A major focus of the conversation is the dynamic nature of product market fit and how quickly your ideal customer profile can shift. Bridget details her firsthand experience navigating sudden market disruptions that erased her primary buyer base overnight. She breaks down the strategic process of using data enrichment and customer segmentation tools to pivot effectively without losing the core identity of the brand.

The discussion also highlights the critical difference between a glorified sales manager and a true revenue executive. Bridget argues that compensation structures dictate company behavior, emphasizing the need to align cross-functional teams around metrics like lifetime value and acquisition cost. By tying marketing, sales, and onboarding incentives to retention, organizations can build a more sustainable growth engine.

Finally, the episode explores the practical implementation of artificial intelligence within revenue operations and the convergence of enterprise and consumer marketing. Bridget outlines how she deploys automated coaching platforms and smart agents to streamline workflows and improve team capacity. She also shares a compelling perspective on why modern B2B strategies must adopt consumer-driven brand tactics to stay relevant.

A major challenge for modern revenue leaders is surviving the notoriously short average tenure. JD unpacks why this happens and how a lack of alignment between the board's thesis and the revenue leader's operational approach causes friction. He introduces his one-page plan framework, a critical tool for mapping out strategic assumptions, updating stakeholders, and securing long-term executive alignment.

Winning is heavily celebrated in sales, but JD argues that true leverage comes from rigorously analyzing lost deals. He advocates for utilizing independent third parties to conduct post-loss interviews with prospects. This approach bypasses internal biases and uncovers the unfiltered truth about why a deal fell through, providing actionable data to immediately course-correct and refine the wider sales motion.

Looking ahead, JD explores how artificial intelligence will reshape revenue generation. While AI excels at data processing and eliminating administrative drudgery, it cannot replicate empathy, trust, or persuasion. The next generation of successful leaders will be those who leverage technological tools for efficiency while doubling down on the distinctly human elements of building deep customer relationships.

A critical point of discussion centers on the shifting metrics of success. While acquiring new logos once dominated the conversation, the focus has now permanently pivoted toward revenue efficiency, customer acquisition costs, and net revenue retention. Christopher and Sean break down why a successful CRO today must be fluent in the language of finance, emphasizing the absolute necessity of a seamless alliance with the CFO.

The conversation also addresses the systemic environment required for a CRO to thrive. It is not enough to hire a unicorn candidate; the organization itself must be primed for integration. The guests outline when a company should realistically bring a CRO on board, what founders need to understand about the role's scope, and how revenue operations functions as the crucial backbone connecting marketing, sales, and service.

Finally, the episode tackles the immediate impact of AI on the revenue engine. The guests provide a grounded look at how artificial intelligence is moving past basic productivity hacks into agent-driven workflows that directly challenge traditional headcount scaling. Listeners will gain practical insights into how the most effective revenue leaders are utilizing data science to refine targeting and secure profitable growth.

Susan breaks down the mechanics of transforming legacy businesses, sharing actionable steps from her experience transitioning print-heavy models into integrated digital strategies. She emphasizes the importance of data-driven restructuring, specifically highlighting her approach to unifying siloed Go-to-Market teams. By verticalizing sales efforts, she demonstrates how to align complex organizational structures to better serve customers.

A core focus of this conversation is the critical alliance between the CEO and the CRO. Susan provides an honest look at her long-standing partnership with Simpli.fi CEO Cali Tran. She explains how initial friction evolved into a highly effective working relationship built on mutual trust, rigorous feedback, and complementary skill sets, offering a blueprint for revenue leaders seeking to establish strong alignment with their C-suite.

Finally, the discussion shifts to the integration of artificial intelligence within revenue operations. Susan advocates for leaning into AI to enhance productivity, streamline CRM systems, and eliminate administrative bottlenecks, while maintaining the essential human element in sales. This episode delivers a strategic playbook for current and aspiring CROs looking to drive sustainable growth and navigate complex organizational change.

The conversation digs into the paramount relationship between the CRO and the CEO, which Eric describes as the ultimate unlock for success. He explains how to build a foundation of trust that allows for healthy disagreement and strategic alignment. By positioning yourself as an integrator of the CEO’s vision rather than just a department head, you can secure the autonomy and resources necessary to navigate the high-pressure environment of private equity.

Eric also highlights the strategic necessity of financial fluency, emphasizing that a CRO must speak the language of the CFO to be taken seriously. They discuss the common friction point of Revenue Operations and why this function must report to the revenue leader to drive growth rather than just board reporting. Eric argues that alignment on EBITDA and margins is just as important as hitting sales targets when you are operating at the C-suite level.

The episode concludes with a look at how SIB uses AI-driven "spend ontologies" to help companies find hidden capital. Eric describes how their SpendBrain technology identifies deep errors in invoices—from waste hauling to logistics—allowing CEOs to fund new hires and technology through recovered savings. By combining human expertise with "kinetic cost control," Eric shows how modern CROs can impact the bottom line by turning the tables on a spend-more world.

Warren and Miya dive deep into the parallels between professional acting and high-performance sales. They explore the idea that every salesperson brings personal "baggage" and history that influences their communication style. Miya explains that true proficiency isn't about memorizing lines but about internalizing the script to project a genuine persona. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, showing how top performers maintain a "beginner's mind" and remain open to molding their approach regardless of their experience level.

A critical portion of the discussion centers on the elusive trait of coachability. Miya reveals her methods for identifying whether a rep is truly ready to learn, often spotting resistance through subtle cues like tone of voice and body language. The dialogue challenges Revenue Leaders to look beyond metrics and address the holistic human factors driving performance. They discuss the necessity of understanding a rep’s intrinsic motivations and personal history to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable behavioral change.

As technology automates more transactional aspects of business, Warren and Miya argue that human connection and emotional intelligence are becoming the ultimate competitive advantages. They emphasize that modern CROs must develop the "muscle" to have difficult, personal conversations with their teams to foster trust and growth. The episode concludes with a look at the intersection of creativity and business, encouraging leaders to embrace a coaching mindset that empowers their organizations through genuine human development.

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.

The conversation dives into the psychology of change and Grant’s "Scared So What" methodology. Most leaders manage operations, not emotions, yet sales is fundamentally an act of imposing change. Grant breaks down how understanding personal reactions to change allows revenue leaders to move from simply telling teams what to do to empowering them through transformational leadership. This approach helps teams navigate the fear of new strategies and structures.

Grant shares insights from the global cruise industry, revealing how shifting focus from internal agendas to customer needs dramatically improved sales effectiveness. He highlights the dangers of "product dumping" and the importance of co-creation. By treating sales as a coaching opportunity rather than a coercion tactic, organizations can align internal culture with the external customer experience to ensure a consistent brand promise across all channels.

Finally, the discussion offers actionable advice for CEOs and CROs on navigating organizational restructuring. They explore why high-performing individual contributors often struggle in leadership roles without the right psychological tools. This episode is essential for executives looking to modernize their go-to-market strategy, foster a culture of ownership among their teams, and utilize science-backed frameworks to drive sustainable revenue growth.

Amy details the evolution of Fullcast into a comprehensive Revenue Operations platform through strategic acquisitions like Ebsta and Copy.ai. She explains how these moves allowed the company to build a fully AI-native sales performance management solution. By integrating territory planning, forecasting, and analytics, Fullcast aims to solve the fragmented tech stack issue. Amy outlines the vision behind merging these capabilities to support mid-market and enterprise revenue teams effectively.

Integrating multiple companies is a complex operational challenge. Amy discusses the nuances of merging distinct cultures and leadership styles into one cohesive organization. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, defined playbooks, and celebrating wins to align distributed teams. Her insights provide a practical blueprint for leaders managing growth through acquisition while striving to maintain a unified company identity and shared purpose across international borders.

Finally, the dialogue covers the evolving landscape for revenue leaders. Warren and Amy examine the pressure on CROs to adopt AI strategies while relying on experience to guide decision-making. Amy explains how Fullcast meets customers where they are, offering flexible solutions for their specific needs. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the skills required to lead in the current market and how to navigate the intersection of data and intuition successfully.

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the art of vetting a potential CRO opportunity. Mike provides actionable advice on how to interview the CEO, specifically regarding the company’s readiness for a true Chief Revenue Officer. He warns against accepting roles that are merely "VP of Sales" with a different title and emphasizes the importance of asking why the organization believes it needs a CRO right now. This advice is vital for executives ensuring they enter an environment ready for strategic change.

The discussion also delves into the paradox of ambition and control. Mike explains that true executive maturity involves the willingness to cede control to a specialized team rather than being the smartest person in the room. He draws a compelling parallel to professional sports, noting that one must love the entire "game"—including practice and preparation—not just the moments of individual glory. This mindset shift is essential for leaders who want to build autonomous, high-performing teams.

Finally, the dialogue covers the necessity of experimentation and reframing failure as a necessary step toward innovation. Mike shares insights on creating an environment where strategic risks are encouraged to drive growth. To close, he outlines his current work at DTEX Systems, addressing the "last frontier" of cybersecurity: insider risk management. He explains how understanding human behavior within an organization is key to protecting intellectual property and ensuring long-term business resilience.

