Revenue Builders

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon are joined by John Schoenstein, the CRO of Customer.io. The discussion dives into Schoenstein's extensive experience in scaling companies from startup stages to large enterprises, touching on key topics like repeatable revenue systems, the importance of talent, and sales rep productivity. The conversation also explores the integration and impact of AI on sales processes, how to create effective revenue systems at various growth stages, and the cultural and operational shifts necessary for scaling. Schoenstein emphasizes the significance of data, training, and customer-centric approaches in driving successful sales teams. The discussion offers valuable insights for B2B sales leaders looking to understand and implement strategies for scalable and efficient growth.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect with John Schoenstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-schoenstein/Learn more about Customer.io: www.Customer.ioEmail John about joining the Customer.io team: john.schoenstein@customer.ioHow leaders are driving growth and scalability in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0Watch Force Management’s C-Level Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGSEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:02:36] Scaling Companies: Insights from John Schoen Stein[00:03:41] The Importance of Talent in Sales[00:11:16] Pipeline Generation and Sales Leadership[00:16:50] Building a Winning Culture[00:18:28] Implementing Repeatable Revenue Systems[00:30:02] The Role of Data and Rev Ops in Scaling[00:32:58] Pipeline Focus and Sales Rep Productivity[00:34:09] Measuring Sales Rep Productivity[00:35:27] Regional Productivity and Investment Decisions[00:36:05] Analyzing Sales Data for Insights[00:38:35] Sales Productivity in Startups[00:40:00] Remote Work and Sales Productivity[00:41:42] Encouraging Creativity and Adaptability in Sales[00:45:52] AI in Sales and Revenue Leadership[00:49:05] Implementing AI in Sales Processes[01:02:06] Customer Engagement and AI at Customer.ioHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:05:32] “Talent matters at all levels. You want people who are competitive, coachable, and curious.”[00:08:33] “You can’t own your territory if you’re depending completely on inbound leads.”[00:12:54] “Patriots go to battle with you when it’s hard. Mercenaries leave when things get tough.”[00:16:57] “Pride is the precursor to winning, and winning is the precursor to pride.”[00:39:57] “If you’re not looking at sales productivity, you’re missing a precursor to whether people will make it.”[00:46:28] “AI should be a copilot—helping reps win, not just adding more inspection.”[00:47:10] “Sellers that do not have AI acumen are going to be replaced by sellers that do.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan dive deep into one of the most important and most overlooked drivers of organizational growth: the roles of first and second line managers. Joined by Scott Rudy, CRO at Zywave, the conversation unpacks why these leadership levels are vital to sales success, where companies often blur responsibilities, and how to build accountability into leadership structures. From recruiting to development plans, and from forecasting to coaching, this discussion provides practical insights for CROs, VPs, and leaders who want to strengthen their sales engine and avoid costly missteps.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:22] First line managers are the backbone of seller success but face high pressure with new responsibilities like recruiting, training, and forecasting.[00:02:02] Second line leaders should not act as duplicate first line managers; their true role is coaching, simplifying, and plugging gaps for new managers.[00:02:58] Proper segregation of duties—development plans, recruiting involvement, and quality checks—prevents confusion and duplication.[00:03:56] A sales organization’s growth is often constrained by ineffective execution at the first line manager level.[00:04:53] Accountability must extend to both first and second line managers, ensuring clarity in responsibilities.[00:06:13] CROs should hold second line managers accountable for development plans and rep performance, not just first line leaders.[00:07:27] Recruiting should be a joint process—first line managers drive it, second line managers coach and validate decisions.[00:08:12] Second line leaders focus on quality, spotting blind spots, and identifying trends in recruiting and management.QUOTES[00:00:49] “Seller success should be the number one objective and North Star for a first line leader.”[00:02:02] “A great second line leader plugs the holes of a new first line leader by coaching and simplifying the job.”[00:02:58] “Segregating responsibilities prevents first and second line leaders from duplicating efforts and confusing reps.”[00:03:56] “One of the biggest obstacles for success is the execution of a first line manager.”[00:06:31] “If I’m the CRO, I’m asking the second line manager first about a rep’s performance and development plan.”[00:08:00] “The second line leader ought to focus on quality—spotting trends and blind spots the first line leader may miss.”Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/the-critical-role-of-sales-managers-in-driving-growth-with-scott-rudyEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon welcome back Mike Hayes, former Navy SEAL and current sales leader at Insight Partners. They discuss Mike’s new book, Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose, and how its lessons apply to sales success and leadership. Mike emphasizes the importance of rooting your work in alignment with personal values and goals, which leads to not only greater outcomes and accomplishments but a sense of fulfillment. Mike also shares insights from his 20-year government career and his transition to the private sector as a sales leader. This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking to align their personal values with their professional journey.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESBuy Mike’s book, Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose:https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mike-hayes/mission-driven/9780306836534/Support the 1162 Foundation’s mission of helping Gold Star families:https://givebutter.com/1162foundationListen to the first podcast with Mike Hayes on Mission, Meaning and Impact from Navy SEALs to Sales:https://www.forcemanagement.com/mission-meaning-and-impact-with-mike-hayesConnect with Mike Hayes:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hayes-733688/Instagram: Mike Hayes (@thisis.mikehayes)X: @thisismikehayes (@thisismikehayes) on XWatch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGSRead the Guide on Winning Government Contracts: https://bit.ly/3UYAOvOEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:03:05] The 1162 Foundation and Supporting Gold Star Families[00:07:12] The "Who" vs. "What": A Core Lesson on Identity[00:11:48] The Challenge of Transitioning from a High-Profile Role[00:16:01] The Power of Honest Self-Reflection and Feedback[00:25:50] The Dan Hurley Story: Purpose Over Paycheck[00:33:14] The Three Circles: Aligning Energy, Skill, and Business Need[00:36:20] Adaptability and Developing a "Meta Plan"[00:43:03] Building Resilience and Finding Perspective in Hardship[00:48:19] The Importance of Being Intentional with Your Emotions[00:55:10] A Story of Competition and Humility in IraqHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:08:45] "We would always say, who do you want to be? Because the who is that deeper you... let's not connect self-esteem or success based on a what, in a title and a position."[00:41:01] "The acid test, I think for a life well lived is how many people who you've never met have you positively impacted."[00:44:17] "When you're having a hard day, the best thing to do is go find somebody who's having a harder day and go help him or her."[00:53:11] "No one is actually selling technology. What you're actually doing is selling trust."[00:54:15] "When 15 men are wrong, look in the mirror." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan share a thought-provoking segment with Doug Holliday, author of Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life. Doug explores the significance of vulnerability, owning your story, and fostering authentic communication in leadership and relationships. Learn how asking the right questions, embracing imperfection, and understanding the stories of others can transform both personal and professional connections.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:40] Understanding Team Dynamics[00:01:55] The Power of Vulnerability[00:02:24] The Impact of Social Media on Youth[00:04:19] Owning Your StoryQUOTES[00:01:38] "Instead of looking for answers, why don’t we try to identify the 20 best questions that’ll help us get to the best answer?"[00:02:03] "People are attracted to our broken parts. Nobody's really attracted to perfection."[00:03:16] "To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s trying to make you someone else is the bravest thing you can do." – E. Cummings (cited by Doug Holliday)[00:04:31] "Everybody has a story. Don’t think for a minute anyone you encounter doesn’t have their own."[00:05:12] "There are no heroes, no victims—just a story."[00:05:39] "What people want to see isn’t perfect people, but authentic people."Connect and learn more about Doug Holladay through the link/s below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougholladay/Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/Force Management is hiring for a Sales Director. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q02Zb8WG0Read Force Management's eBook: https://www.forcemanagement.com/roi-of-sales-messaging Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Steve Waugh, a legendary enterprise software salesperson. Steve shares his journey from starting at IT resellers to executing some of the largest deals in enterprise software at companies like Blade Logic, BMC, and Medallia. He outlines strategies for identifying champions and detractors, the importance of mindset, belief in one's product, and understanding the customer's business impact. Additionally, Steve discusses the critical role of executive support in closing big deals and offers insights into navigating internal challenges within one's company. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to understand the art and science of selling large enterprise software deals.