07:32 "Trust Challenges in AI and GTM"12:04 "Invest Today to Scale Tomorrow"13:57 Integrated Approach for Market Succes18:10 Strategic Frameworks Drive Creativity21:13 "AI Writing: Pitfalls and Lessons"23:15 "AI as a Creative Tool"29:09 "Turn Up Marketing During Crises"31:31 "Strategy Over Budget Success"==Where You Can Find Us==Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast==Leave a Review==Hey there, StrategyCast fans!If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!
In this episode, Lydia and Bridget sit down with Madison Paige, Consumer Brand Growth Specialist, top-rated business podcast host, TEDx speaker, and industry-leading online community builder, for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to build a legacy product brand in today's crowded market.Madison brings nine years of experience supporting hundreds of founder-led product-based businesses, from pre-revenue startups to globally expanding brands. Known for her high energy and practical strategy, she shares tangible insights on branding, marketing, DTC sales, and the often-overlooked power of community.In this episode, we cover:- What community building really means for product-based brands- Why community is your most sustainable growth channel- How to identify your brand's real differentiators- Why most brands blend in (and how to avoid it)- The power of building in public and bringing your audience along the journeyConnect with Madison:http://www.thisismadisonpaige.comwww.instagram.com/thisismadisonpaige Listen to Madison's show, Business Growth Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lAVUE8axyTivb2w91ji7W?si=7cf71cc9b9774c9a Support the showWant a Personalized PR Plan? (includes: a custom PR pitch, 6 part "how to research media contacts" module, curated list of 5–10 ideal media outlets, “Where to Go from Here” roadmap (pitch cadence, next steps, etc.) AND a personalized voice note. Click here: https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/offers/prxBzYXW/checkout DIY PR COURSE!! https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/pitchpartySIGN UP ON QWOTED for free: https://www.qwoted.com/?via=VOPWatch our FREE masterclass to start landing big press features like Forbes & interviews on top 1% podcasts: https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/getfeatured Connect with us on and off the pod! Website: www.visibilityonpurpose.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visibilityonpurpose/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityonpurpose
בפרק חדש בסדרה, יוני אירח את ניר גולדשטיין, Operating Partner @ Greenfield Partners, לשיחה על איך עוברים מההייפ הטכנולוגי לבניית מוצר שמייצר ערך אמיתי. -------------- דיברנו על: - מה הופך הצעת ערך מוצרית לחזקה כשהבינה המלאכותית הופכת לסטנדרט? - איפה צוותים טועים כבר בהחלטה הראשונה של מה בכלל לבנות? - איך מודדים אם המוצר באמת מייצר ערך ביזנסי אמיתי? - ולמה Go-To-Market הוא כבר יכולת ליבה של אנשי מוצר - ולא שלב טקטי בדרך?
What began as a 14 year old fixing infected computers became Malwarebytes, an 800 person cybersecurity company trusted by millions of customers.On Grit, Marcin Kleczynski joins Joubin Mirzadegan to explore AI driven cyber threats, strategic reinvention, and the discipline of evolving before the market forces you to.“We've exceeded. Now, what do we do to protect individuals against the next wave of threats, which are plentiful?”Guest: Marcin Kleczynski, CEO at MalwarebytesConnect with Marcin KleczynskiX: https://x.com/mkleczynskiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcinkleczynski/Connect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpgritFollow on X:https://x.com/KPGritLearn more about Kleiner Perkins: https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
Si estás construyendo un producto y todavía no tienes claro cómo salir al mercado, este es el momento de ordenarlo. Aplica hoy mismo a la próxima edición de nuestro curso Go To Market en el siguiente link: https://bit.ly/CursoGTM-SC (cupos limitados).—Sebastián Caro es cofundador y CEO de Hunty. Una de las empresas con mayor potencial en Latam.Pero lo que más me gustó de esta charla es que Sebas es un fundador con una historia rara (en el buen sentido): intenta estudiar literatura, arma una floristería online a los 19, crea una agencia, levanta capital, crece como loco… y después se come el reality check más común en startups: un negocio que “funciona” pero no escala.En este episodio desarma su negocio completo: cómo adquieren, cómo venden, cómo piensan la expansión y cuáles fueron las decisiones más difíciles que tuvo que tomar.Glosario del episodio:• SaaS: Software que se paga como suscripción.• Stakeholders: Los que se meten en la decisión (y te pueden frenar o destrabar).• Economic buyer: El que tiene la billetera (el “sí” final con plata).• Compounding: Cuando cada mejora se suma a la anterior y el efecto crece mes a mes.• Lock-in: Cuando al cliente “le cuesta salir” porque el producto ya quedó metido en su operación.• VC Model / Venture Capital: Modelo de startup que busca crecer grande y levantar inversión (y por eso obsesión con “múltiplos”).• ISO 27001: Certificación de seguridad que muchas enterprise te exigen para comprarte.• Go-To-Market (GTM): El plan para lanzar y vender tu producto.• Design Partner: Cliente inicial con el que construyes el producto casi en conjunto.—Dónde encontrar a Sebas:• LinkedIn: / sebasti%c3%a1n-caro Dónde encontrar a Dylan:• LinkedIn: / dylanrosemberg • Instagram: / dylanrosemberg • Sitio web: https://www.growthrockstar.com/• Blog: https://blog.growthrockstar.com/—Capítulos:00:00 - Intro01:33 - La historia de Sebastián04:22 - Primeros pasos y mentalidad emprendedora11:12 - El primer negocio24:33 - Qué hace que un negocio funcione27:23 - Experiencia en Data Freaks Lab38:45 - El ecosistema tech en Latinoamérica41:07 - El origen de Hunty49:05 - Primeros clientes y adquisición58:28 - El mayor desafío del negocio1:08:07 - Cómo pivotearon el negocio1:23:48 - Transformación del equipo de Hunty1:25:46 - Estrategia de pricing1:27:54 - El proceso de ventas1:37:27 - Design patterns1:41:19 - Cómo justificar la compra1:42:39 - Futuro de Hunty1:45:05 - Cierre—Dylan puede ser inversor de las empresas mencionadas en los episodios.
