The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton (Pavilion)

In this episode, Kyle welcomes Martin Roth, the Chief Revenue Officer behind LevelSet's remarkable $500M exit, to explore a systematic approach to GTM infrastructure and talent development. In this episode, Martin shares his journey in scaling SMB transactional sales teams, offering deep insights into effective sales leadership and team management. The conversation navigates the unique challenges of SMB sales, providing a fresh perspective compared to enterprise models.

Martin underscores the significance of diverse demand generation strategies and the cultivation of sales talent through in-office collaboration and "micro-coaching." He also shares practical advice on maintaining a consistent tech stack and achieving precise forecasting

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

On this episode of the Revenue Leadership podcast, host Kyle Norton chats with Dini Mehta, former CRO of Lattice, to uncover the art of scaling through a multi-product strategy. Dini shares her journey of transforming Lattice from a single-product company into a thriving multi-product powerhouse. Together, they explore the nuances of launching new products, structuring teams for success, and driving engagement with thoughtful incentives and enablement. This episode is packed with insights for revenue leaders looking to tackle growth through innovation.

Dive deeper into Dini’s insights on revenue leadership and team building on her LinkedIn and Twitter pages.

If you like what you heard today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Secure your ticket to GTM2024 in Austin, TX (October 14 - 16), and don’t forget to use the code KYLE for 15% of your ticket.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of The Revenue Leadership Podcast, Mark Niemek, Chief Revenue Officer at Salesloft, opens up about his journey from Salesforce to Salesloft. He talks about the company's shift from being product-driven to a platform-focused organization and shares his thoughts on the critical role of operational discipline, transforming talent, and preserving company culture during times of change. Mark also highlights the power of a unified sales strategy, stressing how a consistent framework can boost forecasting accuracy and improve deal management.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode, Kyle sits down with Mark Roberge, Co-founder of Stage 2 Capital and former CRO of HubSpot, for a deep dive into the evolving role of AI in shaping technology strategy. Mark reflects on his journey from operator to investor, sharing hard-earned lessons and offering a candid perspective on leadership — including why great leaders don't need to be the best at everything. 

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast by Topline, host Kyle Norton sits down with Stevie Case, CRO at Vanta, to unpack the complexities of scaling revenue organizations. Stevie shares her journey from Twilio to Vanta, reflecting on the challenges and strategies behind building high-performing revenue teams. They discuss the value of a strong operating rhythm, the critical role of data in decision-making, and the impact of nurturing a competitive yet supportive team culture.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

What should CROs really be looking for when evaluating their next move? In this episode, Kyle sits down with Neal Patel, CRO at Crunchbase, to unpack how revenue leaders can vet companies like investors—by looking past vanity metrics and digging into signals that actually matter. They cover how to evaluate long-term viability, the importance of alignment with executive peers, and why being asked to "just run your old playbook" is a red flag.

The conversation also dives deep into how AI is disrupting traditional go-to-market models, how Crunchbase is using predictive data to reshape its strategy, and why the GTM stack of the future might be smaller—and smarter.

Thanks for tuning in! Want more content from Pavilion?

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

Your’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Neal Patel and Crunchbase

(02:28) - State of the Market and AI's Impact

(11:01) - Navigating Macro Conditions as a CRO

(14:26) - Crunchbase's Shift Towards Predictive Analytics

(23:27) - AI's Transformative Role in Go-to-Market Strategies

(30:12) - Future of GTM: Embracing AI and Relationship Building

(36:18) - The Importance of Team Innovation

(41:55) - Navigating Company Selection as a CRO

(46:05) - Building Relationships in Leadership

(52:15) - Evaluating Market Potential and Company Goals

(57:05) - Understanding AI's Impact on Business Strategy

(01:01:00) - Red Flags in Company Selection

(01:03:51) - Key Traits of Successful CROs

Great revenue leaders aren’t just sales experts—they’re world-class problem solvers. But how do you separate signal from noise, diagnose the right issues, and make decisions that drive long-term success? 

In this episode of The Revenue Leadership Podcast, Ashley Grech, CRO at Xero, joins Kyle to break down her framework for identifying, prioritizing, and solving complex revenue challenges. She shares how revenue leaders can balance instinct with data, avoid limiting beliefs that stall innovation, and use the driver tree framework to diagnose revenue bottlenecks. Ashley also explains why prioritization is the key to unlocking scale, how decision-making frameworks can accelerate growth, and what she’s learned from scaling global go-to-market strategies at Xero and Square.