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect and learn more from Steve Waugh:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-waugh-4833b57/Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGSRead the Guide on Winning Government Contracts: https://bit.ly/3UYAOvOEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:02:19] Steve's Early Career and First Big Deal[00:04:30] Breaking into Financial Services[00:07:36] Mindset for Selling Big Deals[00:11:50] Identifying and Handling Detractors[00:22:21] Cost vs. Value in Sales[00:32:10] The Importance of Content in Sales[00:32:50] Embracing Your Unique Style[00:34:53] Believing in Your Product[00:36:39] Navigating Company Challenges[00:37:55] The Art of Big Deal Selling[00:46:33] Uncovering Hidden Opportunities[00:51:21] Mastering Executive Communication[00:53:43] Career Pathing and LeadershipHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:20:49] "You have to believe that everybody gets up and puts their pants on the same way."[00:24:26] "If a customer's constantly looking at cost, you haven't got 'em converted—you gotta get 'em to forget cost and look at the value."[00:33:09] "You gotta know who your friends are, but you gotta know your enemies better."[00:46:46] "Executives don't care how you do it—they care about the 'so what.'"[00:54:17] "If my own leader doesn't believe me, it makes it uber hard for me to accomplish it."[00:56:48] "It's a two-way street. The company has to support their people to believe they can do it, and they have to have that same courage." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The best sales kickoffs are planned in a way that aligns with the company’s strategic goals and sets your revenue teams up to execute successfully. In this segment, John Kaplan and John McMahon talk through the importance of demonstrating the opportunity your company is providing your revenue teams and why committing their time to your organization is going to be worth it. Force Management’s Sales Kickoff Resources:Five must-dos for leaders on SKO planning: https://hubs.li/Q02SpNpS0Ultimate Sales Kickoff Resource Guide:  https://hubs.li/Q02Qr2B80Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/Read Force Management's eBook: https://www.forcemanagement.com/roi-of-sales-messaging Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Meghan Gill to discuss the pivotal role of sales operations in scaling a company from $100 million to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Drawing on her 15 years at MongoDB, Megan shares valuable insights on evolving RevOps functions, the complexities of comp planning, the integration of AI in sales, and the importance of maintaining a robust management operating rhythm. The conversation covers a breadth of topics, including the transition to a consumption-based model, the challenges and strategies in aligning sales and client success teams, and best practices for selecting and consolidating sales tools. Megan emphasizes the necessity of detailed planning and communication, as well as the need to balance protecting the company with serving the sales organization effectively.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect with Meghan Gill:https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanpgill/Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:02:41] Evolution of Sales Operations[00:03:58] Field Operations and Territory Planning[00:06:45] Rev Ops vs. Sales Ops[00:08:20] Effective Territory Management[00:18:08] Metrics and KPIs in Sales Ops[00:22:55] Building a Successful Sales Ops Team[00:33:54] Deep Dive into Sales Ops Challenges[00:34:22] Diagnosing Sales Problems[00:35:05] Trust but Verify: Ensuring Data Integrity\[00:37:36] Balancing Protection and Service in Leadership[00:39:51] Choosing the Right Sales Tools[00:43:50] The Role of AI in Sales[00:51:21] Compensation Plans and Their Complexities[01:01:25] Lessons from Scaling MongoDBHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:26:06] "The hardest part, to be honest, is getting the data right, because nobody has a perfect CRM with perfectly scrubbed data."[00:35:37] "Every analysis that I've done throughout my years running sales ops is very counterintuitive. It's like the fewer accounts you have, the more productive you are because you can really focus and narrow in."[01:32:06] "People with AI experience and leverage on how to do these roles are going to replace people that don't do that. And I see that happening really, really fast."[01:41:50] "Keep it simple. You want to have one, maybe two elements in the comp plan... Any more than that, they're not gonna know where to focus." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, Kara Gilbert, executive coach, startup advisor, and former Chief People Officer at Turbonomic, unpacks the transformative role of coaching—not as a remedial tool, but as an accelerator for growth, leadership, and personal clarity.She explains how elite performers unlock their potential by pausing, reflecting, and holding themselves accountable. From processing feedback to balancing life trade-offs as a working executive, Kara reveals how leaders can connect deeply with their own story to become more effective in business and life.Whether you’re a sales leader, startup founder, or executive navigating high-pressure environments, this episode will help you understand why self-awareness, accountability, and honesty are the real cornerstones of leadership success.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:01:00] Coaching is not remedial—it’s an accelerant to growth, leadership, and opportunity.[00:01:47] The power of pausing: Why slowing down helps leaders gain clarity on goals, teams, and personal direction.