Welcome to a feed drop ofthe SMB Community Podcast, the longest-running MSP-focused podcast in the industry. Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak dive deep into AI go-to-market strategies for 2026, inspired by insights from Amy Babinchak's recent AI class for MSPs.They open with the latest news on Microsoft Copilot and Anthropic's integration, highlighting new privacy and security features for Office apps. Then, they explore how MSPs can not only adopt AI internally but also create new, innovative service offerings for their clients—like custom AI grant-writing agents for nonprofits, real-world business demonstrations, and the integration of AI readiness assessments.Pricing strategies, project sales versus monthly recurring revenue, and the importance of meaningful quarterly business reviews also come under the spotlight. Throughout the conversation, Amy Babinchak and James Kernan share practical examples, discuss industry challenges, and encourage listeners to rethink and monetize their approach to AI as we move toward 2026.Tune in for fresh ideas, actionable strategies, and a glimpse into the real-world experiences of MSPs shaping the future with AI, and find it on your favorite podcast player. Links at https://smbcommunitypodcast.com
AI won't fix your go-to-market if your operating system is broken.In this episode of the OnBase Podcast, Chris Moody sits down with Yas Dalkilic, head of AI at RAB2B, to explore why adding AI to legacy workflows rarely drives meaningful results. Instead of chasing tools, Yas rebuilt her agency's foundation, redesigning people, process, platform, and proof to create a truly AI-fluent organization.They discuss why AI belongs in the handoffs, how to build a shared “common brain” across teams, how buying group intelligence changes with behavioral signals, and why human judgment matters more in an AI-driven world.If you're ready to move from AI curiosity to AI transformation, this episode is your roadmap.About the GuestYasemin Dalkilic is the Head of AI at RAB2B, where she helps the agency and its clients turn complex marketing challenges into practical, measurable systems. With a background in mathematics and programming, she cuts through AI hype to focus on clarity, execution, and what works now, prototyping, testing, and iterating until workflows drive faster decisions and real outcomes. Her guiding belief is that progress beats demos and process beats theater.Before her work in AI and technology, Yasemin was a world-record-holding freediver. Training to dive hundreds of feet in a single breath taught her how to stay calm under extreme pressure and approach the most complex problems with discipline and intent, a mindset she brings to leading AI transformation today.Connect with Yasemin.
A beautiful logo won't save your startup. If you treat go-to-market as a slick website and a rebrand, you're already behind. Here's the thing. In tech, marketing isn't a department. It's product strategy. From day one. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva breaks down the seven pillars of go-to-market strategy that every non-technical founder needs to understand before writing a single line of code. No jargon. No "spray and pray" ads. No fantasy launch parties. In this episode, you will hear: Why your "pretty logo" won't save a bad go-to-market — and what actually drives early traction How to define your exact target customer so you stop building for everyone and start selling to someone The hidden cost of customer acquisition — and how to avoid burning 40% of your budget on ads Why your first 10 customers matter more than your first 1,000 — and how to land them without a flashy launch event Resources from this Episode Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI — in under 30 minutes. Get free access here: techfornontechies.co/aiclass Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/291-go-to-market-strategy-what-to-do-before-you-launch
Harrison Rose co-founded Paddle, one of the UK's standout B2B billing and payments companies. Now he is building GoodFit, a go to market platform helping teams prioritise the right accounts, at the right time, with the right data.In this episode, Harrison breaks down a simple idea most teams still get wrong: before you buy another shiny GTM tool, make sure you are actually selling to qualified customers. He shares how Paddle approached go to market from first principles, why the “execution layer” has exploded (16,000 tools and counting), and why fundamentals like market mapping and qualification still matter most.We also get into what he learned on a 10-year unicorn journey, the reality of hard days (including the moment Paddle's whole sales team quit), and what motivates him second time around when failure is no longer existential.
Can you scale customer support without burning out agents or frustrating customers?Ping Wu shares how Cresta combines AI and human intelligence into a single system that scales sustainably for companies like United Airlines and Porsche.In this episode, Ping also breaks down the three constraints that shape automation in the real world: conversation complexity, infrastructure debt, and customer demographics.Guest: Ping Wu, CEO of CrestaConnect with Ping WuX: https://x.com/ping_wuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pingwu/Connect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpgritFollow on X:https://x.com/KPGritLearn more about Kleiner Perkins: https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
Motley Fool co-founder and CEO Tom Gardner talks about separating AI contenders from pretenders, his two favorite market indicators, and lessons from the dot-com bubble. Plus, Tom shares six stock ideas for the next five years. Hosts: Andy Cross Guest: Tom Gardner Producer: Bart Shannon, Mac Greer Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.We're committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some of the hardest marketing problems aren't about selling, they're about changing behavior and building trust. And very few brands get that right. Daniel talks with Meiling Tan (former founding Head of Marketing at Waymo and now VP of Brand and Go-To-Market at Care.com) to break down how to market products people are initially afraid of, including self-driving cars to caregiving. From challenging the status quo of human driving, to reframing safety as the core problem, to building trust before talking about features, Meiling shares how Waymo helped people go from “That's scary” to “How did we ever live without this?” They also break down: - What it really takes to build a brand from scratch - How to lead a successful rebrand - Why brand must be deeply tied to product experience - How marketers need to think like business leaders to drive real impact If you're a Marketer working on adoption, trust, or category creation, this is the episode for YOU. Follow Meiling: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meilingt/ Follow Daniel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murray-marketing/ Sign up for The Marketing Millennials newsletter: www.workweek.com/brand/the-marketing-millennials Daniel is a Workweek friend, working to produce amazing podcasts. To find out more, visit: www.workweek.com
SaaStr 840: From 1 Agent to 20+: The Reality of Managing Multiple AI Agents Across Your GTM with SaaStr's CEO and CAIO Eight months and 20+ AI agents later, what does managing a multi-agent GTM stack actually look like day to day? SaaStr's CEO and Founder, Jason Lemkin, and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte, get candid about what's working, and what's not. $4.8M in additional pipeline later, AI agents deployed across Go To Market have helped deal volume doubled and win rates double. But here's what nobody talks about on LinkedIn: the 15-20 hours per week each spent maintaining agents, the messy flows holding it all together, and why you still can't outrun your own AI. They cover the 90/10 build vs. buy rule, why hyper-segmentation is the key to AI SDR success, what to demand from vendors before signing, and why bad context will always produce bad emails, whether a human or an AI writes them. Plus, they walkthrough how they built SaaStr's custom AI VP of Marketing agent to plan and execute every campaign for the year, grounded entirely in data. If you've deployed your first agent and are thinking about what comes next, or you're skeptical the whole thing works at all, this one's for you. --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
A modern sales enablement strategy is no longer about quarterly training or feature decks. In fast-moving AI markets, credibility is fragile, buyers are overwhelmed, and sales teams need real-time learning to stay relevant. In this episode of the B2B Sales Trends Podcast, we explore how enablement, go-to-market strategy, and outcome-based selling must evolve when markets change weekly. In this episode, Harry Kendlbacher sits down with Phil Manez, VP of Go-To-Market Execution at VAST Data, to unpack how modern sales teams can stay credible when products, markets, and customer expectations evolve faster than ever. Drawing from real examples in AI-driven environments, Phil shares how enablement, messaging discipline, and execution come together to support confidence in selling.