Christian shares his unconventional journey into the C-suite, starting his career in finance at Microsoft before transitioning to sales and operations. He defines the CRO role not as a "super seller" but as an operator responsible for building and tuning the entire revenue "machine." This connected ecosystem includes sales, client services, analytics, and RevOps, all working in unison. He discusses why the authority to execute and drive impact is the true motivator for top revenue leaders.

How do you execute in such a cutthroat market? Christian details the GTM transformation at StackAdapt. He describes moving the team from a generalist approach—where everyone targeted the same high-value territories—to a specialized and segmented model. By implementing focused territories, specializing by vertical (like B2B or healthcare), and splitting teams into "hunters" (new business) and "farmers" (account growth), the revenue org achieved faster, more efficient growth.

Christian emphasizes that talent and culture are the ultimate differentiators. At StackAdapt, the hiring process is designed to find functional competency while actively filtering out "politics players" to protect a culture of trust and speed. He concludes with powerful advice for both aspiring CROs (focus on operational rigor and talent) and the CEOs hiring them (find a true "business leader" who thinks in systems, and then give them the autonomy to build the machine).

The conversation dives deep into Alteryx’s evolution from workflows feeding BI to becoming the governed “canvas” for AI and agent use cases. Steven explains how business users can blend structured and unstructured data, enforce governance and access controls, and then safely bring LLMs into the same environment—pushing compute down to cloud data platforms like BigQuery, Databricks, and Snowflake.

For CROs, Steven details practical AI operationalization: SDR personalization at scale, three‑dimensional agents trained on company knowledge, and revenue insights built directly on internal data. He outlines how to raise sales efficiency without scaling opex linearly, and why fast experimentation with new AI tools is now core to modern GTM orchestration.

Steven closes with hiring and leadership principles for today’s CRO: prioritize grit, perseverance, and customer centricity over pedigree; remove roadblocks for the field; and mentor generously. He shares how to balance data‑driven rigor with empathy, build alignment with marketing regardless of reporting lines, and stay entrepreneurial—even inside a large, complex organization.

Warren and Mike explore why "value engineering" isn't commonplace. Mike contrasts the role with the ubiquitous Sales Engineer. While organizations readily invest in Sales Engineers for technical validation, the Value Engineer—who handles the business validation—is often scarce and stretched thin. Mike argues this function is critical for justifying high-ticket solutions to a buying committee and proving impact beyond just features.

The conversation shifts to the process of value engineering, which Mike describes as the most effective form of sales discovery. He outlines the four key buckets that Value Engineers analyze to build a business case that resonates with a CFO: hard cost savings, team productivity gains, revenue acceleration (such as customer acquisition or retention), and strategic risk mitigation. This diligence helps the buyer champion the solution internally.

Finally, Mike discusses how technology platforms are making value engineering more scalable and integrated. He explains how AI can rapidly analyze public data, case studies, and even call recordings to build robust models. This technology allows pre-sales and post-sales teams to collaborate on value. They also cover how a strong value framework is essential for managing Proof of Concepts (POCs), preventing "tire-kickers" by agreeing on success metrics upfront.

They dive into the first 30-60-90 days in the seat: observe, diagnose, implement. Michael explains how he sequenced quick wins—enablement, RevOps guardrails, hiring profiles, interview kits—before rolling out robust territory, account, and opportunity planning. He emphasizes credibility through results and the art of modulation when change-managing seasoned teams.

Michael details LucidLink’s category-defining approach to distributed cloud file access for massive media and design workflows, and how that expands into broader enterprise use cases. He outlines direct and channel motions, global team structure, and the zero-knowledge security model that unlocks collaboration without compromising control.

The conversation closes with pragmatic AI adoption across Gong, ZoomInfo, dialers, website conversion, and Gemini-driven planning. Michael shares early signal lifts, how to beat tool fatigue, why human analysts still matter, and advice to aspiring CROs: lead cross-functionally, stay humble, build lieutenants, and align every motion to predictable, scalable revenue.

They map three practical stages of AI adoption—augmentation, targeted automation, and cross‑functional orchestration—and show how each raises team capacity. Ryan gives concrete examples like automated call scoring that produces next‑best actions, converting call transcripts into playbook inputs, and feeding live sales insights to marketing and product to guide priorities and messaging.

The conversation tackles workforce impact and essential skills: which roles are most exposed, where leaders should retool, and why structured prompting remains a competitive advantage. Ryan stresses validating outputs to reduce hallucinations and recommends methods—multiple source checks and reverse‑engineering high‑performing content—to ensure AI-driven recommendations are reliable before operationalizing them.

For CROs and CEOs ready to move, Ryan advises starting with daily personal use, identifying a few high‑value pilots, and scaling proven projects across teams. Warren and Ryan outline a practical rollout cadence that builds momentum without disruption. Listeners leave with a clear roadmap to integrate AI into revenue operations and pointers to connect with Ryan on LinkedIn for prompts and resources.

Andy delves into the critical differences between CRO and CSO positions, highlighting how CEOs' understanding of these roles impacts hiring decisions. The conversation covers the value of pushing back during interviews to clarify responsibilities, such as owning marketing, sales, and customer success under one leader. They explore why CROs should avoid fragmented reporting structures and seek environments where they can drive unified revenue strategies. For CEOs building teams, the discussion offers insights on recognizing when a company is ready for a CRO, typically around significant operational complexity.

The duo addresses common pitfalls, like accepting roles at mismatched company stages or overlooking red flags in CEO dynamics. Andy introduces practical tools, such as maintaining a personal user manual to foster better working relationships from day one. They stress the need for CROs to conduct thorough due diligence, including board conversations, to avoid short tenures that harm careers. This episode provides actionable advice for revenue leaders on positioning themselves effectively and building networks that open doors to high-potential opportunities.

Finally, Warren and Andy highlight Whispered's role in empowering executives through insights, connections, and community support. They encourage CROs to gain clarity on their unique value propositions before pursuing roles, whether through shared databases or collaborative networks. For CEOs aiming to hire or support top revenue talent, the talk underscores the benefits of mature leadership that values alignment over quick fixes. Tune in for an enlightening dialogue that equips listeners with strategies to thrive in the evolving world of revenue leadership.

Amy traces her path from journalism to BCG to Mixpanel, revealing how curiosity, cross‑functional leadership, and a customer‑first mindset shaped her Chief Customer & Revenue Officer role. She explains the shift from “hard” product differentiation to human‑driven trust, and how relationships, not features, become defensible moats in crowded markets.

They dig into practical playbooks: orchestrating handoffs, clarifying tone across touchpoints, and reducing executive silos to move faster. Amy outlines a strategy‑to‑execution flywheel, her 80/20 time model for long‑ vs short‑term, and how consistent advisory through complex, multi‑stakeholder cycles sustains momentum and predictability.

Amy also shares a grounded view on AI: use it to accelerate research, analysis, and context so leaders increase decision velocity—while humans own listening, rapport, creative adaptation, and navigating org dynamics. If you’re a CRO, aspiring CRO, or CEO aiming to modernize revenue leadership, this conversation is a blueprint.

Dana dives into the pitfalls of overly complex compensation plans, explaining how they demotivate sales teams and create inefficiencies. He highlights the need for clear, straightforward incentives that salespeople can easily understand and act on. Dana also discusses how CROs can navigate the challenges of managing comp plans while ensuring alignment across finance, product, and customer success teams.

The conversation explores how compensation plans impact customer experience, with Dana sharing innovative strategies like tying payouts to customer adoption and retention. He explains how this approach not only drives better outcomes for customers but also fosters sustainable growth for the business.

Dana wraps up with actionable advice for CROs, including the importance of creating a compensation governance council, leveraging AI for smarter decision-making, and piloting changes before rolling them out. This episode is packed with practical tips for CROs and revenue leaders looking to optimize their comp plans and drive success.

Jaime digs into practical moves she led: shifting from sporadic lead chasing to a disciplined target account approach, tightening qualification at the funnel entrance, and leveraging intent signals, account reports and smarter prospecting tools. She describes building persona‑led outreach, thought leadership assets, and repeatable playbooks that scale account expansion and shorten cycles. Jaime also tightened lead handoff timing and aligned content cadence with selling motions.

This episode contrasts consulting revenue with pure SaaS by unpacking stakeholder mapping, surrounding the customer with delivery, product and commercial teams, and balancing client intimacy with scalable processes. Jaime explains clearer handoffs, joint KPIs, role clarity and incentive design to reduce internal friction and drive sustainable expansion and retention. She stresses mapping buying centers and creating accountable cross‑functional teams.

Jaime closes with tactical advice for new CROs: surround yourself with people who raise your game, ask why to learn the rationale behind decisions, pilot changes and lead by example, and cultivate mentors. She urges CROs to balance staying in the trenches to learn with delegating, define a focused go‑to‑market, test AI capabilities before broad rollout, and communicate early wins to build momentum.

Adam discusses the critical distinction between simply hitting revenue targets and building truly scalable revenue systems. He explains his concept of "Revenue Generating Activities" (RGAs) and how he balances centralized strategy with decentralized execution across multiple operating companies. The conversation explores how a CRO must empower teams with tools and processes that function effectively without constant oversight.

The episode delves into the unique challenges of the CRO role in private equity, including managing expectations, forecasting accurately, and maintaining team energy through challenging periods. Adam emphasizes the importance of hiring people smarter than yourself, approaching new roles with humility, and maintaining close alignment with the CFO and CEO to navigate market headwinds.

