The Channel CRO

Welcome to The Channel CRO Podcast by JSG, your streamlined guide to mastering GTM strategies, accelerating revenue growth, and developing a dynamic channel ecosystem. Each episode brings you face-to-face with elite GTM leaders and CROs who excel in fast-tracking revenue and expanding partner networks. We cut through the complexity to uncover how these visionaries achieve success, overcome challenges, and significantly shorten the time to revenue. This podcast is an essential listen for anyone looking to amplify their channel strategy and drive growth more efficiently. Join us to unlock the secrets of top industry experts and propel your channel partnerships to new heights.

iRobot for Sales Teams: How AI is Boosting Business Strategies with Derek Osgood

In this episode, Kathleen and Desraie sit down with Derek Osgood, the CEO and founder of Ignition, to explore the transformative power of AI in the business world. Derek shares how Ignition leverages AI to streamline product roadmaps and launch campaigns, aligning product, marketing, and sales teams to drive powerful results in the market. Emphasizing that AI is not meant to replace humans but to enhance their capabilities, Derek discusses the importance of breaking down silos and creating a shared understanding among teams. "AI allows your team to work on drastically more strategic work," he notes, highlighting how AI frees up employees to focus on higher-level tasks. He also underscores the significance of alignment and communication, stating, "If everybody's actually pulling in exactly the same direction with exactly the same goal and exactly the same message, it drives in the market much, much more powerfully." Tune in to this insightful conversation to learn how AI can revolutionize your business operations and elevate your team's strategic impact.

05-23
21:04

AI Won't Steal Your Job, But It Will Make It Cooler: Insights from Cody Schneider

In this episode Desraie and Kathleen sit down with Cody Schneider, the co-founder of Swell AI and Drafthorse AI, to delve into the transformative impact of AI on marketing. They explore how AI can optimize content production and growth marketing, highlighting the essential role of automation engineers in streamlining processes. Cody emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for human creativity but a tool that can significantly enhance human capabilities and efficiency. By implementing AI, organizations can gain a competitive edge and adapt swiftly to market changes. He stresses the importance of expert knowledge and brand voice guidelines in creating high-quality AI-generated content. "Expert knowledge is going to become more valuable than it ever was before," Cody notes, underscoring the enduring importance of human expertise in the age of AI. Tune in to this insightful conversation to learn how AI can revolutionize your marketing strategies and boost your business growth.

05-16
31:31

Beyond the Airplane Selfies: The IT Channel Community with Rob Rae

In this episode hosts Desraie Thomas and Kathleen Martin sit down with Rob Rae, Corporate VP of Community and Ecosystems at Pax8, to delve into the pivotal role of community in the CRO space. Rob brings a wealth of experience in building successful communities and offers invaluable insights into how CROs can leverage these communities to drive growth and enhance their partner programs. During the conversation, Rob underscores the importance of community in building trust, loyalty, and strong relationships with partners, stating, "Everyone has a community. It's just whether you're paying attention to your community or not." The discussion also highlights the significance of events in the channel industry and the necessity of executing a proper event strategy to achieve a positive ROI. Rob emphasizes that creativity and execution are essential in maximizing the value of events and building thriving communities.  Learn more about the Beyond conference: https://www.pax8beyond.com/

05-10
32:54

The Role of AI in Threat Detection and Mitigation with Scott Sampson, Securonix

Welcome to The Channel CRO podcast, where today's conversation features a look into the intersection of revenue sales, marketing, and cybersecurity. Join Kathleen and Desraie as they sit down with Scott Sampson, the Chief Revenue Officer at Securonix. The trio explores the critical role of data-driven decision-making in cultivating high-performing sales teams, delves into the burgeoning opportunities for MSPs within cybersecurity solutions, and examines the transformative impact of AI on threat detection and mitigation. Scott brings his expert insights into the essentials of hiring for sales roles, emphasizing the importance of intelligence, drive, and empathy. He also shares a valuable resource for any sales leader looking to enhance their approach: 'The Qualified Sales Leader' by John McMahon. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge on harnessing the power of technology and strategy in the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity sales.

