Join host Mark Shriner on the Grow Fast podcast as he welcomes Will Linsen, the globetrotting CEO of Global Coach Group, for an insightful conversation about accelerating leadership development and business growth across borders. Will shares his experiences coaching executives in the Middle East, highlighting how government-backed goals in countries like Saudi Arabia are driving explosive demand for local talent development and professional coaching. Through stories from the field, listeners will hear how leadership coaching has evolved into an essential tool internationally, with cultural nuances shaping its adoption and impact. In this episode, Will delves into the heart of what motivates leaders—and coaches themselves—not just to win, but to achieve and progress with meaning. He outlines the rigorous, data-driven methodologies that have helped Global Coach Group build a worldwide network of over 4,000 coaches, boasting a 95% success rate. Will also shares best practices for thriving in demanding environments, from managing energy and travel to leveraging cutting-edge software and resources to maximize the effectiveness of coaching engagements. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on cultivating motivation, building resilient leadership, and thinking strategically in a rapidly changing world. The episode also explores how AI is transforming the coaching landscape, turning “know-how” into “show-how” without replacing the vital human element. Finally, Will shares practical recommendations—resources, reading, and the power of global travel—alongside highlights from his acclaimed book, "Triple Win Leadership Coaching," offering guidance for coaches and leaders striving for impact around the globe. The Global Coach Group https://globalcoachgroup.com/ Will Linssen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wlinssen/ The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs. Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

Stacy Hylen, a business growth strategist with over 20 years of experience, discusses her approach to helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses without excessive hustle. Having worked with Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes, she emphasizes the importance of strategic positioning and finding hidden profits within a business. Her motivation stems from her father's early passing, which inspired her to help entrepreneurs reclaim time for their families. Hylen shares several strategies for business growth, including the "upsell strategy" and the "come on back strategy" for reactivating past clients. She highlights the importance of balancing ego and empathy in sales teams, drawing from her experience with Chet Holmes. She also discusses the role of AI in business optimization, helping companies download the owner's expertise into their marketing and sales processes. The podcast covers Hylen's upcoming book "Hidden Profits, More Clients and Cash" and her approach to coaching entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the need for implementing learned strategies rather than just consuming information, and stresses the importance of energy management and personal development. Her coaching focuses on lifestyle design, finding hidden profit opportunities, and helping businesses grow without sacrificing personal well-being. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs and other important business documents. Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, finding and hiring the right talent can make the difference between success and stagnation. On this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner sits down with Seyka Mejeur, co-founder of Ad Astra, a talent acquisition firm specializing in recruiting for hard tech startups in space, clean technology, and defense industries. Mejeur brings a unique perspective to talent acquisition, having worked extensively in people operations and hiring across various sectors. Her company focuses on supporting pre-seed to Series C startups, helping them build teams that can drive innovation in challenging and cutting-edge technological domains. With a background that includes working closely with engineers and founders, she understands the critical importance of finding not just skilled professionals but individuals who can thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments. This episode explores the nuanced art and science of recruiting top talent, particularly in industries that are pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. Listeners will gain insights into how startups can attract world-class candidates by offering more than just competitive compensation – by providing opportunities to work on novel technologies, collaborate with brilliant minds, and make a meaningful impact on humanity's future. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and lowest-cost way to complete RFP documents. Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner interviews Egil Østhus from Unleash, a software development tool that revolutionizes how companies release and manage software features. The discussion centers on the critical importance of rapid, controlled software deployment, highlighting how businesses can balance speed and risk when introducing new features to customers. Østhus explains the concept of feature management, which allows companies to selectively release new software versions to specific customer groups. This approach enables businesses to test features with early adopters, gather real-world feedback, and minimize potential risks by not rolling out changes to all users simultaneously. The method also reduces operational costs associated with maintaining multiple pre-production environments and synchronizing data across different stages of software development. The conversation also explores Unleash's growth journey, starting as an open-source project in 2015 and evolving into a global business with over 500 customers, including major enterprises like Visa, Samsung, and Prudential. Østhus discusses their go-to-market strategy, which combines community-driven, bottom-up adoption through the open-source community with targeted outbound marketing and content creation aimed at solving real technical challenges for software developers. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to complete RFP documents. Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/    

