The Revenue Circle

Fractional leaders win or lose in the first week. In this episode of The Revenue Circle, Mahesh Iyer sits down with Lara, a fractional GTM operator who has scaled teams and regions under pressure. She breaks down how to read a business in the first 72 hours, aligns CEO expectations with field reality, and structures customer discovery that surfaces real problems fast. You will hear a practical playbook for outbound that actually produces a qualified pipeline, how to hire and coach A-players, and what changes when you cross borders and sell across cultures. Lara concludes with candid guidance for operators exploring the fractional path, emphasizing the mindset, stamina, and discipline required to consistently deliver outcomes.The first 72 hours set the trajectory; verify internal dynamics and pipeline truth.Align CEO expectations with what the data and customers are actually saying.Customer discovery must expose real pain, not confirm internal narratives.Outbound that works is systematic: list quality, message rules, review cadence.Senior hires raise the performance ceiling when paired with clear scorecards.Coaching is individualized; standards stay firm, methods flex.Cultural nuance shapes discovery and consensus in cross-border deals.Fractional leadership requires resilience, clarity of scope, and ruthless focus.Transparent coaching builds trust and accountability across the team.Discipline and consistent execution beat tool sprawl and slogans.Please find Lara's LinkedIn profilehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-borenovic/

In this episode of the Revenue Circle podcast, Mahesh Iyer interviews Michelle Allbon, CEO and co-founder of Fractional Directory. They discuss the evolving landscape of fractional leadership, particularly in the APAC region, and the distinctions between roles such as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and sales leaders. Michelle shares her insights on sales enablement, the transition from CRO to CEO, and the importance of diversity in leadership. They also examine the challenges of establishing a fractional talent directory and the future of fractional leadership in a rapidly evolving market.You can follow Michelle - Linkedin

In this episode of The Revenue Circle, host Mahesh Iyer sits down with Oleksii Lunkov, a fractional Chief e-commerce officer whose insights cut through the digital noise.Alex unpacks the real challenges facing online retailers today - from the surprisingly low average conversion rates to the untapped power of owned customer data through email marketing. He breaks down why content remains the ultimate differentiator and offers a refreshing take on AI: "Think about problems first, then solutions."The conversation moves beyond theory into practical territory with Alex's experiences localizing e-commerce for global markets (it's not just translation) and his candid thoughts on why fractional leadership models deliver better ROI for growing businesses.Whether you're launching your first store or scaling your tenth, this episode delivers actionable strategies for navigating the increasingly personal future of e-commerce.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to E-commerce Expertise02:52 The Power of Content in E-commerce06:45 Navigating Global E-commerce Challenges17:13 The Role of Technology and AI in E-commerce22:42 Data Analysis and Strategic Decision Making28:37 Emerging Trends in E-commerce33:09 The Fractional E-commerce Officer Model

In this enlightening episode of Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue, host Mahesh Iyer engages with sales and AI expert Denise Murtha Bachmann. They explore the evolution of sales strategies, the integration of AI in sales processes, and the importance of humanizing sales in an increasingly digital world. Denise shares her journey in sales, the challenges women face in the industry, and the significance of building trust with clients. The conversation emphasizes the need for sales professionals to adapt to new technologies while maintaining authentic human connections. They also discuss the role of leadership in coaching sales teams and the importance of personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sales in the Digital Age 04:47 Deinse's Journey in Sales1 0:38 The Evolution of Sales Strategies 17:47 The Importance of Human Connection in Sales 22:51 Humanizing Sales in an AI-Driven World 23:15 Injecting Humanity into Sales 25:02 The Role of AI in Sales 28:10 Navigating AI Integration Challenges 31:15 Building Trust with AI 34:31 Embracing Continuous Learning in Sales 35:51 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Sales 37:20 The Importance of Personal Branding 38:33 Rapid Fire Fun and Final Thoughts

In this engaging conversation, Mahesh Iyer - CRO hosts a discussion with AI experts Shaswat Ghosh and Hari Pudipeddii , focusing on the transformative power of AI in marketing and sales. They explore the problems AI can solve, the impact on job dynamics, and the importance of choosing the right tools for different business stages. The conversation emphasizes the role of fractional executives in implementing AI solutions and highlights the significance of hyper-personalization. Real-life case studies illustrate AI's practical applications and the experts provide valuable insights for startups and founders.