[00:02:15] Accountability in coaching: How check-ins create discipline and progress.[00:02:46] Life trade-offs for executives: Outsourcing and prioritizing to focus on what truly matters.[00:03:07] Processing feedback effectively: Choosing what to embrace and what to discard.[00:03:28] Owning your story: The cornerstone of leadership, happiness, and strong relationships.[00:04:55] Honesty in coaching: Why vulnerability and raw truth unlock real breakthroughs.QUOTES[00:01:00] “Coaching is not remedial. Coaching is actually an accelerant to growth and opportunity.”[00:01:47] “When leaders pause, they can be thoughtful and break through things they just haven’t had time to think about.”[00:03:28] “The most elite people—the happiest people—are the ones who know their story and have owned it.”[00:04:55] “In coaching, you have nothing to lose. Just be honest.”Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/achieving-excellence-in-leadership-with-kara-gilbertEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Tom Heiser, a distinguished technology chairman, CEO, and board director with extensive leadership experience. The episode delves into Heiser's career journey from a sales trainee at EMC Corporation to leadership roles in multiple private equity-backed companies. Key topics discussed include the importance of empowerment in leadership, the value of persistence and adaptability, self-awareness, and the impact of authentic and vulnerable leadership. Heiser also shares insights from his personal mentors and experiences, including the concept of 'commanders intent' and the critical role of understanding and evolving within one's career.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Tom Heiser:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-heiser-83b86680/Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:03:52] The Importance of Reinvention and Growth[00:04:48] Impact of Force Management[00:09:50] Tom Heiser's Management Tenets[00:23:06] The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership[00:33:13] The Power of Passion in Leadership[00:34:17] Understanding Emotional Proprioception[00:35:21] The Importance of Self-Awareness[00:37:00] Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity[00:40:54] Empowerment: The Key to Effective Leadership[00:49:43] Commander's Intent and Leadership Strategies[00:58:26] Persistence and Determination in Leadership[01:01:05] Learning from AdversityHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:05:41] "You constantly have to reinvent yourself. What got you here is not gonna get you to where you want to go."[00:21:59] "When I told them what to do, I owned it. When they got there, they owned it. That was a force multiplier."[00:58:42] "Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."[00:59:32] "What's the difference between an EMC sales rep and a pit bull? The pit bull eventually gives up."[01:01:04] "Tough times are not fun, but look at them for the learning experiences they offer." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, we revisit the discussion with John True, General Partner at Cultivation Capital, to explore the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in sales leadership. From reading the room to eliminating partial listening, John shares insights on why understanding personal and professional wins is as important as the deal itself. He reveals why active listening is a lost art, how group interviews can reveal a candidate’s EQ, and why being fully present is the foundation for leadership and influence.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:47] EQ is not optional—it's a core characteristic of great sales leaders.[00:01:16] Understanding personal and professional wins is essential to influence without dictating[00:03:11] Active listening, note-taking, and reading the room set elite salespeople apart[00:04:00] Asking "How do you know?" reveals deeper self-awareness in interviews[00:05:12] Group interviews can uncover a seller’s ability to assess multiple stakeholders[00:06:21] Reading the political landscape in the room helps tailor your message effectively[00:07:24] Distractions kill EQ—presence is the foundation of emotional intelligence.QUOTES[00:01:00] "A big part of every interaction as a leader is understanding personal and professional wins as much as what you’re up to."[00:03:11] "Active listening is about showing you’re engaged—taking notes, bringing insights back into the conversation.[00:04:00] "How are you doing? How do you think you’re doing? And most importantly—how do you know?"[00:07:24] "To have EQ, you first have to be here—in the moment, with no distractions."Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/the-role-of-emotional-intelligence-and-authentic-leadership-in-b2b-sales-with-john-trueEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Andy Clark, a seasoned sales leader with extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Andy shares his journey, which began with an unexpected leg injury that redirected his career towards mastering the Japanese market. He discusses the complexities of business in APAC, the critical importance of localizing go-to-market strategies, and the common mistakes companies make when entering these markets. With anecdotes from his own career, Andy highlights the crucial elements of success, from hiring the right local talent to understanding cultural nuances. He also delves into the challenges and strategies of forming joint ventures, and why companies need to be prepared for a long-term commitment to succeed in the region. If you're considering expanding your business into APAC, this episode is a must-listen for invaluable insights and practical advice.