Today we welcome Todd Klimkowski to the Irish Goodbye team.In this episode, we dig into a big question: Are large corporate conventions like Dreamforce really worth it?We talk through what each group actually gets out of them — the company, the clients, and the reps. We also get into the logistics of pulling one off, what makes them successful, and what’s best avoided.It’s a new format for us, a roundtable chat about a single topic, and we’d love your input. If there’s something you’d like us to debate or unpack in a future episode, let us know.And as always, don’t forget to subscribe for more honest, funny, and slightly unfiltered conversations about business, life, and everything in between.#TheIrishGoodbyePodcast #BusinessPodcast #Dreamforce #CorporateLife #Conferences #Salesforce #Networking #BusinessTalk #PodcastLife #NewEpisode
In this episode of the Irish Goodbye Business Podcast, I sit down with my good friend and colleague, Gene Michael Koopman, Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. Gene’s career hasn’t followed a straight line—from waiting tables in an all-night diner to leading architecture at Fortune 500s, his path shows how unexpected turns can fuel big opportunities.We cover what an Enterprise Architect really does, why broad thinking matters as much as technical depth, and how Gene helps global organizations navigate digital transformation and AI. He also shares lessons learned along the way, plus why there’s a snowboard hanging in his Florida office.If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the title Enterprise Architect, or how to balance technical expertise with strategic influence, this episode’s for you.#IrishGoodbyePodcast #BusinessPodcast #Careers #EnterpriseArchitecture #Salesforce #DigitalTransformation #AI #Leadership #CareerGrowth #TechCareers
From mowing lawns at just eight years old to steering the growth of MarketSurge, Reed Hansen has lived the full arc of entrepreneurship—hands-on grit, system building, and scaling businesses from local startups to Fortune 500 partnerships. On this episode of the Irish Goodbye Business Podcast, Reed pulls up a stool to share what really drives sustainable growth: the behind-the-scenes work of creating systems, harnessing technology, and building trust with customers.
We dig into his journey in digital innovation, from mastering local SEO to helping small businesses punch above their weight with MarketSurge’s all-in-one platform for lead generation, customer engagement, and reputation management. Reed also brings sharp lessons from his own wins, missteps, and a weekly marketing newsletter and podcast that connect him with over 20,000 professionals hungry for honest, practical advice.
If you’re curious about how small businesses can “play big” in competitive markets—or just love a good story about what it takes to thrive in today’s digital economy—this one’s for you.
#IrishGoodbyePodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #DigitalInnovation #LocalSEO #MarketingStrategy #BusinessPodcast #StartupLife #CustomerExperience #BrandGrowth
In this episode of the Irish Goodbye Business Podcast, we sit down with Liz Powell, a seasoned corporate retail leader whose career journey is marked by resilience, adaptability, and trust. Liz shares candid insights from her time navigating the challenges of an SAP implementation, the unexpected turns that shaped her career, and how she has balanced motherhood with professional growth.
She highlights the importance of problem-solving, stakeholder management, networking, and advocacy — as well as why being present in the workplace matters more than ever. Liz’s story offers practical advice and inspiration for the next generation of professionals looking to thrive in complex environments while staying true to their values.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of lessons on career resilience, leadership, and building trust.
#IrishGoodbyePodcast #BusinessPodcast #CareerJourney #Leadership #Networking #CareerGrowth #WomenInBusiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #Trust #StakeholderManagement
In this edition of the "Irish Goodbye Business Podcast" Brian Pennells introduces special guest Laura Chambers, who shared insights from her career journey, starting from event management to the cosmetic surgery industry, where she quickly rose to director level. Laura then transitioned to a Fortune 50 Multinational health care company, spending 11 years in various international leadership roles, including Head of Customer Experience and PMO for UK & Ireland. This Key discussions details the importance of effective stakeholder management, the importance of clear communication, a common-sense approach to problem-solving, the "action over perfection" mindset in leadership and the power of "why"!#IrishGoodbyePodcast #BusinessPodcast #CareerConversations #LeadershipPodcast #lauraChambers
The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast – Episode 13 🎙️
From Chicago to the world — where deep dish meets global grit — we bring you the story of Brian Samson.