In this engaging webinar, hosted as part of the AI in Sales & Marketing Webinar Series, Mahesh Iyer, Archita Fritz, and Rajiv Vishwanathan delve into AI's transformative potential in redefining sales and marketing strategies. This conversation explores how organizations can embrace AI as a business transformation tool, prepare for implementation, and effectively integrate AI-driven technologies to achieve meaningful results. The discussion emphasizes the synergy between human intuition and AI, the strategic role of fractional leadership in guiding AI initiatives, and how businesses can leverage AI to enhance customer experiences while maintaining a human-centric approach. Key Takeaways AI as a Business Tool: AI is a tech initiative and a catalyst for business transformation. Organizational Readiness: Evaluate existing data, systems, and infrastructure before diving into AI. Marketing Efficiencies: Tools like customer segmentation and predictive analytics improve marketing outcomes. Leadership Alignment: Leadership buy-in and vision are critical for successful AI adoption. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective AI integration requires collaboration across teams and departments. Human-AI Synergy: AI should enhance, not replace, human creativity and intuition. Experimentation: Test and refine AI solutions to identify the best fit for your business needs. Customer-Centric Approach: Deeply understanding customer needs is crucial for leveraging AI effectively. Personalization at Scale: AI enables highly tailored customer experiences, driving engagement and loyalty. Future of AI: The focus will shift toward enhancing human interactions, not replacing them with AI.

Join us on this episode of Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue as we Welcome Leslie Venetz—Founder of The Sales-Led GTM Agency, a Top 4 Finalist for the 2024 GTM Advisor of the Year, and a true sales expert. Leslie brings her wealth of experience in building high-performing sales teams and her passion for buyer-centric strategies. She shares actionable insights on driving growth, developing outbound sales processes, and fostering a culture of success. Whether you're a sales professional, an entrepreneur, or just curious about effective go-to-market strategies, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration to take your skills to the next level. Leslie Can be reached on https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslievenetz/

🎙️ Mr. Iyer’s Digital Dialogue - New Season Premiere: Exploring AI in Sales & Marketing! In this exciting season opener, we're diving deep into the future of sales with the brilliant Eleonora Senini, CEO and co-founder of Sailes. With over 8 years of sales experience, Eleonora has launched Sailes Yes, a groundbreaking AI-powered platform designed by salespeople for salespeople. In this episode, we explore how Sailes Yes is reshaping the way sales professionals identify and match with their ideal target using LinkedIn and AI. Tune in as we discuss: The story behind Sailes Yes and Eleonora’s journey from sales expert to tech entrepreneur How AI is revolutionizing prospecting and lead generation The unique challenges and opportunities in today’s sales market Insights into Sailes Yes’s current market position and future roadmap If you're curious about how AI transforms the sales and marketing landscape, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation to inspire sales leaders, marketers, and tech enthusiasts!

Global career spanning sales, consulting, and managed servicesIn this engaging episode of Mr. Iyer’s Digital Dialogue: The Fractional Series, Mahesh Iyer sits down with Roger Sowerbutts, a distinguished Fractional CRO and CMO with a remarkable 30-year track record in the IT industry. Roger brings insights from a career spanning sales, consulting, and managed services globally, including pivotal roles at Microsoft and HP. Over the last 24 years, he's dedicated himself to driving success in startups and scale-ups, achieving five major exits that have delivered an astounding $600 million in enterprise value to shareholders. Since his latest exit, Roger has focused on helping SaaS companies scale as a fractional executive. This conversation dives into essential themes like the power of collaboration, diverse perspectives, and embracing change as a path to new opportunities. Mahesh and Roger also unpack the value of effective communication, active listening, and building trust—cornerstones for any successful partnership. Key Takeaways: Collaboration drives shared goals and exponential growth. Diverse perspectives enrich discussions and foster innovation. Active listening and effective communication are vital for building trust. Embracing change opens the door to untapped opportunities. Continuous learning is critical for staying ahead and achieving long-term success. Tune in to gain a fresh outlook on scaling strategies and timeless principles that can empower your business journey.