Warren and Adam explore the balance between measurable and unmeasurable marketing activities, the importance of brand building, and the essential competencies for today's CROs. Adam shares valuable insights for aspiring and newly appointed CROs, making this a must-listen for revenue leaders looking to excel in complex business environments.

Many off-the-shelf tests fall short when evaluating executive readiness. Lindsay and Warren unpack pitfalls such as misaligned reference sets, cultural mismatches, and predictable question phrasing that candidates can game. They explain why tracking correlation coefficients and grounding assessments in rigorous validity studies is key to ensuring predictive accuracy.

Beyond individual metrics, they highlight the strategic value of team assessments for mapping leadership dynamics. Lindsay describes measuring urgency, resilience, pattern recognition and adaptability against a frozen reference cohort. She shows how private equity firms can configure custom CRO profiles and use nuanced data to optimize hiring, onboarding and development roadmaps.

In real-world case studies, they reveal how Crucible insights steer tough hiring choices and fuel candid candidate conversations. By also testing for “contaminants” like fragility or arrogance under pressure, organizations can align roles to specific growth stages. This episode delivers actionable guidance for current and aspiring CROs—and for CEOs seeking to elevate their revenue leadership team.

Bobby reveals his philosophy of building revenue flywheels through aligned incentives and systems-first thinking, explaining how he restructured Shopify's go-to-market approach to eliminate friction. He discusses the importance of creating pods that bring together account executives, solution engineers, and customer success managers with shared objectives and territories to deliver better customer outcomes.

The conversation shifts to how AI is transforming revenue operations, with Bobby predicting that traditional CRMs will be replaced by AI-enabled systems within months. He emphasizes that tomorrow's successful CROs must become more technically proficient, understanding data structures and AI capabilities to build competitive advantages through technology while maintaining the human relationships that drive trust.

Warren and Bobby conclude by discussing the future of customer engagement, with Bobby sharing his belief that despite automation, human interaction remains essential in building trust. He emphasizes Shopify's commitment to helping customers navigate uncertain times through an anti-fragile platform that enables businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

Jessica traces her rise from a teenage sales development representative to spearheading revenue as Orbb’s CRO, reflecting on a decade spent mastering sales leadership across multiple industries. From navigating complex enterprise cycles to running thousands of monthly transactions, she explains how a puzzle-shaped mind fueled her creativity before sharpening it with data-driven rigor. Learn how empathetic listening, agile experimentation, and strategic analytics blended in her approach to drive authentic growth.

They dive into the nuts and bolts of designing scalable revenue operations: defining an ideal customer profile, segmenting ICP tiers, mapping clear funnel stages, and choosing a flexible CRM that grows with you. Jessica emphasizes starting with precise targeting over mass outreach, building functional pipelines grounded in relationship intelligence, and iterating relentlessly by capturing first-party email and calendar data to combat peak noise, maintain data hygiene, and prioritize real connections.

In the final segment, they explore the future of outbound outreach: leveraging email and calendar metadata to surface genuine champions and establish a relationship funnel that complements traditional channels. Jessica unpacks Orbb’s smart career overlap technology—how it uncovers verified networks to fuel warm introductions, reduce wasted touches, and unlock untapped pipelines. Host Warren Zenna closes with actionable insights to help current and aspiring CROs stay ahead in revenue intelligence.

Emma dives into her ongoing “Who Shot Marketing?” narrative, personifying the profession’s decline through the suspects: VCs treating CMOs as disposable, CFOs overlooking marketing’s strategic role, and recruitment firms fueling tactical specialization. She argues that marketing’s erosion stems from professionals losing their strategic identity and defaulting to siloed, short-term tactics instead of holistic business leadership.

Warren and Emma explore the Chief Revenue Officer role as a remedy for fragmented revenue functions. They debate why CMOs often switch to CRO titles for prestige and survival, and how genuine CRO leadership demands a business-centric mindset that integrates marketing, sales, and customer success. Highlighting cross-functional alignment and strategic vision, they offer a blueprint for CROs to unify teams and develop the competencies needed for a coherent revenue engine.

In closing, Emma urges listeners to channel their expertise into shaping the next era of marketing and revenue leadership. She calls on CEOs and aspiring CROs to end silos and collaboratively redefine marketing’s role within the revenue engine. Listeners are encouraged to share insights and drive positive change. This episode equips leaders with fresh perspectives on strategic marketing, revenue alignment, and building resilient organizations ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

Warren and Joe tackle confusion between the CRO role and sales leadership and why it should follow dedicated sales, marketing, and customer success structures. Joe outlines how to educate investors on sequencing leadership hires and building foundational infrastructure. They emphasize defining scope clearly and fostering cross-team collaboration to unite go-to-market functions under a cohesive revenue strategy.

Conversation turns to key competencies for standout CROs. Joe highlights revenue operations expertise and data fluency as essential. He illustrates how boardroom vision must pair with front-line execution to translate insights into results. They touch on leadership styles that balance strategy with hands-on coaching. Warren and Joe discuss traits of urgency and adaptability needed under investor-driven expectations.

Finally, Warren and Joe share best practices to prepare the organization and CRO for success. They explore establishing robust processes, integrating tech stacks, and building transparent reporting frameworks. They emphasize executive sponsorship and cross-functional alignment to empower a revenue leader. Listeners receive actionable advice for creating an environment where a CRO can diagnose gaps and drive sustainable growth.

Wayne shares lessons from working with PE-backed SaaS firms, highlighting why hiring a CRO isn't like hiring a CFO or CMO. He and Warren dig into why short-term problem solving often trumps strategic vision—and how that dynamic must change if companies want sustainable revenue leadership.

The conversation dives deep into why misaligned expectations between CEOs, boards, and CROs create chaos, and how leaders can proactively design CRO roles that align with true business needs. Wayne also shares real-world stories of when bad hiring processes led to good CROs failing unnecessarily.

If you’re a CEO preparing to hire a CRO, a current CRO aiming to thrive, or an aspiring CRO planning your next move, this episode is packed with tactical advice. Learn how to recognize warning signs, ask the right questions during interviews, and structure your next CRO appointment for real impact.

John E. Lepto IV shares extensive experience navigating complex revenue landscapes by aligning sales, marketing, and customer success to achieve measurable outcomes. He highlights pitfalls in outdated growth tactics and misalignment within PE-backed organizations, offering clarity on practical steps that recalibrate revenue strategy for stronger performance and sustainable profitability.

Warren and John explore the nuances of the CRO role, stressing that clear authority, adequate resources, and strategic autonomy are essential for success. Their dialogue discusses how ambiguous job definitions and short-term pressures can hinder long-term growth. The conversation offers fresh insights on transforming revenue operations into lean, agile engines that drive innovation and secure customer retention.

Focusing on practical, data-driven solutions, the episode challenges traditional growth-at-all-costs models. The hosts advocate for disciplined pipeline efficiency and smart account expansion, rather than merely increasing volume. This engaging discussion equips CEOs, current CROs, and those aspiring to the role with the tools needed to build resilient, customer-centric organizations in today’s competitive, PE-influenced market.

Guy delves deep into the pitfalls of early CRO hires and the impact of a 17-month turnover trend. He shares insights on how misaligned sales processes can stunt growth and emphasizes the benefits of a 360 sales strategy. Backed by research, his analysis offers practical ways to realign roles within organizations for improved revenue consistency.

Throughout the discussion, Warren and Guy uncover the secret of achieving execution consistency that turns modest outcomes into breakthrough performance. They explore how synchronized teams, bolstered customer engagement, and the smart use of AI can drive revenue intelligence. Their dialogue provides a roadmap for leveraging data to transform commercial operations.

Wrapping up the episode, the conversation shifts to practical solutions that de-risk CRO hiring and capture emerging growth opportunities. Guy explains how Ebsta’s relationship intelligence platform offers clear insights on sales cycles, stakeholder engagement, and actionable benchmarks. Listeners leave with powerful strategies to accelerate revenue growth and secure long-term results.

The conversation shifts to the impact of agent technology and automated research on routine tasks. Warren and Elio discuss how advanced integration and workflow systems can eliminate tedious data entry, enabling sales teams to spend more time building relationships and closing deals. This vision resonates strongly with CROs seeking actionable improvements across revenue operations.

In a candid exchange, the duo recounts their journey from traditional sales challenges to embracing disruptive data automation. They share firsthand experiences of overcoming manual inefficiencies that hindered performance and detail how clear, reliable data transforms decision-making for mid-market and larger companies, sparking optimism among revenue leaders.

Wrapping up their discussion, Warren and Elio highlight the urgency for CROs, aspiring leaders, and CEOs to adopt innovative solutions today. They emphasize that achieving streamlined revenue operations through precise, automated analytics is not just an upgrade—it’s a vital shift in competitive sales strategy that can unlock predictable and profitable growth.

The conversation dives deep into aligning sales, marketing, and customer success for a unified revenue strategy. Janis shares insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the impact of early CRO integration on business performance. Key topics include data automation, pipeline management, and the value of cross-functional collaboration.

Listeners gain real-world examples and actionable advice on overcoming common pain points. The dialogue reveals how strategic hiring and the smart use of technology boost efficiency and reduce non-selling activities. Janis and Warren discuss building a cohesive leadership architecture that minimizes silos and drives sustained growth.

As the episode unfolds, the focus shifts to the future of revenue operations and the transformative potential of AI-driven insights. Both experts challenge traditional models and inspire CROs, aspiring leaders, and CEOs to embrace innovation. Tune in to discover how targeted strategies and precise revenue intelligence can elevate your organization to new heights.

Rich explains how the fractional CRO role can transform startups by integrating sales, marketing, and customer success. He highlights that a CRO isn’t just about closing deals but also about aligning cross-functional teams to build a cohesive revenue engine that adapts swiftly to shifting market conditions.

The dialogue explores the differences in CRO role perspectives. While some see the position solely as a sales driver, Rich argues that modern CROs must balance direct sales execution with broader revenue strategy. This distinction becomes vital when companies scale, as revenue leaders must foster innovation while ensuring operational discipline.

Warren and Rich also discuss how leadership mindset influences these roles. They share insights on harnessing data, embracing change, and inspiring teams to evolve. The conversation bridges personal anecdotes from music to boardroom strategies, offering a fresh perspective on how diverse experiences can redefine the CRO function in an ever-changing business landscape.

Jonathan joins the conversation with reflections on his parallel path in the tech world and eventual return to DOOR3 as CEO. The two share candid stories of how their complementary skills, shared values, and a strong cultural foundation shaped a resilient and adaptable company structure. They open up about pivotal moments in DOOR3’s history and what it took to move from scrappy beginnings to operational excellence.

Warren guides the conversation into the challenges of differentiation in a crowded dev space. Alex and Jonathan discuss their strategy of embedding product thinking into service delivery and maintaining a disciplined focus on client business outcomes. They unpack how cultural alignment, internal evolution, and hiring for shared values have been key to DOOR3’s long-term success.

The episode wraps with a forward-looking discussion on emerging tech trends, particularly the impact of AI on the services landscape. Alex and Jonathan share insights into how DOOR3 is both adopting and advising on new technologies—balancing innovation with practicality—while staying true to their mission of delivering lasting business value.

Warren and Steve share candid insights on how empathy and transparency redefine leadership. They examine the power of open communication with CEOs, executive teams, and board members, while discussing real-life scenarios that reveal the impact of active listening and honest feedback. Their dialogue provides listeners with practical advice for fostering trust and clarity in high-stakes environments.

The conversation highlights essential strategies for navigating the unique challenges of the CRO role. Steve outlines the importance of thorough due diligence, from the interview process to effective onboarding practices, while emphasizing the need to build credibility quickly. He shares personal experiences that illustrate how reflective leadership and strategic communication can drive revenue growth.

Listeners gain a fresh perspective on aligning with company culture and inspiring organizational change through servant leadership. The episode offers a roadmap for emerging revenue leaders by focusing on self-reflection, proactive problem-solving, and continuous communication. It is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their leadership approach and make a lasting impact.

Justin explains how shifting customer expectations and new revenue models demand more than legacy CRM systems. He outlines how AI agents can analyze critical signals, automate follow-up actions, and streamline the sales process. This discussion emphasizes the importance of focusing on a singular customer value to drive sustainable, long-term growth.

The conversation also examines the evolving role of marketing and the challenges of revenue attribution. Justin describes how integrating automated systems with human expertise not only reduces non-actionable tasks but also enhances overall productivity. The dialogue reveals how a refined focus on customer outcomes can transform both sales and marketing strategies.

Throughout the interview, Warren and Justin debate the balance between short-term targets and strategic, sustainable growth. They discuss how modern AI tools can dissolve inefficiencies in sales operations, align investor expectations, and create a frictionless process that empowers teams. Listeners gain a nuanced perspective on using innovative technology to drive efficient growth in a competitive landscape.

Warren also discusses the unique pressures CROs face, from the moment they are hired to the ongoing challenges of navigating organizational structures and interpersonal dynamics. He highlights how the role often disrupts existing systems, creating resistance from colleagues who may feel threatened or displaced. This resistance, combined with the lack of proper leadership development tailored to the CRO position, can leave many feeling overwhelmed and underutilized. Warren argues that leadership development needs to focus on role-specific skills, particularly the "soft skills" that are critical for building credibility, managing conflict, and influencing others.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Warren reflects on the role of AI in leadership and business. He shares his experience experimenting with AI abilities to create effective cold emails and ad copy, noting how the process of interacting with AI can provoke deeper thinking and innovation. However, he also raises concerns about over-reliance on AI, cautioning against sounding smarter than you are and the potential disconnect this could create in real-life interactions. Warren’s insights highlight the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining authenticity in communication and leadership.

Finally, Warren delves into the importance of self-awareness in leadership, using the analogy of being a "thermostat" versus a "thermometer." Are you someone who controls the temperature in the room, or do you simply measure it? He challenges listeners to reflect on their ability to create structure, influence outcomes, and take ownership of their roles. Whether you're a CRO, an entrepreneur, or a leader in any capacity, this episode offers valuable insights into the skills and mindset needed to navigate complexity, build influence, and drive meaningful change.

The conversation delves into the balance between AI and human interaction, emphasizing the importance of using AI as a tool to support—not replace—genuine engagement. Brynne explains how Sales Navigator's advanced features, like Account IQ and Lead IQ, have streamlined pre-call planning, saving valuable time while delivering targeted insights. The duo also tackles the potential downsides of automation tools, offering actionable advice for CROs and their teams to avoid coming across as impersonal or spammy in their outreach.

Brynne also introduces her eight-step framework for implementing scalable and repeatable social selling strategies. From defining KPIs to integrating AI into daily workflows, she outlines a roadmap for achieving measurable success. Tune in to learn how to slow down your outreach to speed up outcomes, and discover the tools and techniques that can help you stay ahead in today’s fast-paced sales environment.

Warren, Eric, and Larry dive into the dynamics of their partnership, illustrating how constant communication and mutual understanding are crucial for success. They discuss the importance of aligning financial strategies with revenue goals and how effective collaboration can mitigate risks while fostering innovation. The episode also touches on the challenges CROs face in organizations with established CFOs and offers insights into navigating these complexities through open dialogue and strategic alignment.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how to cultivate a productive relationship between revenue and finance leaders, ensuring that both sides work towards common objectives. This conversation serves as a guide for CROs seeking to enhance their influence within their organizations while driving sustainable growth.

The conversation emphasizes the merging of sales and marketing in today's landscape. Chelsea argues that successful selling requires not only outreach but also valuable content that aids potential clients in their research. This shift reflects the changing behavior of buyers who increasingly seek information before engaging with sales representatives.

Warren and Chelsea discuss the mindset required for problem-solving in sales, highlighting how personal experiences shape resilience and adaptability. This insightful dialogue offers listeners practical strategies for integrating social selling into their approaches, ultimately inspiring revenue leaders to navigate the complexities of modern business growth effectively.

Dayna draws from her extensive experience working with CEOs and sales leaders to discuss the pitfalls of focusing solely on sales targets and tracking, while neglecting the critical infrastructure needed to support stable growth. She highlights the necessity for CROs to move beyond their comfort zones, encouraging leaders to gain a holistic understanding of marketing, customer success, and revenue operations to effectively drive alignment across the organization.

Warren and Dayna also discuss the growing disconnect between companies and their customers in the age of AI and automation. They advocate for a renewed focus on service and relationship-building as a strategic differentiator, arguing that human connection will be more important than ever in the coming years. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring CROs, as well as CEOs looking to build more resilient and customer-focused organizations.

Kristen and Warren delve into the challenges and opportunities that come with the relatively new and undefined CRO role. They explore the importance of integrating marketing, sales, and customer success under one revenue umbrella, particularly in a product-led growth (PLG) environment. Kristen shares her strategies for building trust and collaboration among cross-functional teams, emphasizing the need for a CRO to be the CEO of the revenue operation, ensuring that every part of the funnel works seamlessly to enhance the customer journey.

The episode also touches on the strategic importance of partnerships and integrations in scaling a company, especially within the PLG framework. Kristen offers valuable advice for aspiring CROs and business leaders on how to effectively navigate the complexities of the role, build strong teams, and maintain a customer-centric approach. Tune in to gain actionable insights on driving growth and fostering a unified revenue strategy.

James and Warren also discuss the potential pitfalls of title chasing and the misconception that job-hopping equates to faster career advancement. Drawing from his extensive experience, James outlines how long-term commitment to a single organization can offer deeper insights and a more comprehensive understanding of business dynamics, ultimately leading to greater career success. He also contrasts the roles of CROs in enterprise-level companies versus smaller growth-stage firms, offering valuable advice for those aspiring to lead revenue operations in different organizational contexts.

Finally, James provides an insider look at his approach to customer relationships and product market fit, explaining how staying close to customers helps shape strategic decisions. He also highlights the importance of building a strong data foundation to leverage AI in go-to-market strategies effectively. Whether you're an aspiring CRO or a seasoned executive, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategic advice that can help you navigate the complexities of revenue leadership.

Warren and Jonathan explore the complexities of modern revenue operations, discussing why traditional sales leaders may not be the best fit for the CRO role. They examine the critical importance of RevOps (Revenue Operations) as a function that could redefine leadership in the revenue space, offering a more holistic and strategic approach. The conversation also touches on the challenges of aligning sales, marketing, and customer success teams, highlighting how misalignment often stems from disparate incentives and organizational silos.

