Welcome to Sales Talk for CEOs, a show where Alice Heiman interviews successful CEOs who have successfully scaled their B2B sales organizations. In each episode, we get to know the sales background of each CEO, dig into the strategies they've used to build their sales organization and wrap it up with what the future holds. We cover the good, the bad and the ugly of scaling a sales organization in order to deliver to you: value and insights.
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The People Powered Community Podcast shares inspiring stories of go-to-market professionals who use their superpowers to create strong and lasting connections with their community. From start-ups to established corporations, these individuals have used their expertise in marketing, sales, customer success, and branding to bring people together and drive impact. Join us as we explore how these business superheroes use their unique abilities to build community and make a difference in the worl ...
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This is your Survival Guide to the Silicon Valley. Our guests are some of the TOP entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders in the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem. Every week, they will share with you strategies on how to raise funds, the do’s and don'ts of the Silicon Valley bubble and their secrets on how to grow your company from 0 to multiple million dollar evaluations. The host of Startup Socials Podcast is Igor Shoifot, a serial entrepreneur, founder of companies with many millions ...
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The Dakota Way: Why it Matters with Gui Costin
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Chapters 01:06 Guest Introduction 01:13 Dakota's Dual Business Model 02:39 Origin Story of Dakota 03:10 Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur 05:06 Early Days and Initial Client Acquisition 06:37 Growing the Company and Sales Team Development 07:42 Implementing the 'Dakota Way' 09:01 CEO's Role in Sales Process 10:32 Sales Team Expansion and Dev…
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Sales Funnel vs. Sales Pipeline: Key Differences for Better Sales Strategies
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Episode Details Chapters 00:01 Introduction and Importance of Modern Sales Strategies 01:40 Understanding and Organizing Sales Opportunities 03:16 Differentiating Leads from Opportunities 04:47 Tracking and Managing Opportunities 06:13 The Funnel vs. The Pipeline 07:33 Analyzing Pipeline Health and Sales Quotas 09:02 The Significance of Periodic Re…
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Scaling Your Business Through Founder-Led Sales and the Power of Partnerships
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Chapters 01:21 Guest Introduction Introduction to guest Jay Aigner, a founder of a QA software testing company, sharing glimpses into starting his business. 01:39 Current Company Operations Jay Aigner explains his company's role in alleviating QA bottlenecks and providing quality assurance services to software companies. 02:17 Initial Inspiration f…
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Streamline, Personalize, Grow: How AI is Transforming Sales Teams
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Imagine freeing up hours in your day while boosting your team’s productivity and engagement. With the right AI tools, that’s possible. In this Sales Talk for CEOs episode, Alice Heiman speaks with Gillian Utesch, CEO of Broken Glass Ceiling Marketing, about how AI-driven tools can help your team to streamline marketing, personalize engagement, and …
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How to Integrate AI into Your Sales Strategy
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Imagine your sales team leveraging tools that analyze data, predict trends, and create personalized messages in real-time. This isn’t some futuristic fantasy—it’s happening now in today’s AI-driven sales landscape. As Alice Heiman puts it, “Salespeople who don’t use AI will be replaced by those who do.” In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice…
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How Authenticity Can Become Your Biggest Strategic Advantage
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Imagine if the key to faster growth and deeper connections was something as simple as being yourself—authentically. In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Erin Hatzikostas reveals how authenticity, when used intentionally, becomes a powerful tool for CEOs to lead with confidence, build trust, and create a lasting impact in their organizations. Key…
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How Product Focus and Integrity Drove Egnyte’s Growth
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What does it take to build a company from the ground up and lead it to success for 16 years? For Vineet Jain, CEO and Co-founder of Egnyte, the answer is a relentless focus on product excellence and customer satisfaction. In a recent episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Vineet shared how these principles helped him grow Egnyte into a leading cloud-based…
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How to Use Sales Funnels to Improve Revenue Forecasting
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Accurate sales forecasting is critical for sustainable growth, with companies that effectively forecast being 10% more likely to increase their revenue year-over-year. Yet, many CEOs struggle with this crucial aspect of their business. If accurate forecasting remains a challenge, it may be time to examine the health of the sales funnel. In a recent…
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Why Your Sales Team Needs Stronger Leadership Now More Than Ever
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One question is on the minds of many CEOs: What exactly should sales leaders be doing to ensure their teams are performing at their peak? The answer, while multifaceted, revolves around a critical shift in focus—prioritizing customer experience and empowering sales teams to excel. Shifting Focus: From Internal Metrics to Customer Experience Traditi…
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Your Blueprint for Hiring Top Sales Talent
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How can CEOs consistently hire top-tier sales talent? Kristie Jones, a sales leadership expert with over 20 years of experience, shares her strategies for attracting, hiring, and onboarding the best sales professionals in the latest episode of Sales Talk for CEOs. Kristie dives into the hiring process, the importance of structured onboarding, and e…
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What if the key to your company’s success lay hidden in a challenge you’re currently facing? David Dulany's journey from sales frustration to creating a thriving business is a testament to this idea. In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice Heiman speaks with David Dulany, founder of Tenbound, about his transition from working at Achieve Globa…