05-02
25:56

Listen, Learn, Lead with Janet Schijns, JSG

In this episode of the Channel CRO podcast, now officially a JSG podcast, host Janet Schijns, CEO of JS Group, shares the exciting news about the podcast's new alignment with JSG and its focus on growth within the CRO community. The group discusses JS Group's track record of enhancing sales enablement and reducing time to sales, discussing upcoming research on effective routes to market and the development of a comprehensive CRO toolkit. These initiatives aim to provide CROs with actionable insights and essential resources to navigate the changing sales landscape and accelerate growth. The conversation concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future impacts of the podcast on go-to-market and sales strategies in the IT ecosystem.    The CRO Research Report is now available: https://www.jsgnow.com/research

04-25
08:22

Identifying and Targeting Micro Markets with Alex Shyshko, Outbound Funnel

In this episode of The Channel CRO, Kathleen and Desraie sit down with Alex Shyshko, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Outbound Funnel. They discuss pivotal topics such as customer experience, the strategic role of marketing, the evolving influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in sales and marketing, the concept of micro markets, and effective funnel building techniques. Alex emphasizes the integral role of customer experience in unifying various organizational functions and how marketing efforts must be designed to support the customer journey. He shares his expertise on using AI as a catalyst for generating options and enhancing efficiency, although he underscores that it cannot substitute human creativity and execution. The discussion also covers how identifying and engaging with micro markets is essential for precise targeting, and the importance of prioritization in his role as a CRO. Alex wraps up the conversation with valuable book recommendations and information on how listeners can connect with Outbound Funnel. Whether you're looking to refine your marketing strategy or better understand the role of technology in sales, this episode is packed with insights.

04-18
26:16

Developing the CRO Mindset with Rob Fegan

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Kathleen Martin and Desraie Thomas engage in a profound discussion with Rob Fegan, the founder of Venvito, focusing on the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) mindset. Together, they explore the multifaceted aspects of driving revenue and growth within a business, stressing the importance of a holistic approach that involves the entire team. One of the central themes explored is the significance of assembling a cohesive team, composed of individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also resonate with the company's values. Fegan emphasizes the critical role of hiring individuals who exhibit the drive to execute revenue-centric tasks effectively. Additionally, the conversation highlights the importance of aligning success metrics collaboratively with the team to ensure collective buy-in and accountability. Fostering a culture of continuous learning emerges as a key component of the CRO mindset, with recommendations from Fegan regarding books and mentors that have influenced his journey. 

04-11
20:18

From Big Tech to Startups: Darr Aley on the Art of Leadership and Innovation

Welcome to this episode of The Channel CRO, where hosts Kathleen Martin and Desraie Thomas are joined by Darr Aley, co-founder of Aidentified and a veteran of entrepreneurship and corporate strategy. Darr shares his experiences working with icons like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, and shares his insights on the critical role of a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) in driving a company's success. He discusses the transition from large corporations to startups, emphasizing the importance of team building and culture, and outlines key metrics for small business growth. Our conversation also highlights the transformative impact of AI and data analytics in sales, marketing, and customer relationships. Darr provides insights into his leadership style and the lessons learned over his career, underlining the significance of relationships and AI in enhancing business operations. Tune in to gain valuable insights on leadership, the role of technology in business, and strategies for driving growth and efficiency in today's dynamic business landscape.

04-04
29:53

From Customer Focus to High-Performance Teams: The CRO Blueprint with Richard Hudson

In this episode of The Channel CRO, hosts Kathleen Martin and Desraie Thomas sit down with Zebra Technologies' Chief Revenue Officer, Richard Hudson, for a deep dive into the world of CROs. Richard shares his insights on the importance of customer focus, the need to break down organizational silos, and the key metrics CROs should track. He emphasizes building high-performing teams and the unique path to becoming a CRO, highlighting the value of diverse experiences. The episode wraps up with advice on professional growth, including networking and continuous learning. Tune in for a concise exploration of achieving success in the critical role of a CRO, packed with actionable insights for leaders at all levels.

03-28
24:29

Beyond the Bottom Line: People, Pace, and Profit in Business

Welcome to this episode of The Channel CRO, featuring Kevin Brooks from Procurant. In a focused conversation, Kevin explores key aspects of revenue generation and organizational dynamics, emphasizing the critical roles of revenue velocity, team alignment, and the unique challenges in the food industry. He stresses the importance of the right personnel, the diverse objectives of sales and marketing, and the strategic balance a Chief Revenue Officer must maintain for both short-term success and long-term growth. Highlighting customer service and profitability as business cornerstones, Kevin's insights are invaluable for anyone aiming to enhance their understanding of effective business leadership and the collective effort needed for organizational success. Tune in for a condensed masterclass on driving business forward with strategic alignment and robust leadership.