Learn Elizabeth's data-driven go-to-market framework for Amazon launches: how to define your true market, use customer insights, leverage AMC overlap reports, and plan ads with confidence.
In this episode, Ernesto chats with Chris Herring, Senior Director of Growth and Partnerships at Aptivio, a go-to-market execution platform helping businesses focus on pipeline growth and efficiency. Chris shares how Aptivio helps companies identify buying signals at the individual contact level, enabling SDRs to focus on the right accounts at the right time. Learn how Aptivio leverages intent data to deliver custom campaigns and improve deal velocity. If you're looking to streamline your sales and marketing efforts while boosting revenue, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Long before ChatGPT became a household name, Zack Kass was walking into boardrooms as Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, introducing executives to a technology they barely understood or cared about. Then one simple shift changed everything. Put intelligence into a familiar interface, remove friction, and suddenly the future arrived. In this episode, Zack joins Ilana to unpack what truly drove ChatGPT's explosive growth, confront the biggest fears leaders have about AI, and explore what the future of work will demand from humans next. Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, keynote speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world's most transformative AI technologies to market. In this episode, Ilana and Zack will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:59) Zack's Journey to OpenAI (04:46) Understanding Modern AI and Its Evolution (08:03) The Breakthrough of ChatGPT and Its Impact (17:42) Transitioning from OpenAI to New Beginnings (21:21) Challenging Common Misconceptions About AI (28:32) Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World (34:54) Lessons from Top Innovators (38:15) The Future of Work and Purpose in the Age of AI Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, futurist, speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world's most transformative AI technologies to market. He now advises global leaders and organizations on how artificial intelligence will reshape work, leadership, and human potential, turning complex ideas into clear, practical insight for the future. His book, The Next Renaissance, offers an optimistic vision of how AI will shape our future. Connect with Zack: Zack's Website: zackkass.com Zack's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zackkass Resources Mentioned: Zack's Book, The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394381085 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what's next in your career and life.
For years, we've heard about AI transforming software development. But what if that same level of agentic, AI-driven collaboration could be applied not just to writing code, but to writing your entire go-to-market playbook? Agility requires that your go-to-market teams operate at the speed of insight, not at the speed of manual data entry and fragmented workflows. This means empowering them with tools that don't just provide data, but automate action based on strategic intent. Today, we're going to talk about the concept of an 'agentic' go-to-market platform, where AI doesn't just assist, but actively collaborates with sales and marketing teams to automate entire workflows, from strategy to execution. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Marcio Arnecke, Chief Marketing Officer at Apollo.io. About Marcio Arnecke As Apollo.io's Chief Marketing Officer, Marcio Arnecke brings a visionary approach to scaling high-growth B2B SaaS marketing in the AI-driven sales landscape. With over two decades of experience driving revenue acceleration across global markets, he has consistently transformed early-stage technology companies into market-defining brands. Hisexpertise in AI-powered go-to-market strategies uniquely positions him to accelerate Apollo's mission of empowering sales teams through intelligent data and automation. Previously, he played a pivotal role in scaling marketing functions at SaaS giants like Intercom and Zendesk, where he drove remarkable growth from $40M to $1.7B, culminating in a successful IPO that raised $100 million in 2014. Leveraging his comprehensive background in demand generation, product marketing, and strategic storytelling, Marcio is focused on positioning Apollo as the go-to AI sales platform for SMB and mid-market teams. His approach combines data-driven insights with targeted narrative strategies, translating Apollo's technological capabilities into practical business value. Drawing from his global experience across Silicon Valley and international markets, Marcio aims to expand Apollo's brand and demonstrate how AI can meaningfully improve sales engagement for growing businesses. Marcio holds advanced degrees from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and Golden Gate University, complemented by a BS in Business Administration from Universidade Feevale in Brazil. Marcio Arnecke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcioarnecke/ Resources Apollo.io: https://www.apollo.io Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/agile The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://www.thecrmc.com/ Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://ratethispodcast.com/agile Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
USDC closed the gap between software and law in modern finance.On Grit, Jeremy Allaire discusses how fully reserved, dollar backed digital currency became part of the financial system after more than a decade of work.He also shares why for him grit is about sustaining belief through deep uncertainty, even when Circle faced the threat of bankruptcy in 2019.Guest: Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO at CircleConnect with Jeremy AllaireX: https://x.com/jerallaireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyallaire/Connect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpgritFollow on X:https://x.com/KPGritLearn more about Kleiner Perkins:https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
On this episode of Embracing Erosion, Devon sits down with Chris Gaebler — a seasoned Chief Marketing Officer whose career spans leadership roles at Netscout, Kaspersky, Guardicore, Sonrai Security, and Protegrity.In this conversation, they dive into what it means to lead marketing in an era defined by relentless change — from navigating new go-to-market models and the rise of AI, to keeping teams motivated and creative amid uncertainty. Chris shares his perspective on how CMOs can separate signal from noise, adapt their playbooks in real time, and build organizations that thrive through disruption.Enjoy the conversation!
