The Goats of Growth

In this episode, Jackie Wu, CEO & co-founder of Corvus Robotics, breaks down his progression from doing everything himself—including thousands of cold calls—to building a scalable, repeatable, non–founder-led sales motion. He discusses early scrappiness, the turning point when revenue became repeatable, how he hired and enabled his first sales reps, and the moment Corvus hit the kind of growth curve that required bringing in a CRO. Jackie shares the mindset, processes, and lessons that helped him step back from day-to-day selling and empower a true go-to-market organization. Jackies Linkedin Page Key Takeaways: He exited founder-led sales only after the motion became repeatable He created a simple but clear "founder playbook" to transfer his knowledge He hired reps with a rare blend of salesmanship + technical precision He used "trust but verify" while quickly transitioning ownership Explosive growth triggered the need for a CRO—allowing Jackie to truly step back If you're a founder struggling with when to make a similar transition, definitely check out this episode.

On this episode of The Goats of Growth, David "DMo", Morse, CRO, and best selling author of "The Heart of the Sale--How to Close More Deals with Disciplined Discovery", shares how disciplined discovery is what gives life to successfully closing b2b enterprise deals. There are many aspects of the discovery process, certainly too many to cover in one episode, but at the heart of of the discovery process is what he calls the "Magnificent 7", which are 7 kinds of questions that need to be asked throughtout dicsovery--with "Problem Questions" being chief among them. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who is paid to sell, or is paid to manage those who are paid to sell. You can buy "The Heart of the Sale" Amazon now through this link. And if you're a CRO/VP Sales looking to help your team get better at disciplined discovery, reach out to DMo at yodavidmorse.com What you'll learn: 🔹 From Marine to Sales Leader – How military discipline translates into consistent success in business 🔹 The Power of Continuous Improvement – Why the best reps and leaders never stop evolving 🔹 The Magnificent Seven – A framework for disciplined discovery and deeper client understanding 🔹 The Problem Loop – Identifying the true cause behind business pain points 🔹 Trust & Timing – How to build credibility and guide clients through tough conversations 🔹 Empathy in Leadership – Balancing toughness with understanding to inspire high performance David Morse Linkedin Profile Buy the book here.

On this episode of The Goats of Growth, Chris Lee, CRO at Interos, talks about the power of AI and and his sales methodology he calls P.O.W.E.R. Chris dives into what it takes to build high-performing teams, the power of collaboration, and why investing in people always pays off. What you'll learn: 🔹 Vision & Curiosity – How asking the right questions creates answers others can't see 🔹 Building Trust – Why trust is the foundation of every elite team 🔹 Partnerships – Why indirect channels will become vital over the nest year or so 🔹 Team Selling – How collaboration creates unstoppable teams If you're scaling a team, leading through change, or looking to blend vision with values, this one's packed with wisdom. Chris Lees Linkedin Profile Timestamps 00:00 – Curiosity as the spark for vision 05:42 – Growing up as the youngest of five and finding creativity 12:30 – Making life easier through innovation and efficiency 18:15 – Why leaders need to think beyond features and functionality 25:10 – Curiosity vs. intelligence: asking better questions 32:40 – The future of indirect channels and partnerships in AI 38:44 – Rapid Fire: What motivates Chris Lee 39:55 – Humility as the path to continuous learning 41:03 – Why Indiana Jones is the ultimate leadership metaphor 42:51 – Family over meetings: the true measure of success

On this episode of The Goats of Growth, I sat down with Tanveer Bhangoo — former Go-To-Market leader, author of Pro Business Mindset, and the upcoming Bet on People. From being a first-generation athlete in Canada to leading in the tech industry, Tanveer's story is a blueprint for resilience, adaptability, and leadership done right. He breaks down why off-season preparation is just as important in business as it is in sports, how to build trust quickly in a new role, and why betting on people is the single most powerful move a leader can make. Tanveer also shares the daily habits that drive his performance, the role of humility in growth, and how he navigates scrutiny while pushing teams to win. What you'll learn: 🔹 From Athlete to Tech Leader – How sports shaped Tanveer's leadership DNA 🔹 Off-Season Prep – Why your biggest wins are built before the season starts 🔹 Relationship Building – The foundation for success in any new role 🔹 Betting on People – How to invest in your team for exponential results 🔹 Adaptability – The most valuable skill in today's business landscape 🔹 Daily Habits & Reflection – The underrated edge top performers use 🔹 Leadership Under Pressure – How to stay grounded while driving change A candid conversation packed with lessons for leaders, athletes, and anyone who wants to win in the long game. Tanvirs Linkedin Page Tanvir's Official Website Order the book here 00:30 Introduction to Tanveer Bangu 02:00 The Journey of Writing 'Pro Business Mindset' 05:40 Commonalities in Leadership and Sports 11:40 Micro Habits for Long-Term Success 14:00 The Impetus Behind 'Bet on People' 22:20 The Importance of Trust and Benefit of the Doubt 24:50 The Power of Potential Over Experience 28:20 Betting on People: A Leader's Responsibility 31:40 Adaptability in the Age of AI 33:52 Key Traits for Team Success 36:20 Reflecting on Career Growth and Future Goals