03-21
27:43

Smarter, Better, Faster, With Warren Zenna

Welcome to The Channel CRO, where hosts Kathleen Martin and Des Thomas interview Warren Zenna, founder of the CRO Collective. In this episode, Warren shares his insights on the crucial role of Chief Revenue Officers in aligning sales, marketing, and customer success to overcome revenue misalignment in B2B companies. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, expertise, and data-driven decision-making in crafting a successful CRO strategy. Tune in for a condensed masterclass on empowering CROs to excel in their pivotal roles.

03-01
34:32

The Art of Revenue Management: Andre Cuenin's Playbook for Success

Welcome to this episode of The Channel CRO, where Andre Cuenin, the Chief Revenue Officer at Veracode, joins us. In this conversation, Andre delves into the nuances of revenue management, shedding light on the criticality of synchronizing marketing and sales efforts. He offers an in-depth look at leveraging cutting-edge technology and the pivotal metrics he prioritizes—activity, pipeline, bookings, and forecast. Beyond the numbers, Andre provides valuable insights into growth strategies and the key traits necessary for ascending the ranks in sales and marketing roles. Our discussion wraps up with Andre underscoring the importance of a well-executed go-to-market kickoff. This strategic move ensures alignment across teams and reinforces a customer-first approach. 

02-29
21:34

Smarter, Better, Faster: Vikas Shah's Guide to Thriving with Limited Resources

Welcome to this episode of The Channel CRO, where hosts Kathleen Martin and Des Thomas sit down with Vikas Shah, the Chief Revenue Officer at LSQ, a pioneering force in the area of working capital finance. Together, they look deep into the critical subject of sales and marketing alignment, the evolving strategic role of the CRO in enhancing customer value, and the intricate challenges faced when instigating organizational changes. Vikas shares insights on the necessity for businesses to optimize their operations, becoming smarter, better, and quicker despite the constraints of limited resources. Furthermore, he underscores the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence in streamlining processes. With a recommendation to explore 'The Champion Mindset' by Joanna Zager for further motivation, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for professionals eager to understand the dynamics of contemporary market success, the paramount importance of customer value, and the innovative strategies to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

02-15
20:48

Connecting the Dots: Relationship Building and Revenue Optimization with Danny Suk Brown

Welcome to this episode of The Channel CRO, where we get a peek into the world of Chief Revenue Officers (CROs) and their pivotal role in steering organizations towards success. In today's segment, we're thrilled to host Danny Suk Brown, the President of AppMeetup, who brings a wealth of experience as a fractional CRO. Danny sheds light on the intricate challenges of driving change within organizations, emphasizing the critical need to dismantle operational silos and enhance interdepartmental collaboration. He offers invaluable insights into the essence of building robust relationships and the core metrics every CRO must vigilantly monitor. Additionally, he extends practical advice to technical experts aspiring to excel in sales, underscoring the importance of simplifying complex ideas to meet customer needs and the undeniable power of effective public speaking success.

02-08
28:48

The Human Factor in Tech Revenue: Karuna Mallakuntala's Vision for Success

Welcome to The Channel CRO podcast, where this week we're joined by Karuna Mallakuntala, the Chief Revenue Officer of MOURI Tech. In this episode, Karuna shares his transition from programming to leadership, illuminating the crucial role of revenue cycle management and the alignment between marketing, sales, and customer success in driving revenue growth. He discusses MOURI Tech's focus on client retention, revenue forecasting, and understanding customer lifetime value as key drivers for scaling the business. Karuna emphasizes the importance of breaking down silos between departments to ensure a seamless customer experience and the necessity of continuous training for effective revenue generation. Furthermore, he explores the unique aspect of emotional connection in the IT service industry, advocating for a balance between technical expertise and human elements in the customer journey. Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of emotion, technology, and business growth.

02-01
24:34

Data Disruption: Revolutionizing Protection with Stacy Hayes

In this episode of The Channel CRO, we're joined by Stacy Hayes, Co-Founder and EVP Americas at Assured Data Protection. An expert in the data protection industry, Stacy shares his journey of disrupting the market with a novel pay-per-use model and scaling a company to manage over 20 petabytes of data. He discusses the importance of aligning marketing and sales for customer satisfaction, balancing between automation and customer service in managed services, and his leadership approach shaped by military discipline. Stacy also delves into the challenges of demand generation, channel partnerships, and the innovative strategies for streamlining sales in managed services. Tune in for invaluable insights from a leader who's at the forefront of revolutionizing data protection.