Thanks for tuning in! Want more content from Pavilion?

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

Your’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Problem Solving in Revenue Leadership

(03:11) - The Importance of Problem Solving

(06:03) - Frameworks for Problem Identification

(08:56) - Utilizing Driver Trees for Diagnostics

(11:55) - Data-Driven Decision Making

(15:10) - Prioritization of Problems

(17:57) - Balancing Urgency and Importance

(20:54) - Sourcing Information from the Team

(23:49) - Navigating Customer Feedback

(27:08) - The Role of Data in Solutioning

(30:06) - Finding the Best Solution

(32:50) - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

(44:18) - Principled Problem Solving

(51:38) - Organizing Principles for Success

(56:03) - Teaching and Scaling Principles

(57:31) - Market Expansion Strategies

(01:06:30) - Timing for International Expansion

(01:09:17) - Channel Diversification Insights

(01:12:43) - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

(01:17:14) - Qualities of a Great CRO

In this week’s episode, Mark Bergen, former VP of Revenue at Shopify, shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career—from an unexpected start in sales to leading growth at companies like Vision Critical and Shopify. He breaks down the challenges of working within product-driven organizations, offering practical advice on aligning sales strategies with a company’s long-term mission. Mark also provides a detailed look at how to build high-impact partnership programs, emphasizing the importance of strategic alignment and creating win-win relationships.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

Pavilion is thrilled to introduce The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton, now part of the Topline media network. In the debut episode, Kyle sits down with Jason Lemkin, Founder & CEO of SaaStr and VC.

Jason and Kyle delve into the complexities of board dynamics and offer advice on how revenue leaders can build trust with their board, take direct feedback in stride, and embrace bad news. 

The duo also discusses the complex relationship between CEOs and revenue leaders, highlighting the challenges of managing performance anxiety and the importance of reassurance from the top.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Secure your ticket to GTM2024 in Austin, TX (October 14 - 16), and don’t forget to use the code KYLE for 15% of your ticket.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton sits down with Mark Kosoglow, co-founder & CEO of Operator.ai, to unpack the art of building a repeatable sales motion. Mark takes us through his journey—from selling shoes in a mall to leading high-performing sales teams at Outreach and Catalyst. Along the way, he highlights the critical role of process, measurement, and building the right team. The conversation dives into the challenges of creating consistent sales strategies, why proper instrumentation matters, and how enablement can accelerate onboarding for new hires.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton chats with JD Miller, a seasoned CRO with over 20 years of experience in private equity-backed software. JD shares his journey from pre-law to B2B tech sales and dives into the unique dynamics of PE, including fast-paced execution, the "rule of 40," and disciplined value creation. He also unveils his CRO Playbook, detailing strategies for building annual plans, aligning teams, and driving growth. Drawing on his time at Motus, JD highlights how to scale revenue teams, enter new markets, and adapt to disruption.

Buy a copy of The CRO's Guide to Winning in Private Equity by JD Miller.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Calling all CEOs! Are you busy January 22-23? Join Pavilion at CEO Summit in vibrant New Orleans.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this special crossover episode, originally aired on Topline's feed, Asad and AJ are joined by Kyle Norton, CRO of Owner.com and Host of The Revenue Leadership Podcast. The group explores the evolving role of the CRO, highlighting the diverse characteristics of successful leaders in this position. The conversation also delves into the transformative impact of AI advancements, particularly the implications of GPT-3 and GPT-4 models on business operations and workforce dynamics. Kyle shares insights on how AI might reduce the need for middle management, prompting companies to rethink growth strategies.

If you like what you heard, follow Topline for new episodes every Sunday and Thursday. 

Kevin "KD" Dorsey is the Chief Revenue Officer at Finally, an all-in-one accounting and finance platform that recently raised $200 million in Series B funding. KD joins the show to discuss real-world examples of how he uses AI in his day-to-day: from developing internal AI agents to evaluating his team's calls.

