Hunters and Unicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, we sit down with Jennifer Ortegón, Enterprise Account Executive at Harness, to hear how she saved a major account on the verge of churn. With an RFP already in motion and a competitor lined up to replace them, everything was stacked against her. Jennifer had to dig deep, rebuild trust, and take a bold approach. From gathering data to relentless preparation, she and her team refused to back down, showing up day after day until they changed the game. This is a masterclass in resilience, strategic thinking, and leadership in high-stakes sales. 🏹 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 1:15 A crushing loss 4:16 The account no one wanted 8:03 The turning point 10:52 Winning back trust 12:46 The emotional moment 14:38 Lessons in resilience   💥 3 Biggest Lessons: 🔥 Data is power – Understanding real usage data gave Jennifer the leverage to turn the deal around. 🔥 Trust is earned through action – Showing up consistently and demonstrating commitment made all the difference. 🔥 Own the problem, own the solution – Jennifer refused to let go, took full ownership, and transformed a losing situation into a victory.   🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Koutis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro. If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode’s Links: Jennifer Ortegon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferortegon/ Harness Website: https://www.harness.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: 🌐 Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com 🐦 Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns 📸 Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns 📝 Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog   💬 Notable Quotes: "This will be different." – Brian Johnson "We just kept showing up every day until we won the deal." – Jennifer Ortegon #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, we sit down with Josh Bey, VP of West & APJ at Obsidian Security, as he shares the gripping story of how he turned a seemingly unwinnable deal into a game-changing success. Facing financial pressure & personal life challenges, Josh breaks down the emotional investment, strategic pivots, and relentless determination that ultimately secured a massive win. This episode dives deep into the importance of resilience, the power of champion-building, and the art of navigating high-stakes negotiations. 🏹 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 - Intro 02:19 - A Scrappy Patch & an Unproven Market 05:11 - The Deal No One Believed In 07:08 - The Pivotal Meeting 08:59 - The Missing ‘Why Now’ 10:32 - Finding the Real Champion 11:38 - Everyone Gave Up, But I Had No Choice 13:29 - The Biggest Lesson in Deal Making   💥 3 Biggest Lessons: 1️⃣ Emotional investment can blind you – A deal isn’t real until you align it with the customer’s true business drivers. Personal stakes don’t equal urgency for the buyer. 2️⃣ The "why now" follows the "why anything" – If your deal lacks a compelling reason for change, there is no urgency. Customers must see value beyond just your product. 3️⃣ The real champion is the one who benefits the most – Look beyond those who like your solution. The real decision-maker is the one who gains money, a promotion, or influence. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: 🔹 Connect with Josh Bey – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabey/ 🔹 Learn more about Obsidian Security – https://www.obsidiansecurity.com/ 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog   💬 Notable Quotes: 📢 "If you don’t have a strong enough ‘why anything,’ you’ll never get a ‘why now.’” – Josh Bay 📢 "Customers don’t care about your fiscal year or personal stakes. They care about their business needs." 📢 "Find the champion who has something to gain—more money, a promotion, or expanded control." #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, we sit down with John Behm, VP of Enterprise Sales at Harness, and a seasoned sales leader with a track record of building elite sales teams. John shares his journey from the early days in sales to leading high-performing teams, diving deep into the mindset, strategies, and lessons that drive success. Whether you're a sales professional or a leader looking to elevate your team's performance, this episode is packed with raw insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss. 🏹 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 02:10 John's First Role in Sales 05:45 Learning from Early Mistakes 09:20 The Key Traits of High-Performing Sales Leaders 12:35 How to Build and Scale an Elite Sales Team 15:50 Takeaways 💥 3 Biggest Lessons: 1️⃣ Success Starts with the Right People – John emphasizes that recruiting and developing the right talent is the foundation of any high-performing sales team. Skills can be taught, but mindset and drive are critical. 2️⃣ Leadership is About Empowerment – Effective sales leaders don’t just manage; they inspire, coach, and create an environment where their teams can thrive. John shares how he fosters a culture of accountability and excellence. 3️⃣ Adaptability is Key to Scaling – As organizations grow, sales strategies must evolve. John discusses how flexibility, data-driven decisions, and continuous learning are essential for long-term success. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro. If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: John Behm on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-behm-75935120/ Harness Website: https://www.harness.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog 💬 Notable Quotes: "Great sales teams aren’t built overnight; they’re built with intention, process, and the right people." "The best leaders don’t just push results; they develop people." "Sales success is about consistency—show up, do the work, and keep improving." #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, we sit down with Hillary Unis, an account executive at Harness with a wealth of experience navigating high-stakes deals and driving impactful results. Hillary shares her journey through the challenges of enterprise sales, her approach to building trust with clients, and how she stays resilient in the face of adversity. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for sales leaders and anyone looking to elevate their game. Hillary also discusses the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals, strategies for standing out in competitive markets, and how to lead with authenticity. Her passion for empowering others shines through in every story she shares. Whether you’re in sales, management, or simply interested in hearing a candid and inspiring journey, this episode has something for everyone.   🏹 Key Topics Covered 00:00 Intro 02:12 Breaking Barriers and Building Trust 05:30 Handling Setbacks with Resilience 08:40 Strategies for Standing Out in Competitive Markets 11:20 Aligning Values with Professional Goals 15:10 Leadership Lessons and Empowering Teams   💥 3 Biggest Lessons 1. Resilience Leads to Growth: Hillary highlights how setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow, emphasizing the value of persistence in sales. 2. Authenticity Builds Trust: Success comes from being genuine and aligning your values with your professional goals. 3. Leadership Is About Empowerment: Great leaders focus on uplifting their teams and fostering an environment where everyone thrives. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro. If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: Hillary Unis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-unis/ Harness Website: https://www.harness.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog   💬 Notable Quotes "Trust is the foundation of every successful deal. Without it, you have nothing." – Hillary Unis "The best leaders empower their teams to achieve greatness together." – Hillary Unis #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, we sit down with Rush Williams, Area VP at Impact.com, about his journey to secure a $15 million deal with Amazon from a mere $300k start. Rush discusses the initial six months of no progress, highlighting the frustration of dealing with a giant like Amazon. Rush shares his strategic shift, focusing on research, pinpointing the right Amazon unit, and refining his pitch. Despite setbacks, he made a bold move by renting a restaurant near Amazon's secretive office, which finally got him noticed by key players, including Gur Kimchi, leading to a critical meeting, and a $15 deal down the road. 🏹 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Rush’s Initial Struggles with Amazon 02:00 - Turning the Situation Around 03:36 - The Role of Belief in Success 06:14 - Getting Amazon’s Attention 07:36 - THAT Email from Bezos’ Lieutenant 10:50 - Securing 15 Minutes with Amazon 11:17 - The Most Important 15 Minutes of His Career 13:00 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 14:25 - Cultivating Long-Term Client Relationships   💥 3 Biggest Lessons: 1. Persistence Pays Off: Even after early setbacks, keep adapting your approach and pursuing opportunities. 2. Think Outside the Box: Use creative tactics (like hosting events) to catch the attention of major clients. 3. Understand the Client's Needs: Align your strategy with the long-term goals and evolving needs of your client to create lasting partnerships. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel!   🔗 Episode's Links: Rush Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rush-williams-64a5127a/ Impact.com Website: https://www.impact.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog 💬 Notable Quotes: “It’s not about the rejection; it’s about learning from it and staying committed.” “The biggest deals are made by understanding the client’s vision and being a part of their growth.” “Sometimes, you need to be creative and unconventional to break through the noise.” #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, Lori Lipscomb shares her incredible journey in sales at Codeium. From early struggles to breakthroughs, she reveals how a single cold call worth $50,000 became the turning point in her career. Lori discusses the challenges she faced along the way, the lessons she learned, and the mindset shift that helped her close the deal of a lifetime. In a field dominated by competition and high stakes, Lori’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and persistence. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of sales, from missing out on big deals to hitting that one major win. Lori also dives into the personal growth that comes from taking ownership of your success. Tune in to hear more about how Lori turned obstacles into opportunities and how you can apply these lessons to your own career. Whether you're in sales or another field, this episode offers valuable insights on overcoming setbacks and staying determined in the pursuit of success. 