In this episode of The Goats of Growth, Kyle Natichioni, VP of Sales at Reveleer, pulls back the curtain on how his team helped scale the company from $50M to over $100M in ARR — all within the high-stakes world of healthcare tech. Kyle dives into what it really takes to build a high-performing sales org, from mastering recruiting and revenue operations to creating a sales culture that attracts and retains top talent. He also opens up about the power of grit, lessons from hard coaching, and what drives his leadership style. What you'll learn: 🔹 Scaling to $100M+ ARR – Behind-the-scenes strategies from Revolair's growth story 🔹 Sales Leadership – How to recruit, empower, and retain high-caliber reps 🔹 Grit & Coaching – The uncomfortable but necessary path to becoming elite 🔹 Revenue Ops – Why investing here unlocks compounding growth 🔹 Playbook Building – Why there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach 🔹 Sales Culture – How to foster a team that thrives on accountability and ambition If you're leading, building, or dreaming of scaling a sales org, this one's a masterclass. Kyles Linkedin Profile 00:00 Introduction to Revolair and Kyle Natichioni 02:45 Growth Journey: From 50 to 100 Million in ARR 05:39 Building a High-Performing Sales Team 08:27 The Importance of Talent Acquisition 11:22 Grit and Resilience in Sales 14:20 Learning from Setbacks and Coaching 19:51 Leveraging Technology in Sales Training 23:00 Strategies for Growing a $5 Million Company 28:41 Hiring for Success: Building a Strong Team 30:40 The Importance of Playbook Building 32:27 Data-Driven Decisions in Sales 34:22 Challenges of Embracing Revenue Operations 36:17 Finding the Right Company Culture 39:29 Motivating Sales Teams and Retaining Talent 40:47 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections

In this episode of the Goats of Growth podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Candidate 10, a seasoned sales leader with extensive experience in tech startups, particularly in AI and pharma. We talked about her journey from being an early employee at startups to leading high-performing sales teams. Candidate 10 emphasized the value of foundational sales skills, understanding individual motivations, and crafting effective compensation plans. She also shared her unique ability to read people, her aspirations for future leadership roles, and her perspective on what truly defines a successful sales leader. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Goats of Growth Podcast 01:02 Jenna Okoro's Career Journey 03:08 The Importance of Foundational Sales 05:21 Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Leader 07:40 Identifying Individual Strengths in Sales 08:27 Understanding Comp Plans and P&L Management 10:47 Future Aspirations and Industry Preferences 12:54 Bonus Question: Magic Wand Abilities 14:59 The Art of Reading People 17:49 Secret Sauce: What Makes You Unique 19:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Goats of Growth podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Candidate 8, a sales professional with a unique background in ministry. We discussed his transition from being a pastor to building a career in technology and cybersecurity, and the vital role that empathy and relationship-building play in sales. Candidate 8 shared powerful insights on personal growth through adversity, the value of in-person communication, and his aspirations for future leadership roles. We also touched on work ethic, life lessons, and the journey of redefining oneself in a new career path. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Goats of Growth Podcast 01:16 From Ministry to Technology: A Unique Career Path 03:40 Building Relationships and Empathy in Sales 07:54 Learning from Challenges: Growth in Sales 12:39 Finding Comfort in the Sales Process 16:16 Future Aspirations: Leadership and Growth 19:09 Mantras and Life Lessons 22:55 Redefining Oneself: Skills and Growth

In this episode of the Goats of Growth podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Candidate 7, who shares his unique career journey from military service to cybersecurity sales. We discuss the importance of channel sales, valuable career advice, and how he balances work with family life. Candidate 7 reflects on facing setbacks, seeking new opportunities, and the impact of recommendations in the job market. He outlines his ideal job description and expresses openness to roles beyond cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of SaaS. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Goats of Growth Podcast 01:06 Unique Career Journey 04:52 The Importance of Channel Sales 06:33 Valuable Career Advice: Visit Customers 09:11 Balancing Work and Family Life 11:51 Facing Setbacks and Personal Growth 13:25 Seeking New Opportunities 15:37 The Value of Recommendations 17:10 Ideal Job Description for Future Roles 20:42 Open to Opportunities Beyond Cybersecurity 21:48 Compensation Expectations 22:57 Career Advice for the Next Generation