As they debate potential solutions, Warren proposes a radical shift in how companies should approach the CRO role, emphasizing the need for proper diagnostics and strategic leadership rather than simply promoting top sales executives. This episode offers valuable insights for CEOs, CROs, and anyone involved in revenue generation, as it reimagines the future of sales and revenue leadership in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

As the conversation unfolds, Alexa opens up about a significant challenge she faced after a viral social media incident involving a marathon. She candidly discusses the impact of online backlash and the mental health struggles that ensued. Alexa's experience highlights the double-edged sword of social media, where rapid fame can quickly turn into widespread criticism. Through it all, Alexa remained steadfast, using the experience to refine her approach to personal branding and influence. Her insights provide valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of building an online presence in today's digital age.

In the final segment, Alexa delves into her current ventures, including her company "Be Fearless," which empowers individuals and startups to build authentic personal brands. She offers practical advice on leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to establish credibility and connect with the right audience. Whether you're a CEO, a marketing leader, or an aspiring entrepreneur, Alexa's journey offers inspiration and actionable insights on how to cultivate a meaningful brand that resonates with your target market. Join us for an engaging discussion filled with wisdom and encouragement from a true trailblazer.

Philip delves into the critical aspects of his role, focusing on building relationships across departments and understanding the voice of the customer to drive strategic initiatives. He explains how Airbase transitioned to a "land and expand" sales motion, highlighting the necessity of aligning product marketing, sales incentives, and onboarding processes to ensure seamless growth. Philip also discusses the role of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in maintaining alignment and focus, as well as the importance of regular customer interaction to provide valuable insights back to the company.

Finally, Philip shares valuable advice for aspiring Chief Revenue Officers and company leaders looking to hire for the position. He emphasizes the need for CROs to possess a deep understanding of both sales and customer success, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with product and engineering teams. For CEOs, he advises assessing company needs and ensuring a strong partnership with the CRO to drive sustainable growth. With a focus on continuous learning and strategic alignment, Philip Lacor exemplifies the impactful role a CRO can play in shaping a company's future.

Hang also delves into the distinctions between sales enablement and revenue enablement, explaining how the latter encompasses a broader range of activities that contribute to overall revenue generation. She discusses the need for cross-functional collaboration between sales, marketing, and customer success teams, underscoring the importance of breaking down silos to create a more integrated and efficient revenue engine. Through engaging anecdotes and insights, Hang illustrates the value of storytelling in sales and how it can be used to build stronger connections with clients and prospects.

Additionally, the episode explores the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing sales and revenue enablement efforts. Hang shares her perspective on AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them, providing examples of how AI can be utilized to streamline processes and personalize customer interactions. As a thought leader in the field, Hang offers valuable advice for organizations seeking to implement effective revenue enablement strategies that drive growth and foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

Peri's innovative approach stems from her deep belief in the untapped potential within every individual. By focusing on uncovering and addressing performance blocks, she has helped numerous corporations elevate their sales teams' capabilities. Her story about Jim, a struggling student who became an honor roll achiever and eventually a teacher, highlights the profound impact of tailored coaching and whole-brain learning techniques. This episode is packed with insights into how personalized training can lead to remarkable improvements in both academic and corporate settings.

Additionally, Peri discusses her latest venture into AI, developing a product designed to act as a sales mentor and partner. This cutting-edge tool combines her extensive research and practical experience to offer tailored advice and strategies for sales professionals. Tune in to learn more about Peri's fascinating journey, her innovative methodologies, and how they can be applied to achieve extraordinary results in the world of sales and beyond.

Warren, founder of the CRO Collective, brings a contrasting viewpoint, suggesting that while ideal, the perfect readiness scenario rarely exists in early-stage companies. He stresses the practical challenges faced by founders and CEOs, who often lack the bandwidth to establish comprehensive frameworks before hiring a CRO. Instead, Warren proposes a phased approach where the CRO’s role evolves from refining existing strategies to a more proactive leadership position over time. The conversation delves into the delicate balance between strategic planning and immediate operational needs, highlighting the nuances of organizational dynamics that influence the success of a CRO.

Throughout the episode, both Warren and Mark explore the common pitfalls and misconceptions surrounding CRO appointments. They advocate for clarity in defining the CRO role within organizations, ensuring alignment with business objectives, and mitigating risks associated with premature or ill-prepared hires. By sharing their insights and experiences, they provide invaluable guidance to aspiring CROs, current sales and marketing leaders, and founders navigating the complexities of revenue leadership in today’s competitive landscape.

Daniel shares his journey from enterprise sales roles to founding his own sales consulting firm, where he specializes in helping startups develop effective sales and revenue strategies. His unique perspective, shaped by a blend of hands-on sales experience and entrepreneurial spirit, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the sales landscape. Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the importance of following one's passion.

Currently, Daniel is at the forefront of educating the next generation of sales leaders as he leads the CRO course at the University of Chicago. In this episode, he delves into the significance of education in sales, the evolving role of the Chief Revenue Officer, and the critical skills required to thrive in today’s competitive market. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, Daniel's experiences and advice provide a roadmap for achieving success in the ever-changing world of sales.

Roee shares his unique journey from a sales engineer focused on improving processes to becoming a consultant who helps companies optimize their revenue strategies. He reflects on the pivotal moments and influences that shaped his approach, emphasizing the importance of scientific methods in sales alongside the more intuitive, artistic aspects of the profession. This episode provides valuable insights for sales and marketing leaders aspiring to the CRO role, as well as founders seeking to understand what makes a successful revenue leader.

Warren and Roee also tackle the challenges of change management within organizations, highlighting the need for strong leadership to guide and support these transitions. They discuss practical strategies for diagnosing root causes of revenue issues and the importance of having the right leadership in place to steer the company through necessary changes. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between leadership, process, and success in the revenue operations space.

Dan shares his wealth of experience from over two decades in the industry, recounting his ventures in media and startup leadership. He discusses the common challenges faced by companies, particularly in early-stage and Series A/B stages, and highlights the pivotal role of the CRO in navigating these hurdles.

Throughout the conversation, Warren and Dan emphasize the importance of nurturing talent, aligning leadership vision, and fostering a customer-centric approach. They explore the delicate balance between leveraging data-driven strategies and trusting gut instincts, acknowledging that true business alchemy arises when these elements harmonize seamlessly.

Listeners gain valuable insights into the art and science of revenue leadership, learning practical strategies for optimizing team performance, fostering innovation, and ultimately driving sustainable business growth.

For founders and executives looking to appoint a CRO, this episode offers practical advice on navigating the recruitment process.

As they navigate through topics like the "Golden Age of SaaS" and the era of "profitable efficient growth," they explore how the role of the CRO has been shaped by changing market dynamics.

Together they analyze the impact of the "grow at all costs" mentality prevalent in many SaaS businesses, highlighting the need for a shift towards sustainable growth strategies. Drawing parallels between organizational silos and revenue inefficiencies, they emphasize the importance of alignment between sales, marketing, and customer success teams. By breaking down these barriers and fostering cohesion, businesses can provide a seamless customer experience and drive long-term success.

Warren and Dana explore the challenges faced by CROs when organizations fail to fully understand or support their roles. They discuss the importance of strategic alignment, resource allocation, and the evolution of revenue operations (rev ops) in empowering CROs to drive organizational success.

From navigating unrealistic goals to advocating for greater autonomy, Warren and Dana offer practical insights for CROs, sales and marketing leaders, and founders looking to optimize their revenue strategies.

Join them as they shed light on the dynamic landscape of revenue leadership and provide actionable strategies for achieving peak performance in the CRO role.

Contrary to popular belief, negotiation is not merely about haggling over prices; it's a complex interplay of psychology and language. Sanjay's insights challenge traditional notions, emphasizing negotiation as a multifaceted trading activity rather than a simple price negotiation.

As a CRO, one’s entire day can be a series of negotiations. Understanding how to excel at negotiating and how to apply this nuanced skill is invaluable.  So get comfortable and tune in.

In this episode, Warren and Joe delve into the intricacies of the digital advertising ecosystem, exploring pressing issues such as the evolving role of the chief revenue officer (CRO), the intersection of marketing and revenue functions, and the reevaluation of ad tech promises. From dissecting the challenges of attribution in proving ad effectiveness to addressing concerns surrounding privacy and surveillance marketing, Warren and Joe offer valuable insights garnered from their extensive experience in the industry.

Discover how the proliferation of programmatic advertising has given rise to complex issues such as ad fraud, brand safety, and consumer privacy, prompting brands and advertisers to reassess their strategies and adopt more transparent and ethical practices. With a keen focus on building brands and fostering meaningful customer relationships, Warren and Joe provide actionable strategies for navigating the ever-changing digital advertising landscape.

Whether you're a seasoned marketing professional, a CRO striving for success, or an entrepreneur seeking to elevate your brand's presence, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on harnessing the power of digital advertising to drive sustainable business growth in today's dynamic marketplace. Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve and unlock new opportunities in the realm of digital advertising and revenue optimization.