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Building Your A-Team: Matthew Toth's Proven Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Top Talent
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In an era where technology evolves at lightning speed, having the right team in place is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. CEOs today face the critical task of ensuring their organizations are equipped for sustained growth and success. Matthew Toth, CEO of C3 Technology Advisors, shares valuable insights from his 15-year journey in building a su…
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Is a Chief Revenue Officer Right for Your Business? When to Consider a CRO
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In the complex world of company leadership structures, the role of the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) has sparked debates on its necessity and timing. In this episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman dives into the nuances of the CRO role, helping CEOs determine if and when it might be essential for their company. Deciphering the CRO Role: The e…
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The Power of Vision: John Klymshyn on Leading Sales and Inspiring Teams
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What role does vision play in sales and leadership? John Klymshyn, a Navy veteran turned renowned sales coach, author, and speaker shares his insights on how a clear vision can transform sales teams and inspire individuals to achieve greatness. Join us as John discusses his journey, the importance of vision, and actionable strategies for CEOs to le…
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From Engineer to CEO: Marko Dinic's Unexpected Journey in Tech Leadership
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Having no plans of becoming a CEO, engineer Marko Dinic shares his 18-year journey to becoming the leader of a company that excels in compliance solutions. Leading his company through both triumphs and challenges, Marko, CEO of Jatheon, delves into his experiences, lessons learned, and the unique insights he's gained along the way. Complex Sales Re…
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From Problem to Product: Sujan Patel's Path to Mailshake
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In 2015, Sujan Patel faced a common frustration: sales teams failing to follow up with prospects. His solution? Build a tool so effective that it turned into a successful company, Mailshake. In this episode, Alice Heiman talks with Sujan Patel, co-founder of Mailshake, about his journey from solving his own sales problems to building a successful b…
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Unlocking Growth: Why Every CEO Needs a Team of A-Players
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Imagine this: every person reporting directly to you is not just competent, but an A-player, fully aligned with your vision and driving your company's growth. Sounds ideal, right? This is not just a dream—it's an achievable reality that can transform the way you lead. Today on "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman delves into why having the right peo…
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The Art of Whale Hunting: Strategies for Big Sales Success
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Landing big deals, or "whale hunting," is crucial for small and mid-sized businesses aiming to grow. In a recent episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Barbara Weaver Smith, an expert in whale hunting, shared invaluable insights on how CEOs can successfully target and secure these significant accounts. From Strategy to Action: The Essence of Whale Hunti…
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From 1 million to 1.5 billion at Angie’s List, What Alex Levin did Next
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Episode Summary: Ever felt the frustration of navigating customer service bots that just don't get your problem? Alex Levin of Regal.io understands this pain all too well and is transforming customer interaction with a human touch. He shares his journey from working to build Angie’s list to cofounding Regal.io, getting customer feedback in the earl…
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Turning a Sweet Idea into a Thriving Business: The Grove Cookie Journey
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Did you know 95% of Americans eat at least one cookie per month? In today's "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice speaks with Grayson Hogard's entrepreneurial journey from hobby baking to a hugely successful business. As CEO of Grove Cookies, Grayson turned traditional treats into a powerhouse of corporate gifting. Discover how cookies can reshape client re…
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Why Your Sales Aren't Growing: The Critical Role of Value in Customer Acquisition with Expert Ian Campbell
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In today's fiercely competitive market, understanding the core of value-driven sales can be transformative. This crucial concept was the centerpiece of our latest "Sales Talk for CEOs" episode, featuring expert Ian Campbell, CEO of Nucleus Research and author of "The Value Sale." In this discussion, we delve into how emphasizing value rather than j…
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From Silos to Synergy: Transforming Your Team with a Go-to-Market Framework
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Did you know that collaborative team selling has become a fundamental approach for modern businesses? According to Forrester, nearly 60% of sales leaders now emphasize team collaboration over individual efforts to secure significant deals. In this compelling solo episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice Heiman explores why moving away from traditional…
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From Sales Rep to CEO: Navigating the Journey to Funded Startup
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"It's how you sell that becomes your differentiator in a crowded market," explained Ross Rich. Alice was excited to talk with Ross, whom she’s known since the early days of his entrepreneurial journey. Ross, the CEO of Accord, started his company to solve a critical problem in sales: lack of transparency between teams and customers. His insights ar…
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Leading with Empathy: How Cory Munchbach’s Journey from Analyst to CEO Shapes her Leadership Today
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How does a product marketer end up in the CEO seat? Moving from being an analyst at Forrester to starting at BlueConic as a product marketer and doing many different jobs at the company over the years landed Cory Munchback the CEO seat. Fully backed by the founder, Cory shares her remarkable journey from analyst to CEO, detailing the vital lessons …
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How CEOs Can Harness the Power of Revenue Operations: Insights from Eddie Reynolds