In this week's episode of the Biz/Dev Podcast, we sit down with Chip Royce, founder and managing principal of Flywheel Advisors. Chip tells us what most startups get wrong in their go-to-market strategy, common mistakes that derail new products before they find traction, and why a founder's journey is rarely a straight line. If you want actionable advice on setting up your next launch and want to avoid the pitfalls Chip has seen again and again this conversation is a must-listen.LINKS:Chip's LinkedInFlywheel Advisors on LinkedInFlywheel Advisors Website___________________________________ Submit Your Questions to: hello@thebigpixel.net OR comment on our YouTube videos! - Big Pixel, LLC - YouTube Our Hosts David Baxter - CEO of Big Pixel Gary Voigt - Creative Director at Big Pixel The Podcast David Baxter has been designing, building, and advising startups and businesses for over ten years. His passion, knowledge, and brutal honesty have helped dozens of companies get their start. In Biz/Dev, David and award-winning Creative Director Gary Voigt talk about current events and how they affect the world of startups, entrepreneurship, software development, and culture. Contact Us hello@thebigpixel.net 919-275-0646 www.thebigpixel.net FB | IG | LI | TW | TT : @bigpixelNC Big Pixel 1772 Heritage Center Dr Suite 201 Wake Forest, NC 27587 Music by: BLXRR
Bob is a serial entrepreneur who founded MobileIron, grew it to $150M in revenue, and took it public. Now, he's back with his fourth startup, BlueRock, tackling the next massive wave: agentic AI security.In this episode, Bob breaks down the distinct difference between finding Product-Market Fit and finding Go-To-Market Fit—and why confusing the two can kill your company. He shares the exact questions he asked early customers to pivot from a generic mobile idea to a billion-dollar enterprise solution, the painful transition from founder-led sales to a repeatable playbook, and why he believes agentic AI is the "mobile wave" all over again.Why You Should ListenWhy asking "what else is bothering you?" can uncover real pain points.Why finding Product-Market Fit might actually increase your burn rate.Why founder-led sales often fail to scale and what to do about it.How to use a "Deal Grind" session to turn anecdotal sales wins into a scientific Go-To-Market machine.Why identifying the right tech wave matters more than your initial idea.Keywordsstartup podcast, startup podcast for founders, product market fit, go to market fit, enterprise sales, founder led sales, mobileiron, agentic AI, cybersecurity startup, bob tinker00:00:00 Intro00:03:17 Talk to Customers Before Writing Code00:15:28 Why Finding PMF Can Increase Burn Without Growth00:17:51 The Founder "Magic Pixie Dust" Trap00:25:34 The Deal Grind Exercise00:31:43 From 1M to 80M ARR in 4 Years00:32:54 Why Agentic AI is the Next Mobile Wave00:38:30 The Famous Sequoia Tombstone Meeting00:40:17 The Magic Question: What Else is Bothering You?Send me a message to let me know what you think!
Amanda Kahlow, CEO and founder of 1Mind, joins Amir to break down what AI changes in modern sales and go to market, and what it does not. If you lead revenue, product, or growth, this is a practical look at where AI creates leverage today, where humans still matter, and how teams actually adopt it without chaos.Amanda shares how “go to market superhumans” can handle everything from early buyer conversations to demos, sales engineering support, and customer success. They also dig into trust, hallucinations, and why the bar for AI feels higher than the bar for people.Key takeaways• Most buyers want answers early, without the pressure that comes with talking to a salesperson• AI can remove friction by turning static content into a two way conversation that helps buyers move faster• The hardest part of adoption is not capability, it is change management and trust inside the team• Humans still shine in relationship and nuance, but AI can outperform on recall, depth, and real time access to the right info• As AI levels the selling experience, product quality matters more, and the best product has a clearer path to winTimestamped highlights00:31 What 1Mind builds, and what “go to market superhumans” actually do across the full buyer journey02:00 The buyer lens, why early conversations matter, and how AI gives control back to the buyer06:14 Why the SDR experience is frustrating for buyers, and where AI can improve both sides09:42 Change management in the real world, why “everyone build an agent” gets messy fast13:04 Why “swivel chair” AI fails, and what real time help should look like in live conversations15:52 Hallucinations and trust, plus the blunt question every leader should ask about human error22:26 Competitive advantage today, and why adoption eventually pushes markets toward “best product wins”A line worth sharing“Do your humans hallucinate, and how often do they do it?”Pro tips you can use this week• Start with low stakes usage, bring AI into calls quietly, then ask it for a summary and what you missed• Build adoption top down, define what good looks like, otherwise you get a pile of similar agents and no clarity• Focus AI on what it does best first, recall, context, and instant answers, then expand into workflow and process laterCall to actionIf this episode sparked ideas for your sales team or your product led funnel, follow the show so you do not miss the next one. Share it with one revenue leader who is trying to modernize their go to market motion, and connect with Amir on LinkedIn for more clips and operator level takes.
Jeff Meadows, president and chief commercial officer for Mohawk's residential business, and Kemp Harr discuss market conditions and a recent shift in Mohawk's marketing strategy to integrate its dealer strategy with its consumer outreach.