🏹 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Early Challenges in Sales 02:35 Missing the Big Deal: Turning Point 04:52 Mindset Shift: Owning Your Success 06:36 The $50K Cold Call 08:24 Building Resilience Through Results 💥 3 Biggest Lessons: Lesson 1: Embrace Setbacks as Stepping Stones: Lori’s journey shows that each setback, even the ones that seem like failures, can be an important learning experience. Rather than being discouraged, it’s about embracing those moments as growth opportunities that set you up for greater success. Lesson 2: Persistence Pays Off in Sales: Lori emphasizes that in sales, persistence is everything. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent effort, you will eventually break through. It’s the repeated actions that build momentum and create opportunities. Lesson 3: Mindset Shifts Unlock Greater Success: Lori’s story highlights how changing your perspective and taking ownership of your journey can radically transform your outcomes. By shifting from a reactive to a proactive mindset, you empower yourself to take charge of your career trajectory. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro. If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: Lori Lipscomb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-lipscomb/ Codeium's Website: https//www.codeium.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog 💬 Notable Quotes: “Every ‘no’ was just one step closer to the ‘yes’ that really mattered.” “The mindset shift was crucial — owning your own success rather than waiting for others to hand it to you.” #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, we sit down with Andreas Stange, a strategic account executive at Grafana, to uncover the story behind his first eight-figure deal and seven-figure paycheck. From immense personal stakes to relentless belief in his solution, Andreas shares how he transformed a potential failure into a life-changing success. Discover the strategies, mindset, and lessons that turned a €16,000 bank balance into a groundbreaking achievement for Andreas and his company. 🎓 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Managing Pressure and Preparation 04:19 From LinkedIn Message to Closing the Deal 06:12 Building Champions and Gaining Buy-In 08:21 Overcoming Roadblocks and Creating Opportunities 12:46 Worldwide Travelling to Close a Deal 16:04 The Big Win: Receiving the Life-Changing Call 🔑 Biggest Lessons from the Episode: 1. Mindset and Routine: Success starts with a disciplined routine and an unshakable belief in your ability to close the deal. 2. Relentless Preparation: Understand every detail about your stakeholders and tailor your approach to build trust and connection. 3. Collaborative Execution: Big wins require teamwork; orchestrate resources effectively to tackle large-scale deals. 4. Resilience Through Adversity: Turn setbacks into opportunities and maintain a long-term vision for success. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: Grafana: https://grafana.com Connect with Andreas Stanger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasprofile/ 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns 🔔 Notable Quotes: "Discipline and belief are the foundation for winning big." "If I don’t close this deal, no one will." "It takes a village to close transformational deals." #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of RAW STORIES LIVE, we sit down with Tim Moxness, VP of Sales at Tessell, to discuss how he turned career setbacks into monumental success. From facing rejection and disillusionment to achieving 302% of his sales quota, Tim’s story is a testament to perseverance, mindset shifts, and relentless focus. Discover the strategies that helped Tim overcome challenges, reframe his approach to sales, and close over $10M in deals in a single year. This episode is PACKED with actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their career and redefine success. Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Early Challenges in Sales 02:35 Missing the Big Deal: Turning Point 04:52 Mindset Shift: Owning Your Success 06:36 The Cold Call That Changed Everything 08:24 Building Resilience Through Results 🔑 Biggest Lessons from This Episode: 1. Own Your Success: Success isn’t handed to you. Embrace accountability and take control of your career trajectory. 2. Ask Tough Questions: Don’t shy away from testing champions and qualifying opportunities rigorously. 3. Resilience Wins: When setbacks arise, double down on effort and focus to bounce back stronger. 4. Trust the Process: Results may take time, but consistency and persistence always pay off. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: Tim Moxness on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/example Tesl website: http://tesl.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog 💬 Notable Quotes: "No one is going to waste my time." "Ask for the business stone cold—don’t assume the deal will close itself." "Turn disillusionment into drive and watch what happens." #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of "RAW STORIES LIVE," we sit down with Michelle Bove, AVP East at Wiz, to discuss her incredible journey in software sales. Michelle shares how she turned rejection into motivation, built relationships that transformed her career, and mastered the balance between the art and science of selling. Discover her innovative strategies for breaking into accounts, winning deals, and connecting with clients on a personal level. Michelle’s passion for her craft is a masterclass in grit, creativity, and perseverance. 