Explore every episode of the podcast The Future of Selling
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Salespeople Can Thrive in an AI Era | TFOS E19 | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:43:10 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith is joined by Michael Gallagher, founder of the Stevie Awards and co-founder of two AI-driven companies: Reqsy and ImageShield. Michael shares why recognition matters more than ever in an AI-powered world, how storytelling is the key to standing out, and why building your personal brand is crucial—especially for early-career sales professionals facing automation threats. 🔥 Key Topics: Why Michael launched the "Oscars for Business" in the shadow of Enron How AI is changing sales recognition—and how to use it wisely How to tell a story that gets noticed (and wins awards) Advice for sales reps who want to future-proof their careers 💡 Whether you’re a seller, a team leader, or just curious about the future of recognition and AI, this conversation will leave you with clear, practical takeaways. Connect with Michael Gallagher https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gallagher-a8b785/ Connect with Rick Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b | |||
| From Cold Calls to Creativity: The Future of Outreach | TFOS E18 | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:51:32 | |
Cold outreach is broken—and this founder has a plan to fix it. Our guest is Ryan O'Hara, founder of Pitchfire, a paid-prospecting platform that flips traditional sales outreach on its head. Instead of begging for time, reps pay for responses—and it’s working. With reply rates up to 60% and meetings booked in just 3 pitches, this is not your average cold outreach conversation. 🎯 We cover: Whether you lead a sales team or carry a quota, this conversation will challenge the way you think about outreach. Connect with Ryan O'Hara https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmohara/ Connect with Rick Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b | |||
| Sales Enablement 101: Simplify, Align, and Win More Deals | TFOS E9 | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:41:53 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling podcast, host Rick Smith sits down with Andrew "AD" D’Agostino, a sales enablement leader with deep expertise in aligning teams, simplifying processes, and driving revenue growth. With over 14 years of experience, AD has navigated the startup journey, scaled revenue to $50M, led through 10+ acquisitions, and now plays a critical role in sales enablement at Conquer. 💡 Key Topics Covered:
🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from top sales and enablement leaders!
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| From Good to Great: How Mentorship Transforms Sales Teams | TFOS E8 | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:43:14 | |
🚀 What makes a great mentor? How is mentorship different from coaching? And how can sales leaders build a culture of mentorship that drives long-term success? In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith sits down with Brian Kludas, a sales enablement and leadership expert, to discuss the transformative power of mentorship in the sales industry. 🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 📌 Whether you're an individual contributor, a sales leader, or a business executive, this conversation will give you actionable strategies to build stronger relationships and accelerate career growth. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Connect with Rick on LinkedIn Learn more about Conquer 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more insights on the future of selling! | |||
| The Truth About Why You're Losing Deals | TFOS E7 | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:35:07 | |
Why do deals really fall through? It’s not always about price or features—there’s often a deeper reason. In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith sits down with Ron Carson, CEO of Thirdside and an expert in B2B marketing and Win/Loss analysis. 🔎 Key Takeaways from this Episode:
Connect with Ron on LinkedIn Connect with Rick on LinkedIn 🚀 Don’t let another deal slip away—watch now and level up your sales game! 🔔 Subscribe to The Future of Selling for more expert insights! | |||
| Why Most B2B Sales Processes Fail and How to Fix Yours Fast | TFOS E6 | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:40:29 | |
🎙️ Future of Selling Podcast – Episode: Fixing Your B2B Sales Process with Jim Trimarco 📢 Welcome to the Future of Selling Podcast! Hosted by Rick Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Conquer, this podcast dives into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in B2B sales. Whether you’re a sales leader, account manager, or founder, we bring you real-world strategies to navigate the evolving sales landscape. 🎧 In This Episode: 📌 Key Takeaways: 📅 Timestamps: 🎯 Who Should Listen? 🔗 Connect with Us: 🔥 Don’t Forget to Like & Subscribe! If you found this episode valuable, hit the like button, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway! #FutureOfSelling #B2BSales #SalesLeadership #SalesProcess #SalesPodcast #AIinSales 🚀 | |||
| Women Are A Sales Team's Secret Weapon | TFOS E5 | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:36:20 | |
Join Rick Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Conquer, as he sits down with Elizabeth Richardson—a seasoned B2B sales professional and a proud SMU alum—to dive deep into the power of women in sales and the unique qualities they bring to the table. 🌟 Key Highlights: 📊 Did you know? Only 20% of B2B sales leadership roles are held by women, yet studies show they consistently exceed performance metrics. Elizabeth shares actionable steps to close this gap and create a supportive, inclusive environment. 💬 Let’s Talk: What challenges have you faced in sales, and how did you overcome them? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👉 Connect with us: #TheFutureOfSelling #WomenInSales #Leadership #SalesPodcast #Inspiration | |||
| Mastering the Art of Sales Communication | TFOS E4 | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:49:48 | |
🎙️ Welcome back to The Future of Selling Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, host Rick Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Conquer, sits down with Andy Smith, Senior Vice President of Sales at Talk Me Up, to explore the evolving landscape of sales communication. From leveraging AI for best-in-class communication skills to practical strategies for improving empathy, confidence, and engagement, this episode is packed with actionable insights for sales professionals.
