In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on what it means to lead like a Talent Superhero and how prioritizing people fuels consistent performance. Joining Matt is Allison Delagrange, a 2X Talent Superhero and Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy. Allison shares incredible insights, including: How to be a collaborative leader, not a condescending one (Hint, hint: Instead of criticizing weaknesses, empower through strengths) How it pays to communicate wit...
In this episode, we’re uncovering what high-performing sales organizations do in the first 90 days to turn new hires into confident, capable contributors. Matt is joined by Alina McComas, VP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy, who expands on the strategies she outlined in her article for the 2025 Talent Magazine. Alina shares what new hires really need to succeed and what leaders can do to support them from day one. Alina offers practical, actionable advice, including:&n...
In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at how executive coaching helps leaders evolve so their teams can truly thrive. And joining Matt is Donna Hall, SVP/General Manager at Robertson Lowstuter, whose piece in the 2025 Talent Magazine explores how executive coaching creates a ripple effect across teams and culture. Whether you’re new to leadership or deep into your career, this conversation will help you rethink what great executive development looks like. Donna shares such r...
In this episode, we’re talking about what really causes sales performance to decline and what leaders can do to help their reps bounce back with clarity and confidence. Stephanie Downs, SVP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy, joins Matt to help break it all down. She expands on key ideas from her article in the 2025 Talent Magazine, where she shares a framework for diagnosing underperformance and reigniting momentum through strength-based leadership. Stephanie deli...
In this episode, we’re exploring what smart sales leaders do before their top performers resign. And joining Matt is Beth Sunshine, SVP/Talent Services at The Center for Sales Strategy. Her contribution to the 2025 Talent Magazine highlights the importance of being ready long before turnover happens. And, here, she shares actionable ways to build that readiness into your talent strategy. Beth brings so much wisdom to the table, including: Why it’s essential to protect ...
In this episode, we’re diving into how identifying and leveraging innate talent (rather than just experience) can help leaders build stronger, higher-performing sales teams. And helping Matt unpack it all is Trey Morris, VP/Senior Consultant/Director of Training Innovation at The Center for Sales Strategy. Trey’s article in the 2025 Talent Magazine explores how smart hiring decisions can transform team performance, and, here, he brings those insights to life with practical strategies an...
In this Quick Take episode, we’re taking a few minutes to think about the day in the life of a salesperson before and after having AI tools at our fingertips. By the end of this short episode, you’ll have a solid bird’s-eye-view of how significantly AI has altered the daily routines and approaches of salespeople, making their strategies more efficient and effective. LINKS: Matt Sunshine Sales Accelerator AI Practice Coach AI The Center for Sales Strategy
In this episode, we’re discussing the key differences between “closed” and “open” AI tools. We’ll also break down how Sales Accelerator AI, CSS’ own closed AI system, is designed to address the unique challenges salespeople regularly face. And helping Matt explore it all is Stephanie Downs, SVP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy. Stephanie offers so many awesome things to think about, like: How closed AI tools can offer more tailored responses by working sol...
In this episode, we’re discussing the benefits of having an AI Task Force at your company and how such a brain trust can be an invaluable resource to ensure that your organization stays ahead of the curve. Joining Matt to explore it all is Brent Tripp, Digital Marketing Coordinator & Podcast Producer here at CSS. Brent offers some solid points to think about, like: Why it’s essential for everyone at your organization to have a firm grasp on how AI tools function and wha...
In this episode, we’re taking a look at how AI is supercharging CRMs and, specifically, exploring how HubSpot is transforming the way businesses manage customer relationships, sales processes, and marketing campaigns. Helping me break it all down are Maryanne McWhirter and Emily Hartzell, both VP/Senior Directors at LeadG2. Maryanne and Emily offer so many awesome points to think about, like: How HubSpot is NOT just a CRM, but a robust marketing tool that allows you to see ...
Previously this season, we explored how AI is transforming the world of sales coaching. Today, in this episode, we’re diving a bit deeper into that topic by chatting with two incredible guests from the AI coaching platform, Yoodli. Varun Puri, Co-Founder of Yoodli, and Ajay Jain, Head of Training and Enablement at Yoodli are here to break down exactly how their platform is revolutionizing the way sales professionals refine their communication skills. Both bring such great points t...
In this Quick Take episode, we’re exploring the undeniable power of sales coaching, the challenges of traditional approaches, and how AI-powered solutions, like CSS' Practice Coach AI, are setting a new standard for skill development. On the other side of this brief episode, you’ll see how AI sales coaching truly can elevate the game of your sellers. Practice Coach AI Video Matt Sunshine The Center for Sales Strategy
In this Quick Take episode, we’re breaking down how to keep your sales team happy and productive. You’ll not only learn why employee happiness and productivity go hand-in-hand, but also actionable ways to increase morale and sales numbers at the same time. LINKS: Matt Sunshine The Center for Sales Strategy
In this episode, we’re discussing how to ensure your sales teams are focused on the right sales activities to drive performance. And joining me to help break it all down is Jeff Clewett, Director of Sales at Bonneville Denver, and Emily Estey, VP/Senior Consultant here at CSS. Both offer some amazing points to think about, like: Why too many sales managers treat everything as an emergency when they need to be prioritizing and filtering the right information for their teams How ta...
In this Quick Take episode, we're tackling how to track revenue performance for maximum results. From understanding the key metrics to utilizing the right tools, you'll be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage your revenue and make the best decisions for your business. LINKS: Matt Sunshine The Center for Sales Strategy
In this episode, we're exploring how a company successfully aligned their sales and marketing teams to maximize their efforts of their sellers. The great Andrew Sims, CRO at SentriLock, and Trey Morris, VP/Senior Consultant here at CSS, are joining me to break down that journey. Both bring such great points to the table, like: Why you don't have to make Mount Everest-sized changes in order to achieve sales and marketing alignmentHow marketing should help prepare your sales team for bat...
In this Quick Take episode, we're exploring one of the most crucial aspects of success as a business: the ability to keep your sales pipeline full. By the end of this short episode, you'll have 10 effective tactics at your disposal to ensure that your sales pipeline is never empty. LINKS: The Center for Sales Strategy Matt Sunshine
At Improving Sales Performance, we are proud to be celebrating Women in Sales Month once again. For all of October, we have an amazing slate of women sales leaders who will be sharing their unique insights. From offering advice for sales managers new and more experienced to surveying the anticipated landscape of sales in the years ahead, when it comes to Improving Sales Performance, these ladies know how it's done. Joining Matt for the entire month is Stephanie Downs, SVP ...
Season 5 of Improving Sales Performance is hosted by Matt Sunshine and co-hosted by Stephanie Downs, and focuses on celebrating #WomenInSales for the month of October. Guests are female thought leaders, experts, and industry gurus, who share their insight, tips, and knowledge on various topics that help companies improve sales performance. Episode 38, part of the #WomenInSales series, welcomes Lori Clark, Director of Local Sales at KHOU-TV; TEGNA - HOUSTON, and Dana Nagel, Director of Sales...
Season 5 of Improving Sales Performance is hosted by Matt Sunshine and co-hosted by Stephanie Downs, and focuses on celebrating #WomenInSales for the month of October. Guests are female thought leaders, experts, and industry gurus, who share their insight, tips, and knowledge on various topics that help companies improve sales performance. Episode 39, part of the #WomenInSales series, welcomes Jaleigh Long (VP/GM Atlanta and Athens Radio, Cox Media Group), and Katie Reid (VP/GM Jacksonville...