01-25
40:29

The Art of Connection: Sales, Marketing, and Leadership with Brian Whitney

In this episode, we hear Kathleen Martin and Desraie Thomas having a relaxed yet insightful chat with Brian Whitney, the Chief Revenue Officer at TRAY. They dive into what Brian's day-to-day looks like at TRAY and his journey in the sales and marketing world. Brian's pretty open about how he's been shaping the sales and marketing teams at TRAY, and he really stresses how crucial it is for these teams to work hand-in-hand. It's all about connecting with clients and building those lasting relationships, something Brian seems passionate about. Brian also gets into the nitty-gritty of what metrics are key in sales and marketing and what it takes to be a top-notch CRO.  The key takeaways? Well, first off, having a strong sales and marketing team is a big deal for any company's success. Getting those teams to gel and work together for better outcomes is also super important. Then there's the metrics - keeping an eye on brand impressions, leads, opportunities, and demos. And for the CRO role, it's all about being the team's cheerleader, challenger, and supporter.

01-18
21:46

Dan Wensley's Bold Predictions and Key Metrics for Success

In the latest episode, Kathleen Martin sits down with Dan Wensley, CEO of ScalePad, for an insightful discussion on the evolving role of the channel chief in the IT channel landscape. They delve into the significance of having both sales and marketing teams report directly to the channel chief, underscoring the importance of this structure for organizational success. The conversation pivots to examining critical metrics for gauging the effectiveness of integrated sales and marketing strategies. Dan Wensley, with his seasoned perspective, makes some bold predictions for the year 2024, highlighting the imperative for channel chiefs to prioritize the triumphs of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their clientele.  Key takeaways from this episode include the pivotal role of the channel chief, who ideally should oversee both sales and marketing divisions. The discussion reaffirms that a channel chief is crucial for success in the IT services industry. Interestingly, the role of the channel chief is seen as evolving, with many now stepping into the role of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Essential metrics for channel chiefs to monitor include partner growth, close ratio, and the success rate of partners in adopting new technologies. Finally, it's emphasized that achieving success in the IT channel hinges on a focused commitment to the success of MSPs and their customers.

12-27
14:56

Synergizing Sales and Marketing: Insights from Partner Ready's Greg Plum

Desraie Thomas and Kathleen Martin interviewed Greg Plum, who holds a pivotal role as a Fractional Channel Chief and Director at PartnerReady. The trio discusses various crucial aspects of business strategy, emphasizing the significance of comprehending and utilizing ecosystems for business prosperity. A key part of their discussion revolved around the critical alignment of sales and marketing teams, and they examined important metrics for gauging the effectiveness of this collaboration, such as meetings, leads, and closed deals. Greg offered valuable insights on the optimal timing for businesses to transition from employing a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to a full-time one, highlighting that this decision should be based on effectiveness rather than the size of the company. The conversation also underscored the profound influence that team alignment has on the culture and productivity within a company. Additionally, Greg shed light on the importance of mentors and networking in professional growth. To further support the listeners, he recommended several resources, including 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie, 'Purple Cow' by Seth Godin, and 'Give and Take' by Adam Grant.

12-20
24:04

The CRO Playbook: Collaboration, Metrics, and Sales Wisdom with Ryan Pastian

In the latest episode of The Channel CRO podcast, join hosts Kathleen and Desraie as they sit down with Ryan Pastian, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Language I/O. This insightful conversation jumps right into Ryan's unique journey to becoming a CRO, underlining the pivotal role of fostering relationships and building a robust community within the organization and beyond. Ryan shares his expert insights on the crucial balance between managing metrics for aligning marketing and sales strategies and the personal experiences that shape a successful CRO. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, adopting a 'fail fast' mentality, and effectively juggling sales and leadership responsibilities. Additionally, for those eager to enhance their sales acumen, Ryan recommends seminal books like 'Gap Selling' and 'The Challenger Sale.' Whether you're an aspiring CRO or a seasoned sales professional, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways: the necessity of collaboration for success, the art of driving revenue growth through metric management, and the endurance required in the high-stakes world of sales. Dive into this episode for an in-depth exploration of what it takes to be a sales athlete in today's fast-paced business environment, and don't forget to listen, subscribe, and stay tuned to The Channel CRO for more enriching content that keeps you ahead in the world of sales and revenue growth.

12-12
19:20

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