Sandy shares her wealth of experience and insights gained from years in sales operations, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities presented by RevTech adoption. From navigating the complexities of integrating disparate tools to fostering organizational alignment around customer-centric strategies, Sandy offers practical advice for CROs, sales leaders, and marketers alike.

Discover how RevTech transcends mere toolsets, becoming a catalyst for enhanced customer experiences and streamlined revenue generation. Whether you're a seasoned CRO or a budding sales professional, this episode provides invaluable perspectives on leveraging technology to drive sustainable business growth.

Tune in to gain actionable strategies and expert guidance on harnessing the power of RevTech to unlock your organization's full revenue potential. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that promises to revolutionize your approach to revenue operations.

Bob McDowell brings a wealth of experience as a former superintendent and education expert, offering unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the educational sector. With a focus on building aligned education systems, Bob shares his journey from the classroom to district administration and his transition to the private sector.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Warren and Bob delve into the parallels between revenue misalignment in businesses and organizational dysfunction in education. Discover how human-centered design principles and agile methodologies are revolutionizing the way educational institutions approach leadership and organizational health.

From enhancing operational efficiency to improving student outcomes, Bob offers practical strategies for fostering organizational alignment and driving meaningful change within the education system. Whether you're a seasoned educator, a school administrator, or a business leader interested in education reform, this episode provides invaluable insights into transforming education systems for the better.

Tune in now to gain actionable tips and expert advice on bridging the gap between theory and practice in education leadership and organizational effectiveness. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and empowered to make a positive impact in the world of education.

00:00 CRO podcast featuring top revenue experts. Thanks for listening.
04:49 Reassuring companies about ongoing success amid new tech.
08:30 Questioning organizational decisions and promoting early innovation.
12:40 Distractions in startups due to funding changes.
15:10 Acquisition dynamics akin to human relationships surprise.
19:53 Focus on customer needs and innovation loss.
21:00 Measuring cost of customer service, advertising impact.
24:57 Car app and technology didn't work well.
27:41 Cost-saving compromises in design lead to dissatisfaction.
31:04 Net promoter score criticized for being pointless.
35:01 Brands aligning with causes may not matter.
38:11 Brand purpose adds alignment and logic internally.
42:29 Contemplating the impact of remote work.
43:36 Early stages, long-term impacts uncertain, diverse perspectives.
49:04 Seeking comfort without growth, challenges, and connections.
52:51 Ideological divide creates volatile office environment.
53:53 Balancing differences, complexities in work, cultural alignment.
57:07 Enjoying the orchestration of mundane technological experiences.

00:00 Warren introduces Steve McDonald's marketing expertise.
06:34 Companies struggle with differentiation in crowded markets.
09:04 Helping companies redefine problems for stronger impact.
13:21 Shift focus to phone calls and demos.
17:04 Trusted advisor status streamlines the sales process.
20:25 Marketing and sales collaboration is crucial for success.
23:08 Sales meetings, buyer insights, content from customers.
26:11 Create valuable content for internal and external audiences.
29:43 Podcasts create valuable conversations and relationships.
31:27 Podcasts drive deals and brand enhancement.
35:36 Defining unique company point of view is key.
40:11 Emphasize point of view, not just cause.
43:06 Some companies adopt values for strategic purposes.
47:19 Team collaboration, client focus, internal culture impact.
49:25 Marketing officers and revenue officers both seek thought leadership content.
51:43 C-suite marketing perspectives and contact information shared.

00:00 Warren Zena hosts CRO Spotlight podcast episode.
03:39 Engineer turned entrepreneur, built successful tech company.
09:28 Misaligned focus affects organization and customer satisfaction.
12:53 Focusing on few key goals enhances alignment.
16:03 Balancing operational whirlwind with strategic contributions is crucial.
20:11 Startups face challenges, but can still succeed.
21:27 Money brings conflicting perspectives and management challenges.
27:17 "Login vs. sign up: product decisions matter"
28:36 Companies should prioritize customers' best interest, alignment.
34:28 CRO role comes from sales due to success.
36:54 Platform focuses on people and performance.
41:30 OKRs need champion and dedicated team.
43:21 Technology enables strategy and goal setting. Jumping in is not the way.
45:34 Regular refreshers help with changing personnel positions.

00:00 CRO Connected helps with undefined job roles.
05:27 Regular community engagement through various events and discussions.
08:10 CRO's role in delivering customer-focused strategy.
13:52 CRO role shifted focus from customer happiness.
16:34 Importance of belief system in CRO decision-making.
19:22 Nurturing customers costs less than acquiring new ones.
22:11 Need for patience in challenging business environment.
27:34 Wrong customers cost and churn impact sales.
29:10 Refused sale, ultimately purchased at higher cost.
33:27 Using data to better understand market strategy.
37:13 Invest in experienced leaders, clarify CRO's role.
38:57 Orient business around core values for success.
43:52 Brand building, PR, and investment management essential.
47:44 Career growth disrupted, need for broader rewards.
49:31 Increasing women in leadership through pipeline improvements.
52:17 Reach out on LinkedIn or CRO Connected.

00:00 Balance sales, marketing, customer success for success.
06:29 TV show "Super Pumped" exposes economic manipulation.
08:54 Focus on real need, niche markets grow.
12:58 Inspiring Airbnb story emphasizes effective marketing communication.
15:18 Emphasize customer relationship over purely product-focused approach.
20:18 Understanding others' expertise for improved productivity.
21:59 Community progress, innovation, monetizing expertise, industry challenges.
24:45 Summary: GTM MAG simplifies go-to-market skill building.
29:32 Called professor to arbitrate dinner vs supper.
32:50 Fascination with the human mind and selling.
34:28 Synthesize ideas, talk, adapt, embrace AI for success.
37:42 Roger respected and empowered through positive leadership.
40:33 Every project involves going to market.

00:52 CEO discusses sales, relationships, and automation's impact.
05:36 Movies created stigma for sales over time. Salespeople create relationships and are necessary.
07:15 Reevaluating product-led growth and its implications.
10:49 Rise of chief revenue officer in tech.
15:37 Building without customer conversations leads to failure.
17:23 Scale with caution, monitor metrics closely.
22:49 Segmentation, conversion, cost, measuring, sales impact, self-on boarding.
27:30 Customer retention is crucial for sustained growth.
31:34 Grow by stepping out of comfort zone. Lean into strengths for personal success. Identify and bring in expertise where needed.
34:39 They offer support for better odds.
38:18 Navigating job uncertainty in a pandemic.
39:09 Red ocean filled with products, be cautious.
42:58 CEOs must understand and manage expectations.
46:29 Bootstrap company grew from 2 million to 11.5 million during COVID. Coaching and consulting, partnerships, CRO coach. Stepping back into the game as CRO.
50:02 Important tool for working world, combining skills.
53:50 Excited to see why companies struggle to implement.

00:51 Warren Zena CEO CRO Collective shares experiences.
03:11 Content enablement evolves, changes direction, optimizes experience.
08:24 Metrics don't always reflect true health.
11:28 Struggle with client communication leads to misunderstandings.
14:20 Disruptive questions slow down sales process.
17:48 Incentives drive different behavior in sales and CS.
22:02 Revenue enablement vs sales enablement as threat.
22:57 Discussion about why CROs shouldn't run sales. Inquire about Terry Long's diverse background and journey to revenue enablement.
28:43 Embraced failure, built success, and networked consistently.
29:27 Exciting problem-solving and helping people succeed.
34:35 Interacting personally builds strong character and skills.
38:23 Texting sales and prospecting, digital presence key.
41:19 Generation gap affects communication in sales.
44:51 COVID changed human interaction and sales dynamics.
48:34 Challenging physical and mental feats for self-validation.
49:30 Personal achievement through discipline, impressed kids.

From pioneering gamification to creating memorable experiences, Jim's journey will inspire you to rethink your approach to sales and prioritize meaningful connections over transactional deals. Get ready to explore the power of human connection in sales, right here on the CRO Spotlight Show. 

[00:02:17] Friend supports struggling bartender by entrusting clients.

[00:04:51] Jim brought me in to sell, and together we sold Hispanic media all over the country. I learned everything from you.

[00:09:07] Young people selling; being authentic sells.

[00:12:16] Sales is important for organizations, despite objections.

[00:13:30] Salespeople build relationships and persuade effectively. Art is gone; prospecting is delegated.

[00:18:00] Competition is slim, so belief is crucial. Preparing and researching online make it easier.

[00:19:54] Selling meaningless products is a valuable skill.

[00:25:03] Connection, likability, purpose, autonomy - differentiators in Zoom calls.

[00:29:04] Human relationships are valuable in a mechanized world.

[00:32:48] Relationships are valuable, not just transactions.

[00:36:36] Close bond, entrepreneurial mindset, innovative products

[00:39:37] Short attention spans drive success in relationships.

[00:41:56] Successful promotional business orders and delivers 3,000,000 items. Also offers gamified training simulations, effectively mimicking real-world experiences. Still a revolutionary and effective business.

[00:44:19] Effective graphic novels capture imagination of audiences.

[00:06:10] Framework to help CROs think differently, impact business.

[00:10:13] Using 7 words: Value prompter collects customer information for marketing.

[00:14:14] Complex sales require extensive stakeholder interactions.

[00:15:39] Why did you join this conversation?

[00:18:36] Engagement crucial for growth and customer retention.