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner interviews Sheila Kloefkorn, a marketing expert with 25 years of experience, about the transformative impact of AI on marketing strategies. Kloefkorn discusses how the marketing landscape has dramatically changed since the early days of internet advertising, emphasizing that companies must now adapt to AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity or risk being left behind. She introduces the concept of Generative AI Engine Optimization (GAEO), which involves creating helpful, content-rich websites that can be easily discovered and referenced by AI platforms. The conversation delves into practical ways businesses can leverage AI for marketing and sales automation, including using AI-powered tools for content generation, personalized outreach, and lead qualification. Kloefkorn shares insights on creating valuable content that resonates with target audiences, highlighting the importance of understanding buyer personas and providing solutions to their specific pain points. She emphasizes that modern marketing requires a multi-channel approach, combining virtual events, webinars, social media, and personalized communication to effectively engage potential customers. Throughout the episode, Kloefkorn and Shriner explore the challenges of breaking through marketing noise and the evolving relationship between sales and marketing teams. They discuss the need for continuous learning, content adaptation, and close collaboration between departments to succeed in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Kloefkorn offers practical advice for businesses looking to optimize their marketing strategies, including the importance of creating FAQ-rich content, leveraging AI tools, and providing genuine value to potential customers across multiple platforms. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs! Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

Welcome to today's episode of The Grow Fast Podcast, where we dive into the innovative world of B2B social media marketing with a twist of humor. Our guest is Aidan Brannigan, Founder of No Boring Brands, who is revolutionizing how tech and enterprise companies connect with their audience through memes, skits, and relatable content that breaks through the traditional corporate communication barriers. In this conversation, we explore how companies like Palo Alto Networks are leveraging humor on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn to engage their target audiences, proving that even serious industries like cybersecurity can benefit from a comedic approach. Aidan shares insights into creating content that resonates by focusing on the pain points and everyday experiences of professionals, rather than just pushing product features. Throughout our conversation, we'll unpack the strategic approach to social media marketing, discussing how to grow followers organically, choose the right platforms for your target audience, and create content that stays top of mind without falling into the traps of offensive or politically charged messaging. Get ready for a refreshing take on B2B marketing that challenges conventional wisdom and shows how humor can be a powerful business tool. No Boring Brands https://www.noboringbrands.co The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way for companies to respond to RFPs, RFIs, and Security Questionnaires. Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, Mark Shriner interviews Jimi Gibson, VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency and a professional magician, exploring the fascinating intersection of digital marketing and magical performance. Jimi shares insights into Thrive Agency's 20-year journey, discussing their approach to digital marketing, SEO strategies, and how they help businesses grow in an increasingly complex online landscape. The conversation delves deep into the parallels between magic and marketing, with Jimi explaining how the psychological principles of magic can be applied to creating compelling marketing campaigns. He breaks down the importance of creating connection, curiosity, and conversion in marketing, drawing parallels to the structure of a magic trick and the brain chemistry involved in engaging an audience. Throughout the episode, Jimi offers practical advice for businesses looking to improve their digital marketing efforts, discussing everything from the importance of reviews and local media presence to the evolving landscape of SEO and AI-driven marketing tools. His unique perspective, blending his background as a magician with his expertise in digital marketing, provides listeners with innovative insights into creating more effective marketing strategies. Key Questions Explored: How has SEO changed in recent years? What makes a successful digital marketing campaign? How can magic principles be applied to marketing? What tools are essential for modern digital marketing? How do brain chemistry and psychology impact marketing effectiveness? The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs.   Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/  