Glean has grown into a $7.2B company by giving employees AI assistants and agents that extend their capabilities.CEO Arvind Jain is back on Grit alongside Joubin Mirzadegan. Here's what stood out:“My mindset by default is that if you build something last year, that it's got to be obsolete. There has to be a new way to do that thing better today. If not, then it's just lack of imagination.”“I have no doubts that AI capabilities are just going to increase more and more over the next few years. But even more important is this concept of how much are we even leveraging what AI can do today? I would say that we've not even used 1% of current capabilities of these models”“If you're trying to be everything to everyone, then you just cannot compete with somebody who's focused on a smaller problem and going deep into that.”You can also listen to Arvind's earlier episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIH0Qp6d6bg&list=PLRiWZFltuYPF8A6UGm74K2q29UwU-Kk9k&index=96Guest: Arvind Jain, founder and CEO, GleanConnect with Arvind JainX: https://x.com/jainarvindLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jain-arvind/Connect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpgritFollow on X:https://x.com/KPGritLearn more about Kleiner Perkins:https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
Irina Chuchkina is the Chief Growth Officer at Wallet In Telegram. Irina is an accomplished leader in crypto and fintech with over 18 years of experience building world-class brands at the intersection of payments and technology, across Europe and Asia. Currently, Irina is leading Wallet's global expansion strategy with a target of 15 new countries in the next 2 years.Previously, she was CMO at Volt, driving their brand and global marketing strategy. She was also part of Southeast Asia super-app giant, Grab, where she helped to launch GrabPay, Grab's mobile wallet, and GrabRewards, its loyalty platform across Southeast Asia.In this conversation, we discuss:- Wallet in Telegram - Difference between Wallet in Telegram vs standalone crypto wallets - Finance inside messaging apps - Telegram as a Super-App - The convergence of messaging, payments, and identity - Go-To-Market for wallets - Stablecoins as the backbone of global payments - 3 pillars of wallets: distribution, utility, simplicity - The recent launch of xStocks inside TON Wallet - Why growth in crypto is fundamentally different from Web2 growth Wallet In TelegramX: @wallet_tgTelegram: t.me/walletLinkedIn: Wallet In TelegramIrina ChuchkinaX: @pogodasuperLinkedIn: Irina Chuchkina---------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is brought to you by PrimeXBT.PrimeXBT offers a robust trading system for both beginners and professional traders that demand highly reliable market data and performance. Traders of all experience levels can easily design and customize layouts and widgets to best fit their trading style. PrimeXBT is always offering innovative products and professional trading conditions to all customers. PrimeXBT is running an exclusive promotion for listeners of the podcast. After making your first deposit, 50% of that first deposit will be credited to your account as a bonus that can be used as additional collateral to open positions. Code: CRYPTONEWS50 This promotion is available for a month after activation. Click the link below: PrimeXBT x CRYPTONEWS50FollowApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicRSS FeedSee All
Today's episode of the Punk CX podcast is with Chris Morrissey, who is the General Manager and Global Head of CX Sales & Go-To-Market at Zoom, where he drives strategy and execution for the company's customer experience business. Chris joins me today to talk about why describing yourself as ‘AI-first' these days is a mistake, why reducing effort outweighs everything else in CX, the difference between "lip service personalization" and true personalization and how we should be moving beyond chatbots and what the future of customer interaction really looks like. We finish off with Chris's best advice, his Punk CX brand and his very own good news story. This interview follows on from my recent interview – Brands should avoid making Gen AI or chatbots their sole frontline – Interview with Phil Regnault of PwC – and is number 568 in the series of interviews with authors and business leaders who are doing great things, providing valuable insights, helping businesses innovate and delivering great service and experience to both their customers and their employees.
In EdTech, things can start moving quickly. A new idea gets attention. A stakeholder asks for leads. A competitor launches something similar. Before long, teams feel pressure to act fast and show progress.The problem is that moving fast does not always mean moving in the right direction. When teams skip validation, meaning they have not yet confirmed that real educators or leaders truly need what they are building, speed can create more problems than momentum. Budgets get stretched, marketing efforts chase the wrong signals, and educators are asked to spend time on tools that do not actually solve a meaningful problem.In this episode, Kate Busby joins our CEO, Elana Leoni, to talk about what validation really looks like in EdTech. We break down how to tell the difference between early interest and real demand, why this work is often messy, and how marketers can use AI to test ideas, messaging, and prototypes faster without losing sight of the people they are trying to serve.What You'll LearnA simple four-stage way to think about validation, from idea to scalingWhy “friends, family, and fools” feedback is a signal, but not proofHow to spot when you are still in hustle mode, even if you call it tractionWhere pivots are most realistic, and when they get expensiveHow to use competitor reviews, sales transcripts, and lightweight surveys to speed up market researchA practical method for pairing real-world insights with synthetic personas to test positioningWhy prototyping is one of the most useful AI applications for marketers right nowThe discovery question more founders should ask, and how it can shape your SEO, copy, and campaignsFor quick wins from the lightning round and details on resources mentioned, visit the episode show notes: https://www.leoniconsultinggroup.com/podcasts/is-your-edtech-product-is-ready-to-go-to-marketMentioned in this episode:EdTech Planner 2026Planning a full year of education marketing takes time, and you need a clear path that helps you stay relevant, consistent, and aligned with the moments that matter. Ready to make 2026 your most intentional (and effective!) year yet in education marketing? What The EdTech Marketer's 2026 Planner helps you do: Focus on what matters most to your brand and audience Plan campaigns around key education events Use proven strategies tailored to K–12 and higher ed Build a system that fuels visibility, engagement, and leads For six years, thousands of education and EdTech marketers have used this planner to guide their yearly campaigns and stay aligned with the school calendar. Download here: https://www.leoniconsultinggroup.com/edtech-marketers-planner
Signup for the FREE Masterclass: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/masterclassIn this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, host Anika Zubair and guest AsAshley Stamps-Lafont discuss the evolving role of customer success within go-to-market strategies. They explore the importance of building relationships, establishing trust, and the necessity of aligning customer success with revenue goals. Ashley shares her experiences as the first VP of Customer Success at Quotapath, emphasizing the need for customer success leaders to understand financial metrics and the shift towards revenue ownership. The conversation also touches on the future of customer success, the importance of communication, and actionable advice for aspiring leaders in the field.Chapters:00:00 The Role of Customer Success in Go-To-Market Strategy14:39 Building Relationships and Trust in Customer Success24:44 Metrics and Revenue Ownership in Customer Success39:29 Future Directions for Customer Success46:51 Advice for Aspiring Customer Success LeadersConnect with Anika Zubair: Website: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikazubair/RevUP Academy: https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/revupConnect with Ashley Stamps-Lafont:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleystampslafont/Book Anika as a speaker at your next team event: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/team-eventWant to be my next podcast guest apply here: https://www.thecustomersuccesspro.com/podcast-guestDownload my freebies:https://thecustomersuccesspro.com/resources
In this live episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, Warren sits down with Guy Rubin to discuss the recent acquisition of Ebsta by Fullcast and what it signals for the market. Guy explains the strategic reasoning behind the consolidation, highlighting how the current landscape of disparate point solutions is becoming unsustainable. He argues that the future belongs to unified revenue platforms that connect data across the entire lifecycle, moving from a fragmented tech stack to a cohesive "plan to pay" model that drives true efficiency.The conversation shifts to the broader Go-To-Market environment, where the cost of building tech is dropping while the cost of selling rises. Guy points out that while AI tools are exploding, they often create more noise than value when isolated. He predicts a massive consolidation where businesses move away from traditional CRMs requiring manual entry toward intelligent data lakes and AI agents. This shift requires leaders to learn how to ask the right questions of their data rather than simply managing administrative forms.Warren and Guy also explore the dramatic shift in buyer behavior, illustrated by how AI empowers customers to conduct deep research before ever speaking to a human. With buyers capable of building their own business cases, the role of the seller must evolve from a gatekeeper of information to a consultative partner. They discuss why this dynamic forces organizations to lean heavily into partner ecosystems and community validation, as buyers increasingly bypass traditional sales pitches to seek out trusted peer networks.Finally, they dig into strategies for CROs and Private Equity firms looking to audit their revenue engines. Guy introduces "Revenue Insights as a Service," a method of connecting to historical data to generate an immediate "X-ray" of the business before implementing new tech. This allows leaders to identify root causes of inefficiency—like bad data hygiene or territory imbalances—and present concrete, data-backed roadmaps to the C-suite for rapid improvement without waiting months for a new system implementation.