In this episode of the Goats of Growth podcast, I have Candidate 6, a seasoned sales leader with over two decades of experience across major enterprises and high-growth startups. Candidate 6 shares insights into what it truly means to "win" in sales, the critical importance of hiring the right people, and how strong leadership shapes team performance. He dives into the role of preparation, strategic alignment, and the powerful lessons learned from top leaders throughout his career. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Candidate 6 01:00 A Journey Through Sales Leadership 02:11 Finding Growth in Different Environments 06:37 The Ideal Company Size for Impact 07:47 Understanding Winning and Personas in Sales 12:10 Lessons from Influential Leaders 15:46 Advice for Aspiring Leaders 17:12 Recommended Reads for Sales and Business 20:52 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Goats of Growth podcast, I have Candidate 5, a seasoned sales leader with over a decade of experience. The conversation explores Candidate 5's journey from door-to-door sales to leading a SaaS sales team, highlighting his leadership philosophy, time management techniques, and the unique challenges of working in a startup environment. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, resilience in the face of setbacks, and drawing motivation from family. The episode also dives into building a growth-oriented team culture and the value of continuous learning in the world of sales. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Greatest of Anonymous Talent 01:03 Candidate Background and Experience 02:31 Transitioning to Leadership 04:31 Time Management Techniques 06:40 Leadership Philosophy and Mentorship 08:16 Growth Journey in a Startup 11:02 Overcoming Setbacks 13:32 Ideal Job Description 14:40 Motivation and Personal Life

In this episode of the Goats of Growth podcast, I interview an experienced sales rep with a unique entrepreneurial background. He shares his journey from founding a startup to working in cybersecurity sales, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, time management, and networking in achieving success. He discusses his strategies for maintaining consistency in sales and the significance of company culture and career growth in his next role. Takeaways Founded a startup that created a running glove with a built-in taser. He has extensive experience in cybersecurity and cloud sales. Barry thrives in early-stage startup environments. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in sales processes. Time blocking is a key strategy for his productivity. Networking is crucial for career growth and opportunities. Barry seeks a culture that fosters community and career development Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Goats of Growth Podcast 00:50 Barry Sun's Entrepreneurial Journey 03:01 Expertise in Cybersecurity and Sales 05:49 Navigating Ambiguity in Startups 09:09 Time Management and Consistency in Sales 12:01 The Importance of Networking 13:56 Career Growth and Future Aspirations 16:10 Closing Thoughts and Final Questions

In this episode of the Goats of Growth, candidate 3 shares his unique journey from a technical background in computer science to a successful sales career. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a sales engineer to a full sales role, the importance of mentorship, and how he adapts to the ever-changing landscape of sales, particularly with the rise of technology and AI. He emphasizes the significance of daily habits, continuous improvement, and the need to believe in the products one sells. Finally, he also reflects on his motivations for pursuing a career in sales and offers valuable advice for aspiring sales professionals. What to expect and when: 00:00 Introduction to the Goats of Growth 00:40 Candidate Background and Sales Journey 03:10 Transition from Sales Engineer to Sales Rep 04:38 Finding Your Zone in Sales 06:10 Learning from Mentors and Peers 08:46 Measuring Growth and Overcoming Challenges 09:54 Adapting to Technology and AI in Sales 11:12 Seeking Insights for Success 12:56 Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals 13:47 Daily Habits for Sales Success 15:15 Ideal Job Description and Compensation Expectations 18:01 Motivation for a Career in Sales 21:13 Current Motivations and Future Aspirations

In this brand new season of the Goats of Growth, we continue our spotlight on rising talent with 'Candidate 2'. Candidate 2 is a fast-rising sales professional who's gamified the sales process to stay motivated and find joy in the day-to-day. We dive into his journey from BDR to mid-market AE, how he leverages AI to streamline prospecting, and the role curiosity and organization play in his success. Candidate 2 opens up about the importance of culture, competitive compensation, and staying level-headed under pressure. We also explore how his brother shaped his sales mindset, why refining processes is key to long-term growth, and how building rapport is at the heart of his approach. Contact us for more info on 'Candidate 2 00:00 Introduction to the Goats of Growth 01:35 Candidate Introduction and Background 02:45 Innovative Sales Techniques 06:25 Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges 12:57 Future Aspirations and Job Expectations 14:48 Advice for Future Candidates