🏹 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Starting with a Challenging Patch 03:29 Turning Rejection Into Motivation 07:18 Mastering the Art and Science of Sales 11:03 Building Relationships That Transform Careers 15:39 Grit, Determination, and Going the Extra Mile 🔑 Biggest Lessons from This Episode: 1. Rejection Fuels Growth: Embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Every rejection gets you closer to success. 2. Art + Science of Selling: A strong sales process is essential, but personal connection and creativity are what truly win deals. 3. Build Relationships Beyond Business: Treat clients like friends; understand their goals, motivations, and challenges to create lasting partnerships. 4. Go the Extra Mile: Stand out by doing what others won’t—whether it’s delivering sandwiches, baking cookies, or finding innovative ways to connect. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: Michelle Bove on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-bove-8b79a224/ Wiz website: http://wiz.io 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog 💬 Notable Quotes: "People ultimately buy from people." "A strong sales process is the foundation, but art is everything." "Go meet your clients, get to know them personally and professionally." #rawstorieslive #softwaresales #huntersandunicorns

In this episode of 'RAW STORIES LIVE' we sit down with David Habibian, VP of Channel and Alliances at Rubrik. David shares the story of his greatest career challenge—facing a seemingly insurmountable quota—and how his focus on temperament and ownership became the foundation for his leadership success. From massive wins to lessons learned through failure, David reveals the single most important trait for thriving in leadership, even in the midst of crisis and chaos. 🏹 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Overcoming Career Failure 02:16 The Most Important Trait in Leadership 06:54 Learning from Career Setbacks 10:35 Mobilizing Teams Around Common Goals 13:28 Staying Calm in Chaos 14:11 Lessons from “Ride of a Lifetime” ⚡️ Main Lessons: 1. Temperament Is Key in Leadership: Remaining calm, focused, and composed during times of chaos and crisis is a vital trait for effective leadership. It earns trust and inspires teams to follow your lead, even in difficult situations. 2. Ownership Drives Success: Taking full responsibility for outcomes—whether they’re wins or failures—demonstrates accountability and earns respect. Ownership creates a foundation for rallying teams around common goals. 3. Failure Is a Stepping Stone: Career setbacks can lead to significant growth. David’s biggest failure became the moment his leadership potential was recognized, proving that resilience and reflection turn obstacles into opportunities. 4. Mobilizing Teams Around a Shared Vision: Leadership isn’t about individual effort but aligning resources and inspiring collaboration across teams to achieve ambitious objectives. 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and post-produced by the team at videoforce.pro If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: David Habibian on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/example Rubrik website: http://rubrik.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/HuntersUn1corns Instagram: http://instagram.com/huntersandunicorns Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog 💬 Notable Quotes: "Leadership isn’t about the wins; it’s about who follows you in chaos." "Poise and ownership are the foundation of great leadership." "Stay calm, stay focused, and trust the process."

In this insightful episode of Hunters & Unicorns, Simon and Ollie sit down with Zahir Abdelouhab, SVP EMEA at Navan, to discuss first-line leadership—the toughest role in software sales. Zahir shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned to thrive as a first-line leader. This is his playbook. 🎓 Key Topics Covered: 00:00 Intro 01:25 Why First-Line Leadership Is the Hardest Role 03:49 Challenges in Transitioning to Leadership 06:01 From Super Sales to People-Centric Leadership 10:52 Embracing Failure 15:32 Developing a Unique Leadership Style 20:23 The Key to Building High-Performing Teams 25:55 Choosing the Right Company for Career Growth 27:45 Navigating Career Milestones and Staying Competitive 🙌 Thanks for listening! This episode was hosted by Simon Kouttis and Ollie Kuehne, founders of Hunters & Unicorns, and edited by our friends at VideoScale.pro. If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a like/share and subscribe to our channel! 🔗 Episode's Links: Zahir on LinkedIn:   / example   Navan website: http://navan.com 🦄 Connect with Hunters & Unicorns: Website: http://huntersandunicorns.com Twitter:   / huntersun1corns   Instagram:   / huntersandunicorns   Blog: http://huntersandunicorns.com/blog 🔔 Notable Quotes: "Leadership isn't about results; it's about developing people." "Slow down, focus on people, and the results will come naturally." "You don’t choose when you're ready—your performance speaks for itself."