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Andrew Robert Clark:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrobertclark/Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:04:26] Breaking into the Japanese Market[00:07:27] Expanding Across Asia Pacific[00:11:09] Challenges and Strategies in the Asia Pacific[00:19:32] Hiring and Leadership in Japan[00:32:50] Entering the Asia Pacific Market: A Strategic Approach[00:34:39] Exploring Japan's Business Landscape[00:35:29] Challenges of Joint Ventures in Japan[00:38:29] Strategies for Entering the Japanese Market[00:40:41] Building a Successful Team in Japan[00:45:47] Pricing and Market Dynamics in Japan[00:47:36] Expanding Beyond Japan: Korea and China[00:55:43] The Expat Experience: Opportunities and ChallengesHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:11:51] "The complexity of Asia Pacific is underestimated significantly."[00:17:59] "One of the worst things you can do in APJ is false start."[00:26:37] "Solid leadership and caring for your team... leading from the front and showing them what good looks like."[00:28:33] "Japanification is really the best word... blending both sides into a process and methodology."[00:31:26] "Be the same before you establish your difference."[00:56:42] "The opportunity to go overseas and work should be snatched up by anyone at any time."[00:59:25] "The experience overseas is career building and eye-opening, and I wouldn't change a thing." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan delve into the importance of preparation and coaching with Joe Eskenazi, CRO at Kong Inc. They discuss how vital it is for salespeople to be prepared to reduce stress and build trust with clients. Joe shares personal experiences from his early sales career, emphasizing the need for genuine conversations over mechanical responses. He outlines various training exercises and strategies for developing a high-performing sales team, highlighting the fusion of preparation and development in achieving success. Listen for valuable insights on how preparation transforms pressure into confidence and effectiveness in sales.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:26] The Power of Preparation in Sales[00:01:23] Embracing Authenticity Over Mechanics[00:02:17] The Role of Preparedness in Reducing Stress[00:02:57] The Importance of Self-Driven Development[00:04:25] Coaching and Training for Sales Success[00:05:41] The Impact of Exhaustive PreparationQUOTES[00:02:29] "The difference between stress and pressure is preparedness."[00:02:49] "You bring the character, the courage, the art, the curiosity by applying your style to the skills and knowledge."[00:03:40] "You gotta participate in your own rescue. You gotta put in the work."[00:07:20] "There's no such thing really as closing. It's how openers are closers and opening the sales cycle is where all of your ground is laid."Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/developing-a-performance-mindset-in-b2b-sales-with-joe-eskenaziEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Carsten Neuhaus, a European Tennis Promotion Manager at YONEX. Carsten shares his extensive experience in scouting and recruiting tennis talent across Europe, drawing parallels between identifying potential in sports and business. He discusses the importance of long-term commitment in recruitment, the role of intuition, intangibles such as champion attitude and coachability, and the challenges of supporting young athletes on and off the court. The conversation delves into the importance of inner drive, adaptability, and the significance of maintaining balance and mental health. Carsten also highlights the pleasure and responsibility of seeing young talent succeed, as well as the intricate process of selling and embedding a brand's values within the rising stars.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Carsten Neuhaus:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsten-neuhaus-4a929a12a/Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:02:41] Carsten's Scouting Success Stories[00:05:54] The Journey of Niels McDonald[00:14:51] The Importance of Intangibles in Scouting[00:21:55] Challenges and Realities of Modern Scouting[00:32:48] Parallels Between Sports Scouting and Sales Recruitment[00:37:22] The Role of Intuition in Talent Scouting[00:39:57] The Importance of Team Effort in Scouting[00:41:03] Challenges and Rewards of a Scout's Life[00:44:54] The Likability Factor in Recruitment[00:52:26] The Coachability and Adaptability of Athletes[00:56:20] The Mental Game and Social Media Impact[01:02:28] The Business Side of Scouting and RecruitingHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:06:58] “He had no fear. He came in and for me, it was the first time I realized he has attitude of a champion.”[00:14:06] “It was the first time that I was fighting against my own team because they didn’t believe. And I took all the risks and it paid off.”[00:18:47] “The biggest talent is the will to work hard.”[00:32:53] “The two things that we always look for when we're looking for salespeople is drive and coachability.”