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

Your’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key Moments:

(00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Overview

(01:22) - Guest Introduction: Kevin Dorsey

(02:00) - Diving into AI and GTM

(02:51) - AI in Sales: Practical Applications

(06:36) - Building AI Tools Internally

(14:21) - Call Scoring and AI Coaching

(20:44) - Issue Diagnosis with AI

(33:08) - Leveraging AI for Documentation and Training

(35:36) - Choosing Between Building and Buying AI Solutions

(40:28) - The Decision to Step Away from Founding

(41:01) - Challenges in Building AI Companies

(42:08) - The Future of SaaS Companies

(43:29) - Leveraging AI for Business Success

(46:02) - Learning and Adapting with AI

(46:50) - Exploring AI Tools and Resources

(58:04) - Evaluating AI Vendors

(01:03:04) - Personal Productivity with AI

(01:13:42) - Final Thoughts and Advice

How do you scale a sales organization as your company evolves from a single product to multiple business lines? In this episode of The Revenue Leadership Podcast, Jeff Perry, CRO of Carta, shares how he has built and structured Carta’s go-to-market strategy to support its rapid expansion across corporations, venture capital, and private equity. He breaks down the challenges of multi-product growth, the decision-making behind sales org design, and how Carta balances specialization with cross-functional alignment. Jeff also dives into the nuances of different sales motions, marketing strategies, and customer acquisition models across Carta’s distinct business units.

Are you being paid what you’re worth? Help us refresh Pavilion’s industry-standard compensation report for 2025 by taking our anonymous survey at joinpavilion.com/comp and get early access to the results!

Thanks for tuning in! Want more content from Pavilion?

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

Your’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Jeff Perry and Carta

(05:53) - Understanding Carta's Multi-Product Strategy

(11:57) - Revenue Breakdown and Business Growth

(18:00) - Organizational Design and Sales Strategy

(24:08) - Marketing Approaches for Different Business Units

(29:49) - Challenges in Managing Diverse Sales Motions

(35:53) - The Importance of Customer Experience

(39:03) - Leadership and Team Structure at Carta

(41:26) - Understanding Private Equity Portcodes

(42:39) - Career Progression and Mountain Jumping

(44:48) - Sales Team Structure and Specialization

(46:15) - Data-Driven Decision Making in Sales

(48:58) - Sales Engineering and Cross-Training

(51:49) - Organizational Design and Decision Making

(55:32) - Input-Output Framework in Sales Management

(56:59) - Balancing Customer and Company Needs

(01:01:06) - International Sales Strategy

(01:07:55) - Qualities of a Great CRO

(01:11:07) - Leadership Lessons and Career Patience

(01:13:23) - Performance Management and Coaching Plans

(01:17:35) - Recommended Reads and Continuous Learning

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton connects with Catie Ivey, the CRO at Walnut, to explore her journey as a first-time CRO. Catie shares her experiences in navigating the challenges of establishing foundational processes in a startup environment, emphasizing the importance of aligning teams and refining customer profiles. The discussion also covers competitive strategies in crowded markets, with Catie highlighting the need for clear positioning and transparency in sales methodologies. Together, they explore the qualities that distinguish great CROs and leaders, focusing on the ability to identify and nurture team members' strengths.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast by Pavilion for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of The Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton sits down with Nate Follen, head of business systems operations at Ramp, to explore the company's rapid growth and the strategies behind building scalable systems. They discuss Ramp’s use of AI tools like Momentum to boost sales and operations, as well as their strategy for building versus buying software solutions. The conversation also explores AI’s transformative overall impact on sales, shifting reps toward more strategic, relationship-driven roles.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast by Pavilion for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton sits down with Jason Gelman, Operating Partner at Primary Ventures and Co-Founder of Jump, to explore his transition from operator to VC and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Jason shares insights from scaling Compass from $100M to $6B in revenue, why not every startup should raise venture funding, and how founders can navigate the challenges of go-to-market strategy. They also cover the evolving role of AI in revenue leadership, the traits that separate great CROs from the rest, and the fundamental mistakes many startups make when trying to scale.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast by Pavilion for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

Primary: https://www.primary.vc/

Jump: https://jumprevenue.com/

B&T Infra Newsletter: https://www.infranewsletter.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongelman/

Contact: Gelman@primary.vc

Key Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Jason Gelman and Primary Ventures

(02:46) - The Role of an Operating Partner

(06:03) - Understanding Jump: A Revenue Calendar Tool

(08:53) - Navigating Venture Capital: When to Raise Funds

(12:05) - The Transition from Operator to VC

(15:02) - Lessons Learned as an Operating Partner

(17:53) - Identifying Product-Market Fit

(21:06) - The Importance of Talent in VC

(23:57) - Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

(41:06) - Navigating Venture Capital Networks

(44:00) - Insights from Operating as a Non-Venture Backed Company

(49:40) - The 'God of Beliefs' Framework in Investment

(53:01) - Mastering VC Relationships

(56:27) - The Rapid Evolution of Go-To-Market Tech

(01:01:09) - The Future of CRM and AI Integration

(01:06:20) - The Challenge of Investing in AI Startups 

(01:12:11) - Creating a Culture of AI Experimentation

(01:16:26) - Defining Greatness in Revenue Leadership

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton chats with Ron Gabrisko, the Chief Revenue Officer of Databricks, to explore the remarkable journey of the company from a fledgling startup to a multi-billion dollar powerhouse. Ron shares his insights on the pivotal strategies that fueled Databricks' growth, emphasizing the need for constant reinvention at every stage of development. The discussion covers the evolution of go-to-market strategies, the intricacies of pricing, and the importance of leadership development in scaling a business.

*Please note that Databricks raised $10B in funding in December 2024, not $20B. 

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

What does it take to go from zero to your first enterprise customer? For Cresta, it meant their CEO and CTO becoming interns at Intuit—and their engineering team living in an Airbnb next to the call center they were trying to disrupt.

In this episode, Kyle talks with Alex Cramer, CRO of Cresta, about the unglamorous grind of cold-starting in enterprise, why today’s deals demand more consensus (and skill) than ever, and how to scale a team when every deal feels like a bespoke knife fight.

Plus, Alex’s hardest-won lessons—from equity pitfalls to why endurance separates good CROs from great ones.

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Want more from Topline?

Tune into the Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them. And don't forget to join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Subscribe to the Topline Newsletter to get the latest industry developments and emerging go-to-market trends delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

In today’s episode, Kyle sits down with Florin Tatulea, Head of Sales Development at Common Room, to discuss the evolution of outbound sales in the context of AI and technology. Florin shares insights on the importance of understanding signals and intent in sales, the changing profile of sales reps, and the role of RevOps in strategizing outbound efforts. The discussion highlights the need for collaboration across departments and the importance of sales reps mastering AI tools to effectively engage with prospects. 

They also explore the changing role of sales development leaders, the hiring process, and the significance of compensation in retaining talent. The discussion emphasizes the need for a diverse skill set within sales teams and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing environment.

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

Your’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key Moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:49) Understanding Outbound Sales and AI's Role

(08:38) Defining Signals and Intent in Sales

(10:58) The Evolution of Outbound Sales: From 1.0 to 3.0

(14:47) The Profile of an Outbound 3.0 Sales Rep

(32:35) Building Champions in Rev Ops

(38:03) Leveraging AI for Account Insights

(39:53) Human Touch in AI Outreach

(45:52) Innovative Approaches to Outbound Sales

(49:57) The Evolution of Networking and Referrals

(01:01:59) Teaching and Sharing Insights with Prospects

(01:05:04) The Role of Sales Development Leaders

(01:09:53) Hiring and Developing Effective Sales Teams

(01:15:08) The Importance of Compensation and Career Paths in Sales

Matt Braley joined InvoiceCloud as the third AE, rose to CRO, and led the company from early growth through a successful IPO, and ultimately a $4B acquisition by Vista Equity Partners. In this episode, Matt reveals how he grew their alliance ecosystem from 15 to 50 partners—ultimately generating over half of the company's revenue. You'll discover the VECTOR framework he developed for qualifying partnerships, avoiding "paper partnerships," and creating true strategic alignment.

Whether you're considering technical alliances or wondering if partnerships are right for your business model, Matt provides actionable insights on when, why, and how to build alliances that deliver real revenue impact.

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Want more from Topline?

Tune into the Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them. And don't forget to join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Subscribe to the Topline Newsletter to get the latest industry developments and emerging go-to-market trends delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle dives into the complexities of hiring top-tier sales talent with Asad Zaman, CEO of Sales Talent Agency and co-host of Topline. Together, they explore the unique challenges of recruiting in the tech industry, where demand for skilled salespeople often outpaces supply.

Asad shares why a structured hiring process is crucial—from a well-thought-out launch phase to a detailed scorecard for assessing candidates. The conversation also covers the importance of qualities like emotional intelligence, strategic empathy, and focused curiosity in sales roles, and how a professional hiring approach can attract top talent and strengthen an employer's brand.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode, Kyle sits down with Sam Blond—a sales powerhouse whose career path spans from SDR at EchoSign to leadership roles at Zenefits and Brex. Join the conversation as Sam shares his hard-earned insights on leadership, the value of promoting from within, and the essential qualities of standout sales leaders. From the importance of talent density and a positive attitude to the power of a strong work ethic, Sam delivers actionable advice on hiring and promoting effective leaders.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton sits down with Kyle Lacy, CMO of Jellyfish, to explore the complex relationship between sales and marketing and how to foster better alignment. They dive into the evolution of brand marketing as a key driver of growth, blending creative storytelling with measurable revenue impact. The conversation also touches on the new (old?) world of AI, with Lacy offering insights on leveraging technology while preserving the human touch that fuels authentic creativity.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Calling all CEOs! Are you busy January 22-23? Join Pavilion at CEO Summit in vibrant New Orleans.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton is joined by Sahil Mansuri, CEO of Bravado, to navigate the evolving sales landscape. They highlight the resurgence in quota attainment, with 41% of sales reps and 47% of companies hitting their targets, and emphasize the need for leaders to transition from a survival mindset to one focused on growth. The discussion also covers the dynamics of remote versus in-person sales teams, with Sahil presenting Bravado's data showing no direct link between a team's location and their quota success. 

Additionally, they explore the changing skill sets required for modern sales roles, the pivotal role of enablement and RevOps in enhancing productivity, and innovative strategies for fostering memorable experiences that sustain team motivation and culture.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

Pavilion is thrilled to introduce The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton, now part of the Topline media network. In the second episode, Kyle sits down with Kevin “KD” Dorsey, CRO of finally.

KD opens his mind to us, sharing insights from his extensive experience building successful startup sales teams. He highlights the critical role of developing comprehensive playbooks, focusing on five key pillars: people, prospects, problem, process, and product. Kevin also offers practical advice for sales leaders on tackling high-impact challenges and nurturing a culture centered on continuous learning and growth.

You can get all of these concepts and more via Sales Leadership Accelerator and on KD’s LinkedIn page.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Join 800+ B2B executives in Austin for GTM2024. Use the code TOPLINE for 15% of your ticket.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton converses with Jordan Crawford, a GTM Data Scientist, to examine the transformative impact of AI in business. They delve into the DeepSeek AI model and its potential to revolutionize the industry while critiquing traditional sales models and emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies. The discussion highlights how revenue leaders can integrate AI into their daily operations, utilizing tools like ChatGPT and Claude to boost productivity and learning. Jordan offers insights on crafting a strategic approach to AI implementation, underscoring the need for specialized roles and external expertise to guide organizational transformation.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast by Pavilion for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

In this episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton engages with Eric Gilpin, CRO of G2, to explore the intricacies of strategic planning in revenue leadership. Eric delves into the transition from sales leader to revenue executive, emphasizing the importance of aligning organizational goals with a clear mission. The discussion highlights G2's strategic approach to refining their Ideal Customer Profile, focusing on how to prioritize resources effectively. Eric also shares insights on the annual planning process, underscoring the need for adaptability and contingency strategies to navigate market changes.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners.

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

What does it take to lead revenue in a private equity-backed company? In this episode, Kyle Norton talks with Vanessa Brangwyn, CRO at Motus, about the key differences between VC and PE environments, how PE firms drive efficiency and profitability, and what revenue leaders need to succeed. She also shares insights on integrating go-to-market strategies post-acquisition and managing a PE-backed board.

Thanks for tuning in! Want more content from Pavilion?

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

Your’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Vanessa Brangwyn and Achievers' Journey
(03:13) - Transitioning from VC to PE: The Achievers Experience
(06:03) - Navigating Public Company Dynamics
(08:56) - The Spin-Out: Achievers' New Chapter
(12:06) - Exploring the Private Equity Landscape
(14:56) - CRO Insights: PE vs. VC Dynamics
(18:10) - Shared Learnings in Private Equity
(20:46) - The Role of Structure in Team Dynamics
(24:05) - Profitability vs. Growth: Understanding PE Goals
(26:48) - Strategic Decision-Making in PE
(29:55) - Efficiency Metrics in Private Equity
(37:59) - Tactical Metrics for Sales Efficiency
(40:52) - Understanding Board Engagement in PE vs VC
(44:42) - Navigating Incentives and Decision-Making in Boards
(47:06) - Leveraging Data for Effective Board Management
(49:46) - Lessons from Private Equity for Venture-Backed CROs
(51:10) - Strategic Rationale Behind Acquisitions
(56:38) - Integrating Go-To-Market Strategies Post-Acquisition
(01:01:11) - Customer Success Insights for CROs
(01:05:42) - The Role of Authenticity in Leadership
(01:10:21) - Advice for Emerging Leaders
(01:12:20) - Lessons Learned from Leadership Experiences

How do you transition from product-led growth to sales-led growth without losing momentum? In this episode, Kyle Norton talks with Andrew Johnston, Head of Sales at Superhuman, about how the company is evolving its go-to-market strategy to win larger B2B deals. They discuss the key challenges of moving upmarket, the differences between PLG and SLG sales motions, and how Superhuman is leveraging data and AI to scale. Andrew also shares insights on building the right sales team, adapting the product for enterprise buyers, and what revenue leaders need to consider when layering in a sales motion.

Thanks for tuning in! Want more content from Pavilion?

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

You're invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key chapters:

(00:00) - The Email Problem: A Universal Challenge

(09:49) - Superhuman: Revolutionizing Email Productivity

(19:47) - Transitioning from PLG to SLG: A New Sales Approach

(30:04) - Building Blocks for Sales Success: Data and Team Dynamics

(30:32) - Personalization in Sales Outreach

(31:31) - Core Pillars of Sales Strategy

(32:27) - Common Pitfalls in Sales-Led Growth

(33:25) - Building a Sales Culture at Superhuman

(37:17) - Leveraging AI in Sales Processes

(42:43) - Skills for Sales Reps in the Age of AI

(49:58) - Navigating AI-Generated Communication

(56:39) - Lessons in Sales Leadership

In this week's episode of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, host Kyle Norton sits down with Scott Leese, a seasoned sales leader and multi-time founder, to unpack the intricate dynamics between VPs of Sales and Founders. Scott shares invaluable insights on aligning strategies, hiring the right talent, and fostering effective communication in high-stakes environments. The conversation delves into the critical importance of vetting opportunities thoroughly, both for VPs of Sales and founders, emphasizing the need for stage-appropriate hires and realistic goal-setting. Scott also offers practical advice on navigating challenging conversations and maintaining alignment throughout the leadership journey.

If you like what you heard from Kyle today, make sure to follow The Revenue Leadership Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday.

Want more content from the Topline media family?

Listen to Topline Podcast with Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.

Join the Topline Slack channel to engage with hosts, guests, and other listeners. 

Subscribe to Topline Newsletter written by Asad Zaman.

Kyle is joined by Ryan Milligan, VP of Sales, Marketing, and RevOps at QuotaPath, to discuss sales commission planning. They dive into the essentials of creating effective comp plans that align with business goals, the importance of incremental incentives, and how to drive desirable sales behavior. Ryan shares insights from his diverse background and how QuotaPath navigates commission planning to ensure high performance and retention. The conversation also touches on key aspects such as measuring incrementally, balancing incentives, diagnosing ineffective plans, and trends in the current market.

New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton drop every Wednesday.

Stay ahead with the latest industry developments, emerging go-to-market trends, and valuable benchmarking data. Subscribe to Topline Newsletter for expert insights from Asad Zaman every Thursday.

Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Catch full-length episodes every Sunday and bite-sized mini-episodes every Thursday, where our hosts sit down with top B2B tech leaders to unpack their biggest challenges—and how they overcame them.

Your’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!

Key Moments:

(01:09) - Meet Ryan Milligan: From Data Science to Sales Leadership

(02:58) - The Path from Rev Ops to CRO

(05:40) - Sales Commission Strategy: Ownership and Design

(12:56) - Aligning Comp Plans with Business Metrics

(24:01) - Designing Effective Comp Plans: A Step-by-Step Guide

(33:47) - Testing and Measuring Incrementality in Comp Plans

(41:32) - Building Effective Quotas

(52:34) - Setting Realistic and Motivating Targets

(01:02:30) - Common Pitfalls in Commission Plans

(01:12:18) - Key Traits of Great Revenue Leaders

(01:18:38) - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The Revenue Leadership Podcast with Kyle Norton is a new show from Topline that dives deep into how to succeed as a revenue leader. Kyle Norton, CRO of Owner.com, will host real revenue operators every Wednesday and share framework and tactics you can apply today. No fluff, no sales pitches, and no platitudes. 

This podcast is built for Founders, CRO’s, Directors and VP’s of Sales (and people who aspire for those roles) who want to level up their craft and grow revenue faster.