In this engaging conversation, Varun Mohan, CEO and Co Founder of Codeium, shares his journey of building a unicorn AI company in just three and half years. He discusses the importance of having fun in business, the challenges of navigating the startup landscape, and the critical role of sales strategy and market fit. Varun emphasizes the future of AI and its impact on software development, as well as Codeium's vision to revolutionize the industry. He also highlights the significance of cultural principles, lean operations, and personal motivation in driving success.   Key Takeaways Having fun is essential in business. Codeium achieved unicorn status in three years. Intellectual honesty is vital for startups. A product must solve real pain for customers. ROI is crucial for AI products. Running lean is important for sustainability. It's more valuable to be adaptable than to be right. Personal motivation drives success in startups. Surrounding yourself with smarter people is key.  

In this conversation, Simon and Ollie interview Michael Musselman, the VP of Channel and Alliances at Astronomer. They discuss the evolving landscape of channel sales and partnerships, particularly in the context of cloud service providers like AWS, Google, and Azure. Michael shares his insights on building successful partnerships, the importance of understanding the partner's business, and the need for a give-and-take relationship. He also emphasizes the value of aligning with the market trends and leveraging the power of the cloud service providers. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of effective channel strategies in driving business growth. In this conversation, Michael Musselman discusses the importance of leveraging the channel and partner strategy to scale revenue for startups. He emphasizes the need to build relationships with cloud service providers and other strategic partners to generate qualified pipeline and close deals faster. Musselman introduces the concept of the 5 C's (Co-sell, Co-build, Co-market, Consumption, and Champions) as a framework for evaluating and developing successful partnerships. He also highlights the growing influence of cloud service providers in the software sales market and the need for companies to adapt to this trend. Key Takeaways: • Building successful partnerships requires understanding the partner's business and adding value to their operations. • The evolving market trends indicate that every business is becoming a technology or software business, and cloud service providers play a crucial role in this transformation. • Effective channel strategies involve aligning with market trends, leveraging the power of cloud service providers, and nurturing strong relationships with partners. • Balancing the give-and-take relationship in partnerships is essential, where adding value to the partner's business should come before asking for favors. • The channel sales role requires individuals with attributes like an entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity, and a growth mindset. Leveraging the channel and partner strategy can have a significant impact on the size and speed of deals. • Building relationships with cloud service providers and strategic partners is crucial for generating qualified pipeline and closing deals faster. • The 5 C's (Co-sell, Co-build, Co-market, Consumption, and Champions) provide a framework for evaluating and developing successful partnerships. • Cloud service providers are playing an increasingly influential role in the software sales market, and companies need to adapt to this trend.

Gardner Johnson discusses his experiences and challenges in building successful channel ecosystems. He shares his journey from direct sales to the channel and how he developed a playbook for repeatable and scalable channel success. Gardner emphasizes the importance of data and metrics in understanding partner performance and driving success. He also highlights the need for buy-in from the entire go-to-market organization and the value that a well-executed partner ecosystem can bring. The hiring criteria for partner managers are similar to those for account managers, focusing on intelligence, entrepreneurship, and a sense of urgency. In this conversation, Gardner and the hosts discuss the qualities and skills required for success in partner management roles. They highlight the importance of drive, coachability, and experience in building successful partnerships. They also explore the challenges of convincing AEs to transition into partner roles and the need to check ego and take a backseat in sales campaigns. The conversation delves into the critical role of champion building in partner management and the need to build champions both internally and externally. They also discuss the evolving role of the channel in the changing buyer landscape and the emergence of marketplaces. Gardner shares his insights on why the channel is becoming more important and the potential for a channel-first approach. The conversation concludes with Gardner discussing his new role at Codeium and the exciting opportunities in leveraging AI and large language models to solve specific business problems. Key Takeaways • Building a successful channel ecosystem requires buy-in from the entire go-to-market organization. • Data and metrics are crucial in understanding partner performance and driving success. • A well-executed partner ecosystem can bring significant value to an organization. • The hiring criteria for partner managers are similar to those for account managers, focusing on intelligence, entrepreneurship, and a sense of urgency. Drive, coachability, and experience are key qualities for success in partner management roles. • Convincing AEs to transition into partner roles can be a challenge, as it requires checking ego and taking a backseat in sales campaigns. • Champion building is crucial in partner management, both internally and externally. • Enablement plays a critical role in building successful partner ecosystems. • The channel is becoming more important due to the emergence of marketplaces and changing buyer behaviors. • AI and large language models offer opportunities to solve specific business problems and drive meaningful business value.

