Partnership Mastermind Podcast

In this episode of Partnership Mastermind, Chris Lavoie speaks with Kyle Schroeder, Global VP of Partnerships at Movable Ink, about building partnerships that drive measurable revenue and long-term internal trust. Kyle walks through the evolution of Movable Ink’s partner operating model, the importance of aligning incentives with Sales, and the signals that indicate when it’s time to pivot your GTM approach.The conversation explores attribution (source vs. influence), executive-level reporting discipline, and the mechanics of building a partner-first culture that is real, not just rhetoric. Kyle also shares leadership lessons on balancing empathy with accountability and offers a pragmatic view on how AI will enhance partnership execution without replacing the human relationships at its core.Kyle Schroeder https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmschroeder/ Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/ Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of Partnership Mastermind, host Chris Lavoie sits down with Dan Caldwell, Technology Partnerships leader at Klaviyo, to unpack what it truly takes to scale tech partnerships inside a major platform ecosystem. Dan shares hard-earned lessons from building a partner function that grew from early-stage motion to a reputable global engine — including partner prioritization, enablement strategy, and how to avoid the common traps that destroy internal credibility.They explore why customer intros rarely scale, what standout partners do in their first 90 days, and how AI is reshaping enablement and referral discovery through smarter signal detection (without sacrificing trust with CS and Sales). This episode is a tactical blueprint for partnership leaders focused on scalable, outcome-driven growth.Dan Caldwell--------------- Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/ Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

Join Partnership Mastermind for this exclusive, candid conversation with Bryn Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of PartnerStack, the world's largest B2B partner ecosystem platform.In this exclusive episode of Partnership Mastermind, Bryn Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of PartnerStack, breaks down what’s really driving the next era of B2B SaaS growth. As one of the original pioneers of the partner led movement (founding PartnerStack out of Y Combinator in 2015), Bryn shares a rare CEO-level perspective on Go-to-Market strategy, AI, and why partnerships are emerging as the most efficient growth engine in the modern GTM stack.Listeners will hear why traditional playbooks are no longer enough, how LLM ranking is becoming the new SEO, and what partnership leaders must do to earn executive trust, budget, and longterm career leverage. From the evolution of PRMs into AI powered “systems of action” to the reality of multi-partner attribution in today’s messy buyer journey, this episode delivers a clear blueprint for anyone serious about building, or scaling a partner-led business.Press play to learn directly from a CEO who has spent over a decade building the infrastructure behind the global partner economy.Bryn JonesLearn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/

Billy McLennan, Director of Partnerships at Attentive and the first partnerships hire at Gorgias, joins Partnership Mastermind to share what it really takes to build and scale an agency partner ecosystem with revenue accountability. He unpacks the early Gorgias playbook (events + partner marketing as the scalable value lever), explains why “go deep with a few” is often a lazy default, and outlines how deal size, ICP, and partner economics determine whether volume or depth is the right strategy.The episode also covers partnership KPIs (including a contrarian take on influence revenue), the operational foundations needed for high-volume partner programs (CRM/PRM, tiering, automation, commissions), and the leadership habits that make transparency, performance management, and promotion conversations more effective.Billy McClennan ---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind Connect with Chris Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

Most B2B SaaS partner programs don’t fail because partnerships “don’t work.” They fail because the IPP is fuzzy, the onboarding is soft, and the forecast is fantasy. In this episode of Partnership Mastermind, I sit down with Cory Snyder, Head of Sales & Partnerships at Outbound Funnel, 2x exit leader, former partnerships builder at Sendoso and Teamwork.com, CSA board alum, and PartnerStack Partnership Leader of the Year (2022), to break down what sales-led partnerships really look like when you’re building for pipeline, not applause. Cory walks through how he pressure-tests partner motions, why partner interest is the fastest early pipeline signal, and how to engineer time to value before a partner is even fully recruited. We also get tactical about the stuff most teams avoid: longer partner applications, discovery questions that surface real demand, and how to build partner programs that become predictable enough to earn trust with CROs and CFOs. Cory SnyderLearn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/ Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of the Partnership Mastermind podcast, I sit down with Marco De Paulis, Senior Director of Partnerships at Loop Returns, someone I’ve respected for years as the "Pipeline King." Marco is the definition of anti-fluff, and in this conversation, we strip away the vanity metrics to talk about what actually drives revenue and retention. We dive deep into the specific mechanics of Partner Influence, a topic that often gets fuzzy in our industry. Marco opens up his playbook to share his three-part influence framework, Endorsement, Active, and Verbal, and explains exactly how he gets Sales, RevOps, and Finance to trust the data by demanding "receipts" and proof. We also unpack the hard lessons he learned about scaling too fast, his "Sandwich Approach" to winning internal buy-in from both AEs and Executives, and why he believes that deep human connection is the one thing we should never automate. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with the practical, honest advice you need to elevate your game. Marco De Paulis --------------- Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/ Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