Why do some go-to-market strategies fall flat while others drive lasting success? In this episode of StrategyCast, learn how to cut through GTM complexity, align teams, and use AI for smarter decisions, so your marketing efforts produce real, reliable impact!And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details.==Let's Break It Down==03:52 Decision-Making Breakdown Causes Complexity07:41 SDR Impact on Campaign Success12:35 "AI's Role in Early Strategy"15:25 "Key Skills for Better Execution"17:42 "Integrated Marketing Ecosystem Explained"20:06 "Know Your Buyer"23:35 "Streamlining Decisions with AI"==Where You Can Find Us==Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast==Leave a Review==Hey there, StrategyCast fans!If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!
Most founders are terrified of "Red Oceans" or markets saturated with massive competitors. They think the only way to win is to find a completely untapped "Blue Ocean." In this episode of the ProductLed 100 series, Wes Bush sits down with Patrick Thompson (CEO of Clarify.ai) and Esben Friis-Jensen (Co-Founder of Userflow) to discuss why entering a crowded market is actually the smartest move a founder can make if you have the right strategy. Patrick reveals how he spent six months interviewing potential customers before writing a single line of code for Clarify, an autonomous CRM designed to disrupt the industry giants. Together with Esben, they break down the exact framework for validating problems, the power of business model disruption through pricing wars, and why "feature parity" is not the goal. Whether you are building a new startup or trying to carve out space in a competitive category, this episode offers a masterclass in customer discovery, positioning, and Go-To-Market execution. Key Highlights: 02:15 : Why Patrick spent 6 months on discovery before writing a line of code 06:53 : The "Red Ocean" Advantage: Why crowded markets are easier than Blue Oceans 10:10 : How to differentiate when features are commoditized 12:34 : Using price and ease of use as a wedge against incumbents 18:31 : The 3-Step Framework for building what people want: ICP, Channels, and Business Model 23:12 : Which acquisition channels actually work (Product Hunt vs. Founder-led Marketing) 30:04 : Why complex products still need human onboarding, even in PLG 36:49 : How to operationalize customer feedback for engineering teams Resources:
בפרק חדש ווירטואלי, יוני אירח את יונתן גור זאב, Co-Founder & CPO @ Weavy (Figma Weave) לשיחה פרקטית על הדרך לבניית מוצר מ-0 ל-1 בעולם שבו הטכנולוגיה משתנה בקצב מהיר מאוד והציפיות רק עולות כל הזמן. ---------- דיברנו על: - איך ניגשים לתכנן את הגרסה הראשונה במוצרי AI? - איך אוספים פידבק ממשתמשים פוטנציאליים כבר בשלבים מוקדמים? - מהן ההשפעות של מגבלות המודלים והטכנולוגיה על המוצר שיצרו? - ומה הדרך האפקטיבית לייצר אסטרטגיית Go-To-Market לקהל מקצועי ולא מתפשר?