Ghazal Asif Fahadi, VP of Channels, Alliances, and Inside Sales at Rubrik, shares her expertise on the importance of channel partnerships in software sales. She highlights two primary reasons why companies often get the channel playbook wrong: inadequate measurement of channel impact and working with too many partners. Ghazal emphasizes that companies often fail to track the incremental contribution of the channel to the business, leading to mistrust and self-sourcing of deals. To address this, she recommends measuring the deals that are sourced by partners and approved by reps to ensure accurate tracking. This approach will enable companies to understand the channel's true impact and make data-driven decisions. Ghazal advises companies to highly qualify their partners, commit to a few strategic partners, and invest in them instead of trying to work with a large number of partners. This strategic approach will allow companies to build stronger relationships, improve focus, and increase accountability. Ghazal attributes the failure of the conventional channel playbook to the lack of understanding of the channel's true impact, particularly among software companies. She notes that many large technology companies that have grown up in the hardware industry may not fully comprehend the importance of measuring channel contributions. This gap in understanding can lead to misguided strategies and ineffective channel partnerships. Ghazal shares a personal anecdote about a turning point at AppDynamics, where they realized the need to establish leading indicators for their channel partners. These leading indicators would help track progress, ensure accountability, and provide a more sales-organization-like approach to the channel. Rubrik has implemented a set of leading indicators to measure the performance of their channel partners, including: * Deal registration: The number of deal registrations submitted by partners * Deal registration conversion: The conversion rate of deal registrations into opportunities * Opportunity conversion: The conversion rate of opportunities into closed deals * Save the Data: A group of people who learn about the chaos caused by cyber attacks and attend events that generate pipeline * Account mapping: Research and identification of high-potential accounts * Propensity to buy: Researching and identifying accounts with a higher likelihood of purchasing the company's technology

The Importance of Channel Sales and Leveraging Partnerships Tom Henderson, VP of Worldwide Channel at Wiz, delves into the world of channel sales and provides valuable insights on how to implement a successful channel go-to-market strategy. As someone who has spent years working in the channel sales ecosystem, Tom shares his personal experiences and expertise, highlighting the misconceptions and strategies that companies often overlook. According to Tom, many playbook companies struggle to effectively leverage the channel due to a lack of understanding of how to build a channel sales motion. He attributes this to a focus on direct sales and neglecting the importance of building relationships with partners. Tom emphasizes the need for a channel-forward approach, where companies prioritize building trust and relationships with partners to generate revenue. Tom highlights the numerous benefits of leveraging the channel, including reduced rep ramp time, bigger deal sizes, and faster deal cycles. He also mentions the importance of pipeline generation and marrying it with channel sales. Tom suggests that companies should focus on understanding what their partners do well and building champions, as this is key to successful deal-making. The podcast stresses the importance of building trust and relationships with partners to generate revenue. Tom emphasizes the need for executives to provide sponsorship and support, as well as for companies to spend time with partners and build trust. This trust is essential for partners to generate revenue and for companies to achieve their goals. Tom emphasizes the importance of executive sponsorship and building champions at the executive level to help reps become more productive. He suggests that having a business partner mindset is essential for success, and that companies like Pure Storage have demonstrated this by making their channel person a business partner of the second-line manager. The podcast also discusses the importance of having a playbook and structure to make the most of the channel's potential. Tom has developed a playbook that has evolved through his different jobs and companies, and emphasizes the importance of getting reps productive and having good RD enablement. Tom speaks about building a team with a mix of experienced sales reps and people who have run their own companies. He emphasizes the importance of molding each person's growth and development, and suggests that it's not necessary to hire people with 10,000 hours of experience, but rather those who are curious and have good DNA. Tom's playbook is quite prescribed, but he emphasizes that it can be adjusted to fit the channel by moving a few parts. He suggests that having a business partner mindset and a clear structure is essential for success in the channel.