What does it really take to build a world-class SaaS partner program from scratch? In this episode of Partnership Mastermind, I sit down with Jennifer Rima, Director of Partnerships at Apollo.io, to unpack how she built Apollo’s entire partner ecosystem—starting as a literal team of one and scaling it into one of the most respected partner engines in SaaS today.We dive deep into the real work behind partnerships: from scrappy LinkedIn outreach and early mistakes, to designing affiliate, agency, tech, and startup ecosystem programs that actually drive revenue. Jennifer shares how Apollo turned partnerships into a serious growth lever at $150M+ in ARR, why process beats brute force, and how automation, discipline, and internal education helped partnerships earn credibility across sales, product, and leadership.If you’re a partner manager, partnerships leader, or founder trying to scale partnerships the right way, this episode is packed with hard-won insights on prioritization, co-selling, agency partnerships, internal alignment, and playing the long game.Jennifer Rhimahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferrhima/---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of Partnership Mastermind, host Chris Lavoie sits down with Scott Brinker, creator of the MarTech Landscape and one of the most influential voices in platform strategy. Together, they explore the mechanics of moving from product to platform, the power of long-tail partners, and the organizational rewiring required to build a truly customer-centric ecosystem.Brinker also shares his perspective on how AI will reshape partner dynamics, developer experience, and the next decade of platform growth. A must-listen for ecosystem leaders, partner operators, and SaaS execs navigating platform maturity.Scott Brinker ---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of Partnership Mastermind, host Chris Lavoie sits down with Bryan Williams, founder of Hockey Stick Advisory and former ecosystem leader at Vend and Xero, for a masterclass on B2B SaaS partnerships and partner ecosystem strategy.Bryan shares how he went from building referral engines in UK gyms to running one of the most respected partnership advisory firms in APAC. He and Chris unpack the most expensive myths in partnerships (including “just recruit more partners”), the shift from partner acquisition to partner productivity, and the five-pillar framework Bryan uses to help 60+ companies build predictable, partner-led revenue. They also dig into leadership alignment with the CEO and CRO, redefining KPIs for sales and success, and how to operationalize partnerships so they’re embedded across the entire go-to-market motion.Bryan Williams---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

What does it really take to build a top-performing ERP partner motion inside a modern SaaS company? In this episode, I sit down with Colleen Shea, the force behind Commerce’s technology partnerships and one of the sharpest, most process-driven operators in the ERP channel. We go deep on her journey, from fashion & PR to Oracle sales to becoming a powerhouse in partnerships, and how she built Commerce’s ERP channel from the ground up.Colleen breaks down why storytelling is an underrated superpower, how to win over cross-functional teams, and why “slow is smooth and smooth is fast” when building long-term, high-impact partner ecosystems. Her insights on discipline, time-blocking, partner selection, and the long-game of alliances are some of the most tactical we’ve ever shared on the show.If you’re building a partner program, scaling a channel team, or trying to become a top 1% partner leader, you’re going to want to take notes.Colleen Shea---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