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What is RevOps anyway and how is it different from SalesOps? What do I as the CEO need to know about RevOps? In a recent episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Eddie Reynolds, a seasoned expert in Revenue Operations (RevOps), shared crucial insights for CEOs looking to boost efficiency and enhance customer experiences. Eddie's expertise centers on alignin…
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From Law to Leadership: Clate Mask’s Journey to CEO of Keap
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In a recent captivating episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Clate Mask, CEO and co-founder of Keap, shared his journey from law school to leading a company that’s at the forefront of small business automation software. For CEOs looking to streamline their operations and enhance customer engagement, Clate's insights are golden. Key Takeaways for CEOs:…
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From NASA to CEO: Lessons in Leadership, Storytelling and Curiosity
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This week’s episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs" is out of this world, literally! Alice Heiman was joined by Beth Mund, whose journey from NASA to entrepreneurial space storyteller is rich with insights for business leaders. Not only that, we found out Alice is a bit of a space geek and she’s a huge fan of Beth’s having discovered her when she began he…
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Adapt, Innovate, Scale: Key Strategies from Recapped's Sales Success Story
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"We help sellers consistently execute a Michelin star experience for their buyers instead of a fast food experience." And isn’t this what every buyer wants today. On "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman was joined by Mark Fershteyn of Recapped, whose journey from sales struggles to CEO offers a roadmap for innovation in sales strategies. His focus o…
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Do you know that exceptional customer and employee experiences can be the game-changer for your business? In a recent episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs," Alice Heiman explores this dynamic duo's profound impact. Here's a sneak peek: 🌟 Customer Experience Matters Dive deep into the customer journey. Identify areas for improvement. Create a seamless pa…
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Scaling to $22 Million ARR: Sales Insights from Retention.com's CEO
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Another company that scaled to over $20M in ARR. How does Alice Heiman keep finding them? In another insightful episode of "Sales Talk for CEOs" Alice Heiman was joined by Adam Robinson, CEO of Retention.com, who shared his remarkable journey of bootstrapping his company to a $22 million ARR in just four years. Not unlike “G” Guillaume Moubeche, fr…
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CEOs on Social Media: A Direct Correlation to Increased Revenue
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In the engaging world of social media, CEOs find themselves at a crossroads between opportunity and caution. A recent conversation between Alice Heiman and Scott Gillum on "Sales Talk for CEOs" podcast sheds light on this very issue, offering a blend of strategies, insights, and anecdotes that CEOs can't afford to ignore. The discussion delves into…
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From Sustainability Advocate to Tech Entrepreneur: Malin Schmidt's Journey to the Top
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In an enlightening episode of the Sales Talk for CEOs Podcast, Alice Heiman engages with Malin Schmidt, not just as the CEO of Kodiak Hub, a pioneer in supplier relationship management software, but as a visionary leader whose journey epitomizes the fusion of sustainability and technology in business. Schmidt's transition from a sustainability advo…
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Unlocking the Power of Authentic Influence in Leadership with Matthew Brown
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In an insightful episode, Alice welcomed influence expert Matt Brown to explore how CEOs can leverage their influence for meaningful change. Having founded 14 companies and hosted over 850 podcast episodes, Brown shared his profound insights on leveraging influence to drive positive change within and beyond your organization. The True Essence of In…
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In a world driven by results and constant hustle, we often forget to pause and appreciate our achievements. Alice Heiman, in her recent podcast, emphasizes the importance of appreciation in business success. Here are the key takeaways: Appreciation Builds Momentum: Taking a moment to truly appreciate our accomplishments can create great momentum. I…
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Innovating from the Top: How a Former CMO Revitalized a Company as CEO
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Imagine taking over the CEO role of a company just as COVID hit. Alice Heiman sat down with Andee Harris, the dynamic CEO of Challenger Inc., who did just that. Harris shared her riveting journey of steering the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and moving from 100% in-person training to 100% online training basically overnight, revealing not o…
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From Reluctant Entrepreneur to Successful CEO with Justin Rende
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Growing your business by doing an exceptional job is something that Alice’s guest Justin Rende knows well. This may be overlooked by those companies with a race to land new logos. Having referenceable customers can help you grow your sales. In fact when you do an exceptional job, without prompting, your customers will tell others. But that won’t fu…
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The Importance of Sales Leadership in a Changing Economy with Gretchen Gordon
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In a world where sales strategies are swiftly evolving, CEOs can no longer afford to overlook the critical role of exceptional sales leadership. Alice Heiman’s latest guest, Gretchen Gordon, author of "Happy Sales Manager" and President of Braveheart Sales Performance, shares her profound insights on empowering sales teams to excel in any economic …
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Relationships Over Sales Pitches with Eduardo Coll
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Forget the traditional sales pitch; it's all about relationships and networks. This was the sage advice from Eduardo Coll, when he talked with Alice on "Sales Talk for CEOs." His innovative approach to business growth, focusing on conversational selling and leveraging networks, provides a fresh perspective for CEOs and entrepreneurs. Embrace Conver…
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Using My Time: Drink Your Coffee While it's Hot!