Andy also shares fascinating stories about his journey in sales, his passion for broadcasting high school sports, and his involvement with One Heart, a nonprofit supporting incarcerated youth. 👉 Connect with us:
💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes that help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of sales! 🚀 #FutureOfSelling #SalesPodcast #AI #SalesCommunication #TalkMeUp #Conquer | |||
| Building a Winning Sales Team | TFOS E3 | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:54:01 | |
In this episode of Future of Selling, host Rick Smith sits down with Jason Forrest, Founder and CEO of FPG (Forrest Performance Group) and one of the world’s top-ranked sales gurus. Jason shares his insights on the future of sales, from leveraging AI to mastering advanced communication skills. They discuss the importance of hiring the right people, creating custom sales training, and building a high-performing team with what Jason calls the “Coachable GUMP” formula—traits every top salesperson needs to succeed. Jason also dives into the concept of mindset and explains how beliefs drive behaviors and, ultimately, sales outcomes. Learn why the salesperson of the future will need to combine AI-enhanced knowledge with strong communication skills and how leaders can build a culture that supports both. Packed with actionable tips and thought-provoking insights, this episode will inspire you to rethink sales training, recruitment, and personal growth. Tune in to explore: The “Coachable GUMP” formula: What makes a great salesperson How to integrate AI into your sales process for a competitive edge Why mindset is key and how to intentionally shift it for success The unique challenges and opportunities of the next generation of sales professionals How to drive 100% conversion rates and achieve a true “unfair advantage” Connect with Conquer: Connect with Forrest Performance Group: | |||
| Building Your LinkedIn Brand for B2B Growth | TFOS E2 | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:39:12 | |
Welcome to The Future of Selling podcast with Rick Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Conquer! In this episode, Rick chats with Harris Fanaroff, founder of Linked Revenue, about leveraging LinkedIn to build a personal brand and drive B2B growth. Harris shares insights on sales strategies, creating authentic connections, and the importance of consistency in content. He also offers practical tips for using LinkedIn, including optimizing profiles, using engagement strategies, and how AI may shape the future of social selling. | |||
| Why ABM is the Key to B2B Growth | TFOS E1 | 14 Oct 2024 | 00:48:58 | |
In this episode of Future of Selling, Rick Smith dives deep into the evolving B2B buyer’s journey with special guests Julia Yavin and Peter Dean from RenderTribe, a B2B marketing agency specializing in account-based marketing (ABM). Together, they explore key stages of the buyer’s journey, discuss changes in buyer behavior, and share how sales and marketing teams can align to close more deals. | |||
| Introduction to The Future of Selling Podcast | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:05:53 | |
Welcome to The Future of Selling podcast! Whether you're a seasoned sales executive or just starting out, tune in to discover how to refine your approach, engage buyers effectively, and drive more revenue. | |||
| The Evolution of Sales in a Post-COVID World | TFOS E17 | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:45:07 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling Podcast, host Rick Smith sits down with Shannon Schaul, founder and principal of SKS Advisory, to explore how sales has fundamentally changed since the pandemic, and what leaders must do to adapt. Shannon brings a unique perspective from years of building go-to-market strategies for growth-stage, mission-driven companies. From empathy-driven selling to the rise of hybrid sales skills, this conversation covers it all.
Whether you're a CRO, sales leader, or individual contributor, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you lead with purpose and perform at a higher level. Connect with Shannon Schaul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonschaul/ Connect with Rick Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b/ | |||
| Why Sales Handoffs Matter More Than You Think | TFOS E16 | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:45:57 | |
When a deal closes, the real work begins—but only if sales and client success are aligned. In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith sits down with award-winning client success leader Erica Newell to explore the underestimated power of a well-executed sales handoff. Erica brings wisdom from years of customer success leadership, sharing why bad handoffs lead to churn, how “turf anxiety” kills collaboration, and what great teams do to build trust across the client lifecycle. You'll learn:
Connect with Erica Newell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericajnewell/ Connect with Rick Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b/ Check out Conquer: https://conquer.io/ | |||
| Selling from the Inside Out: Consciousness, Integrity & Real Results | TFOS E15 | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:54:56 | |
What if the key to scaling your company wasn’t a new strategy, but a new way of being? In this provocative and insightful episode, executive coach and sales transformation architect Townsend Wardlaw joins us to unpack why consciousness, not just systems or hustle, is the most powerful growth lever a founder can use. From his bold take on integrity and mindset to the hidden meaning behind "yes" and "no" in sales conversations, Townsend offers a radical reframe for how leaders can drive revenue, align teams, and ultimately create companies built for a high-value exit.
About Townsend Wardlaw: Townsend is a coach, consultant, and advisor to founders, helping companies between $1M and $10M scale revenue and create meaningful exits. He’s known for challenging leaders to elevate their consciousness and shift their results by changing how they see and show up in the world.
Connect with Rick Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b/ | |||
| Scaling Sales Through Coaching, Gamification, and Trust | TFOS E14 | 27 May 2025 | 00:46:53 | |
In this episode, Rick talks discusses the evolving landscape of sales enablement with Brian Trautschold, co-founder of Ambition, a leading sales performance management platform. Brian shares his entrepreneurial journey—from coffee runs and copy machines at UBS to co-founding multiple startups and building Ambition into a company that transforms sales teams through coaching, gamification, and trust. If you're a sales leader navigating the complexities of scaling your team or thinking about how AI and manager enablement will shape the next decade of performance, this is a must-listen conversation. Connect with Brian Trautschold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-trautschold-97518219/ Connect with Rick Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b/ | |||
| Authenticity Is the New Marketing Strategy – Here's Why | TFOS E13 | 13 May 2025 | 00:47:04 | |
In this high-energy and deeply insightful episode, Rick sits down with Amanda Rubin, Chief Revenue Officer at Wildfire and former EVP of Growth at Enthusiast Gaming. Together, they explore how authenticity is reshaping modern marketing, particularly through Amanda’s groundbreaking work connecting brands with communities on Discord. Amanda explains how Wildfire is helping brands authentically integrate into Gen Z-focused communities—not through ads, but through meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and experiences. She also unpacks the difference between marketing vs. branding, why trust is the ultimate competitive advantage, and how startups should think about go-to-market strategy from day one. In the second half of the episode, Amanda opens up about building her career as a woman in a male-dominated industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how she’s found purpose by blending strategic leadership with human connection. Her story is as real as her leadership style—and one that will resonate with professionals at every level. 🎧 Tune in for a masterclass in modern brand building—and how character and competence create career momentum. Connect with Amanda Rubin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-j-rubin/ Connect with Rick Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b/ | |||
| The Future of Sales Teams: Process, People and the Power of AI | TFOS E12 | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:46:51 | |
Unlock the secrets to building high-performing sales teams and staying ahead of the curve! In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith welcomes Phil Hernandez, Global VP of Sales at Taskus, to discuss what it takes to lead winning teams in today's evolving sales landscape. Phil shares practical insights from his 20+ years of experience — from creating strong sales cultures and developing leadership skills, to harnessing the power of AI to scale faster. Whether you're building a new sales team or leading an established one, this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can use today. In this episode: • Why culture is the foundation of sales success If you're ready to grow yourself, your team, and your results, this episode is for you. 👉 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to catch every episode of The Future of Selling! Connect with Phil Hernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernandezphillip/ Connect with Rick Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b/ #salesleadership #futureofsales #salesculture #AI #taskus #salescoaching #leadership | |||
| The Revenue Engine Framework: Volume, Value and Velocity Explained | TFOS E11 | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:45:24 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling, Rick Smith sits down with Kara Smith Brown—CEO and Founder of LeadCoverage, Ironman triathlete, and author of The Revenue Engine. Kara shares her no-fluff, practical framework for aligning marketing with business outcomes by measuring volume, value, and velocity. They dive deep into:
Whether you're a marketing leader, CRO, or entrepreneur looking to generate real pipeline with precision, this episode is packed with insights you can actually use. 📚 Grab Kara Smith Brown’s book The Revenue Engine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1642259098/ 📍 Catch Kara Smith Brown on the road at her nationwide workshop tour: https://info.leadcoverage.com/the-revenue-engine-workshop-2025 🤝 Connect with Kara Smith Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karasmithbrown/ 💡 Learn More About Conquer: https://conquer.io/ 🤝 Connect with Rick Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b | |||
| Decentralized Talent: The Future of Sales Teams | TFOS E10 | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:37:05 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith dives into one of the most disruptive shifts shaping sales organizations today: Decentralized Talent (or "DeTal"). Joined by Conquer's Chief Revenue Officer Jim Trimarco (JT) and Chief Financial Officer Demian Costa, the conversation unpacks how companies are rethinking sales staffing, team structure, and global scalability. From JT’s deep experience leading global sales organizations to Demian’s journey from Navy SEAL to CFO, this episode offers a unique perspective on what’s driving the evolution of modern sales teams—and why the traditional outsourcing model has failed. 🔍 Topics We Cover:
Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a mature sales org, this episode breaks down how to reduce costs, maintain quality, and scale faster—without sacrificing culture or performance.