In this episode of Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue, we dive into fractional technology leadership with Hari, a seasoned Fractional CTO who brings over two decades of expertise in Technology and Product Management. Hari shares insights from his extensive career, including his 12-year journey at Cerner Corporation, his role as co-author of the OWASP Testing Guidebook, and his experience bootstrapping two ventures: HAPLO IWMS, a SaaS platform for the commercial real estate market, and Studio NAVAKA, a product management consulting firm. We explore Hari's approach to balancing multiple clients, the unique value a Fractional CTO brings to growing businesses, and how he customizes tech strategy across diverse industries. Whether you're curious about the fractional model, looking to optimize your tech leadership, or simply intrigued by Hari’s rich experiences, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. And stick around for a fun rapid-fire round at the end, where Hari shares his favorite productivity hack, top tech gadget, and the best advice he's ever received! Tune in to discover why fractional leaders are transforming the way companies innovate and scale. Hari can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/harinathpv/

In this episode of Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue, part of the Fractional Series, I sit down with Rajiv Vishwanathan, an experienced Fractional Chief Technology Officer. We explore Rajiv's journey in the world of technology, his role as a Fractional CTO, and how he helps startups and businesses navigate complex tech challenges with strategic insights and innovative solutions. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on the evolving tech landscape, the power of fractional leadership, and Rajiv's thoughts on the future of technology for growing companies.

In this enlightening episode of Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue, host Mahesh Iyer welcomes Archita Fritz, a seasoned fractional product marketing leader, for the Fractional Series. Archita takes us on her remarkable journey from electrical engineering to becoming a powerhouse in product marketing, having launched over 20 products across 128+ markets. Discover how Archita navigates the complex world of product launches, balancing the unique challenges of diverse markets. She shares invaluable insights on the art of self-advocacy and the power of data-driven decision-making in her career progression. Archita compares her experiences working with nimble startups and Fortune 500 giants, highlighting the distinct approaches required for each. As a fractional leader, she emphasizes the critical role of effective communication and team empowerment in driving success. Listeners will gain practical wisdom on staying ahead in the fast-paced product marketing industry and learn about Archita's passionate advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring product marketers, fractional leaders, and anyone interested in the dynamic intersection of technology and marketing. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that bridges engineering precision with marketing finesse, and learn how to make your mark in the ever-evolving world of product marketing. https://www.linkedin.com/in/architafritz/

In this episode of the Fractional Series, we sit down with Neil, the Founder of revenue•x and a seasoned Fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), to dive deep into the world of revenue growth, GTM strategies, and leadership. With over five years of experience helping early-stage and medium-sized businesses accelerate their sales, Neil shares his unique insights on building high-performing teams, avoiding common pitfalls, and driving sustainable growth. We explore Neil's creative approaches across various industries, from SaaS to healthcare, and how his journey as an immigrant has influenced his leadership style and community-building efforts with PORCH. We wrap up the conversation with a fun rapid-fire round where Neil reveals his favorite tools, leadership style, and more. Whether you’re a startup founder, a sales leader, or simply curious about the fractional executive world, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation that you won’t want to miss! Reach out to Neil on - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilweitzman/ Neil is running a fractional Training & Coaching, so check it out. - https://www.befractional.org/

In this eye-opening episode of Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue, we dive deep into marketing matchmaking with CEO Behdad Jamshedi. From his fascinating journey as an engineer turned marketing expert, Behdadi shares invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Discover the rising trend of Fractional CMOs and how they're reshaping business strategies. Behdadi unveils current marketing trends, including the game-changing impact of AI. Learn about the intricate process of vetting marketing partners and the challenges faced in the matchmaking process. Be inspired by success stories that showcase the power of the right marketing partnership. Whether you're a business owner seeking marketing support or an agency looking to stand out, Behdadi offers practical advice and highlights the key qualities that make a marketing agency shine. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex world of digital marketing. Tune in for a masterclass in marketing matchmaking and gain insights that could transform your business approach. Connect with Behdad Jamshedi on LinkedIn to learn more about his groundbreaking work in marketing matchmaking. https://www.linkedin.com/in/behdadjamshidi/

Join Mr. Iyer in a fascinating conversation with Charleh Knighton, a seasoned Fractional CMO, and CEO & MD of KUB. Charleh shares her expertise on the benefits of fractional marketing, from identifying the need for a Fractional CMO to tailoring strategies for different sectors. Discover the KPIs of an effective marketing agency, the story behind KUB, and Charleh's three pillars of business growth. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and marketers looking to elevate their game. To reach out to Charleh, please follow these links. https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlehdickinson/ Podcast Link for Charleh with Friends - https://open.spotify.com/show/0A0h7ZLg1cvrX5CnVyRmhO?si=e7ee290d6eac45ad

oin host Mahesh Iyer as he welcomes Stephany Day, the Chief Operating Officer of KIP Search, for an insightful episode in our Fractional Series. Stephany brings a wealth of experience in executive search, helping private equity firms and portfolio companies enhance their value through strategic hiring and leadership development. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of fractional executive roles, drawing on Stephany's expertise as a Fractional Chief Operating Officer for various companies. Additionally, Stephany shares her journey as a coach for executives transitioning to fractional roles through her program, The Fractional Leap, which stands out for its rigorous global certification standards and unique Certified Fractional Executive accreditation. Tune in for an engaging conversation that delves into the benefits and challenges of fractional leadership and offers valuable insights into navigating and excelling in this dynamic field.

Welcome to the third episode of "The Fractionals Series" on Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue, your go-to podcast for insightful discussions at the intersection of tech, travel, and transformation in the business and professional world. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Karina Mikhli, the Founder of Fractionals United and a trailblazer in the fractional leadership domain. Karina has been at the forefront of the fractional COO movement, shaping the trajectory of fractional employment through her visionary leadership and dedication to community building. With Fractionals United, she has created a platform that addresses the unique challenges fractional professionals face and celebrates the power of community in fostering shared success. In this episode, we delve into: Karina's pioneering journey before and after founding Fractionals United highlights the moments and mentors that shaped her path. The inspiration behind Fractionals United aims to fill a significant gap in the market for fractional professionals. The evolution of the fractional employment landscape and how Fractionals United differentiates itself from traditional part-time work and consulting. Challenges within the fractional sector and the innovative solutions provided by Fractionals United to overcome them. The critical role of community and networking in empowering fractional executives and professionals, featuring success stories from the Fractionals United platform. Expert advice for businesses on leveraging the benefits of hiring fractional executives to achieve their strategic goals. Karina's insights into leading such a unique platform and community include her vision for the future of fractional employment and its impact on the broader trends in the workplace. Join us as Karina Mikhli shares her profound insights and experiences, offering valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of community in the fractional workspace. Whether you're considering a fractional role, interested in hiring fractional talent, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with inspiring takeaways and strategic advice.

Welcome to the second episode of "The Fractionals" series on Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue, where we explore the intersections of technology, travel, and transformation through the lens of fractional leadership. This episode features an in-depth conversation with Jane Davydiuk, a London-based Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) renowned for her strategic prowess and innovative approach in fast-paced startup environments. With a rich background in business studies from Bremen and Vienna and having conducted over 70 personal interviews, Jane brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her expertise in developing data-driven processes and analytics dashboards has empowered organizations with over $20 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) to become more data-centric, optimizing their operations across various departments. Throughout this episode, Jane delves into the core of what it means to be a Fractional COO, sharing her unique perspective on: The advantages of hiring a Fractional COO and their unique value to businesses in transition or looking to scale. Effective strategies for energizing and aligning leadership and operational teams, fostering a culture of engagement and innovation. The evolving role of the COO in the age of digital transformation and remote work and how these changes are shaping the future of operations. Real-life success stories where Jane's process optimization and automation interventions have led to significant improvements in client business operations. The importance of energy in business interactions and the underrated skills that make a Fractional COO indispensable. Jane's insights shed light on the strategic importance of Fractional COOs and offer valuable lessons in leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of adopting a data-driven approach. Tune in to this enlightening episode of Mr. Iyer's Digital Dialogue and discover how the world of Fractional CXOs is revolutionizing business strategies, one decision at a time.

Join us in the season opener of "The Fractionals" as we sit down with Alex De Jong, an expert in fractional leadership, to discuss the innovative role of a Fractional Chief Revenue Officer. Alex shares his insights on driving revenue with agility, the unique challenges and benefits of the fractional CRO position, and strategies for success in today's dynamic business environment. This episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of executive leadership and how fractional roles are shaping the future of business strategy and growth. Don't miss this insightful conversation that kicks off our new season of "The Fractionals."

In this riveting episode, we delve deep into the cutting-edge realm of B2B sales, focusing on the transformative approach of Inside Sales. Sponsored by the visionary RCG - Roarr Consulting Group, we unravel how global SDRs, armed with multilingual skills, redefine the business world. Discover how they are bridging cultural divides, making global sales endeavors feel strikingly local, all while working remotely. The icing on the cake? Achieving these milestones at a fraction of the cost! Dive in with us as we discuss, debate, and celebrate the future of sales.