Belkins Podcast ZoomInfo’s CRO: The #1 Mistake That Kills Sales Teams in a Downturn | Belkins Podcast Episode #14
What do you do when the market crashes and your team starts to panic? ZoomInfo’s CRO James Roth has one rule: don’t lower the bar.
In this episode, James opens the playbook on what it really takes to lead a high-performing sales org through chaos. No buzzwords. No theory. Just the hard truths, decisions, and systems that keep ZoomInfo’s revenue engine running—even when headlines scream panic.
▶ From stock market volatility to sales team psychology, from discipline under pressure to the revolutionary impact of AI—this episode goes deep.
James shares:
- Why most sales leaders get downturns completely wrong.
- The exact moment leaders lose control of their team’s culture—and how to prevent it.
- What a real CRO’s morning routine looks like (and why it starts at 4:30 a.m.).
- How ZoomInfo’s AI instantly surfaces insights, empowering every rep to sell like a top performer.
- Why lowering quotas in tough times is never the answer.
- The precise leadership mindset that turns pressure into your strongest advantage.
This is the episode to share with your VP, your board, or your top performers who are questioning how to navigate market uncertainty.
It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the most respected go-to-market leaders in SaaS.
Watch until the end—James reveals the single most damaging mistake sales leaders make when markets tank (and it's not what you think).
About the Show
What does it really take to grow a B2B business today? We ask the people doing it.
The Belkins Podcast dives deep into the strategies, decisions, and behind-the-scenes insights driving real growth at top B2B companies. Each episode features candid conversations with industry heavyweights—CROs, CMOs, founders, and seasoned operators—who've navigated market downturns, scaled teams, and mastered the realities of revenue growth.
You'll hear hard truths, unfiltered insights, and actionable tactics directly from leaders who've actually done the work.
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About the Host
Michael Maximoff is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Belkins, the #1 ranked B2B appointment-setting agency, recognized by Clutch, G2, and Inc.
Over the past decade, Michael has built Belkins into one of the most respected voices in B2B sales and marketing, helping over 1,000 companies across 50+ industries achieve predictable, scalable growth.
Known for his straightforward style, Michael hosts the Belkins Podcast to speak directly with top growth leaders and uncover what truly moves the needle today.
Let's stay connected:
👉 James Roth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-roth-3a913b51
👉 Michael Maximoff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maximoff/
👉 Michael’s newsletter “From Zero To Agency Hero” From Zero To Agency Hero - https://www.fromzerotoagencyhero.com/
👉 Belkins - https://www.linkedin.com/company/belkins/