[00:34:22] “We show them the door and they need to go through themselves.”[00:37:40] “AI can help to find a talent, but it will never replace a recruiter or a scout. No chance.”[01:09:40] “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn. If you’re not winning, you’re learning.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, we revisit the discussion with veteran sales leader and CRO of RegScale, Eric Erston, to unpack what truly sets top-performing sales teams apart. From the importance of laser focus and understanding your ideal customer persona to evolving qualification strategies and leveraging modern tools to decode human motivation — Eric shares hard-won wisdom from decades in enterprise sales and leadership. Whether you're a rep or a revenue leader, this conversation reveals why success depends on where you spend your time — and who you spend it with.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:25] Top performers exhibit relentless focus — not just on numbers but on aligning activity with outcomes.[00:01:10] Teams with process clarity and metric discipline stand in stark contrast to disorganized teams[00:01:52] The “measure twice, cut once” principle applies in sales — especially in qualification and time prioritization.[00:02:16] Beyond BANT: Success requires knowing the ideal company profile and persona profile — both matter deeply.[00:03:14] Not all CISOs are equal — role scope and influence vary by industry and product category.[00:03:54] Many teams ignore the depth of the human behind the persona — a costly oversight.[00:04:16] Use modern tools (social, blogs, panels, LinkedIn) to research what excites and motivates decision-makers.[00:05:36] There’s a work persona and a human persona — both drive behavior. Understand them both.[00:06:00] Success in scale comes not from personal talent, but repeatable frameworks others can execute.QUOTES[00:00:25] "Top performers are always focused… focused on what they sell, their metrics, and what success actually looks like.[00:01:52] "Measure twice, cut once — you can’t qualify without knowing what success looks like.[00:02:38] "I didn’t spend enough time thinking about the role of the human… I thought if you get to the exec, you’re good. Well, maybe."[00:03:54] "We know how they’re measured — but we rarely go deeper into what drives them as a person."[00:06:49] "As a seller, I could get deals done. But when you're leading a team, you realize you have to teach those nuances."Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/mastering-sales-leadership-with-eric-erstonEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan welcome Steve McCluskey to delve into the essentials of data-driven sales leadership. They discuss why a foundational "playbook" is crucial before implementing metrics, how to balance activity with accomplishment, and the importance of creating a simple, effective operating rhythm. Drawing on extensive experience, Steve shares practical examples, like the "Magnificent Seven" principle, to illustrate how leaders can use data not for micromanagement, but for targeted coaching, developing talent, and ultimately, driving predictable revenue growth.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Steve McCluskey:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemccluskey/Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4ZDownload the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:01:45] The Playbook: The Foundation of Data-Driven Leadership[00:06:12] The Three Dimensions of Sales Metrics[00:08:30] Balancing Activity vs. Accomplishment[00:13:21] The "Magnificent Seven": Learning from Top Performers[00:19:05] Adapting the Playbook to the Buyer's Journey[00:21:48] Holding Leaders Accountable for New Rep Ramp Time[00:29:45] Rock Management: How to Settle on the Critical Few Metrics[00:34:10] The Importance of a Cross-Functional Operating Rhythm[00:41:02] Why Data is Just the Starting Point for Coaching[00:44:31] Churn, Accountability, and Regretted Attrition[00:46:15] The Criticality of a Rep's First Deal[00:52:19] Management vs. Leadership: It's a Mindset[00:55:01] The Power of Simplicity in Metrics[00:58:12] Getting Emotionally Connected to MeasurementHIGHLIGHT QUOTES"I don't think that data-driven leadership really means anything without that playbook foundation.""One man's micromanagement is another man's success formula. It's just mindset.""The biggest point of leadership is the coaching aspect of it. You're not gonna read a list of metrics and be able to tell somebody what they're doing great... You have to watch the swing.""People don't leave their job. They leave their leaders.""If you can navigate that simply and, and in a, you know, through those metrics, that's so important. But then the second piece... is the difference between management and leadership." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, we revisit the discussion with Shopify's CRO Bobby Morrison. We dive into the transformational "pod structure" they've adopted to align cross-functional teams more closely with customer outcomes. Drawing on lessons from his tenure at Microsoft, Morrison explains how Shopify’s industry-specific pods streamline collaboration across sales, solution engineers, marketing, and customer success—leading to improved speed, accountability, and customer satisfaction. He also reveals how aligning incentives within these pods reduces internal friction and creates scalable, enterprise-grade execution. This episode is packed with strategic insight for CROs, sales leaders, and go-to-market operators aiming to drive operational efficiency and growth.