In this recap episode, we highlight the best moments from our 2025 interviews and reflect on the ideas that defined the year.Featuring:David Rubenstein (co-founder of Carlyle) - From White House to Wall Street: David RubensteinYamini Rangan (CEO of HubSpot) - HubSpot CEO on the Future of SaaS, AI, & Leading Through ChangeBen Chestnut (co-founder of Mailchimp) - Bootstrapped to 12B: Mailchimp's Ben Chestnut on Life After the ExitWinston Weinberg (co-founder and CEO of Harvey) - I Raised $300M To Bring AI To Laywers | Winston Weinberg & HarveyGarrett Lord (co-founder of Handshake) - The Expert Network Behind Handshake AI's Model Training w/ Garrett Lord & Mamoon HamidAidan Gomez (co-founder and CEO of Cohere) - Synthetic Data and the Future of AI | Cohere CEO Aidan GomezMichelle Zatlyn (co-founder of Cloudflare) - Building Cloudflare for the Next 50 Years | Co-founder Cloudflare Michelle ZatlynEvan Spiegel (co-founder and CEO of Snap) - How Snap Plans to Win the AR Race | Evan Spiegel on SpectaclesConnect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpgritFollow on X:https://x.com/KPGritLearn more about Kleiner Perkins: https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
In this episode of the B2B Go-To-Market Leaders Podcast, Vijay Damojipurapu speaks with Akshay Doshi, SVP of Sales at SpotDraft, about building repeatable value in B2B SaaS—and why great go-to-market is ultimately about elevating customers, not just closing deals.Akshay shares his journey from SDR to sales leader, including formative lessons from customer success, enterprise account management, and scaling sales teams during uncertainty—most notably, building SpotDraft's GTM engine just as the pandemic reshaped buying behavior worldwide.The conversation explores how modern GTM leaders can design sales motions that mirror the customer experience, create trust through expectation-setting, and build systems that scale culture—not just revenue.They dive into:Why Akshay defines GTM as go-to-repeatable value, not just pipeline or quota.How experience in customer success makes sales leaders more credible and effective.Designing sales processes that reflect the onboarding and delivery experience customers will actually receive.Building trust by saying “no” to the wrong customers—and why it pays off years later.Scaling a sales culture through values, micro-wins, and cultural carriers.How sales and marketing must operate as a single orchestration layer, not separate functions.Lessons from scaling SpotDraft through outbound, word-of-mouth, and customer love during COVID.Why AI in legal tech requires careful expectation-setting, not hype-driven positioning.Advice for aspiring GTM leaders: learn adjacent functions early and think like an operator, not just a seller.This episode is a deep, practical look at how modern sales leaders can build durable GTM systems by aligning value, culture, and customer outcomes.Connect with Vijay Damojipurapu on LinkedInConnect with Akshay Doshi on LinkedInBrought to you by: stratyve.com
What happens when AI becomes your most influential referrer?As consumers turn to ChatGPT for answers, James Cadwallader and his team at Profound help brands like Eight Sleep and MongoDB gain visibility and leverage inside AI models.On this episode of Grit, he explains why brand narrative has shifted away from content, and why Profound is scaling globally ahead of traditional SaaS timelines.Guest: James Cadwallader, co-founder and CEO of Profound and Ilya Fushman, partner at Kleiner PerkinsConnect with James CadwalladerX: https://x.com/thejamescad?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsca/Connect with Ilya FushmanX: https://x.com/ilyafLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyafushman/Connect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpgritFollow on X:https://x.com/KPGritLearn more about Kleiner Perkins: https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
Rob Turano, Operating Partner at Bloom Equity Partners, breaks down the playbook he uses to transform lower middle-market software companies—from sharpening product focus to elevating talent and building repeatable go-to-market engines. He shares how Bloom integrates operating partners early in diligence, accelerates transformation in the first 12–18 months, and instills a performance culture rooted in data, speed, and ownership. Rob also gets personal, from his love of cooking to the practices he uses to think more clearly as a leader. It's a sharp, candid look at what real value creation in private equity demands today—hit play and take notes. Episode Highlights 1:31 – Growing up in New Jersey, Villanova roots, and the consulting-to-private-equity path 5:56 – Why food matters in Rob's life and how he became Bloom's unofficial in-house chef 9:22 – The three traits Bloom looks for: focus, management strength, and GTM maturity 14:38 – Selling value vs. selling features—and why every salesperson must think like a CFO 20:49 – How Bloom's deal, BD, and operating teams collaborate from diligence through execution 27:45 – The urgency of the first 6–12 months and the sequencing of transformation in PE 36:18 – Rob's top advice to PortCos today: talent first, disciplined KPIs, and repeatable GTM engines 40:25 – The book shift that made Rob more creative—and the life hack that helps him think clearly For more information on Bloom Equity Partners, go to https://www.bloomequitypartners.com/ For more information on Robert Turano, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-turano
Turning down a $3B offer from Facebook is a bold move for any young CEO.Evan Spiegel shares how Snap's early dream was to stay independent and give its community an authentic voice, a bet that proved right.He also explains why they are now doubling down on AR glasses and why the anxiety around AI deserves far more attention from tech leaders.Guest: Evan Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc. and Bing Gordon, Advisor at Kleiner PerkinsConnect with Evan SpiegelX:https://x.com/evanspiegel?lang=enLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-spiegel/Connect with Bing GordonX: https://x.com/bingfish LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/binggordon/Connect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins:https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
In episode #336, Ben Murray breaks down his top three go-to-market efficiency metrics that every SaaS and AI operator should master. He explains when each metric becomes meaningful, how they differ across go-to-market motions, why ACV-based benchmarking matters, and how these metrics become forward-looking tools through forecasting. Ben also highlights the importance of having fully burdened sales and marketing expenses in place so these efficiency metrics are accurate and defensible. What You'll Learn The three most important go-to-market efficiency metrics and why they matter How ACV—not ARR—should drive your benchmarking Why these metrics are proactive when used in forecasting, not just historical How revenue types (subscription vs. usage vs. platform/overage) influence metric design The foundational role of fully burdened sales and marketing expenses Why It Matters Enables operators to measure the true efficiency of sales and marketing investments Provides clarity on the health and scalability of the go-to-market motion Helps leadership benchmark realistically against peers using ACV-based expectations Allows finance teams to forecast forward-looking efficiency, not just track history Ensures efficiency metrics remain accurate as product pricing and revenue models evolve Prevents major errors caused by incomplete or misallocated CAC inputs Resources Mentioned Ben's SaaS Metrics Framework (Pillar 5: Go-to-Market Efficiency): https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation Ray Rike's benchmarking data at benchmarkit.ai Blog posts on modifying metrics for subscription + usage revenue models: https://www.thesaascfo.com/how-to-calculate-cac-payback-period-with-variable-revenue/
SaaStr 832: How to Use AI to Hyper-Customize Go-To-Market at Scale with SaaStr's CEO and Chief AI Officer In this episode from SaaStr AI London 2025, SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte discuss the implementation and optimization of AI SDRs within various business contexts. They focus on key AI agents used for sales processes, data aggregation, and the customization of outbound and inbound messages. Real-world results, like increased email response rates, are highlighted along with practical steps for setting up and training AI SDRs. They also offer advice on selecting the right vendors, the importance of human oversight, and leveraging AI to improve qualification and customer interactions. Key takeaways include how AI can handle more interactions consistently and efficiently and the role of AI in augmenting human sales capabilities. --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
What if the key to explosive business growth isn't doing more, but doing less, only much better? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, Vinay Koshy speaks with David Snider, founder and CEO of Harness Wealth, to unpack the transformative power of specialization. From scaling Compass from pre-launch to a $1.8 billion valuation, to building a platform shaped by a personal encounter with bad tax advice, David Snider reveals the counterintuitive strategies and data-driven decision-making that fueled his journey. You'll hear how narrowing focus not only ignited rapid revenue growth but also strengthened trust, team building, and technology adoption in a notoriously traditional industry. Ready to learn how refusing to serve everyone can actually help you serve and win over the right ones? Tune in for tactical insights on storytelling, technology integration, and cultivating a culture that delivers standout results. If you've ever wondered how to break through plateaus, build scalable trust, or harness the hidden drivers of client referrals, this conversation is your blueprint for going further by zeroing in. Some topics we explore in this episode include: The origin story of Harness Wealth fueled by bad tax advice.How specialization accelerates business growth and revenue.The power of storytelling and data synthesis in fundraising.Tech adoption challenges for professional service firms.Pivoting from a marketplace to a SaaS revenue model.Using content marketing and education to build client trust.Company culture and values driving high client satisfaction.Onboarding that matches advisors and clients by specialization.Strategies to avoid commoditization of specialized services.Future growth areas and emerging advisor specializations.And much, much more...