[00:24:18] Assumed SDR onboarding, essential for company success.

[00:25:05] When do organizations make sense, or not?

[00:29:30] Sophisticated organizations understand the need for SDRs.

[00:31:19] Easy access to information creates inexperienced salespeople.

[00:35:52] Greeting and assistance are important in stores.

[00:40:05] Usually either reports to CRO or CMO.

[00:41:45] CMOs promoted faster, creating issues with hiring CROs.

[00:46:17] CRO ensures efficient revenue across functions, mitigating silos.

[00:51:05] Unique conversationalist, highly experienced in analytics.

In today's episode, we explore the complexities of career progression within the sales field and the intriguing role of the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). From understanding motivations and skill gaps to the challenges of leadership and decision-making, we uncover valuable insights about finding success in these positions. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of sales strategies, the importance of customer-centricity, and the delicate balance between serving both customers and investors. 

During this episode we will explore the ever-evolving landscape of sales and the role of the CRO in navigating growth, funding, and the pursuit of exceptional customer experiences. Get ready to uncover valuable lessons from the world of sales and startups in this thought-provoking episode of Research & Ideas. 

[00:01:21] Experienced sales leader with startup expertise.

[00:06:07] Problems with SaaS growth and customer satisfaction.

[00:10:52] Funding rounds in companies are congratulated because they signify a third party's belief in the business. Additionally, funding is often associated with the ability to spend and fuel the economy. However, as more companies adopt growth models, the influx of inbound sales requests becomes overwhelming, leading to a saturation of similar offers. This model cannibalizes itself and leads to customer disengagement. It becomes a cyclical process where unnecessary salespeople are hired and then let go. Integrated and aligned revenue operations are needed in SaaS companies to address this issue without solely focusing on frontline growth.

[00:14:05] Value prop stands out amongst bland messaging, understand customer impact, build communities, leverage network partnerships, expert salespeople.

[00:17:33] Investors prefer large scale companies; smaller companies adapt through personal connections.

[00:22:57] Mediator role in finding common ground. Data-driven decision making for CROs.

[00:27:09] Insufficient data access hampers critical decision-making.

[00:27:50] Sales career transitioned to revenue operations leadership.

[00:32:33] Importance of understanding motivations and skill sets in career progression.

[00:36:59] Prioritize clarity, autonomy, and support for CRO.

[00:39:53] CEO interviews: be honest, avoid disasters.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum

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This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum

Growth Forum is a place to Connect, Learn and Grow. 

Join Now

The program is usually valued at $2500, but if you sign up to Growth Forum now, you will receive access to this program for free! https://www.growthforum.io/

Connect with Jackie:
LinkedIn URL:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiera/
 

Other places to connect:

https://twitter.com/jaranderson?s=20

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Rosalyn is the leading voice in the RevOps space and has an enormous amount of insight into the meteoric growth of the RevOps model and how it is impacting B2B businesses.

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Steve, shares his journey of becoming a CRO and how he learned to navigate the role through a baptism by fire in 2020. He emphasizes the significance of the CRO role and its various functions, including outbound and inbound motions, retention motion, and operational motion.

Steve believes that a CRO needs to be enabled by the CEO to cruise through the organization and be the right-hand person. He also stresses the importance of understanding the capital outlay for the tech stack, optimizing it, and measuring metrics like cost of acquisition (CAC) to drive revenue growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. The CRO role is critical for an organization's revenue function and involves various functions like outbound and inbound motions, retention motion, and operational motion.
2. The CEO needs to enable the CRO to navigate through the organization and understand the capital outlay for the tech stack to optimize revenue growth.
3. Measuring metrics like CAC is crucial to understanding the economics of the business and making informed decisions to drive revenue growth.

Connect with Steve

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During this episode of the CRO Spotlight Show, Warren is joined by Mike Schumann, who is the CRO at Revenue Base and has spent the last decade as a revenue leader for venture-backed companies. Mike shares his background and how he became a CRO.

Main Takeaways from the Podcast:

• The ideal CRO should be a steward of revenue and functions that participate in revenue generation from marketing, sales, customer success, etc.
• They need to be a steward to the CEO and watch out for the company's interests
• The CRO should possess strong business acumen, high technical skills as it relates to reporting and metrics, and professional skills
• Professional skills refer to being a steward of people, setting a tone for the team, and being of service to the company
• A successful CRO should bring energy to the team and help the people around them level up their games
• When interviewing a potential CRO, the ideal candidate should possess incredible personal and professional skills, be a great leader, a great coach, and a great visionary
• Technical skills can be taught, but professional skills are more about who you are, and a CRO who lacks professional skills can make people uncomfortable and suck the life out of the team.

The conversation also delves into the balance between technical expertise and leadership qualities, with the Mike advocating for the importance of the latter. 

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What's fundamentally different about selling a service vs selling a product? Let's find out. 

In this episode, Warren and Lupe are joined by Greg Lewis, Chief Growth Officer - Communications at Syneos Health Communications. They take a deep dive on what's different about selling a service vs a product, from go-to-market strategy to the sales cycle. They also cover the value of relationship building, and how to insulate your sales function from staff turnover. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Be CRO-ready from day 1 with Warren's CRO Accelerator course here.

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It's time to talk about some likely neglected parts of your revenue engine, and how they help you turn dreams into reality. 

In this episode, Warren and Lupe are joined by Eddie Reynolds, CEO and Revenue Operations Strategy Consultant at Union Square Strategy, and host of the RevOps Corner podcast. They tackle the topics with no easy answers including: why we don't do things we know are important, why planning, testing and proving with data are fundamental to whole-of-businesssuccess, the art of getting leadership buy-in on that, aligning your revenue silos, the perils of cold outreach, where RevOps fits into the C-Suite, and the barriers that tops people from doing things differently. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn, or at the Union Square Consulting website. You'll also find Union Square Consulting on YouTube and TikTok. Listen to the RevOps Corner podcast here. 

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Be CRO-ready from day 1 with Warren's CRO Accelerator course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

CRO is a new job title, but that doesn't mean there's a lack of knowledge on how to succeed as one. 

In this episode, Warren and Lupe are joined by Scott Stouffer, CEO and Founder at scaleMatters. Join them as they discuss a key thing sales-centric CROs are often light on (and what landed them in that CRO seat), how to stop throwing money away by finding your product-market-message fit faster, the problem with data, bringing the whole team in on experimenting, what we're forgetting when we embrace failure, why you need a safe environment to improve the company, and the two things Scott would ask when interviewing for a CRO role. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn, or by email. scaleMatters' podcasts are The Data Room, and Go To Market Excellence. 

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Be CRO-ready from day 1 with Warren's CRO Accelerator course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Metrics are essential to measure, manage, and predict performance in revenue. But when almost everything is trackable these days, exactly what do you need to keep your finger on? 

In this episode, Warren and Lupe are joined by Ray Rike, Founder and CEO (Chief Evangelism Officer) at RevOps Squared. They discuss the staple and expanded metrics sets for every CRO, explain how you can use metrics to help better understand and align your revenue teams (and why CEOs are responsible for clearing that path), three actions to include during your CRO-prep years, how to transition your metrics, who should be a CRO's right hand person on metrics, plus why you need to check you're collecting and actioning your metrics right. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Ray on LinkedIn. Find out more about SaaS Metrics Palooza here. 

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Be CRO ready from day 1 with Warren's CRO Accelerator course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Regardless of your department, stepping up and out of it into the C-Suite puts you in a lot of new territory. You wouldn't have taken it if you didn't want a challenge, but you still want to avoid any missteps you can–you're about to find out how. 

In this episode, Warren and Lupe are joined by Stephanie Valenti, CRO at SmartBug Media. Follow her adventurous footsteps to the CRO role (featuring networking, touring via alternate perspectives, and growing as a leader), how to stay in your lane so you succeed at your job, where to start when you land behind the desk, and protecting yourself from becoming a CRO In Title Only. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Be CRO ready from day 1 with Warren's CRO Accelerator course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

The more your company scales in size, the more it needs to scale in every other way too–especially stability. 

In this episode, Warren and Lupe are joined by Nancy Maluso who is VP, Principal Analyst at Forrester. Join them as they consider why alignment needs to be the first thing you get right, tips to structure your week for success, the other 'S word' to think about as you grow, and why delegation and data are the ex-sales CRO's best friends. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Nancy on LinkedIn.

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Want to be a CRO? Join Warren's CRO Accelerator course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Although it's hotly debated, sales leadership seems to be emerging as a staple position in the career path to CRO. But at what cost? 

In this episode, Warren and Lupe are joined by Serkan Honeine, Chief Revenue Officer @ Certn. They chat about how deeply roles other than sales leadership can uniquely qualify you to lead revenue, how leading an international team from the other side of the world can be simple, the biggest challenge CROs face (and the cause), why you need to find metrics that matter, and the power of saying thank you in the remote-first world. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Serkan on LinkedIn, or at the Certn website.

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Empower your sales team to transform their sales. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Marketers today have more power in revenue than ever before, with their wealth of data key to identifying how buyers behave. This data is a double-edged sword though, with attribution-anxiety sometimes disincentivising the marketing team from pushing into new territory. How do you strike the right balance? 