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:28] Shopify’s shift to 16 industry-specific pods was designed to bring cross-functional teams closer to the customer.[00:01:00] Each pod includes sales, solution engineering, launch engineers, and partners all aligned around a single outcome.[00:02:00] At Microsoft, the team spent 70% of their time on internal orchestration, highlighting the inefficiency of siloed roles.[00:03:00] Shopify’s pod structure includes defined primary and secondary roles with centralized responsibility and incentives.[00:03:49] All roles in a pod are measured against the same customer cohort, improving continuity and reducing disruption.[00:04:12] Morrison explains how aligning marketing with outcomes (not just MQLs) is helping Shopify eliminate interdepartmental friction.[00:05:00] Shopify is close to assigning at-risk compensation to marketing teams based on segment performance—creating real ownership.[00:05:49] The pod model drives faster decisions, stronger accountability, and less tug-of-war between siloed departments.QUOTES[00:01:00] "All aligned around a single outcome, which is helping our customers win."[00:02:39] "A sales rep could have as many as 87 different people they're working with internally to hit their objective."[00:03:49] "Now the pods are incentivized off of the same customer cohort."[00:04:59] "We're very close to assigning at-risk targets to our marketing team."[00:05:49] "Less tug-of-war that happens between siloed parts of the organization that have different KPIs."Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/ai-driven-sales-innovation-with-bobby-morrisonEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Scott Rudy, a three-time Chief Revenue Officer, to discuss the pivotal role of first and second-line sales managers in sales performance and company growth. They explore topics ranging from the importance of having a clear position and success profiles, recruiting and developing talent, and creating a nurturing company culture. Personal anecdotes and industry insights provide a comprehensive view on effective sales leadership and the significant impact of managerial roles in an organization’s success.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about Scott Rudy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrudyiii/Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:01:33] The Critical Role of First Line Managers[00:02:33] Challenges and Responsibilities of First Line Managers[00:03:09] Segregation of Duties: First Line vs. Second Line Manager[00:05:41] Accountability and Development Plans[00:08:09] The Importance of Coaching and Development[00:10:48] Promotions and Accountability in Sales Leadership[00:25:40] Effective Business Planning and Weekly Accountability[00:34:46] Retention and Loss Reviews: Learning from Turnover[00:35:45] A Lesson in Leadership: Evaluating Employees[00:37:52] Defining Success Profiles[00:41:46] The Importance of Continuous Recruitment[00:44:30] Energy and Fit: Key Factors in Hiring[00:47:13] The Role of First Line Leadership[00:50:10] The Criticality of People in OrganizationsHIGHLIGHT QUOTES"It is up to you. That's what makes it such a hard job, but such a fun job because it's on you to deliver the number with this set of resources.""You have to own your number. You gotta be able to predict, accurately predict, call the ball, and make your number. But you're not alone.""It's not whether or not somebody can do something. It’s whether or not it gives them energy and they’re enthusiastic about it.""If you’re not people focused as an organization, it shows up when someone quits or when you have to get rid of someone.""Great cultures are ones in which you’re thinking about the success of the organization, not just individual results." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan dive deep into the critical role of the CFO in sales deals, especially in uncertain times. Joined by Elastic's Chief Sales Officer, Michael Cremen, the discussion revolves around the importance of understanding and addressing the CFO factor, failing fast, and asking the hard questions. The episode provides valuable insights for sales professionals on navigating financial implications, engaging champions effectively, and using strategic language to secure deals.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:36] Competing Beyond Competitors: Salespeople must recognize they're not just competing against direct competitors but against all the other potential investments the CFO could make.[00:01:44] Stacking Up Against Priorities: The real competition lies in how your cost justification compares to all the other initiatives the CFO is juggling.[00:03:24] The Timing Dilemma: Discussion on whether to go early and seek advice or go late and face critique from CFOs. Emphasis on the importance of early engagement and seeking guidance before formal proposals.[00:05:08] Champion Dynamics: The significance of going with a champion and the potential pitfalls of leaving them out of crucial conversations with CFOs.[00:07:36] Strategic Language: The hosts and Michael Kremen discuss the importance of using precise language that conveys the value proposition and justifies the presence of the sales team at the CFO level.