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner sits down with sales expert Bill Caskey to explore critical dynamics of motivation and professional excellence. Key questions discussed include: How do internally motivated people differ from those needing external motivation? What truly works to motivate salespeople? How can professionals increase confidence for difficult conversations? The conversation navigates through essential topics like the importance of clarity over raw motivation, with specific insights such as: The difference between professional and amateur performance Understanding evolving buyer behavior Establishing high personal standards in professional development Crafting messages from the customer's perspective Beyond tactical advice, the episode offers a philosophical exploration of personal growth, with Caskey sharing his own motivational journey as a 69-year-old business coach. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on: Setting meaningful professional standards Communicating with genuine intent Creating real value for customers Adapting to changing market dynamics Practical takeaways include strategies for improving sales approaches, understanding customer economics, and developing a more empathetic, intentional professional mindset, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to elevate their performance and professional approach. To Download a Free Copy of Bill Caskey's 12 Bold Moves audio book, please visit: 12boldmoves.com/audiobook The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs! Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

In this episode of the Grow Fast Podcast, Mark Shriner sits down with Mario Martinez Jr., a dynamic entrepreneur and sales expert who shares his remarkable journey of motivation and personal growth. Mario reveals pivotal moments from his life, including his challenging path to UC Berkeley and his first breakthrough job at Sprint, where he was hired as a "wild card" candidate despite not meeting traditional metrics. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and seizing opportunities. Drawing from his personal experiences growing up in a working-class Hispanic family, Mario discusses the importance of motivation, surrounding yourself with the right people, and continuously learning. He shares candid insights about how watching his parents' struggles inspired him to excel academically and professionally, and how he now applies those lessons to his own life as a business leader and father. Mario's philosophy centers on the idea that it's not about why an opportunity comes to you, but what you choose to do with it. Throughout the conversation, Mario offers practical advice for professionals looking to accelerate their careers and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner, investing in yourself, and maintaining an "always be learning" mindset. Whether discussing his work with Vingresso, hosting the Modern Selling podcast, or sharing parenting insights, Mario's infectious enthusiasm and strategic approach to personal and professional growth shine through, providing listeners with inspiration and actionable strategies for success. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs!   Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/  

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner sits down with Bart Knellinger, a visionary entrepreneur who has revolutionized marketing and sales strategies in the dental industry. Bart is the founder of Progressive Dental Marketing and the Closing Institute, two groundbreaking companies that have transformed how dental practices approach patient acquisition and case management. Bart shares his unique approach to helping dental practices move beyond simply counting new patients to strategically targeting high-value cases that can dramatically increase practice revenue. Through innovative marketing techniques and a sophisticated sales training process, he has helped dental practices across the United States and internationally scale from modest operations to multi-million dollar enterprises. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into effective marketing strategies, the importance of outcome-oriented sales approaches, and the critical role of team alignment in business growth. Whether you're a dental professional, a business owner, or someone interested in sales and marketing, this episode offers transformative perspectives on building a successful, patient-focused practice that prioritizes quality over quantity. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs! Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

In this episode of The Grow Fast Podcast, host Mark Shriner sits down with Eli Portnoy, a seasoned entrepreneur who has founded multiple successful startups, to explore the critical importance of customer feedback in B2B businesses. Portnoy shares his journey from working at Amazon to launching innovative companies like Think Near and Sense 360, ultimately leading to the creation of Back Engine, a platform designed to help businesses better understand and act on customer insights. The conversation delves deep into the challenges of scaling B2B companies and the common pitfalls of misinterpreting customer needs. Portnoy reveals a startling statistic that 85% of sales team explanations for lost deals are incorrect, highlighting the critical need for a more systematic approach to gathering and analyzing customer feedback. Through his experiences, he illustrates how companies often build the wrong solutions by fixating on specific feature requests instead of understanding the underlying problems customers are trying to solve. Drawing from a survey of 150 SaaS founders, Portnoy demonstrates a clear correlation between mature customer feedback practices and business performance. He offers practical advice for companies looking to improve their customer listening skills, including assigning a feedback owner, ensuring the CEO regularly talks to customers, and implementing a weekly company-wide feedback summary. The episode provides a compelling blueprint for businesses seeking to transform their approach to customer insights and drive meaningful growth. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs! Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

