🚀 What’s the #1 skill every founder needs to master but most ignore?

Sales.

In this episode of the Inside Story Podcast, I speak with Panos Meintanis, founder of DealsUp and Deelan, a sales acceleration platform built specifically for startups. Panos brings years of frontline experience - from closing deals at Talkwalker to helping founders transform their mindset around selling.

We talk about why sales is the foundation of any business, why founders must learn to sell before they scale, and how Deelan is changing the game by making elite, AI-powered sales training accessible to everyone.

Whether you're a startup founder, sales lead, or early-stage team member—this conversation is packed with practical lessons on sales strategy, personal growth, and how AI can level the playing field for startups with limited time and budget.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Sales Training

05:07 – Panos’ Sales Journey at Talkwalker

11:43 – Developing a Sales Persona and Philosophy

16:32 – Building Thought Leadership as a Salesperson

18:14 – Common Sales Mistakes Made by Startups

24:28 – Why Every Founder Must Learn to Sell

32:14 – What Really Motivates Entrepreneurs (Hint: It’s Not Money)

33:02 – Best Budget-Friendly Ways to Train Your Sales Team

37:47 – Using Sales as a Vehicle to Achieve Life Goals