This week Warren and Lupe are joined by The Marketing Starter Tim Hines. Tim is an iCMO, founder, author, speaker, podcast host, and all round expert in all things marketing. In this episode they look at marketing as it enters the post-digital era, from how marketing can claim their space at the table using data, and the importance of communication, to why marketing should be viewed as a laboratory, not a factory.

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn, or at his website, or at GrowPowerful.ai. His podcast is called The Marketing Starter Podcast, and his book is called The Marketing Starter.

You can listen to Warren on Tim's podcast here. 

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Empower your sales team to transform their sales. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

In a role as complex as the CRO, it's impossible to have expertise in every area. So, how do you respond right when you're entering a new territory. 

In this episode Warren and Lupe are joined by Todd Heger, CRO @ Digilant. They cover why coachability and humility are essential skills for CROs, the power of seeking advice, a quick hack to diffuse team tensions, the importance of managing talent, and why you need to insist on transparency during the interview process. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn or at the Digilant website. 

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Empower your sales team to transform their sales. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course from Sales IQ here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

You know that healthy relationships with your team, company, customers, and peers lead to strong short and long term outcomes. But how high do they really rank on your list of priorities? 

In this episode, Lupe is joined by Christina Woronchak, CRO at Deem, Inc. This episode is packed with simple, effective ways to improve business outcomes using a human-centric approach. They also cover the dynamic nature of the CRO remit, what it was like weathering COVID in the travel industry, and how moving abroad can invigorate your career. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Christine on LinkedIn or at the Deem website.

Find Lupe on LinkedIn. 

Empower your sales team transform their sales. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

In a sales career spanning 5 decades you see a lot change, and a lot stay the same. Get ready to hear the most important parts of both.

In this episode Lupe is joined by John Smibert, co-author of The Wentworth Prospect. In this episode Lupe and John talk about revenue operation in the pre-CRO days, the role of culture in change, what both sides of the table must consider when filling the CRO seat, plus the power of storytelling and selling the outcome.

🔗 LINKS

Connect with John on LinkedIn. 

His book is called The Wentworth Prospect and you'll find it on Amazon here.

Find Lupe on LinkedIn. 

Empower your sales pros transform their sales. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Sometimes our goals coming true result in unexpected outcomes, and the CRO role is no different. It's time to do get some deep-dive insights on what's really awaiting you in the C-Suite. 

In this episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, Warren and Lupe are joined by Avi Zimak, Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer at The Arena Group. Avi has had a fascinating revenue career spanning more than 20 years (featuring New York Magazine, Time Inc, and Condé Nast).

He'll be sharing his invaluable knowledge and experience, including how he 'hopscotched' to his CRO role, seeking to understand the role beyond the title, when the right time is for a CRO, the CEO:CRO relationship, and ideal personality traits of a CRO.

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Avi on LinkedIn. 

Find Lupe and Warren on LinkedIn. 

Help your sales team succeed by helping them become the best professional salespeople they can be. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

In under an hour, you're going to feel like you've had the best GTM mentoring session of your revenue career. 

In this episode of the CRO Spotlight Warren is joined by Sangram Varje, best-selling author, and Co-Founder and GTM Advisor at Terminus. In this episode they look at an array GTM issues that you need to know about: who owns go to market, symptoms of product/market fit that needs work, what the Most Important Metric is for revenue teams, why churning C-Level executives is not a GTM fix, and the importance of setting expectations to succeed as a CRO.

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Sangram on LinkedIn. Find his book MOVE: The 4-question Go-to-Market Framework here. His podcast is called MOVE: The Go To Market Podcast (previously Flip My Funnel).

Find Lupe and Warren on LinkedIn. 

Help your sales team succeed by helping them become the best professional salespeople they can be. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

In the noise of the digital landscape, the primary challenge has become sifting out the highest impact opportunities and threats. With this administrative burden eating into selling time, is there not a better answer? 

In this episode Warren and Lupe are joined by Jamie Shanks, CEO at Pipeline Signals and best-selling author. Working at the frontier of social selling for more than a decade, Jamie's current focus is on helping you find the golden needles in the digital haystack. Join Warren, Lupe and Jamie as they consider how the right tech can help across your entire revenue function by maximising selling time, prioritising the highest-value targets, and leveraging or managing career moves within your TAM. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn, or at the Pipeline Signals website.

Find Lupe and Warren on LinkedIn. 

Help your sales team succeed by helping them become the best professional salespeople they can be. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Being CRO of a company scaling to $100m is no mean feat. This episode's guest has made a career of it. 

In this episode, Warren is joined by Zorian Rotenberg, Sales & GTM Advisor at Charlesbank Capital Partners, and the two seasoned revenue professionals dive deep into the anatomy of the Chief Revenue Officer role. They consider the key components you need to crack $100m, traits essential to being hired AND succeeding as a CRO, how and when to bring on a CRO, and a whole lot about getting leadership right. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Zorian and Warren on LinkedIn. 

Help your sales team succeed by helping them become the best professional salespeople they can be. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

The traditional revenue motion see the customer flow from marketing to sales to success, with their needs at each stage being specially handled by those best equipped to handle them. But how sure are you that they are all still the best fit for the need?

In this episode of the CRO Spotlight, Warren is joined by Nelson Gilliat, author of The Death of the SDR: And the Birth of Buyer Centric Revenue. Warren and Nelson explore what's broken with the status quo selling motion, how it originated, why it broke, and where you should start if you're ready to pivot your revenue model.

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Nelson on LinkedIn. You'll find his book The Death of the SDR: And the Birth of Buyer Centric Revenue on Amazon here.

You'll find Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn too. 

Help your sales team succeed by helping them become the best professional salespeople they can be. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

The positive impact of valued employees extends far beyond lower turnover. 

In this episode of the CRO Spotlight, Warren and Lupe are joined by Steve Travaglini, CRO at LinkSquares. In this episode, they dive the task of operationalising revenue, the beauty of the career journey, and why keeping your people in the forefront of your mind with every strategy decision is a major key to success. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Steve, Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn. 

Help your sales team succeed by helping them become the best professional salespeople they can be. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Careers today typically to spring from one platform to the next in quick succession. But when we leap are we missing opportunities to deliver truly extraordinary results?

In this episode of the CRO Spotlight, Warren and Lupe are joined by Monique Pintarelli, CRO at Teads. Reflect with her on what a 20 year/3 company career has taught her about consistently delivering results, how to be job-ready for your career next-step, and the importance of community (especially in roles with a close to 9:1 gender ratio). 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Monique, Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn. 

Help your team be job-ready by helping them become the best professional salespeople they can be. Find out more about the Create Pipeline course here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

In the growth-at-all-costs market today it can seem idealistic to want values at the forefront, but what if we can have both? 

In this episode of the CRO Spotlight, Warren and Lupe are joined by senior advisor and board member Susan Sobbott. Spending 18 years of her career at American Express, Susan has a deep understanding of both what is usual, and what is important, when it comes to businesses balancing values and revenue. 

Find out the question you should be asking at every job interview, how to shine values into a role even in an challenging environment, and the number one skill that will help you rise in your career. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Susan, Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn. 

If a self-generated pipeline is what's valued at your company, empower your team to do it with the Create Pipeline. Find out more here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

An expert in payments with over 30 years experience, President of Worldwide Payment Services Oscar Muñoz, has witnessed boundless change in how businesses pursue (and receive) their revenue. 

This episode is foundational listening for all CROs and anyone CRO-adjacent, as Oscar covers: COVID-triggered revenue shifts, the two CRO types, the art of building diverse teams, six steps to winning in any c-suite role, and the how and why of breaking down revenue silos. 

Join Warren and Lupe as they explore Oscar's diverse, sometimes surprising, experiences, interests and talents, and discover why he values happiness, both at work and at home, above all else. 

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Oscar, Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn. 

Equip your team to build the pipeline of their dreams with Create Pipeline from Sales IQ. Find out more here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

Join Warren and Lupe in welcoming their guest for this episode, Dave Norton. Currently CRO of Eltropy, Dave has played a role in the building four different unicorn companies in the tech space, as he followed his passion for growth. 

This episode covers a lot of gem-laden ground including: exactly what a CRO is (and is not), the value of professional stubbed-toe moments, how to find the right C-Suite hire, a failproof three-step for bedding down executive relationships, when the right time is to make those hires, and just what's so special about the Silicone Slopes of Utah.

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Dave, Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn. Dave's email is dave@eltropy.com

They can help your people rediscover their curiosity, see how here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30

The ideal career path for a Chief Revenue Officer is still hotly debated. But one thing is for sure: no matter who you put in the role, they need a very wide-angled lens. 

In this inaugural episode of the CRO Spotlight podcast Warren Zenna and Lupe Feld are joined by CEO and Co-Founder of Sales IQ Global, Luigi Prestinenzi. 

They explore the makings of the modern revenue model, including: 

✅ The tech and data revolution + its impact.

✅ Why curiosity is your most important soft skill.

✅ The argument against 'scale at all costs.'

✅ Which market segment has the most to gain, and why the time to jump is now. 

✅ Must-haves for driving results as a CRO.

✅ What's broken with the traditional compensation model.

🔗 LINKS

Connect with Luigi, Warren and Lupe on LinkedIn. 

They can help your people rediscover their curiosity, see how here.

This episode is brought to you by Growth Forum - sign up for 30-days free, use the code: GROW30