In this episode of The Grow Fast Podcast, we are doing a deep dive into the world of consumer packaged goods (CPG) with a special focus on branding, marketing, and the critical alignment between sales and marketing teams. Our guest, Andrew Thomas, brings a wealth of experience from leading brands like PepsiCo, Chicken of the Sea, and, currently Archer Meat Snacks, offering a unique perspective on navigating the complex landscape of modern food marketing. Andrew's journey through brand management is a masterclass in adaptability and strategic thinking. From his early days at General Mills to leadership roles in both large corporations and nimble startups, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to drive growth by understanding consumer needs and creating compelling brand narratives. His approach goes beyond traditional marketing communications, focusing on how brands can truly connect with consumers and make healthier eating more accessible. In this episode, we'll unpack the intricacies of rebranding, explore the evolving consumer demand for transparency in food labeling, and learn how data-driven insights can transform marketing strategies. Whether you're a marketing professional, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about the forces shaping the food industry, this conversation promises to provide valuable takeaways about building brands that resonate with modern consumers. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to respond to RFPs! Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/

In today's fast-paced startup ecosystem, founders face unprecedented challenges in building successful businesses. Navigating the complex world of venture capital, product development, and market expansion requires not just innovative ideas but a strategic approach to growth. In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, we dive deep with Vijay Rajendran, an experienced entrepreneur, investor, and author who has worked with hundreds of startups across more than 80 countries. Vijay brings a wealth of knowledge from his time at 500 Global, where he led corporate innovation partnerships and helped portfolio companies raise capital and expand their networks. His recent book, "The Funding Framework," offers founders a systematic approach to fundraising, challenging the notion that securing investment is purely a matter of luck or connections. Through his work as an executive coach and investor, Vijay has developed keen insights into what makes founders successful in today's competitive landscape. Join us as we explore the critical traits of successful entrepreneurs, the importance of storytelling in pitches, strategies for maintaining mental health while building a startup, and the transformative potential of AI in traditional industries. Whether you're a founder, investor, or simply curious about the startup world, this conversation promises to provide valuable perspectives on accelerating business growth in an ever-changing market. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way for companies to respond to RFPs.   Breeze Docs www.breezedocs.ai    

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner sits down with marketing expert Jeff Wenberg to explore the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Jeff shares his journey from aspiring musician to successful marketing professional, detailing how he transitioned from doing voiceovers on Fiverr to becoming a strategic marketing consultant who helps businesses effectively communicate their value propositions. The conversation delves deep into the critical aspects of B2C marketing, with Jeff emphasizing the importance of connecting with potential customers by addressing their specific problems rather than simply listing product features. Using real-world examples, he illustrates how reframing messaging can dramatically improve marketing effectiveness, transforming struggling businesses into thriving enterprises by helping them understand and articulate their true value to their target audience. As the discussion unfolds, Mark and Jeff also explore the emerging challenges and opportunities presented by AI and large language models, discussing how these technologies are reshaping search patterns and marketing strategies. They touch on personal growth, sharing insights about habits, productivity, and the importance of understanding customer needs. The podcast offers listeners a comprehensive look at modern marketing techniques, blending practical advice with personal anecdotes and forward-thinking perspectives on business growth. The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost effective way to complete RFPs, RFIs, and security questionnaires.      Breeze Docs https://www.breezedocs.ai/  

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner sits down with Christian Ray Flores, a remarkable entrepreneur, performance coach, and philanthropist who has lived in six countries across four continents. From his early days navigating political upheaval in Chile and the Soviet Union to becoming a top pop star in Russia, Christian shares an extraordinary journey of resilience, adaptability, and personal transformation that has shaped his unique worldview and approach to life and business. Christian delves into his current work as a performance coach, revealing the critical importance of inner development and emotional self-regulation for high achievers. He discusses his innovative approach to personal branding in the age of AI, and shares insights from his philanthropic efforts with the Ascend Academy in Mozambique, where he helps children from extreme poverty develop skills, confidence, and hope for a better future. His mission is rooted in the belief that with the right mentorship and opportunities, individuals can transcend their circumstances and create meaningful change. Throughout the conversation, Christian offers practical wisdom on building a fulfilling life, including his morning routine for peak performance, the importance of community, and strategies for continuous personal growth. He candidly discusses his own challenges, including overcoming depression and rebuilding his life after achieving international music success, providing listeners with inspiring and actionable insights into personal development, resilience, and finding one's unique path in an ever-changing world. Xponential Life https://www.xponential.life/ Ascend Academy https://www.ascendmission.fund/ The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you by Breezedocs.ai, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way for small and medium-sized businesses to respond to RFPs, RFIs, and other important information requests.    

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, Mark Shriner interviews Adam O'Connor, Chief Commercial Officer at Gear Inc., a global outsourcing firm specializing in call center services and trust and safety operations. Adam provides insights into the complex world of business process outsourcing (BPO), highlighting their extensive network of 26 locations that cover 76 different languages across Asia, South America, North America, and Europe. The conversation delves deep into the nuances of call center operations, exploring how companies like Gear Inc. recruit, train, and manage multilingual teams to provide high-quality customer service. Adam emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, finding the right talent, and creating a partnership approach rather than simply offering a low-cost solution. He also discusses the emerging role of AI in the industry, noting that while technology is advancing, the human element remains crucial in providing exceptional customer experiences. Throughout the interview, Adam shares his extensive international sales experience, offering perspectives on cultural differences in business negotiations, the challenges of global team management, and the broader impact of BPO on local economies. He highlights how outsourcing can provide significant economic opportunities in developing countries, with BPO jobs often paying 150-200% more than local employment, thereby lifting entire communities and creating pathways for professional growth and development.  

In this episode of the Grow Fast podcast, host Mark Shriner interviews David Hirschfeld, Founder and CEO of Tekyz, a software development firm with extensive experience working with startups. Hirschfeld shares insights from his 35-year career in software development, emphasizing the importance of building exceptional development teams and helping companies scale effectively. He discusses his philosophy of hiring extremely smart, experienced professionals who can think critically and contribute meaningfully to a project. The conversation centers on Hirschfeld's "Launch First" methodology, a strategic approach to product development that prioritizes understanding market needs before building a minimum viable product (MVP). Instead of immediately investing $50,000-$150,000 in an MVP, he recommends creating a high-fidelity prototype for $10-$25,000, conducting thorough market research, and identifying early adopters. This approach allows companies to validate product-market fit by securing pre-launch sales and generating revenue to fund further development. Hirschfeld illustrates his approach with a case study of a healthcare AI startup that pivoted from monitoring wearable devices to creating an AI nurse capable of managing patient transitions and providing personalized healthcare communication. He also discusses the rapidly evolving AI landscape, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. Throughout the podcast, Hirschfeld stresses key principles for fast business growth: hire smart people, test everything, document successful processes, and remain flexible in product development. Tekyz Corp https://tekyz.com/   Scaling Smarter Podcast https://tekyz.com/podcast/    

This episode of The Grow Fast Podcast features Kevin Dominik Korte, a Board Member and IT Innovation & Growth Strategist with expertise in digital transformation, identity management, and open-source IT infrastructure. With over 50 startup investments—several reaching IPO stages—Kevin shares insights on how investors evaluate go-to-market strategy, sales effectiveness, and scalability. Kevin emphasizes the importance of early sales traction, advising startups to focus on building a niche customer base rather than chasing a broad market. Drawing from his experience in strategy formulation and market expansion, he highlights how industry mastery fosters organic referrals and investor confidence.  He also explores the blending of sales and marketing, noting that personalized outreach—such as cold calling and targeted LinkedIn engagement—often outperforms broad marketing campaigns. Additionally, he stresses the importance of recurring revenue, churn rates, and customer engagement in assessing business viability. Kevin shares lessons from his career, including his success in establishing Univention’s first overseas subsidiary and positioning it as a leader in IT governance and identity management. Currently an Advisory Board Member to Moxey and a mentor to startups at NewChip, he closes with practical advice for founders, recommending public speaking training and Crossing the Chasm to refine their sales approach and scale effectively.  You can watch the video of the Grow Fast Podcast with Kevin Dominik here:   Youtube  Kevin Dominik Korte www.korte.co   The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you buy Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way for SMBs to respond to RFPs.  Breeze Docs  https://www.breezedocs.ai/  

