After 13 years building Gainsight and pioneering the Customer Success movement, Nick Mehta sits down with Anthony Kennada and Scott Salkin for his first in-depth conversation since stepping down as CEO — and it’s a masterclass in what it means to lead with humanity in a world being rewritten by AI.
They explore the full arc of Nick’s journey — from defining “human-first” leadership and shaping company culture around vulnerability, to learning how to let go, face adversity, and rediscover identity on the other side of success. Nick opens up about what transition really feels like, the myth of linear progress, and how creativity, writing, and humor became anchors through uncertainty.
Together, they examine how AI is challenging every founder and CMO to think from first principles again — to replace the old playbooks with curiosity, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose. They also unpack why Brand Humanity may be the ultimate moat when everything else looks the same.
Topics we cover:
– The untold story behind coining “Human-First”
– What it takes to step away after building a company for 13 years
– Vulnerability as a leadership superpower (and how not to fake it)
– Why “I don’t know” is the new mark of confidence
– How AI is redefining what founders and CMOs need to unlearn
– Creativity, poetry, and humor as outlets for grounded leadership
– The intersection of brand, culture, and authentic connection
– Why humanity might be the ultimate differentiator in business
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with heart through seasons of uncertainty — or how to stay human in the age of AI — this conversation with Nick Mehta is a rare and deeply honest guide for the journey ahead.