Summary of Arturo Marin's Transformation Journey: From Salesperson to Successful Leader Early Career Challenges Arturo Marin, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of cast.ai, shares his remarkable transformation journey from being a talented salesperson to a successful leader. In the early stages of his career, Marin reflects on his time at SAP, where he was initially successful due to his "take-charge" personality. However, his inability to accept feedback and criticism from others led to a significant issue - his entire team quit. This critical moment forced Marin to realize the importance of adaptability and humility in leadership. Mentorship and Growth Marin's awakening was a turning point in his career. He met his first mentor, Bob Ranaldi, at PTC, who taught him the value of selling by emphasizing the importance of process, prioritizing transparency, and adapting to new challenges. Marin was initially hesitant to learn from Ranaldi but eventually developed the skills to lead and retain top talent, resulting in increased revenue. Marin's growth continued under the guidance of another mentor, Helio Samora, who instilled in him the responsibility that comes with leadership. Samora encouraged Marin to take on leadership roles, which ultimately led to his appointment as the director of Latin America. Leadership Roles and Success Marin's success in Latin America caught the attention of Jason Eubanks, who approached him to lead the Latin America team for Meraki, a Cisco acquisition. Despite initial hesitation, Marin took on the challenge and led the team to success. Throughout his journey, Marin credits his mentors for providing valuable guidance and support, which helped him evolve into a high-potential CRO. His mentors, including Helio and Bob, taught him the importance of following a process, prioritizing transparency, and adapting to new challenges. Key Takeaways and Insights Marin's story highlights several critical factors that contributed to his success in sales and leadership: 1. Mentorship: Marin emphasizes the importance of choosing leaders and mentors who can guide and mentor young salespeople, providing valuable advice and feedback. 2. Continuous Learning: Marin believes that being open to learning from others, asking for help, and surrounding themselves with people who are better than them have been critical to their success. 3. Adaptability: Marin's ability to adapt to new challenges and learn from his mistakes has been instrumental in his growth as a leader. 4. Diversity: Marin's experience with diverse mentors and leadership styles has taught him the value of embracing different approaches, which has greatly benefited his development as a leader. In conclusion, Arturo Marin's transformation journey from a talented salesperson to a successful leader serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, diversity, and continuous learning. His story provides valuable insights for those looking to build a successful career in sales and leadership.

**Finding Product-Market Fit and Building a Successful Company** Laurent Gil, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of cast.ai, shares his insights on finding product-market fit and how it drives organizational success. Discover how elite sales, combined with product-market fit, create a successful company. **Journey as an Entrepreneur** Laurent recounts his entrepreneurial journey, from his 2005 startup using facial recognition technology acquired by Google to founding a cybersecurity company leveraging GPUs for machine learning. Learn how he overcame skepticism and demonstrated the potential of facial recognition, paving the way for digital sharing and social media. **From Idea to Success** Laurent emphasizes that commercial viability comes from solving real problems, not just building cool products. He underscores the importance of understanding issues and developing effective solutions. **Cast AI: Optimizing Cloud Costs** Laurent's company, Cast AI, tackles the problem of cloud over-provisioning, where 87% of machine utilization is wasted. Cast AI's engine dynamically adjusts resources in real-time to optimize costs, especially for applications with variable user traffic. **Key Insights** - Over-provisioning wastes 87% of machine utilization. - Cast AI dynamically adjusts cloud resources to optimize costs. - Beneficial for applications with variable user traffic. **Case Study: Bank Client** Learn how a bank client used Cast AI to scale compute resources based on user activity, minimizing waste and reducing costs during off-peak hours. **Challenges in Selecting Machine Types** Laurent discusses the difficulty of choosing the right machine type from numerous options. Cast AI automates this process, selecting the most efficient machine based on real-time usage and cloud provider availability. **Traction and Scalability** Discover how Cast AI developed its technology with a California client, optimized their compute resources, and gained traction with other clients, becoming a scalable solution for cloud optimization. **Actionable Insights** - Understand and solve real problems. - Optimize cloud costs to reduce waste. - Utilize technology like Cast AI for real-time resource adjustment. Laurent's experiences offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and tech professionals on finding product-market fit and building successful companies.