What does it actually look like to build a partner ecosystem that helps take a company from $60M to $700M+ and into IPO territory, and then turn that playbook into C-suite leadership? In today’s episode of the Partnership Mastermind Podcast, I sit down with Rich Gardner, former SVP of Global Strategic Partnerships at Klaviyo and now President at Pavilion, the global GTM community serving 10,000+ operators navigating short tenures, AI disruption, and a world with no predictable playbook.Rich has been a lawyer, VP of Sales, ecosystem builder, and now president, which means he knows how to navigate uncertainty, rally cross-functional teams, and bet on what really moves the needle.We cover:-The Shopify deal: why a painful rev-share increase became Klaviyo’s biggest ecosystem unlock-Why partnership leaders MUST know their P&L and unit economics cold-The underrated power of partner enablement as an early, high-ROI hire-How Pavilion is helping GTM leaders navigate short tenures, AI disruption, and a 2026 no-playbook.Rich Gardner ---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

Chris sits down with Noah Rahimzadeh (Head of Partnerships, Digioh) to discuss how to build and scale partner programs with limited resources while keeping relationships and revenue metrics front and center. They break down co-marketing playbooks, why every case study should include a partner, and how starting with tech integrations before agency relationships helps define your go-to-market ecosystem. Noah also shares his perspective on zero-party data, operating in a bootstrapped environment, and keeping the customer at the center of every decision.He walks through his first-90-days framework, how to earn internal buy-in, what metrics matter to CROs (pipeline, win rate, sales cycle), and why long-term relationship building always pays off. A must-listen episode for partnership leaders in B2B and e-commerce.Noah Rahimzadeh Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of The Partnership Mastermind, I sit down with Nelson Wang, a proven leader behind the partner ecosystems at Cisco, Box, Miro, and Airtable, and the author of the acclaimed “Partner Principles” newsletter. Nelson shares the frameworks and mindset shifts that power world-class partnerships and customer-obsessed teams.We unpack what truly drives growth in B2B partnerships: why starting with the customer solves 90% of partnership challenges, how focus becomes a superpower, and why playbooks can be a trap when scaling to new environments. Nelson also reveals a game-changing AI workflow that slashes partner proposal creation time from a week to just one hour, using Gamma.If you lead partnerships, alliances, or partner marketing, this is a masterclass on customer-centric growth, scaling systems, and building flywheels that create long-term value.Nelson Wang---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of the Partnership Mastermind the Podcast, we sit down with Karolina Kondrat, Director of Partnerships at Domaine, one of the leading Shopify agencies in the ecosystem. Karolina’s story is one of evolution, from sales to partnerships, and she’s mastered the art of scaling impact through strategic collaboration.We dive deep into how Domaine built and sustained its leadership in the Shopify world. Karolina shares why more partners don’t always mean more success, how to operationalize internal referrals, and what it takes to make enablement a true revenue engine. Her framework for monetizing agency partnerships, qualifying the right partners, and securing CRO backing for partnership metrics is a must-hear.If you’re building or leading a partner program and want to turn strategy into measurable impact, this conversation will change how you think about partnership prioritization and performance.Karolina Kondrat---------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this insightful episode of The Partnership Mastermind Podcast, host Chris Lavoie sits down with Lauryn Spence, VP of Agency Partnerships at Commerce, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a world-class partner ecosystem in today’s B2B landscape.Lauryn shares her inspiring journey from SDR to executive leadership, offering hard-earned lessons for anyone looking to grow their career in partnerships, alliances, or channel strategy. She introduces her powerful “Partnership Pie” framework — a model for driving predictable revenue through partnerships, dividing impact between direct introductions, partner-sourced opportunities, and jointly-created demand.Throughout the conversation, Chris and Lauryn explore how to prioritize and segment partners based on revenue potential, client retention, and co-marketing opportunities. They discuss practical ways to incentivize internal sales and customer success teams to collaborate more effectively, and the importance of aligning go-to-market strategies from the start. This episode is a masterclass in partnership management, leadership, and ecosystem strategy. Whether you’re leading a partner program or starting out in the field, you’ll come away with actionable insights on how to measure success, strengthen collaboration, and create sustainable partner-driven growth.Lauryn Spence ------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of the Partners of Mastermind podcast, host Chris Lavoie speaks with Jay McBain, chief analyst at Omdia and a leading voice in tech partnerships. Jay shares his journey from IBM to industry thought leader, offering sharp insights into the future of ecosystems, the power of key influencers, and how AI is reshaping everything from enterprise data to talent development. Whether you're in the partnership space or just curious about where tech is headed, this conversation is packed with clarity, foresight, and actionable ideas.Jay McBain------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this episode of The Partnership Mastermind Podcast, host Chris Lavoie sits down with Dave Rogers, an accomplished B2B SaaS partnership leader, to reveal what it really takes to build and scale high-impact partner ecosystems.From account mapping and co-selling frameworks to scalable playbooks and cross-functional alignment, Dave shares the systems and strategies that turn partnerships into revenue. Learn how his background in nonprofit leadership shaped his unique approach, rooted in curiosity, trust, and authentic relationship building and how those same principles can transform your own partner motion. In this episode, you’ll learn:-How to use Crossbeam and data insights for precise account targeting-Proven ways to scale co-sell programs without burning out your team-Why documenting impact builds executive trust and alignment.-How to apply the Situational Leadership Model to mature partnerships-Real-world tactics for better stakeholder communication and collaborationPlus: Dave unveils his new Partnership Mastermind Bootcamp, designed to help partner leaders build repeatable, revenue-driving co-sell systems.If you’re a partner manager, ecosystem operator, or SaaS founder, this episode gives you the frameworks to go from managing partners to mastering partnerships. Watch now to learn how to scale smarter, co-sell effectively, and elevate your B2B SaaS partnership strategy.Dave Rogers------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