In this brand new season of the Goats of Growth, we have our very first 'Candidate'. Candidate 1 is a driven sales professional with a proven track record in high-pressure environments. We disucss the importance of standing out in a crowded job market, how perception shapes success, and why daily prospecting is the backbone of long-term achievement. Candidate 1 shares how AI tools have elevated their productivity, the power of asking the right discovery questions, and how aligning career goals with personal growth fuels motivation. We reflect on the role of failure, the value of in-office collaboration, and what it takes to close larger strategic deals by deeply understanding client pain points. Contact us for more info on 'Candidate 1' Chapters 01:27 Candidate Introduction and Background 02:40 Career Insights and Advice 04:54 Daily Habits and Productivity 06:10 Leveraging AI in Sales 07:41 Deep Dive into Discovery 08:23 Future Aspirations and Job Expectations 09:07 Work Environment Preferences 10:14 Closing Thoughts and Feedback

On today's episode of The Goats of Growth, I'm joined by Christian Byza, CEO and Co-Founder of Learn.xyz, as he shares his journey from organizing conferences in high school to building an AI-powered B2B learning platform. Christian dives deep into the back story of Learn.xyx , pivoting from consumer to enterprise, and building effective go-to-market strategies. He also shares insights into personal branding, a growth hack you must hear, and how a positive mindset fuels his hustle. Tune in to hear insights on: 🔹 The Entrepreneurial Journey – From product management to launching Learn.xyz 🔹 Pivoting to B2B – How user feedback drove a major shift in the business model 🔹 Creative Marketing – Why unconventional tactics like renting an art gallery can make a bigger impact 🔹 Go-To-Market Growth – The importance of building a strong, scalable team 🔹 Personal Branding – How podcasts and visibility build trust and credibility This episode is packed with practical lessons for founders, marketers, and anyone navigating the startup grind. Let us know your favorite takeaway from Christian's story! Christians Linkedin Profile Chapters 02:01 The Evolution of a Conference and Balancing Startups 05:57 From Product Management to Entrepreneurship 12:01 The Journey of Starting a Company 17:52 The Pivot to B2B Learning Solutions 23:53 Acquiring Users and Scaling the Product 39:08 Networking Strategies for Success 42:52 The Art of Fundraising and Building Relationships 48:45 Scaling and Growth Strategies 50:13 Pricing Models and Value Proposition 51:55 Building a Go-To-Market Team

On today's episode of The Goats of Growth, we're joined by Rob Merklinger, SVP of Global Sales at JRNI to discuss the key traits that drive sales success—curiosity, teamwork, and effective coaching. Rob shares lessons from his leadership journey, the challenges of first-time management, and the impact of domain expertise in sales. He also dives into the importance of sales enablement, training for new hires, and simplifying sales processes for better results. Tune in to hear Rob's insights on: 🔹 Curiosity in Sales – Why staying curious leads to stronger sales performance. 🔹 Sales as a Team Sport – The power of collaboration in closing deals. 🔹 Effective Coaching & Documentation – How accountability and tracking progress elevate sales reps. 🔹 Sales Enablement & Onboarding – Why training and support are crucial for new hires. 🔹 Mastering the Pipeline – The importance of simplicity and strategic forecasting. 🔹 Adapting Sales Communication – The resurgence of phone calls and evolving outreach methods. This episode is packed with actionable insights for sales professionals and leaders looking to refine their approach. Tune in and let us know your biggest takeaway! Robs Linkedin Profile

On today's episode of The Goats of Growth, I sit down with Steve Travaglini again, founder and CEO of WinRate, a sales tool designed to enhance the research capabilities of sales reps. We dive into the evolution of WinRate, exploring how AI-driven research is transforming the way sales reps prepare for calls and approach their work. Steve shares his journey as a startup founder, from the challenges of early validation to the lessons learned through beta testing. He emphasizes the importance of human capital, customer feedback, and partnerships in building a tech company, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and sales reps alike. Tune in to discover Steve's thoughts on: Automating Research in Sales: How WinRate helps sales reps save time while improving their preparation and performance. Navigating Startup Challenges: The highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from bootstrapping to building a supportive network. The Role of Feedback in Product Development: Why listening to customer needs and iterating based on user input is essential for success. Balancing Quantity and Quality in Sales: Striking the right balance for long-term growth. Steves Linkedin Profile Chapters 00:00 Introduction to WinRate and Its Value Proposition 06:13 Increasing Sales Capacity and Quality 12:12 Building a Tech Company Without Coding Skills 18:08 Navigating the Early Stages of Product Development 23:16 The Power of Human Capital in Startups 29:11 Identifying Market Needs Through Conversations 35:13 Understanding Beta Testing and Product Development 43:04 Looking Ahead: The Future of WinRate