Connect with Rick Smith | |||
| How to Stay Human in Sales Enablement’s AI Era | TFOS 24 | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:27:12 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith continues his conversation with Roderick Jefferson—bestselling author of Sales Enablement 3.0—to explore how AI, coaching, and culture are reshaping modern sales. Roderick lays out the evolution of enablement, the rise of “Sales 3.0,” and why the best leaders today combine IQ, EQ, and AI. He shares six practical ways AI is transforming sales teams and makes the case for using technology to make reps more human, not less. He also shares what most managers get wrong about coaching, how to build a sales process around the buyer’s journey, and how to design sales kickoffs that actually drive change. 📘 Learn more at roderickjefferson.com | |||
| How a Near-Fatal Stroke Redefined His Life and Leadership | TFOS E23 | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:22:50 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith talks with Roderick Jefferson, bestselling author of Sales Enablement 3.0 and the upcoming Stroke of Success. Roderick shares how a near-fatal stroke transformed his outlook on leadership, success, and life itself. He opens up about rebuilding from zero—physically, mentally, and professionally—and the four principles that now guide everything he does: faith, family, friends, and fun. He also breaks down how those same lessons translate into modern sales leadership—where empathy, authenticity, and enablement are just as essential as technology. Key Topics: 💡 Whether you’re leading a team, building your career, or rethinking what matters most, this episode will inspire you to lead (and live) with intention. 📘 Preorder Roderick’s new book, Stroke of Success, at https://www.roderickjefferson.com/ | |||
| Target Fewer, Win Bigger: The Strategic Account Method | TFOS E22 | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:43:51 | |
If your “ABM” is just targeted demand gen, you’re leaving revenue on the table. Kristina Jaramillo breaks down a true account-based approach—a cross-functional, revenue-owned motion that prioritizes stage progression, win rates, deal size, expansion, and churn reduction. We cover building predictive ICPs (beyond revenue/headcount), crafting 1:1 content that speaks to a “party of one,” aligning sales, marketing, CS, and product, and the right metrics to prove business impact. Includes a real enterprise case study and a practical monthly operating rhythm. Connect with Kristina Jaramillo https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinajaramillo/ Connect with Rick Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b | |||
| Resting Business Face and Other Virtual Sales Traps | TFOS E21 | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:46:06 | |
In this episode of The Future of Selling, host Rick Smith sits down with Julie Hansen—actor-turned-sales pro, coach, and author of Look Me in the Eye, Act Like a Sales Pro, and Sales Presentations for Dummies. Julie breaks down the specific, learnable on-camera behaviors that increase credibility, engagement, and executive presence in Zoom/Teams meetings, sales demos, and leadership presentations. You’ll learn why “feeling comfortable” on camera isn’t the same as making an impact, how to read “resting business face,” and simple ways to get more interaction without turning your meeting into a monologue. Julie also shares her six-stage model for virtual presence, common mistakes even tech leaders make, and a few actor tricks to keep your energy, authenticity, and connection high—especially when your audience’s cameras are off. If you lead a sales team or want to convert more meetings to second calls, this conversation is a masterclass. Connect with Julie Hansen https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehansensalestraining/ Connect with Rick Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b | |||
| How AI Orchestration Helps Companies Win Customers | TFOS E20 | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:45:54 | |
If every rep had a digital coworker to prep calls, update CRM, and draft perfect follow-ups—what would your team do with the time back? Robert Henderson (Head of Revenue, AskElephant) breaks down AI orchestration for sales & CS, why “proactive AI” beats prompt-and-pray, and how leaders can coach in near-real-time. What you’ll learn:
Multipliers by Liz Wiseman Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Connect with Robert Henderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-henderson/ Connect with Rick Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-smith-094b29b #Sales #CustomerSuccess #AIinSales #RevenueOperations #SalesLeadership #SalesAI #ProactiveAI #DigitalWorkers #AIAgents #CRMAutomation #RevOps #AskElephant | |||