Michael Haswell joins the Partnership Mastermind Podcast to share how he’s scaled partner ecosystems from zero to a billion in revenue. From brokering game changing deals at Google to leading global partnerships at Auctane, Michael reveals how to earn executive trust, avoid common partner pitfalls, and drive meaningful results. He also shares why curiosity, operational rigor, and storytelling are the traits every partner pro needs and how his new Mastermind course helps rising leaders break into the executive ranks. A must listen for partner managers ready to level up.Michael Haswell ------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

The Partnership Mastermind podcast delivers a powerhouse episode featuring Andrey Lipattsev, a pioneer in Google's ecosystem engineering efforts. Host Chris Lavoie guides listeners through Andrey's journey from search quality to global partnerships, uncovering the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to alliance building. Andrey shares candid reflections on his biggest lessons, including the critical importance of focusing on partner value and cultivating diversity in ecosystems. The conversation offers a masterclass in leading through influence in complex organizations, with Andrey providing tactical advice on building credibility and securing buy-in for partnership initiatives. Listeners will gain deep insights into "ecosystem engineering" framework, learning how to apply principles of sustainable self-interest and long-term thinking to create more resilient, value-generating alliances. Whether you're navigating partnerships at a tech giant or a startup, this episode offers invaluable strategies for leveling up your ecosystem game. Tune in now to learn from one of the sharpest minds in enterprise partnerships and transform your approach to alliance building.Andrey Lipattsev------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.

In this insightful episode of the Partnership Mastermind podcast, host Chris Lavoie sits down with Tyler Calder, CMO of PartnerStack, to unpack the secrets behind building a successful partner program and driving growth through strategic marketing. With over 5 years at the helm of PartnerStack's marketing efforts, Tyler shares candid stories of both triumphs and challenges in scaling the company's go-to-market strategy.Listeners will gain valuable insights into Tyler's innovative "affiliate to flywheel" playbook, which leverages influencers and creators to build demand before routing leads to the right sales channels. Tyler also dives deep into the critical importance of nailing your ideal customer profile (ICP) and aligning your entire organization around it. He reveals how PartnerStack overcame early churn issues by rigorously defining its ICP and restructuring its go-to-market approach accordingly.Tyler Calder ------------------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about Partnership Mastermind https://partnershipmastermind.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lavoie-phd-aaaa4111b/Chris Lavoie is a leading voice in B2B SaaS partnerships, known for building programs that deliver real, measurable results. As the founder of Partnership Mastermind, he equips professionals with actionable tools, training, and mentorship. After building multiple partnership programs, he launched Partnership Mastermind.