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This week Alice shares her reflections after having time to think during the holidays. In this podcast she considers how CEOs should use their time to do what is most important to them and that are things only they can do. She talks about how CEOs need to stay in their genius zone and find others to do the rest. It’s tempting to continue doing so m…
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From the White House to Wonderhell: Laura Gassner Otting's Journey of Resilient Leadership
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Summary Laura Gassner Otting, TEDx speaker and author of Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn’t Feel like it Should . . . and What to do About it, had an insightful conversation with Alice. Her career has spanned from a pivotal role in Bill Clinton's White House to achieving entrepreneurial heights. Laura and Alice discussed the concept of "Wonderhell," w…
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Bootstrapping to $20 Million ARR in Just 5 Years with Guillaume Moubeche
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In the ever-evolving world of B2B sales, few stories are as compelling as that of Guillaume Moubeche, CEO of Lempire. Guillaume or “G” as his friends call him is one of the happiest, most friendly CEOs you will come across. But don’t let that fool you, he’s one determined founder. When he realized how hard it was going to be to raise money he compl…
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Turning Startup Challenges into Triumphs: William Gilchrist's CEO Journey
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Every CEO's journey is unique, but few are as eye-opening as moving from the structured world of corporate to the unpredictable realm of startups. This is the path William Gilchrist, CEO of Konsyg, shares on Sales Talk for CEOs with Alice Heiman. His experience unveils not just the challenges but also the vital strategies he learned for thriving in…
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CEO's Roadmap to Data-Driven Success: Lessons from Jonathan Silver
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Imagine harnessing the power of 140 million credit card swipes to reshape your business strategy. That's exactly what Jonathan Silver of Affinity Solutions does, and he’s here to share his groundbreaking journey with us. In a dynamic conversation with Alice Heiman on Sales Talk for CEOs, Jonathan delves into the art of transforming consumer data in…
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Is Your Product Obviously Awesome? with Expert April Dunford
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Have you ever wondered why, despite having amazing products, customers still struggle to understand your company's value? April Dunford, an authority on product positioning, discusses the critical role of positioning in sales and marketing. Known for her first book "Obviously Awesome" and her expertise in positioning, April shares her insights on w…
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Gabriella DeFlorio on Being First to Market: How She Started Prelay
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Gabriella enjoyed working with technical and operationally focused people tackling complex problems. She always worked in a team to do sales but didn’t like the lack of transparency to the team members as the deal progressed. She saw a need for a team selling tool. “I really didn’t have any other option than starting this business and seeing where …
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Successful Growth through Acquisition with Jessica Fialkovich
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How do you wind up being a business broker after a luxurious career in the high-end wine business? Funny story. After working in the corporate world around 2008 and 2009 Jessica Fialkovich and her husband saw her friend who had a luxurious wine business brokering really high-end wines around the world. They thought how fun it would be to taste wine…
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Customer Success and Culture: 2 Keys to Success with Tom Lavery
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When investors are leaning on you to get “New Logos” you can lose sight of customer success and it can change or damage your culture. For Tom Lavery at Jiminny, compromising on customer success or culture were not options. Tom was a VP of sales before he, his wife and their technical cofounder started the company. He set out to solve some of the pr…
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The Power of Employee Experience: Insights from Tiffani Bova
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In a world where businesses prioritize customer experience, CEOs must grasp the profound impact of employee experience. In a compelling discussion with Tiffani Bova, author of "The Experience Mindset," we explore the importance of elevating the employee experience. Tiffani emphasizes the need for CEOs to understand the link between employee satisfa…
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CEO Jarrod Lopiccolo on Sales Success and Giving Back
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Twenty years ago, a couple, sat with their laptops at their house and launched a business. It was some uncharted territory, but they dove right in. Who knew where they would be 20 years later. Still happily married, kids grown, business booming, over 60 employees and a strong commitment to community. An absolute success story. Jarrod and Alice expl…
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After building and exiting two Blue Ocean startups that, in her own words, were painful, my guest, Melissa Kwan, figured it out. "It's important to know what you want to do, but even more important to know what you don't want to do. And I had two startups, as you mentioned, that were quite painful in the sense that I didn't think I was very smart o…
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