Brian’s journey is one of resilience, travel, and vision. He’s built opportunities across Latin America by championing near-shore working models and contract labor innovation, creating real impact for businesses and people alike.
This episode is about more than business. It’s about opening doors, bridging cultures, and seeing possibilities where others see limits.
Tune in and hear how Brian turned determination into opportunity:
👉 [Insert Link to Episode]
#IrishGoodbyePodcast #BusinessPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #GlobalBusiness #Chicago #LATAM #Nearshore #Innovation #Opportunity #Resilience
Episode 12: The Power of “And” with Matt ElliottOn this episode of The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Elliott — an experienced banking executive turned advisor, public speaker, and author, and all round really great guy!Matt shares insights from his years in banking, how he now helps leaders and organizations think differently, and why embracing the power of “and” can change the way you approach both business and life. We also get a preview of the new book he’s working on, available along with more of his ideas at www.bluelakeideas.com.If you’re interested in leadership, fresh perspectives, and practical wisdom from someone who’s lived it, this conversation is for you.#IrishGoodbyePodcast #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #CareerGrowth #PublicSpeaking #Banking #Advisor #Author #ThePowerOfAnd
In this edition of the Irish Goodbye Business PodCast we interview Julia Caldwell.Detective Julia "Jules" Caldwell served Ewing Township, New Jersey, for over 13 years, excelling in over 500 criminal investigations due to her strong ability to "read people" and connect clues.Key career highlights:2010: Graduated from Mercer County Police Academy; began as 911 operator, then Campus Police Officer at College of New Jersey Police Department.2012: Received Command Citation Award and Meritorious Service Award for exceptional actions.2013: Transferred to Ewing Police Department, serving three years in Patrol Division.2016: Moved to Administrative Division, managing department accreditation and conducting background investigations.Late 2017: Promoted to detective, joined Professional Standards Bureau (internal affairs, training, SOPs, accreditation).2018: Earned Exceptional Service Award.Late 2018: Joined Criminal Investigations Bureau, investigating major crimes.June 2, 2022: Suffered line-of-duty injury rescuing a dog from a burning home.2022-2023: Awarded Meritorious Service Award and Heroism Award for her actions.July 2023: Retired from police service.Julia has been a big advocate for women and continues to advocate for the unsolved 1977 murder of Sigrid Stevenson, a case featured in the July 2024 Netflix series Unsolved Mysteries, Volume 4, Episode 4. She resides in Lambertville, New Jersey, with her husband, Jeffrey, and their Belgian Malinois, Oliver. Jules holds a Bachelor of Arts from William Paterson University and plans to pursue post-baccalaureate studies in psychology.#TheIrishGoodbyePodcast #SalesLeadership #GenAI #AgenticAI #ValueSelling #CLevelConversations #BusinessPodcast #CX #DataDrivenSales #ExecutivePresence #SalesMindset #CareerGrowth #AthleteToExecutive #IrishAbroad #FromTheCourtToTheBoardroom
The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast – Episode 10 – Todd KlimkowskiFrom the grit of college basketball courts to the strategy rooms of Fortune 500 boardrooms, Todd Klimkowski brings the same energy, discipline, and preparation that elite athletes and top executives swear by. In this episode, Todd shares what it really takes to perform at the highest level — whether you're closing multi-million dollar AI deals or running a play in the final seconds.We get into the mindset behind consistent top 1% sales performance, what great preparation actually looks like, and how value selling at the executive level has evolved in the age of GenAI. If you've ever wondered how to hold your own in a room full of CFOs or why “the win” happens long before the pitch, this one’s for you.Tune in to hear the real conversations, the mental preparation, and the leadership lessons that separate good from great.#TheIrishGoodbyePodcast #ToddKlimkowski #SalesLeadership #GenAI #AgenticAI #ValueSelling #CLevelConversations #BusinessPodcast #CX #DataDrivenSales #ExecutivePresence #SalesMindset #CareerGrowth #AthleteToExecutive #IrishAbroad #FromTheCourtToTheBoardroom
The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast – Episode 9 – Dale Zwizinsky
From picking corn, to coding, to selling software at Oracle and beyond — DaleZwizinsky has lived the full arc of reinvention.