The Journey of a Founding Entrepreneur: Leveraging Experience and Data to Build a Successful E-commerce Solution Background and Motivation Eli Finkelshteyn, CEO and founder of Constructor, has a background in computational linguistics and data science, which led him to work in search technology. His experience in search algorithms and his observation of e-commerce companies re-reinventing the wheel sparked the idea to build a specialized search solution for e-commerce. The Founding Journey Finkelshteyn saved for years and gained industry understanding before starting his company. He spent three months building the product before starting testing in different environments. The early stages of the business were a rollercoaster, but he remained driven to prove the value of his solution. Product-Market Fit and ROI The company's goal is to provide a search technology that ecommerce businesses can use to improve their customer experience and increase revenue. Finkelshteyn emphasizes the importance of finding product-market fit, creating a compelling event that customers need, and mapping that to a clear return on investment. Case Study: Solving a Problem for a Client The company's co-founder shares the story of how they founded their company by solving a problem for a client. The company started by solving a problem for an e-commerce company, focusing on metrics that the business cared about, such as revenue, conversions, and profit. The product improved the search functionality for the client, leading to a 2% increase in conversions and a significant return on investment. Overcoming Sales Challenges Eli emphasizes how the focus was on building a product that solved a problem which in turn enabled them to rely on the data to speak for itself. They would convince a customer to try their product and demonstrate the value of their product by showcasing the results in the customer's own data. Revenue Growth and Partnerships The company has seen significant growth, with data showing that they are generating an additional $10-20 million in revenue due to their product. The speaker notes that they are working with big companies and that even a small percentage lift in revenue can result in significant gains. The company has also partnered with Bernd Mahrlein, a respected expert in the field, to improve their marketing and sales approach. Unique Sales Process The company's sales process is focused on providing proof to customers within their own data before they pay. They use a unique process that involves installing two lines of JavaScript on a customer's website to collect anonymized clickstream data. This data is then used to identify areas where the customer's product discovery is falling down and where customers are not finding what they are looking for. Actionable Insights 1. Focus on data-driven decision making: Rely on your product's capabilities to speak for themselves, rather than relying solely on sales and marketing efforts. 2. Focus on solving a specific problem: Identify a specific problem that your product solves and tailor your marketing and sales efforts to that specific need. 3. Collaborate with industry experts: Partner with respected experts in your field to improve your marketing and sales approach. 4. Focus on ROI: Emphasize the clear return on investment that your product provides to customers. By following these actionable insights, entrepreneurs can learn from Eli Finkelshteyn's journey and gain valuable insights into building a successful e-commerce solution.

Unleashing Leadership Potential: Insights from Mike Earnest, VP of Worldwide Sales at Wiz As the VP of Worldwide Sales at Wiz, Mike Earnest has achieved unparalleled success, rising from a sales representative to a leadership role in just 4-5 years. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a profound understanding of what drives sales. In this article, we'll delve into Mike's insights on leadership, sales, and management, exploring the essential principles that have fueled his success. Understanding Customer Pain Points: The Key to Unlocking Success Mike's approach to sales is centered around understanding customer pain points. Rather than focusing on features and functionalities, he emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying issues that impact a company's bottom line. This empathetic approach has allowed him to build strong relationships with clients and drive meaningful sales. Building a High-Performing Sales Team: The Earnest Formula Mike's leadership philosophy is built around the concept of "inspect and improve." He emphasizes the importance of setting high standards and continually evaluating and refining processes to achieve excellence. He also believes that leaders must "earn the right" to inspect by aligning their goals with the organization's objectives. The Art of Coaching Conversations: Empowering Team Members Effective coaching conversations are critical to Mike's leadership approach. He encourages leaders to focus on progress, solutions, and improvement rather than criticism or blame. By doing so, leaders can empower team members to take ownership and drive results. The Power of Accountability: Setting and Tracking Goals Mike stresses the importance of setting goals and holding team members accountable for achieving them. By working together to establish clear objectives, leaders can ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goal. People Matter: The Importance of Human Relationships In an era of automation and technology, Mike believes that human relationships remain essential. Leaders should prioritize communication, empathy, and understanding to foster a culture of collaboration and trust. Leadership by Example: Setting a High Standard Mike emphasizes the importance of leadership by example. Effective leaders set a high standard and inspire others to do the same. By modeling the behaviors and values they wish to see in their team members, leaders can cultivate a culture of excellence. The Role of Data: Informing Decisions and Driving Success In a large organization, data and metrics play a crucial role in decision-making. Mike advocates for using data to inform decisions, continually evaluating progress, and making adjustments as needed. A Personal Approach to Leadership Mike believes that leaders should rely on real-time feedback and collaboration to drive success. By fostering open communication and empowering team members, leaders can create an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and growth. In conclusion, Mike Earnest's leadership philosophy is built upon a foundation of empathy, understanding, and empowerment. By focusing on customer pain points, building a high-performing sales team, and leveraging data to inform decisions, he has achieved remarkable success. As leaders, we can learn valuable lessons from his approach, applying these principles to drive our own leadership journeys.