This episode of the Grow Fast Podcast featuring Joshua Stout, LinkedIn Certified Marketing Expert™ and Director of Advertising at Influent, focused on leveraging LinkedIn for B2B marketing success. Joshua shared his journey of scaling an agency and developing expertise in LinkedIn advertising, highlighting how businesses can effectively use the platform to generate demand, build trust, and drive conversions. He explained the key differences between demand capture (Google Ads) and demand generation (LinkedIn Ads), emphasizing the importance of a multi-channel strategy to nurture leads and optimize ad performance. Joshua also discussed the role of branding and content marketing in LinkedIn campaigns, stressing that businesses should invest in long-term brand awareness before expecting immediate returns on ad spend.  Another key topic was the strategic approach to LinkedIn advertising and content optimization. Joshua provided insights into setting up a full-funnel ad strategy, including top-of-funnel brand awareness, middle-of-funnel engagement, and bottom-of-funnel conversion campaigns. He shared best practices for A/B testing, targeting decision-makers, and utilizing LinkedIn’s advanced professional filters to reach the right audience. Additionally, Joshua explored how AI is transforming digital marketing, from automating audits and strategy planning to enhancing ad targeting with data-driven insights. The conversation wrapped up with advice on building a strong LinkedIn presence, balancing thought leadership with personal branding, and leveraging both organic content and paid ads to establish credibility and drive business growth.  You can watch the video of the Grow Fast Podcast with Joshua Stout here:   Youtube  Influent  http://influent.nyc The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you buy Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way for SMBs to respond to RFPs.  Breeze Docs  https://www.breezedocs.ai/  

This episode of the Grow Fast Podcast featuring Todd Caponi, an award-winning sales leader and author of The Transparency Sale and The Transparent Sales Leader, explored the evolving principles of sales and the critical role of transparency in fostering trust and long-term success. Todd, whose expertise spans sales methodology, learning theory, and decision science, shared insights from his research on sales history, emphasizing that while technology and tools have advanced, the core principles of sales—focused on service and guiding buyers—have remained consistent over centuries. He discussed how the overwhelming availability of information has made the buying process harder for customers and how sales professionals can embrace transparency to guide them more effectively. Todd introduced the concept of "flawesome" salesmanship, where companies openly acknowledge their imperfections, fostering trust and accelerating decision-making. With a track record that includes helping a technology company achieve a successful IPO and a $3B exit, as well as winning the American Business "Stevie" Award for VP of Worldwide Sales of the Year, Todd's insights are grounded in proven success. Another major topic was Todd's "5F Framework" for revenue leadership, which emphasizes focus, field, fundamentals, forecasting, and fun. He explained how this structure helps sales leaders plan effectively, maintain consistency, and optimize team performance. Todd also shared examples from his workshops and leadership programs, designed to equip teams with actionable tools for improving communication, qualification, and negotiation. The discussion wrapped up with a look at how technology, including AI, can enhance sales processes when used through the lens of service rather than scale, encouraging sales professionals to prioritize genuine connections over automation. You can watch the video of the Grow Fast Podcast with Todd Caponi here:   Youtube  TODD CAPONI  www.toddcaponi.com   The Grow Fast Podcast is brought to you buy Breeze Docs, the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way for SMBs to respond to RFPs.  Breeze Docs  https://www.breezedocs.ai/