In this episode, Dale walks us through his journey from blue-collar roots tobig tech boardrooms, and eventually, to running his own consulting firm helpingcompanies map their revenue futures.
With humor, honesty, and hard-won insight, Daleshares lessons on building trust in enterprise sales, managing burnout, and howto stop chasing metrics and start solving real problems.
This one’s for the builders, the pivoters, andanyone trying to grow a career that aligns with who they really are.
Leave your thoughts in the comments, share itwith someone navigating a big career move, and subscribe for more real talk at The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast.
#TheIrishGoodbyePodcast#SalesLeadership #RevenueGrowth #CareerPivots #BusinessPodcast #DaleZwizinsky#RealTalkBusiness #OracleToEntrepreneur #IrishAbroad #CareerJourneys#PodcastLife #LeadershipLessons
The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast – Episode 8 – Murray Grubb Jr.From being the trusted voice of a bank in a call center in Scotland to leading sales strategy at Salesforce for the public sector in the UK, Murray Grubb Jr.’s path is proof that grit, self-awareness, and a good sense of humor can take you further than any MBA.In this episode, Murray shares raw stories from the early grind, what it means to grow into leadership (not just land the title), and why being curious, and brutally honest, is still underrated in business. Along the way, he drops insights on coaching, the power of mentoring, and navigating career detours with humility and confidence.If there are questions you would like to see put to Murray and other, please suggest in the comments.Drop your thoughts in the comments, share it with someone on their own career climb, and subscribe for more real talk at The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast.#TheIrishGoodbyePodcast #SalesLeadership #CareerGrowth #Scottish #BusinessPodcast #RealTalkBusiness #MurrayGrubbJr #SalesforceStories #IrishAbroad #CareerJourneys #PodcastLife #LeadershipLessons
In this episode, Brian Pennells sits down with Matt Barston for a deep dive into the world of technical selling and sales leadership. Matt walks us through his unique journey—from BDR to Customer Success, Account Management, and now leading a team of Solution Engineers. Along the way, he shares real talk on what makes the AE and SE relationship click, how to coach effectively, and why curiosity is one of the most underrated traits in modern sales.Whether you're climbing the sales ladder or leading from the front, Matt’s insights on team development, morale, and defining your own version of success are not to be missed.Tune in for an honest, tactical conversation that’s packed with lessons for sellers, leaders, and anyone navigating a career in tech.🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.#TechSales #SalesLeadership #SolutionEngineering #CuriousSeller #AEandSE #CareerGrowth #SalesPodcast #B2BSales #CoachingInSales #IrishGoodbyePodcast
The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast – Episode 6 - Sebastien FleuryFrom the military, to the ski slopes, to leading sales teams around the globe — Sebastien Fleury’s journey is anything but ordinary.In this episode, Seb drops real stories that’ll resonate with anyone who's ever taken a leap, changed course, or wondered what it’s all really for. With sharp perspective, dry humor, and zero fluff, he takes us through lessons from leadership, resilience, and selling with integrity, whether in the Alps or on a Zoom call.This one’s for the doers, the dreamers, and the people figuring it out as they go.Let us know what sticks with you in the comments, and be sure to check back soon for the next round of unfiltered conversation at The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast.#TheIrishGoodbyePodcast #SalesLife #MilitaryToBusiness #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #CareerJourneys #SebastienFleury #PodcastLife #IrishAbroad #RealTalkBusiness #FromTheTrenches
In this episode of The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast, I sit down with Alex Matarazzo — a man whose journey from the trash truck to tech sales is as real as it gets. Now leading Salesforce’s enterprise strategy in financial services, Alex brings a sharp edge to innovation across wealth, retail, and commercial banking.With roots in Healthcare, Retail, and Financial Services, and deep experience in Salesforce implementations, managed services, and advisory — Alex has seen (and shaped) it all. But his story isn’t just about rising through the ranks — it’s about hustle, heart, and high-stakes transformation.So pull up a stool — we’re talking grit, growth, and the grind behind real success in the world of enterprise tech.🎧 Tune in now — this one’s got mileage.#IrishGoodbyePodcast #Salesforce #TechSales #FinancialServices #FromTrashTruckToTech #EnterpriseGrowth #BusinessAndBanter #LeadershipJourney
What if your next trip didn’t just feel like a vacation — but like a VIP experience curated just for you?In this episode of The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast, I sit down with Lucy Olivera — Founder and CEO of BeThere Group — a woman redefining what it means to travel well. From Meta to the Med, Lucy’s journey has taken bold turns: a career built on instinct, reinvention, and an unshakable belief that great service is personal.BeThere is transforming the way we experience travel — combining insider access with concierge-level planning for everything from luxury yacht charters and jet ski adventures to bespoke nightlife and private tours.Lucy’s story isn’t just about building a business — it’s about trusting your gut, staying close to culture, and making magic from the chaos. Along the way, there’s been grind, glamour, and a few unexpected pivots.So grab a seat at the bar — we’re talking courage, creativity, and Caribbean getaways with one of the most dynamic founders in the game.🎧 Tune in now, and be sure to Be There for this one.#IrishGoodbyePodcast #WomenInBusiness #TravelInnovation #FounderJourney #BeThere #BusinessAndBanter #FromMetaToCEO #ConciergeCulture
In this very special episode, I sit down with the man who’s inspired me more than anyone — my dad, Maurice Hudson. A true jack-of-all-trades and master of many, Maurice’s career has spanned everything from the newspaper business to the clothing trade, plastics, construction, painting and decorating — and just about everything in between.He’s been the man for decades, with wisdom earned the hard way and stories that could fill a dozen lifetimes.Now, he's pulling up a stool and passing down a few nuggets of wisdom to anyone willing to listen.This one’s close to the heart — real talk, real lessons, and a few laughs along the way. Maurice's Irish Goodbye might be quiet… but it’s packed with gold.🎧 Tune in now, and as always, leave your thoughts in the comments.#IrishGoodbyePodcast #FamilyWisdom #IrishStories #BusinessAndBanter #TheOG #CareerJourney #LifeLessons
The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast – Episode 2This week, we’re joined by Charles Mitchell — a man who’s seen every corner of the construction world and then some. With over 20 years in the industry, Charles has worked on everything from restoring Georgian buildings to managing major civil and marine engineering projects. But that’s only half the story.Charles went on to lecture at university, shape government construction policy, and sit on national and European committees — all while staying grounded in the real-world challenges of budgets, timelines, and team dynamics. He brings thoughtful insights, a sharp sense of humor, and a few hard-earned lessons that anyone in any industry can learn from.Whether you're laying the first brick in your career or trying to shore up the foundations, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and some brilliant takeaways.Drop your thoughts in the comments, and tune in again in two weeks for more good chat and great company.#IrishGoodbyePodcast #ConstructionLife #RealTalk #BanterAndBusiness #CareerStories #SurveyorToStrategist #BuildingSmarter
The Irish Goodbye Business Podcast – Episode 1In our very first episode, we sit down with Brian Pennells, a seasoned tech sales leader whose career has taken him from Oracle to Zuora to Salesforce, across multiple countries and nearly 20 years in the game.Brian brings a mix of sharp insights, honest reflections, and classic banter, sharing the wins, the lessons, and the things he’s still working on. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your career, there’s plenty to take away from this real conversation with someone who's been in the trenches.Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to tune in again in two weeks for our next episode!