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 PerkinsConnect with MamoonXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
Fifteen years in, it can still feel like “we're just getting started.”Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder of Cloudflare, returns to Grit with Joubin Mirzadegan to share how Cloudflare secures the internet for millions, with a vision built to last generations.She also shares why staying close to reality and to customers becomes harder as success compounds, and how Cloudflare is helping content creators regain control in an AI driven internet.Guest: Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder and President of CloudflareConnect with Michelle ZatlynXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
Welcome back to the show. I appreciate you being here. As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to talk about something that can transform your motivation, your mindset, and your go to market strategy. That thing is gratitude.Gratitude is more than a feeling. It is energy. It is fuel. It is a tool you can use to execute at a higher level. When you apply gratitude with intention, you unlock clarity, momentum, and positive action.Today, I want to share how gratitude can help you stay motivated, how it can help you get unstuck, and how it can improve the way you serve your customers. Let's get started.⸻Gratitude as FuelGratitude shifts your focus. When you feel grateful, you stop thinking about what you lack. You start noticing everything you already have. That shift builds momentum. It creates internal power that drives your next move.When you feel tired or stuck, pause for a moment and ask yourself a few questions:What am I thankful for right now?Who in my life gives me strength?What opportunities do I have that I might be overlooking?Every time you return to these questions, your mindset resets. You move from limitation to possibility. You stop spiraling and start executing.⸻Gratitude Creates MotivationGratitude protects you from burnout. It keeps your energy focused on progress. When you look for what is working, your brain becomes more solution oriented. You begin to believe again. You remember that the next call matters. The next conversation matters. The next customer matters.When gratitude becomes a habit, your motivation becomes more consistent. You show up stronger. You think more clearly. And your team feels that energy too. People want to work with someone who radiates belief and positivity.⸻Gratitude and Customer ObsessionGratitude makes you care deeply about the people you serve. When you build from gratitude, you do not see your customers as numbers. You see them as partners who trust you.This mindset creates a powerful advantage in your go to market strategy.A grateful business becomes a customer obsessed business.You start asking new questions:What pain are they experiencing?What friction can I remove for them?What outcome can I help them achieve faster?How can I make their day easier right now?Gratitude turns selling into serving. And serving always wins.⸻Using Gratitude to Break Through StagnationEveryone experiences moments where they feel stuck. That is normal. But here is the truth. You cannot feel stuck and grateful at the same time. These two states cannot exist together.So the next time you feel stuck, do something simple. Write down ten things you are grateful for. Include people. Include lessons. Include challenges. Include anything that has shaped you.You will feel your energy shift. You will feel clarity return. Gratitude opens the door. Action takes you through it. And momentum carries you forward.⸻Thanksgiving MessageBefore we close, I want to say thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your support. Thank you for following along on this journey over the years.I am truly grateful for you. Your time. Your trust. Your belief. Your commitment.None of this happens without you.I hope you and your loved ones have a great Thanksgiving filled with joy, connection, and rest. Remember what you are grateful for. Let that gratitude guide your decisions and your actions in the weeks ahead.Thank you again for being here. Keep going. Keep serving. Keep selling. Keep believing.Happy Thanksgiving.
SaaStr 831: How We Use 20+ AI Agents for Marketing & Go-to-Market with SaaStr's Chief AI Officer and CEO & Founder Join us for part two of our series on leveraging AI tools for Go-To-Market in B2B/SaaS. In this episode, SaaStr's CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin, and SaaStr's Chief AI Officer, Amelia Lerutte discuss the importance and current state of AI in marketing, highlighting their key tech stack and tools. They share their experiences and insights in utilizing these tools for creating personalized marketing collateral, automating content repurposing, and optimizing email campaigns with AI. Learn about the convergence of sales and marketing tools, the future of AI in go-to-market strategies, and how specialized AI agents can dramatically improve your outreach, lead generation, and content creation processes. --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by Salesforce: Connect data, automate busywork and empower teams like nobody's business with the one platform that grows with you, every step of the way. Learn how Salesforce works for Startups at salesforce.com/smb. --------------------- This episode is Sponsored in part by HappyFox: Imagine having AI agents for every support task — one that triages tickets, another that catches duplicates, one that spots churn risks. That'd be pretty amazing, right? HappyFox just made it real with Autopilot. These pre-built AI agents deploy in about 60 seconds and run for as low as 2 cents per successful action. All of it sits inside the HappyFox omnichannel, AI-first support stack — Chatbot, Copilot, and Autopilot working as one. Check them out at happyfox.com/saastr --------------------- Hey everybody, the biggest B2B + AI event of the year will be back - SaaStr AI in the SF Bay Area, aka the SaaStr Annual, will be back in May 2026. With 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% AI-first professional, this is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today by going to podcast.saastrannual.com to get my exclusive discount SaaStr AI SF 2026. We'll see you there.
Screens have pulled families apart. Brynn Putnam set out to bring them back together with Board, the world's ‘first face-to-face game console.'On Grit, she tells Joubin Mirzadegan how every venture she's built, including Mirror, started as a personal need, and how her true edge is the ability to strip an idea down to what actually matters.Guest: Brynn Putnam, founder and CEO of BoardConnect with Brynn PutnamXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins