Your first global step probably isn’t opening an office in London or Singapore. For most North American growth-stage companies, it’s something simpler:

👉 A fantastic candidate in Toronto
👉 A customer in New York who wants local support
👉 A test market just across the border

In this panel, I’m joined by Toronto-based leaders Eric Hachmer and Komal to unpack what it really takes to operate across the US–Canada border — beyond “just add a worker” in your payroll platform.

We talk about why Canada is often the first global footprint for US businesses (and vice versa), and how to do it in a way that supports long-term growth instead of creating messy cleanup work for future you.

Why “just hire someone in Canada/the U.S.” is not a global strategy We start with the common story: a key employee moves to Toronto, or a US founder decides “Canada seems easy enough.” Eric and Komal walk through the gap between employing someone cross-border and actually doing business in another country.

Structure before headcount: what to decide before you hire Eric shares why hiring is the easy part — and why your go-to-market model, sales design, and leadership attention matter far more than how quickly you can add someone in your payroll tool.

Incorporation, tax, and comp 101 (without putting you to sleep)
Komal breaks down:

• Why you should think about incorporation in Canada
• How federal vs provincial tax structures work
• Why Canadian taxes and cost of living factors into comp strategy

Benefits aren’t “copy/paste” across the border We talk through subtle but important differences, including:

• Maternity/parental leave expectations
• How stock options are taxed and perceived in each country
• Why your benefits need to be right-sized for each country

Culture, trust, and risk tolerance: the stuff the setup guide doesn’t tell you
This is the part you won’t get from your EOR or payroll provider:

• Importance and challenge of building trust
• Why Canadian teams often put more emphasis on relationship and intention before diving into numbers
• How risk appetite differs

Tech, fintech, and cross-border payments
We touch on the reality of:

• Why data residency, AML, and server location matter if you’re a SaaS or fintech selling into Canada
• How upcoming open banking in Canada (2026) could unlock new ways to move money and serve customers cross-border

A more hopeful take on “messy times” We close on why business leaders are often the ones quietly building bridges while politics gets loud — and how thoughtful, generous leadership and clear decision-making can make cross-border work a growth engine, not a headache.

If you’re a founder, CRO, CMO, or finance/ops leader thinking:

“Canada feels like the logical first place to go global… but I don’t want to step on a landmine.”

…this episode will help you see what’s really involved, what’s easier than you think, and where it pays to slow down and set things up right.

👉 Connect with Eric
👉 Connect with Komal

You don’t have a “lead problem.” You have a go-to-market alignment problem that’s quietly capping your growth.

In this mini-panel, we dig into why revenue plateaus at growth-stage B2B companies usually aren’t about “more pipeline” – they’re about sales, marketing, customer success, product, and finance all pulling in slightly different directions.

No scolding. No “you’re doing it wrong.” Just four operators and advisors comparing notes on what actually works when you want healthy, scalable revenue, not just a noisy top of funnel.

• Why “sales & marketing alignment” is table stakes now
  And why the real unlock is treating CS, product, and finance as part of one revenue team, not downstream order takers.
• The KPI trap that keeps teams stuck in silos Marketing measures activity, sales measures outcomes, CS measures retention—and almost no one agrees on what a qualified lead actually is.
• Customer success as your GTM secret weapon How involving CS before the sale changes who you sell, what you promise, and how long customers stay—without adding more headcount.
• Product is not your feature factory What happens when sales keeps asking for “one more feature to close this deal” and product’s roadmap gets held hostage by short-term revenue.
• Finance as a growth partner (not the ‘no’ department) How to get your CFO to trust your forecast so they’ll actually support your GTM investments instead of blocking every new idea.
• Practical ways to build internal bridges (starting this week) From “bridge coffees” to shared rituals, internal problem statements, and walking a mile in each other’s roles.

This conversation will land especially well if you’re:

• A B2B founder / CEO stuck at a revenue plateau and wondering if it’s really “just pipeline.”
• A CRO / VP Sales / VP Marketing tired of attribution fights and ready to build one revenue system instead of parallel empires.
• A Head of CS, Product, or Finance who knows you impact revenue but keeps getting brought in too late.
• Any GTM leader who wants to turn internal friction into a real competitive advantage.

By the end, you’ll have:

• A more honest way to talk about GTM misalignment without blaming people or departments.
• A simple starting point for shared KPIs that don’t trigger instant defensiveness.
• Language you can use with your CFO, CMO, CPO, and Head of CS to shift from “that’s your problem” to “this is our system.”
• A few stealable rituals (like bridge coffees and cross-functional problem statements) to start stitching teams together without a giant reorg.

Jay Brandon Daniel Shimon

Follow Summer on LinkedIn

You put in the effort to hire the right salesperson—so why do so many new hires struggle to succeed?

Most sales onboarding programs are broken. Companies hire experienced reps and expect them to "figure it out," only to see slow ramp-up times, high turnover, and missed revenue targets.

In this episode of Revenue Remix, Summer Poletti dives into why traditional sales onboarding fails—and what to do instead. You’ll learn:

✅ The biggest gaps in most onboarding programs (and how they cost you revenue)
✅ Why the classic “90-day ramp” doesn’t work for B2B sales
✅ How to align sales onboarding with your business goals for faster success
✅ The essential elements of a structured onboarding plan that sets reps up to win

PLUS: Get access to a free list of smart sales interview questions in our subscriber forum—so you can hire smarter AND onboard better.

If you're hiring sales reps, leading a team, or looking to fix your onboarding process, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can use right away.

Related Resources & Links:
This Week’s Blog: How to Hire the Right Salesperson
Free Resource: Guide to Smart Sales Interview Questions (Subscribe for free to download!)
Related Podcast Episode: How to Find a Good B2B Salesperson - Steal 6 Tips From Me

Related Podcast Episode: Grow Your Revenue Without Hiring More Salespeople - Leverage the Power of AI

Related Podcast Episode: Forget AI, These 6 Old School Sales Techniques Will Never Go Out of Style
Book a Free 15-Minute Sales Onboarding Consultation (Let’s assess your process & find quick wins!)

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services or to guest on the show and share your insights
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

Welcome to the first episode of Revenue Remix! Formerly known as C-Suite Sidekick, this podcast has a new name and an evolved mission: helping CEOs and senior leaders transform their revenue strategies through actionable insights and inspiring stories.

In this inaugural episode, Summer Poletti sits down with Judy Brower, a seasoned entrepreneur who bootstrapped her way to success, grew her business into a national PR firm, and orchestrated a seamless exit strategy. Judy shares her journey, from taking bold risks to secure her first clients, to building a culture of excellence, and finally transitioning her company to new leadership.

Whether you’re starting out, scaling, or preparing for your next chapter, Judy’s story is full of practical wisdom and relatable moments. Tune in for valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, client relationships, and why planning ahead for growth and exit strategies is the ultimate key to long-term success.

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

This holiday season, give yourself a gift that keeps on giving: the gift of knowledge. In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, we dive into 8 practical, wallet-friendly ways to upskill during the holiday slowdown. Whether you're a business owner, a senior leader, or an aspiring executive, this mini-guide will help you maximize your downtime without sacrificing fun with family or friends. 

These strategies are designed to fit into your busy life and help you stay ahead of the curve in 2025. Don’t let ChatGPT or changing buyer behaviors leave you behind. Tune in and start your year-end learning journey today! 

Companion content:

• 6 Things Future-Focused Business Owners Will Master in 2025 
• AI Upskilling Done Right
• When B2B Selling is Slow, 4 People You Can Call
• Maybe You Need a Break Too
• Harvard Business Review on Strategy
• McKinsey Podcast
• The Insightful Leader

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

How do you compete in a world where everyone claims to give better service? In this revisited episode of C-Suite Sidekick, Summer Poletti dives into why "better service" is no longer a differentiator—and what you can do instead.

Learn how to uncover your true differentiators by understanding your clients' biggest challenges, leveraging research, and aligning your internal strategies with buyer preferences. Whether you’re battling against industry giants or refining your unique value proposition, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stand out.

With fresh reflections for 2025, Summer explores how alignment—between teams and buyer expectations—is the ultimate secret weapon in today’s competitive market. Tune in to discover how to build a sales strategy that resonates with clients, retains their loyalty, and avoids the dreaded race to the bottom.

Companion content:

• 6 Things Future-Focused Business Owners Will Master in 2025 
• Protect Your Clients from Poaching 

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

In today’s competitive landscape, retaining clients isn’t just a goal—it’s survival. As competitors ramp up their efforts to lure away your hard-earned clients, how do you protect the relationships you’ve worked so hard to build? In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, I revisit one of my most impactful topics: protecting your clients from poaching.

Drawing on real-world insights and actionable strategies, we’ll explore how to:

• Strengthen client relationships through proactive engagement.
• Align internal teams to prevent cracks in client experience.
• Use business reviews and referrals to deepen loyalty and drive growth.
• Leverage client success stories as powerful marketing assets.

Stick around for my fresh perspectives on how alignment and client success will be your best tools for navigating 2025 and beyond.

Companion content:

• 6 Things Future-Focused Business Owners Will Master in 2025 
• Why Strategic Partnerships Fail and How to Fix Them

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

It’s the biggest travel week of the year—and it feels like everyone except you has already clocked out for Thanksgiving. But your goals don’t take a holiday. So what do you do when it seems like no one else is working?

In this mini-pod, I’m sharing practical and tactical advice for owners and business leaders to stay productive during a slow week, without burning out. You’ll learn:

• Who’s still picking up the phone (hint: it might not be who you think!)
• How to give yourself a little grace while still making progress

If you’re feeling frustrated by the pace this week, this episode will inspire you to shift your focus, take action, and set yourself up for success—not just for this week but for the months ahead.

Companion content:

• Podcast episode: How to move your deals along when everyone's in holiday mode.
• Podcast episode: Strategies for finishing your year strong
• Podcast episode: AI-powered strategies to close deals and ill up your 2025 pipeline

Show notes:

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti tackles a controversial topic in sales: “Is Outbound Dead?” While you might have heard that outbound sales efforts are no longer effective, Summer breaks down why that’s simply not true—bad outbound is dead. She explores common outbound mistakes, like weak messaging and lack of persistence, and offers practical tips for revamping your strategy. From leveraging AI tools the right way to maintaining a balance between automation and human connection, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Whether you’re struggling with low response rates or wondering how to stand out in a crowded market, you’ll learn how to optimize your outbound efforts and fill your pipeline with the right clients.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

"Protecting Your Clients: How to Build Loyalty and Drive Growth"

In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti discusses one of the most overlooked aspects of business growth: protecting the clients you already have. With competitors eager to lure your clients away, especially in fourth quarter, it's crucial to strengthen relationships and be seen as a trusted partner, not just a vendor. Summer shares actionable strategies like conducting regular business reviews, aligning goals for 2025, asking for referrals, and leveraging social proof to retain clients and drive growth. Tune in for insights that will help you retain your most valuable assets and close more deals before the year ends.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

In this special bonus episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti steps away from her usual revenue growth topics to offer a beginner-friendly guide to AI. Designed for non-techies and those who may feel hesitant about AI, this episode is packed with simple, practical tips to help you get started with tools like ChatGPT. Whether you’re a knowledge worker, in the C-Suite, or just AI-curious, Summer breaks down how AI can enhance your daily tasks and boost productivity—without needing advanced tech skills. Know someone who hasn’t tried AI yet? Share this episode with them! Plus, grab the free downloadable guide to get started today! 

• Download the free companion guide
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Welcome back to C-Suite Sidekick, where we provide you with the actionable insights you need to succeed in the executive world. I'm your host, Summer Poletti, and today we’re tackling a question many CEOs find perplexing: How do you find a good B2B salesperson? It's an undertaking filled with potential pitfalls, from dealing with good actors who disguise their weaknesses to wrestling with poor performance excuses and wasted resources.

In this episode, I’m sharing six key tips to help you scout the ideal candidate—plus a bonus tip on where to find them. Drawing from years of experience and some hard-earned lessons, I'm challenging some traditional hiring norms and offering a fresh perspective on what truly matters in a stellar salesperson. From prioritizing ethics and work ethics above industry experience to seeking relationship-building skills and a consultative approach, we’ll cover it all. And don’t worry, I’ll even tell you the best platform to run your job ads.

Stay tuned as we dive deep into each tip, helping you become more confident and successful in your hiring process. Let's get started!

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

When founders decide “it’s time to grow,” the first instinct is often: “We need a salesperson.”

But your first sales hire is too important (and too expensive) to toss in the deep end and hope they swim.

In this mini-panel episode of Revenue Remix, host Summer Poletti sits down with frequent collaborators JMS (John Mason-Smith) and Sean Parnell to unpack what really needs to be in place before you add that first sales rep.

• Why “I want to grow, so I’ll hire a salesperson” is a broken equation JMS explains why half the time, when a founder says “I need a sales rep,” the real answer is: “You need a sales process, not a salesperson.”
• How founders accidentally attract the wrong salespeople Summer and Sean talk about “job-hopper reps” who are great at selling themselves into a role… and then never close meaningful business — especially when there’s no process, no messaging, and no coaching.
• Lazy, or just lost? What’s actually going wrong with new reps JMS shares the story of a rep who was “working hard” but making 10 calls a day instead of 100 because he had no guidance on what mattered and what didn’t.
• The two big levers in any sales system Volume in at the top, conversion out the bottom. If you’re not measuring these (and the steps in between), you’re guessing — not managing.
• Why founder-led sales and rep-led sales are not the same game Founders close with trust, relationships, and gravitas. Your first rep doesn’t have that halo. Expecting them to hit your close rates and sales cycles without support is setting them up to fail.
• What “good” looks like before your first sales hire
  • Clear revenue goals that are more specific than “more”
  • A basic offer, ICP, and messaging that resonates
  • At least a sketch of a repeatable sales process
  • Leading indicators defined and tracked
  • A plan for coaching, not just “sink or swim”
• How marketing, content, and AI support your first rep
  Sean dives into why cold outbound with no brand, no demand, and no content is almost always a losing game — and how thoughtful marketing + smart use of AI can keep your rep focused on the right activities.
• The pre-mortem: how to spot failure before it happens
  JMS introduces the idea of a “pre-mortem” and how founders can use AI or trusted collaborators to stress-test their plans before hiring.
• Why founders need help focusing on what they’re bad at, not just what they love
  The group talks about coaching, business mentors, and using AI as a brutally honest sounding board instead of a cheerleader.

If you’re a founder thinking about that first sales hire — or wondering why the last one didn’t work out — this episode will help you feel more confident and a lot less alone.

JMS is the founder of Hirewith, a niche hiring platform for the HCM and payroll industry. He’s a former top rep who now helps founders think clearly about when (and whether) they’re truly ready for a sales hire.

👉 Connect on LinkedIn

Sean is the founder of InnovAxis, a B2B marketing firm. He’s obsessed with measurable strategy, leading indicators, and building marketing that makes sales easier instead of harder.
👉 Connect on LinkedIn

The next in the B2B Summer Sales series. It's still slow and will probably remain so until after Labor Day, but with conference season and plenty of holidays coming up, the end of the year comes up quicker than we realize. 

GTM Partners research just reported that 56% of B2B companies failed to meet revenue goals last year. Now is the time to plan to finish the year strong so you aren't part of that statistic.

I've got 3 strategies and a bonus tips for you, get started tomorrow to ensure you're celebrating on December 31.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Hello listeners! In today's mini-episode of the C-Suite Sidekick podcast, we're diving into the topic of upskilling and learning during the summer sales slowdown. Host Summer Paletti shares her insights on why continuous learning is crucial for career growth in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

With the rise of AI and changing consumer expectations, sales professionals need to stay ahead of the curve. Summer offers eight wallet-friendly ways to invest in your education, from library cards and used bookstores to online courses and sales training programs. She emphasizes the importance of implementing your newfound knowledge and not letting the learning go to waste.

So, whether you're lounging by the pool or taking a break from the office, tune in to discover how you can make the most of your summer and set yourself up for success in your sales career. Let's dive in!

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

In this Revenue Remix mini pod, Summer Poletti discusses the often-overlooked reality of product development:

the disconnect between a founder's passion for their creation and the market's response. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs, validating product ideas, and leveraging AI for feedback. The conversation highlights the necessity of actionable insights and real conversations to drive revenue growth and align products with customer expectations.

In this engaging episode of Revenue Remix, host Summer Poletti is joined by Dave Lee to discuss the critical alignment between sales and marketing. Discover how these two functions can work together to drive business success and the common pitfalls to avoid.

Key Topics:

Early signs of misalignment between sales and marketing The role of leadership in fostering collaboration Impact of aligned sales and marketing on business outcomes Strategies for creating effective content with sales input Practical tips for CEOs to ensure team alignment.

Find Dave at Do What Works or on LinkedIn

When buyers move faster than sellers — how to win in the AI-first era.

B2B buyers aren’t waiting around anymore.They’re asking AI for vendor recommendations, comparing options, and building shortlists before a single rep ever gets involved — and most go-to-market teams are wildly unprepared for that shift.

In this roundtable, I’m joined by three powerhouse operators across product, AI search, and customer success to unpack how buyer behavior has changed and what revenue leaders actually need to do about it:

👩‍💻 Reut Lazo — Co-founder & Co-CEO, WomenXAIProduct leader known for building user-centric, AI-forward products that scale trust.

🤖 Dave Lee — Founder & CEO, Do What WorksAI Shortlist Architect, and one of the clearest thinkers on how GenAI is reshaping buyer discovery.

🤝 Randi Deckard — SVP of Growth, BeslerCustomer success leader and founding member of Wednesday Women.

What we cover in this episode:

89% of B2B buyers now use GenAI as a top discovery tool — and what that means for your funnel

🧠 Why buyers are in 2030 while many sellers are still in 2018🛒 The three real jobs buyers do before they ever call you (Dave’s framework)🌐 How to make your website “AI-readable” so you even show up in shortlists💬 Why messaging fails when companies automate output but not listening📉 Why NPS is fading — and what modern customer health looks like🤝 The “moments that matter” in customer success where humans must stay in the loop⚠️ The risks of over-automation (and how to avoid sounding like a bot)✨ Low-lift ways to personalize the first buyer experience today🧰 How to use AI to prep for discovery calls so you don’t get left behind

Plus: a tight lightning round full of actionable, stealable insights you can put to work this week.

And “What GTM roles are on the chopping block?” the private, too-spicy for public topic, which you can obtain in our Directors’ Cut Package. See blow.

Need the Directors’ Cut?

Get the executive briefing, the too-spicy-for-public clip, and bonus insights from the full 52-minute conversation.

👉 Directors’ Cut Package

Follow the panelists

Reut LazoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reutlazo/WomenXAI

Dave LeeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveleehere/Do What Works

Randi DeckardLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randideckard/

In this episode of Revenue Remix, host Summer Poletti continues her engaging conversation with entrepreneur Judy Brower. After bootstrapping and successfully exiting her first company, Judy embarked on a second act that turned her lifelong passion for art into a thriving consultancy.

Discover how Judy combined her love for creativity with her knack for business, pivoting to a career in art consulting for commercial real estate. From luxury residential murals to public art installations, Judy shares how she built her new business, tackled unique challenges, and found joy in a field far removed from her first venture.

You'll also hear about:

• Why keeping your brain active post-exit is key to longevity and fulfillment.
• The surprising power of art in creating memorable spaces and driving revenue.
• Judy’s thoughtful transition plan that set her up for a successful pivot.

Whether you’re thinking about a second act or simply curious about the intersection of art and business, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

Companion Content: 

• Explore how Judy bootstrapped, grew, and successfully exited her first company here.
• 
  

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

Welcome to our 10th episode of C-Suite Sidekick hosted by Summer Poletti! In today’s milestone episode, we'll delve into "5 AI-Powered Strategies to Close Your Deals and Fill Your Pipeline for Q1 2025." Whether you're in financial services or SaaS, we've got actionable tactics to help you drive growth and close those elusive deals, especially as the crucial fourth quarter approaches. From optimizing email subject lines to leveraging AI-enhanced CRM tools, we cover it all. Get ready to supercharge your sales process with practical insights that you can start implementing right away. Join us to ensure you kick off 2025 with a full pipeline and strong momentum. Subscribe, leave a review, and check out our previous episodes for more valuable content. Let’s dive in!

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Summary

In this classic episode, Summer Poletti discusses effective strategies for retaining clients and enhancing business relationships. She emphasizes the importance of treating clients as partners, conducting regular business reviews, aligning goals for mutual success, leveraging referrals, and utilizing social proof to attract new clients. The insights provided aim to help businesses protect their existing client base and drive growth, especially as the year comes to a close.

Takeaways

* Most clients won't leave just because of cost.

* Treat your clients like partners, not just accounts.

* Regular business reviews can significantly reduce client attrition.

* Align your goals with your client's future success.

* Referrals can help you hit year-end targets.

* Social proof is a powerful marketing tool.

* Happy clients are more likely to give referrals.

* Incorporate gifting strategies into customer success programs.

* Success stories can enhance your marketing efforts.

* Your existing clients are your most valuable assets.

Sound Bites

* "Cut client attrition in half."

* "Eliminated avoidable client churn."

* "Social proof is invaluable."

Chapters

* 00:00 Protecting Your Client Relationships

* 03:50 Becoming Partners with Clients

* 07:09 Leveraging Business Reviews for Success

* 09:54 Utilizing Social Proof and Referrals

* 10:41 Introduction to Go-to-Market Strategies

* 11:05 Advice for Leaders in Client Protection

In this episode of Women X AI, the hosts and guests discuss the transformative impact of AI on sales processes and customer interactions. They explore how AI is reshaping the sales landscape, enhancing efficiency, and enabling sales professionals to focus on building relationships rather than manual tasks. The conversation also delves into the importance of understanding customer journeys, the role of automation, and the necessary guardrails for using AI responsibly in customer-facing roles. The episode concludes with a lightning round of recommendations and community engagement ideas.

Learn More About Women X AI

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "C-Suite Sidekick!" I'm your host, Summer, and today we have a special guest, Amy from "Do What Works," who is here to share her expert strategies for nailing your next trade show. Amy, a seasoned content marketing specialist and client success manager serving the manufacturing industry, dives into seven actionable tips to ensure your conference season is the most successful yet. From planning and goal-setting 6-12 months in advance to leveraging post-show follow-up tactics, Amy covers it all. We'll discuss the importance of aligning your sales and marketing goals, creating compelling marketing materials, and ensuring your website is trade show-ready. Plus, Amy's clever idea of sending personalized thank-you emails at the end of each day can give you a competitive edge. Ready to maximize your trade show performance and ROI? Let's get started! Be sure to check the show notes for links to all the resources we discuss today.

Find our guest on LinkedIn and learn more from Do What Works

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

When the board sees “record quarters” and Finance sees paper-thin margins, you don’t have a growth engine — you have a slow-motion car crash.

In this episode of Revenue Remix, Summer Poletti (Founder & CRO of Rise of Us) sits down with William Lieberman, founder and managing director of The CEO’s Right Hand, to talk about what healthy growth actually looks like when sales, finance, and operations are rowing in the same direction.

William has sat in the room for the messy growth conversations most founders avoid: discounting that quietly destroys margin, bloated sales teams after a fundraise, and “crushing it” top line numbers that never translate to cash in the bank.

If you’re a CEO, CRO, or revenue leader trying to scale without breaking your economics, this one hits close to home.

• Why “we just need more pipeline” is usually the wrong diagnosis And how CEOs miss the real problem hiding in their back office, systems, and cost structure.
• The metric William checks first to see if growth is real or fake How to look at gross margin by product, service line, and client to decide what to scale and what to kill.
• A simple rule for firing unprofitable clients (and why it’s a finance job to say it out loud) Plus: how to align sales comp so reps stop dragging loss-leader deals in the door.
• What sales should never be allowed to do alone The deal-approval process William recommends so Sales, Finance, and Customer Success all sign off on pricing and scope.
• How to use new funding without ending up with a bloated sales org and fragile unit economics Including: what to model, who to hire first, and where nearshore + AI support actually makes sense.
• Sales comp mistakes that quietly blow up your P&L Why paying full commission on signature is dangerous, and how William structures payout to keep reps invested in profitable, live customers.
• The one recurring meeting where Sales and Finance actually help each other What should be on the agenda, who’s in the room, and how to make it about solving revenue problems instead of pointing fingers.
• A practical way for CEOs to stop the “it’s their fault” food fight William’s favorite role-reversal exercise to get leaders out of blame mode and back into solving hard problems together.

William Lieberman is the founder and managing director of The CEO’s Right Hand, a firm that provides fractional CFO, CHRO, and COO services to growth-stage companies that need serious strategic finance and operations support—without building a giant back office.

He’s a long-term operator and fractional CFO who:

• Has helped CEOs navigate fundraising, scaling, and restructuring
• Knows exactly what happens when sales is “crushing it” and the numbers still don’t work
• Brings a pragmatic, operator’s lens to aligning sales, finance, and operations around real, sustainable growth

If you’re a founder or CEO who suspects your P&L is hiding more than it reveals, William is the kind of partner you want in your corner.

• 🌐 Website: The CEO’s Right Hand – tcrh.co
• 📧 Email: william@tcrh.co

If this episode hits a nerve, share it with a CEO, CRO, or sales leader who keeps saying “sales is crushing it” — and quietly worrying what Finance really thinks.

Blogs aren’t dead—but they are draining your time and budget if you’re still playing by 2015’s rules.

In this raw, unscripted studio session, Summer and Dave unpack what AI is actually doing to buyer behavior—and why your go-to content strategy might be failing silently.

🧨 In This Episode:

* Why traditional SEO blogging is losing ROI fast

* What LLMs read (and don’t) on your website

* How buyers are shortlisting vendors now—with zero clicks

* Tactical swap: ditch fluff blogs, write “foundational content” instead

* Where real case studies should actually live on your site

* The one type of blog post still worth your time

This is one for founders, GTM leaders, and marketers ready to cut waste and move smarter.

Hello everyone, and welcome to the C-Suite Sidekick podcast! In today's mini-episode, we'll be discussing what you can do as a salesperson when B2B selling slows down, especially during the holiday season.

Our host, Summer, will share four key groups of people you can reach out to during these times to keep your sales momentum going. She'll discuss the importance of building relationships with referral partners, checking in on your current clients, reaching out to past clients who may have gone to competitors, and collaborating with your internal teams like marketing, service, and implementation.

Throughout the episode, Summer will provide valuable insights and tips on how to make the most of these interactions, such as setting structured meetings with referral partners, asking for referrals from happy clients, and uncovering success stories from your internal teams that can be used in your sales efforts.

So, if you're a B2B salesperson looking for ways to stay productive and continue building relationships during the slower holiday season, this episode is for you! Let's dive in and hear what Summer has to share.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

In this episode of Revenue Remix, host Summer Poletti speaks with Aprelle Duany, a passionate advocate for women's empowerment in the fields of STEM and AI.

Aprelle shares her journey from a traumatic experience as a waitress to becoming an entrepreneur focused on financial empowerment for women. The conversation explores the importance of leveraging AI as a tool for small business growth, the SMART framework for business success, and the need for women to embrace their unique strengths in the tech space. Aprelle emphasizes the significance of attracting the right clients, gamifying business decisions, and the global implications of AI. The discussion concludes with insights on balancing work and personal life, highlighting that there is no true work-life balance, but rather a need to design life around priorities.

Find Aprelle on LinkedIn and follow for more philosophical insights.

 Strategic partnerships can be the secret weapon in your revenue growth strategy—or your biggest headache. In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, we’re diving into why so many partnerships fail and, more importantly, how to make yours thrive. From unclear expectations and lack of onboarding to turnover and over-reliance on a single partner, we break down the most common pitfalls and share actionable solutions to ensure your partnerships deliver results. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or just starting to explore partnerships, this episode is packed with insights to help you build stronger, more effective collaborations. Don’t miss this one—your future partners will thank you! 

Companion content:

• Strategic Partnerships: The Cornerstone of Revenue Growth
• Anatomy of a Great Partner Onboarding (Subscriber Exclusive)

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

In this episode of Revenue Remix, Summer Poletti interviews Rachel Lubovitsky, a successful serial entrepreneur and founder of Setuply. They discuss Rachel's journey from a technical background in computer science to becoming a serial entrepreneur, the impact of AI on business, and the importance of client experience, particularly in onboarding. Rachel shares insights on knowing when to sell a business, the unsexy origin story of Setuply, and how to identify real problems worth solving. The conversation emphasizes the need for scalability and systematization in business processes, and Rachel offers valuable advice for founders looking to grow their companies.

Learn more about Setuply and how they’re changing customer onboarding.

Find Rachel and Setuply on Linkedin.

Takeaways

* Rachel transitioned from tech to business, enjoying building relationships.

* AI is changing the landscape for startups and entrepreneurs.

* Identifying real pain points is crucial for business success.

* Client experience is often overlooked in favor of sales.

* Onboarding is a critical phase that can make or break client relationships.

* AI can enhance onboarding and customer support processes.

* Founders should keep scalability in mind while building their products.

* Systematization of processes is necessary for growth.

* Traveling is a passion for Rachel, having visited 70 countries.

* Every client should feel valued and special throughout their journey.

Sound bites

* "Sales alone isn't enough for growth."

* "Onboarding is often overlooked."

* "Traveling is the greatest fun."

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction

* 02:33 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship and AI

* 05:11 Deciding When to Exit a Business

* 07:54 The Unsexy Origin Story of Setuply

* 10:35 Identifying Real Problems to Solve

* 13:13 The Importance of Client Experience

* 15:54 Focusing on Onboarding for Success

* 18:54 The Role of the Onboarding Guide

* 20:03 Transforming the Onboarding Experience

* 21:20 The Importance of Continuous Support

* 23:40 Recognizing Value Beyond the Sale

* 25:00 Leveraging AI in Customer Experience

* 28:18 Enhancing Communication with AI

* 30:30 Bridging Knowledge Gaps with Machine Learning

* 32:38 Scaling for Future Growth

* 36:03 Travel and Personal Insights

In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti dives into how AI can help small and midsize businesses grow their revenue without expanding their sales teams. Sharing real-world experiences and insights, Summer explains how AI can make your current team more efficient, allowing them to focus on building relationships and closing deals rather than getting bogged down in repetitive tasks. Discover how AI can level the playing field, especially for financial services and SaaS companies, and why adopting AI now is crucial to staying competitive. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale without scaling headcount, this episode is for you! 

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. The next episode in this series will dive deeper into more actionable strategies that will help you grow revenue without growing head count.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti breaks down six timeless sales techniques that have stood the test of time, even in today’s AI-driven world. These classic strategies are perfect for business owners and sales teams who might feel overwhelmed by all the new technology and want to refocus on what really works in sales. From relationship building to strategic partnerships, Summer explores how the fundamentals of good salesmanship can boost revenue without expanding your sales team. Whether you’re in financial services, SaaS, or any other B2B sector, these evergreen techniques will help you nurture long-lasting client relationships, create value, and keep your pipeline full—no matter the market conditions.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Sales and operations should be the ultimate power duo, but when misaligned, they create costly bottlenecks that slow deals down, frustrate teams, and drive customers away before they even see value.

In this episode, Summer breaks down:
✅ Why sales and operations often clash (and why it’s NOT about bad intentions)
✅ The hidden operational barriers that are quietly killing your deals
✅ The CEO’s action plan for creating alignment—without slowing anyone down
✅ 5 simple, high-impact changes that will make both teams more effective

💡 Because when sales & ops work together, businesses scale faster, clients onboard smoother, and revenue flows with less friction.

Companion Content: 

• Organizational Alignment: 6 Growth Hacks for 2025
• Uncovering Hidden Barriers to Organizational Alignment
• Saying "N0" Strategically: Your Secret to Organizational Alignment
• The Hidden Barriers in Your Sales Process That Hinder Growth

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

Welcome back to C-Suite Sidekick, your go-to mini pod for executive insights and actionable strategies. I'm your host, Summer Poletti, and today, we're diving into a vital year-end practice that could make or break your 2024 revenue goals. Whether you're in financial services or SaaS, the fourth quarter is crunch time for reviewing and optimizing your sales pipeline. With limited working days left before year-end holidays, it's crucial to identify opportunities and accelerate strategies to close deals before December 31st. In this episode, we’ll walk through the essential questions and tactical steps you need to take to ensure a strong finish this year while setting up for a successful start to 2025. So grab a pen, hit that subscribe button, and let's get laser-focused on closing out the year on a high note!

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti tackles a challenge that many business owners face: how to stand out from larger competitors. Differentiation is key to winning over new clients and maintaining loyalty. Summer shares insightful strategies for uncovering what makes your business unique, illustrating the value of focusing on the customer experience, refining your marketing message, and rethinking how you position your services. Tune in for actionable steps to ensure your business isn’t just another option—it’s the option. Whether you're in financial services, SaaS, or beyond, this episode is a must-listen for those looking to grow in a competitive market. 

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Companion content:

• Mini Pod: How to Build Loyalty AND Drive Growth
• Mini Pod: The Magic of sales and marketing working together
• Blog: Reengaging Stalled Deals
• Mini Pod: How to Grow Without Hiring More Salespeople

Your sales team says marketing's leads are garbage. Marketing says sales isn't following up. Product says everyone's requests are impossible. Meanwhile, customers are leaving.

This isn't a people problem. It's a systems problem.

In this episode, Brian Root breaks down the hidden bottlenecks that stall growth—even when every team thinks they're crushing it. You'll learn why sales and product teams work against each other, how to stop feature bloat, and why your compliance team might be your secret weapon.

If you're a B2B SaaS or FinTech founder stuck between $2M-$10M ARR and your teams are pointing fingers instead of solving problems, this episode is for you.

The Sales/Product Disconnect

• Why customers experience conflicting messages from different teams—and how it kills conversions
• The trade-off framework that forces sales to prioritize what actually matters
• How to align sales and product without making them best friends

Shiny Object Syndrome (AI Edition)

• Why founders chase AI features customers don't actually want
• The dual portfolio strategy: hype vs. real work
• How to focus on customer need instead of board pressure

Feature Bloat & Saying No

• Why startups keep adding features that create maintenance nightmares
• The one question every founder needs to answer before building anything new
• How to use strategic partnerships instead of building everything in-house

Fractional Leadership Reality Check

• The pattern-matching advantage outsiders bring
• Why founders are either the problem or complicit in allowing it

The Compliance Hack

• How to turn your "no hammer" compliance team into innovation partners
• Why involving compliance early unlocks faster launches in regulated industries

"Pick the Feature You're Willing to Delay"
When sales demands an urgent feature, product leaders should ask: "Which other feature on the roadmap are you okay with delaying?"

"If the Only Power Someone Has Is to Say No, They Use It Prolifically"
Compliance teams aren't the enemy—they're excluded. Invite them into ideation early, and they'll help you shape solutions instead of killing them at launch.

"You're Either the Problem or You're Allowing the Problem"
If you're the founder/CEO and your company has problems, assume you're responsible. You have the power to stop it.

"Your Customer Gets One Message From Sales, A Different Message From Product"
Even small disconnects between departments create "the ick" for customers.

"Pattern Matching Is the Fractional Advantage"
Experienced fractionals can diagnose fundamental problems quickly because they've seen the same patterns across dozens of companies.

Brian Root is the founder of Rooted in Product, where he helps growth-stage companies in fintech and beyond break through bottlenecks by aligning product strategy with business goals. With deep experience in fractional leadership and navigating heavily regulated industries, Brian has worked with companies ranging from early-stage startups to Amazon. He's also training for his eighth ultra marathon and builds mechanical watches for fun—because unlike software, you can't hack your way through either process.

Connect with Brian:

• LinkedIn: Brian Root
• Website: rootedinproduct.com

Summary

In this conversation, Summer Poletti discusses strategies for sales professionals to maintain momentum during slower seasons. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging partnerships, engaging with clients, reconnecting with lost clients, and collaborating with internal teams to drive success. The conversation provides actionable insights on building relationships and gaining referrals, ensuring that sales professionals remain proactive even when business slows down.

Summary

In this episode, Summer Poletti discusses the challenges sales professionals face after the holiday season and offers actionable strategies to close deals before the year ends. She emphasizes the importance of analyzing late-stage deals, re-engaging stalled prospects, maximizing current client relationships, and creating urgency through effective content. The episode provides practical tips for sales professionals to navigate this critical time and achieve their goals.

Summary

In this conversation, Summer Poletti discusses the pervasive issue of burnout in the workplace, particularly among sales professionals. She highlights the signs of burnout, strategies for prevention, and the importance of taking time off to recover. Additionally, she emphasizes the role of leadership in recognizing and addressing burnout within teams, advocating for a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being.

Access the entire vault of B2B Summer Sales content, designed to help owners, leaders, and sellers cope with the slower summer season. Available to subscribers only, subscription is free.

AI is transforming marketing and sales—but how do you use it effectively without losing the human touch? In this episode of Revenue Remix, I sit down with Jenny Kay Pollock, fractional CMO and founder of Women X AI, to dive into the power of AI in revenue growth, marketing strategy, and business scaling.

We explore:
✅ How AI is revolutionizing pricing strategies & go-to-market plans
✅ Why business leaders hesitate to adopt AI—and how to start
✅ The biggest mistakes companies make when trying to scale
✅ Where AI stops and human intuition takes over

Plus, Jenny shares how Women X AI is helping leaders upskill and navigate the AI revolution. Tune in for an insightful, practical, and fun conversation!

Related Resources & Links:

• Connect with Jenny Kay Pollock on LinkedIn
• Learn about Women X AI

Show notes:

• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services or to guest on the show and share your insights
• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic

In this episode, Summer Poletti discusses timeless sales techniques that remain effective in today's tech-driven world. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, understanding client needs through a consultative approach, and the value of strategic partnerships. The conversation also highlights the significance of in-person connections and the necessity of persistence in sales efforts. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that success in sales is rooted in trust, relationships, and consistent effort, even in an era increasingly influenced by AI.

Takeaways

* Salespeople are primarily motivated by financial incentives.

* A well-crafted sales strategy can boost revenue without expanding the team.

* Building genuine relationships is crucial for long-term success.

* Consultative selling focuses on understanding and solving client challenges.

* Strategic partnerships can enhance lead generation and sales effectiveness.

* Providing value without immediate expectations fosters goodwill.

* In-person interactions are increasingly valuable in a digital world.

* Persistence and follow-up are key to successful sales.

* Timeless sales techniques remain relevant despite technological advancements.

* Trust and relationships are the core of successful sales.

Sound bites

* "Salespeople are loyal to their wallets."

* "Strategic partnerships amplify your reach."

* "Sales is hard work and requires persistence."

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to Sales Loyalty and Revenue Growth

* 02:49 The Importance of Relationships in Sales

* 06:01 Consultative Selling: Understanding Client Needs

* 08:49 Strategic Partnerships and the Give-to-Get Mentality

* 11:36 The Value of In-Person Connections and Consistency

In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti dives into actionable strategies for scaling your business without the need to hire more salespeople. Learn how to align department leaders, implement a strong demand generation strategy, leverage strategic partnerships, and harness the power of customer success. Summer also shares insights on how data-driven decisions and AI can help you optimize for growth, all while keeping your team lean. Whether you're in financial services or SaaS, this episode is packed with tips to help you grow profitably. 

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

In this episode of C-Suite Sidekick, host Summer Poletti dives into the challenging, yet vital skill of learning when to say "no" as a small business owner. With personal anecdotes and real-world examples, she explains why saying no to the wrong client or project can actually protect your business in the long run. From avoiding rushed timelines and scope creep to setting pricing boundaries and protecting your brand’s reputation, Summer offers actionable insights on how to balance growth with integrity. If you’ve ever struggled with turning down business, this episode is for you! 

And near the end, Summer share her secret for saying "no" and still feeling nice.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Summary

In this engaging conversation, sponsored by Do That Dave, Summer Poletti interviews Dipti Bhide, CEO of LittleLit.Ai, about the transformative impact of AI on K-12 education. They discuss the recent executive order mandating AI literacy for students, the importance of personalized learning, and the shift from B2C to B2B in the education sector. Dipti shares insights on building trust and safety in AI tools for children, the necessity of fostering creativity in the workforce, and her personal experiences as a mother and entrepreneur.

Learn more about AI education:

Little Lit

Do That Dave

Takeaways

* AI literacy is now mandated for K-12 students.

* Personalized learning can significantly engage students.

* The shift from B2C to B2B is crucial for educational tools.

* Building trust in AI tools is essential for parents and educators.

* Creativity will be a key skill in the future job market.

* AI can help tailor learning experiences for neurodivergent children.

* Safety measures in AI tools are paramount for children's use.

* Educators need to be involved in the development of AI tools.

* Parents want their children to have life skills, including AI literacy.

* Continuous learning is necessary to keep up with technological advancements.

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction to LittleLit.Ai and Its Vision

* 03:39 The Impact of AI Literacy in K-12 Education

* 06:43 Personalizing Learning Through AI

* 09:40 The Shift from B2C to B2B Marketing

* 12:50 Validating the Idea and Early Rollout

* 15:40 The Future of AI in Education

* 23:01 Integrating AI in Education

* 32:01 Building Trust and Safety in AI Tools

* 38:07 Preparing for the Future of Work with AI

Welcome back to C-Suite Sidekick. In today's mini-episode, host Summer Paletti tackles the critical topic of burnout in B2B sales. With 91% of people saying stress negatively impacts their work and 61% of sales professionals experiencing burnout annually, this is an issue that demands our attention.

Summer shares her own burnout experiences and provides actionable tips to help you recognize the warning signs, like trouble sleeping, feeling easily frustrated, or losing enthusiasm for work. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, setting boundaries, and making time for yourself outside of work to prevent reaching the point of exhaustion.

For those already facing burnout, Summer recommends taking at least a week off to truly unplug and reflect on the root causes. Are you taking on too much yourself? Does your team need more support? Identifying the underlying issues is key to making positive changes.

Lastly, Summer calls on those in leadership roles to be proactive in supporting their teams and creating a positive environment. With 95% of HR execs saying burnout is hurting retention, this is a critical issue for every organization.

Tune in for an honest and insightful look at burnout in sales, filled with relatable stories and practical advice you can start using today. Let's dive in.

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Welcome to the inaugural episode of C-Suite Sidekick! I'm your host, Summer Poletti, and today we’re diving into the world of sales and marketing alignment with our first mini pod. In this concise and focused episode, we're tackling a crucial topic that often sees sales and marketing teams at odds. Have you ever been in a meeting where fingers are pointed and blame is shifted between these two departments? If so, you’re not alone—and it’s time to bridge that gap for the greater success of your business. The buying journey is more digital than ever, and for sales and marketing to thrive, they need to work together seamlessly. Stay tuned as I share six actionable steps that can help you align these critical teams, starting today. So, whether you're squeezing this in during a quick car ride or a brief moment between meetings, let's get started!

• Episode recorded and edited using Descript
• Repurposed content, such as this description created using CastMagic
• Visit Rise of Us for more information about Summer's services
• Connect with Summer on LinkedIn

Is AI really about to take over B2B buying… or are the big firms just doing ✨Captain Obvious✨ with better branding?

In this Revenue Remix Roundtable, Summer brings back three of her top collaborators to run 2026 predictions through one ruthless filter: crystal ball or BS.

They dig into how AI agents will shape vendor research, why trusted beats loud in the new GTM reality, what happens when GenAI is left completely ungoverned, and why alignment (not more tools) is the real growth lever for B2B SaaS, fintech, and growth-stage tech.

If you lead sales, marketing, or revenue at a $2M–$20M ARR company and you’re trying to separate hype from “do this now,” this one’s for you.

00:00 – 04:30 • Setting the stage: 2026 predictions & the crystal ball vs. BS game

04:30 – 11:30 • Trend 1 – AI agents in B2B buying: sidekick or takeover?

• Sean on why agent-to-agent negotiation is mostly BS (for now) and the limits of AI without real pricing data
• Jenny on AI as a noise filter and claim validator, not a robot decision-maker
• Dave’s 3 jobs of the buyer: find vendors, shortlist vendors, validate vendors – and where AI fits in
• Summer on why we’re already living the “AI sidekick” era and why negotiation is a bridge too far

11:30 – 17:30 • Trend 2 – Trusted beats loud in 2026

• Jenny on why human connection + published policies, prices, and proof matter more than ever
• Dave on trust as the new currency and how case studies + proof assets carry more weight in the AI era
• Sean on old-school social proof (testimonials, thought leadership, real examples) as the “new” competitive moat
• Summer on why low-edit, authentic videos are outperforming polished AI content on social

17:30 – 24:30 • Trend 3 – GenAI in sales & marketing: governed systems or chaos machine?

• Dave on quality over quantity and why AI hates marketing fluff
• Sean on why volume is no longer a differentiator when everyone has AI, and why unedited AI content is “intern level” at best
• Jenny on using AI trained on your own work (LinkedIn exports, thought leadership, etc.) and where she still does things manually
• Summer on “human-led, AI-assisted” vs. “set it and forget it” and what “human in the loop” actually means

24:30 – 33:30 • Trend 4 – Alignment as the real growth lever

• Jenny on why misaligned data and siloed KPIs make AI useless (and why shared OKRs matter)
• Sean on marketing as macro selling and sales as micro selling, and why the narrative has to match across both
• Dave on how misaligned KPIs create the “your leads are crap / you can’t close” death spiral
• Summer on why she’s hard on CEOs and why “that’s just how Jimmy is” is not a leadership strategy

33:30 – 39:30 • Bonus – Getting the “quarreling siblings” to play nice

• Sean: set shared goals tied to revenue, EBITDA, and sales-qualified outcomes – not vanity metrics
• Dave: hold both sales and marketing accountable to new customers and revenue, not just MQLs or activities
• Jenny: stop the blame game, reset expectations, and get people together in person during work hours
• Summer: why sales needs to stop treating marketing as a vendor, stop taking solo victory laps, and start sharing credit

39:30 – End • Closing thoughts & 2026 send-off

• Summer’s final verdict

Crafting Seamless Experiences with Nithya Subramaniam

Join Summer Poletti as she chats with Nithya Subramaniam, a senior product designer at Clarity AI. Discover how Nithya's background in classical dance and architecture informs her approach to designing AI-powered solutions. They discuss the importance of human-centered design, the balance between business goals and user feedback, and the subtle integration of AI in product design.

Key Takeaways:

The role of classical dance in developing systems thinking. Transitioning from architecture to tech and its impact on product design. The importance of balancing business goals with user feedback. Why MVPs might not be enough in today's competitive market. The concept of invisible UX and its role in inclusive design.

Follow Nithya on LinkedIn

#ProductDesign #AI #UserExperience #Innovation

Subscribe to Revenue Remix on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on YouTube for more insights and interviews.

In this episode of Revenue Remix, host Summer Poletti speaks with Julie Candelon, a fractional CMO, about the evolving landscape of marketing, the integration of AI, and the importance of aligning sales and marketing in high-growth companies. They discuss the necessity of embracing failure, building trust between CMOs and CEOs, and the boldness required in marketing strategies. In this conversation, Julie Candelon discusses the importance of empathy in marketing, the need for internal collaboration across departments, and the role of marketers in aligning with company goals. She emphasizes the significance of creating a revenue-driven culture, navigating change management, and evaluating talent adaptability. The discussion also touches on the necessity of celebrating marketing successes, the impact of effective communication, and the importance of building skills for future success, particularly in the context of AI. Julie shares her commitment to supporting women in business through her involvement in nonprofits and investment funds.

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn

Check out the companion blog for a deeper dive on trust, why it matters within your organization and how to improve. If You Don’t Trust Marketing, Your Whole GTM Motion Suffers

In this episode of Revenue Remix, Summer Poletti discusses the critical importance of effective sales hiring and onboarding processes. She emphasizes that many companies fail to prepare their salespeople adequately, leading to slow ramp-up times and higher turnover rates. Summer outlines actionable strategies for creating a structured onboarding plan that includes mentoring, measurable ramp-up goals, continuous training, and alignment with the sales cycle. By implementing these strategies, companies can improve their sales performance and drive sustainable revenue growth.

Takeaways

* Sales hiring is challenging; assessing cultural fit is crucial.

* Structured onboarding significantly boosts new hire productivity.

* Most onboarding fails due to lack of customer focus.

* Sales reps need real-world experience early on.

* Mentoring and cross-training are essential for new hires.

* Clear, measurable ramp-up plans help set expectations.

* Align onboarding with the actual sales cycle for success.

* Continuous training is necessary beyond initial onboarding.

* Sales reps must be equipped with the right tools and resources.

* Leveraging referrals can shorten the sales cycle.

Chapters

* 00:00 The Challenge of Sales Hiring

* 03:41 The Importance of Structured Onboarding

* 08:17 Transforming Onboarding for Success

* 10:34 Mentoring and Cross-Training New Hires

* 12:27 Creating a Measurable Ramp-Up Plan

* 14:19 Aligning Onboarding with Sales Cycles

* 16:40 Continuous Training and Feedback

* 18:00 Equipping Reps with Tools and Resources

* 19:52 Leveraging Referrals and Partnerships

* 20:51 Aligning Onboarding with Business Growth

Struggling to build your team fast enough to meet revenue goals? You’re not alone — and you might be hiring wrong.

This week on Revenue Remix, Summer sits down with Brian Samson — serial founder and nearshoring expert — to unpack how growth-stage companies sabotage their own hiring, why your first 10 employees shape more than culture, and what founders get completely wrong about offshore vs nearshore teams.

You’ll learn:

* Why waiting to hire a recruiter shrinks your talent pool

* How nearshoring can unlock faster go-to-market

* What really causes remote hiring failures (hint: it’s not bad vendors)

* Why Latin American teams are often your secret weapon

Brian also shares what he wishes more leaders understood about team value — and how to spot resilient talent before you make the hire.

* Brian Samson LinkedIn

* Plugg Technologies