[00:09:28] Embracing Paranoia: Encouragement for sales teams to be paranoid and vigilant, especially when dealing with high-stakes deals and engaging CFOs.HIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:08:18] "The best sales teams on the planet are paranoid, like viciously paranoid. If you think it's going to sail through and everything's fine, be careful, be paranoid."[00:10:09] "People rarely argue with their own conclusions. When you ask them to walk you through a scenario and they realize that they've just answered the question, it just makes it a lot easier."[00:11:38] "It needs to be in their language, in their parameters. If you're forcing your goals, the way you read things, the way you're measuring your customers, they don't understand it."Listen to the full episode with Michael Cremen through this link:https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/connecting-to-value-with-michael-cremenCheck out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by John True. They talk about the significance of emotional quotient (EQ) and authentic leadership in B2B sales. They discuss the critical skills required for reading the room, active listening, self-awareness, and authentic curiosity. John True shares insights on assessing EQ in sales leaders, the importance of vulnerability and genuine interest in helping others succeed, and the evolving landscape of private equity and AI in software companies. The conversation highlights the balance between science and art in sales leadership and the long-term impacts of being around great people and networks.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about John True:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-true-5b9653/Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:02:20] The Importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ) in Sales Leadership[00:04:14] Challenges of Digital Interactions in Sales[00:05:41] Effective Interview Techniques for Sales Leaders[00:08:15] Reading the Room: Identifying Key Players in Sales Meetings[00:10:02] The Role of In-Person Meetings in Sales[00:12:23] Defining and Developing Emotional Quotient (EQ)[00:23:03] Authentic Curiosity: A Key Trait for Sales Success[00:31:05] Leadership and Emotional Intelligence[00:34:40] Identifying Authentic Leadership in Sales[00:36:57] The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership[00:38:25] Addressing Turnover and Accountability[00:40:09] Assessing Candidates' Authentic Curiosity[00:42:19] The Wana Factor in Leadership[00:43:11] Patriots vs. Mercenaries: Building Loyal Teams[00:45:53] Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership[00:46:51] Choosing Opportunities: Position vs. Growth[00:49:35] The Value of Great Networks and People[00:54:41] Trends in Private Equity and Software?[01:00:10] The Impact of AI on Future Opportunities[01:05:27] The Intersection of Art and Science in Revenue BuildingHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:07:50] "Great salespeople are able to navigate and adjust their message to the right people at the right level over time."[00:09:26] "You have to be here and in the moment to truly listen and respond with intuition."[00:36:40] "Effective leaders genuinely enjoy helping others succeed in their own terms."[00:48:54] "Many people confuse position with opportunity. Long-term success comes from prioritizing quality of leadership and growth." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Marcy Stoudt, CEO and partner at Revel Search and Revel Coach. Marcy shares actionable advice on networking with intention, understanding energy management, and distinguishing between opportunity and position when evaluating career moves. Whether you're a leader, sales professional, or someone navigating a career transition, Marcy's insights will help you approach networking and interviewing with the right mindset to find roles that truly align with your values and energize you.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:01:24] Networking strategies: Build connections subtly without signaling job hunting.[00:01:43] Energy management vs. time management: Why knowing what energizes you matters.[00:02:51] Assessing energy alignment in job roles: Questions to uncover what fuels or drains you.[00:03:31] The role of mindset: How being in the right energy state affects job searching outcomes.[00:04:54] Opportunity vs. position: Why a lower title at a better company may be the smarter choice.QUOTES[00:01:43] "I don't believe in time management; I believe in energy management."[00:02:51] "If you’re not honest about what gives you energy and what doesn’t, that’s on you.[00:03:49] "When you’re in a good space, you think differently, you email differently, and you work harder."[00:05:16] "Don’t confuse opportunity with position. Let go of your ego and focus on long-term growth."Listen to the full conversation with Marcy Stoudt through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/mastering-work-life-balance-with-marcy-stoudtEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon’s book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/Force Management is hiring for a Sales Director. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q02Zb8WG0Read Force Management's eBook: https://www.forcemanagement.com/roi-of-sales-messaging Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.