On today's episode of The Goats of Growth, I have Michaela Dempsey, Chief Marketing Officer at Levelpath, an AI-powered procurement platform, to explore the concept of "delightful procurement" and how AI is transforming the procurement process. Michaela dives into how AI can streamline procurement and marketing, boosting efficiency and enhancing the user experience. She also shares her views on the essentials of marketing fundamentals, the impact of LinkedIn in B2B growth, and why balancing short-term wins with long-term strategy is key. Tune in to discover Michaela's insights on: Delightful Procurement: How AI can make procurement processes smoother and more enjoyable for users. Retargeting and Visibility: The power of retargeting ads in boosting brand awareness. Facing Challenges with Confidence: The importance of confidence and resilience in marketing leadership. Iteration in Marketing: Balancing data-driven insights with gut instincts for effective decision-making. Long-Term Vision and Sales Alignment: Why aligning marketing and sales with a clear vision drives growth. Join us for this episode packed with actionable advice on AI, marketing strategy, and leadership from a top industry CMO! Michaelas Linkedin Profile LevePath Website Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Levelpath and Michaela Dempsey. 06:10 The Role of AI in Procurement and Marketing. 11:51 Core Fundamentals of Marketing and Customer Care. 18:13 The Power of Retargeting and Long-Term Strategies. 35:26 Facing Challenges with Confidence. 42:57 The Importance of Iteration in Marketing. 48:21 Motivation and Goals in Marketing Leadership. 55:56 Personal Passions and Work-Life Balance.

On today's episode I sit down with Jamie Walker, CMO of KeyFactor, to explore the strategic marketing initiatives that fueled the company's growth from $15 million to $100 million in ARR. Jamie shares her insights on the importance of predictable marketing strategies and how balancing short-term wins with long-term goals can drive success. She also dives into the significance of cross-functional collaboration and building a high-performing marketing team that adapts to the evolving needs of the business. Tune in to hear Jamie's perspective on: KeyFactor's Growth: How the company leveraged a strong product-market fit to scale rapidly. Marketing Predictability: The role of SEO and forecasting in generating a predictable pipeline. Cultural Integration in M&A: How to navigate and blend different company cultures during mergers and acquisitions. Data-Driven Decisions: How data guides product focus and growth strategy. Investing in People: Why employee satisfaction and strategic planning are key for future success. Join us for this episode filled with valuable lessons on scaling, leadership, and marketing strategy from one of the industry's top CMOs! Jamies Linkedin Profile Chapters 00:00 Introduction to KeyFactor and Jamie Walker 03:02 Strategic Priorities for Growth 05:47 The Importance of Predictability in Marketing 08:53 Long-Term vs Short-Term Wins 11:49 Cross-Functional Collaboration and Trust 15:09 Building a High-Performing Marketing Team 30:33 Radical Candor and Accountability in Growth 32:49 Blending Cultures: Education and Training 34:41 Reshaping Company Values and Messaging 38:35 The Long-Term Impact of Culture on Growth 42:44 Strategic Planning for Future Growth 46:20 Motivation and Goal Setting 48:43 Learning from Success and Failure 51:34 Balancing Work and Family Life 55:23 Trust as a Key Quality in Leadership

On today's episode of The Goats of Growth, Cris Mendes, VP of Sales at WEVO, talks about his unique approach to coaching by first identifying the limiting beliefs that may be preventing people from achieving their goals. Once identified, he works with them to overcome those beliefs so they can reach their full potential. Cris' deep passion for coaching, influenced by his own experiences with impactful mentors, is palpable throughout this episode. With a focus on sales fundamentals and personal growth, Cris also dives into the core traits that define great salespeople, including the importance of curiosity and coachability. Here's what to listen for: Coaching in Sales: The significance of effective coaching in sales, focusing on both ability and proficiency to drive long-term success. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: How understanding and overcoming personal limiting beliefs can unlock potential in sales and life. Curiosity and Sales Success: Why curiosity is one of the most essential traits for a successful salesperson. Discipline Over Talent: The role of discipline in achieving sales success, often outweighing natural talent. Chris's Linkedin Profile Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Cris Mendes 02:06 The Passion for Coaching and Development. 05:17 Fundamentals of Sales Skills. 07:11 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs. 10:20 Practical Coaching Techniques. 14:44 Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming. 17:18 The Importance of Curiosity in Sales. 24:54 Ability vs. Proficiency in Sales. 32:47 The Role of Discipline in Sales Success. 36:34 Curiosity and Coachability in Hiring. 48:40 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts.