Predictable B2B Success

Sproutworth
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Sep 16, 2025 • 57min

How This CEO Built AI Innovation Framework Delivering 23,000% ROI

What happens when a digital innovator decides to reimagine how companies harness the power of AI and innovation? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, host Vinay Koshy speaks with Matt Leta, CEO of FutureWorks, bestselling author of The Leap Guide, and a trailblazer in building digital products for giants like Apple and Google. Matt shares the gripping journey behind FutureWorks, revealing how a dramatic startup exit, a global adventure, and experiments with remote teams reshaped his vision for the future of work. Discover why Matt believes innovation has lost its meaning—and how he’s redefining it to drive tangible results. You’ll hear fascinating case studies, including how a solar tech company used AI-powered systems to save thousands of work hours, and why the real key to successful digital transformation starts with empowering every employee—not just the R&D team. Curious about how the Leap framework builds a culture of innovation in just one hour a week? Or why Matt thinks real competitive edge comes from integrating trust and diversity into your AI strategy? Tune in for practical insights, stories from the field, and provocative ideas to accelerate revenue growth through next-gen innovation. Don’t miss this episode if you want your business to thrive in the age of AI. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Founding and Evolution of FutureWorks – Matt shares how and why he started FutureWorks and navigated company pivots.Understanding and Defining Innovation – How innovation is defined, distinguished from other terms, and why clarity is important.Integrating AI into Business Operations – Practical ways companies can embrace AI and next-gen digital transformation.The LEAP Framework – Detailed explanation of the LEAP methodology and its components.Creating Innovation Culture – Why Innovation Should Be Organization-Wide Rather Than Just an R&D Initiative.Client Success Stories – Examples like Next Tracker showing the business impact of digital innovation.Leadership and Execution – The importance of innovation champions and starting small but persistently.Measuring ROI and Results – How to track success, and Matt’s emphasis on substantial, not incremental, ROI.Learning from Failure – Embracing and learning from setbacks as part of the innovation journey.Global Experience and Community Building – How Matt’s worldwide experiences and his Future Horizon community shape his innovation insights.And much, much more...
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Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 26min

Neuroscience Selling: How Aviation Leader Beat $1B Quotas

How does someone go from the baggage hold to the boardroom—and then change the way we think about leadership and revenue growth altogether? In this riveting episode of Predictable B2B Success, Stephanie Chung joins host Vinay Koshy with a wealth of experience spanning 35 years in aviation and a track record that includes breaking historic barriers as the first African American private aviation company president. But Stephanie’s story is about more than climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about leading billion-dollar teams, decoding the neuroscience of trust, and helping leaders communicate so powerfully that it changes company culture and produces breakthrough sales results. Stephanie reveals the surprising science behind trust-building, listening like a “billion-dollar leader,” and why most leaders sabotage team potential without realizing it. She unpacks her unique ALLY leadership framework and shares real-life stories—from transforming commodity businesses into luxury brands to uncovering untapped revenue by truly understanding human motivation. If you’ve ever wondered why your sales team stalls, how to retain top talent, or what it actually takes to lead people who aren’t like you, this episode is packed with eye-opening takeaways. Stephanie’s approach isn’t just about diversity—it’s about ROI, transformation, and real-world growth. Tune in to discover leadership strategies you won’t hear anywhere else! Some areas we explore in this episode include: Stephanie Chung’s Aviation Journey – From baggage handler to aviation company president.Leadership Evolution – Why she pivoted from aviation leadership to developing leaders and sales teams.Direct Communication – The pros and cons of being a direct communicator as a leader.Critical Role of Communication in Business – How clear communication affects engagement and performance.The ALLY Framework – Breaking down Ask, Listen, Learn, You Take Action for leadership success.Neuroscience in Sales – The science behind building trust and influencing decisions.Deep Listening and Trust-Building – Going beyond words to truly understand prospects and team members.The EARN Leadership System – Establishing environment, alignment, rallying, and navigating challenges.Diversity and Team Performance – The connection between diverse teams and better business outcomes.Ally Leadership’s Impact on Revenue – How Allyship is an ROI Driver, Not Just a DEI Initiative.And much, much more...
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Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 2min

What CROs Get Wrong About B2B AI Marketing Strategy Implementation

What if your entire team’s experience, every customer interaction, and the hard-won lessons you’ve gathered over the years could be turned into actionable, revenue-driving intelligence? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, Vinay Koshy sits down with Mehdi Tehranchi, serial entrepreneur and CEO of KnowledgeNet AI, to explore the untapped power of AI in B2B sales and organizational knowledge. Mehdi shares candid stories from his entrepreneurial journey—including building tech companies from scratch and guiding them to successful exits—and reveals why most AI pilots fail to deliver real business value. Together, they uncover what it truly takes to leverage AI for meaningful relationship-building, sales productivity, and capturing knowledge that too often leaves with your top performers. You’ll discover the unique advantage of organizational AI, why security matters more than ever, and how even startups can harness machine learning for smarter, faster sales without drowning in data complexity. If you’re curious about how AI can transform the way your business sells, learns, and grows, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Leveraging Corporate Relationships – How AI uncovers and utilizes previously untapped relationship networks within organizations.Challenges in B2B AI Adoption – Data limitations, integration issues, costs, and lack of AI talent.KnowledgeNet AI’s Role – Positioning the platform as an enterprise “knowledge brain” integrating data across sources.Augmented Intelligence for Sales – Driving productivity and personalized engagement through actionable AI insights.Security & Privacy Concerns – The need for organization-specific, secure AI versus open tools like ChatGPT.Talent and Experience in Startups – Importance of learning from experienced hires at critical growth stages.Organizational Mindset Shifts – Encouraging leaders and teams to adopt and adapt to AI-driven change.Channel Partnerships & CRM Integrations – Go-to-market strategies emphasizing trusted ecosystem partners.Measuring AI Impact – Setting benchmarks, tracking improvement, and iteratively optimizing results.AI Skills for the Future – Emphasis on adaptability and practical AI application over technical prompt engineering.And much, much more...
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Aug 26, 2025 • 47min

Why 95% of Hybrid Teams Fail (The 5-Layer Management Fix)

What if your company’s approach to people management was fundamentally flawed, not because of a lack of intent, but because of outdated tools and mindsets? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, Vinay Koshy sits down with Projjal Ghatak, founder of OnLoop and creator of the Collaborative Team Development (CTD) category, to unpack why traditional HR tech and performance management systems don’t cut it for today’s hybrid, high-growth organizations. Drawing from his global leadership experience at Uber and consulting stints in APAC and New York, Projjal reveals the invisible gap between best practices taught at places like Stanford and the harsh realities of business execution. He shares eye-opening statistics—did you know only 7% of employees truly understand company strategy?- and explains why real productivity hinges on clarity, energy, and consistent feedback. If you’re tired of tick-the-box HR processes, frustrated by a lack of alignment in your teams, or wondering how to create truly high-performing managers, this conversation is for you. Get ready for fresh insights about metrics, motivation, and how to operationalize leadership in a hybrid world, plus practical strategies to move from checkbox compliance to measurable success. Some areas we explore in this episode include: The founding of Onloop and the creation of Collaborative Team Development (CTD)The disconnect between ROI focus and outdated team management toolsDifference between HR/admin functions and real people managementWidespread lack of strategic clarity and goal alignment in organizationsImportance of identifying and leveraging personal and team strengthsBreaking down silos and the critical role of cross-functional collaborationMeasuring productivity and developing meaningful organizational metricsExplaining the five-layer CTD framework (energy, clarity, feedback, growth)Empowering middle managers as essential nodes for organizational cultureBlending tech with human services—Onloop’s approach to driving real changeAnd much, much more...
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Aug 20, 2025 • 51min

Why 90% of Technical Partnership Outsourcing Fails (Data-Driven Analysis)

How do you find the perfect technical partner for your business, and avoid the costly mistakes so common in software outsourcing? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, host Vinay Koshy sits down with Sean Languedoc, CEO of Outforce AI, a company boasting an astonishing 98% success rate in matching clients to their ideal software agencies. Sean peels back the curtain on the world of technical partnerships, exposing why so many businesses struggle to build productive relationships and why the “speed, cost, or quality, pick two” dilemma is still so relevant today. But Sean doesn’t just stick to theory. He shares candid stories about what happens behind the scenes when big bets on cheap talent backfire, why cultural alignment and killer questions matter more than country reputation, and how a focus on quality accelerates innovation and go-to-market success. You’ll also hear insider insights on thriving in the age of AI, pitfalls to avoid when scaling your tech team, and his hard-won tips for navigating the “build versus buy” debate. Whether you’re a founder, CTO, or business leader eyeing your next growth leap, this conversation promises to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about technical outsourcing. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Value of Technical Partnerships: Why seeing outsourced relationships as true partnerships leads to better success.Selecting the Right Tech Partner: The challenges and complexities in identifying and vetting ideal software agencies.Outforce AI’s Matchmaking Approach: How Sean’s company uses data and detailed vetting to match clients and agencies.Company Evolution: The shift from Global Talent Accelerator to Outforce AI, and the impact of COVID on the business model.Speed vs. Quality vs. Cost (“Trilemma”): The tradeoffs in outsourcing and why prioritizing quality is key.Cultural & Communication Barriers: Navigating cross-cultural differences and building effective communication in remote teams.Effective Go-to-Market Strategies: Leveraging agency networks for faster B2B customer acquisition.Emergence of AI in Development: The rising role of AI/LLMs in coding, efficiency, and operational change.Best Practices for Managing Outsourced Teams: Integrating, supporting, and communicating with remote or agency teams.Build vs. Buy Decision & Post-Launch Needs: When to build in-house, outsource, or partner, and how to handle post-launch support and knowledge transfer.And much, much more...
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Aug 13, 2025 • 49min

How Emotional Intelligence B2B ROI Drives 30% Higher Sales Than Process Optimization

Ready to rethink your approach to emotional intelligence and business growth? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, host Vinay Koshy sits down with Ramiro Velasco, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur and expert in helping brands break into the booming Latin American e-commerce market. Ramiro’s journey from a reluctant leader to co-founder at Goavance is filled with candid insights on why emotions aren’t just “soft skills”—they’re ROI positive and essential for driving team performance, authentic client relationships, and lasting customer loyalty. But Ramiro doesn’t stop at theory. He peels back the curtain on what it takes for foreign brands to succeed in Latin America, where cultural nuances can make or break a market entry. From wrestling with self-driven leadership to hands-on lessons about empathy, localization, and navigating both logistical and emotional barriers, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for anyone in B2B, B2C, or just looking to scale efficiently—and humanely. Curious if your company’s ready for Mexico’s surging e-commerce opportunity? Wondering how to foster emotional intelligence in your team for measurable business impact? Get ready for a refreshingly honest, sometimes unconventional, look at growth in 2025 and beyond. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Emotional Intelligence in Organizations – The role and value of emotional intelligence in leadership and team management.Ramiro’s Entrepreneurial Journey – His transition from AMZ Advisors to founding Goavance, and the challenges of entrepreneurship.Entering the Latin American E-commerce Market – Barriers and strategies for international brands launching in Mexico and Latin America.Cultural Localization and Marketing – The necessity of localizing marketing strategies for Latin American audiences.Empathy as a Business Asset – How cultivating empathy benefits both client relationships and internal teams.Understanding Local Consumer Behavior – Insights into shopping habits, search patterns, and expectations of Mexican consumers.Market Research and Intuition – Combining traditional data with local experiences and observations.Key E-commerce Metrics – Focusing on customer satisfaction, repeat purchase rates, and meaningful measurements beyond standard KPIs.People-Centric Leadership – Leading teams with empathy, open dialogue, and servant leadership principles.Adapting Business Models Over Time – How Goavance shifts strategies and operations as the market evolves and competition grows.And much, much more...
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Aug 5, 2025 • 51min

Why 95% of Cold Email Deliverability Strategies Fail CEOs

Ever wondered why your meticulously crafted B2B emails sometimes vanish into the digital ether instead of landing in your prospect’s inbox? In this episode, we speak with Benny Rubin, founder and CEO of Senders, a platform that has mastered the science (and art) of email deliverability and cold outreach. Benny’s journey, which improbably began in the world of music, took a sharp turn into B2B sales and tech entrepreneurship, with his teams generating hundreds of millions in pipeline for big-name brands like Starbucks, Visa, and Coca-Cola. But why is something as basic as getting an email delivered such a huge challenge for marketers, especially when 61% cite it as a top hurdle? Benny breaks down the secret sauce behind high-performing cold emails, from technical game-changers like DNS records to innovative strategies that move leads down the funnel without the hard sell. If you think email marketing is just about catchy subject lines and clever copy, get ready for a reality check. Benny reveals the hidden gaps no one’s talking about, and what separates successful email campaigns from the rest. Whether you’re at a startup searching for product-market fit or at a scale-up hungry for predictable growth, this episode will change the way you think about your inbox. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Benny Rubin’s Journey – Transitioning from a music background to founding Senders and working in email deliverability and B2B sales.Unit Economics – The importance of understanding core business economics, especially in smaller businesses.Email Deliverability Fundamentals – Core technical essentials: domains, IP addresses, and DNS records.Common Email Pitfalls – Misconceptions, basic technical errors, and the problem with chasing random tactics.Technical vs. Messaging Strategy – The need to balance infrastructure fixes with crafting resonant messaging.Cold Email as a Growth Channel – Real-world examples and how cold email is used for pipeline and revenue generation.Lead Generation Tactics – Using cold email to nurture leads by inviting them to communities, roundtables, or events.Role of Content & Education – Why educating teams and prospects around email is critical for results.Iterative Messaging – The value of flexibility and testing in cold email campaigns.Industry Noise & Misinformation – The abundance of poor or narrowly-informed cold email advice online.And much, much more...
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Jul 29, 2025 • 52min

B2B Customer Journey Mapping Failures Cost 90% of Companies Their Most Critical Growth Stage

What if the secret to skyrocketing customer loyalty and retention isn’t digital at all, but something you can touch? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, host Vinay Koshy sits down with Mark Stern, CEO and founder of Custom Box Agency, to unpack how tangible, kinesthetic experiences are transforming the B2B customer journey. After a successful career as a Deloitte strategy consultant, Mark unexpectedly pivoted from corporate life into entrepreneurship, driven by a frustration with the impersonal nature of digital-only offerings. Mark reveals how sending physical “custom box” experiences not only sets customers up for success but turns them into passionate brand advocates who generate organic buzz. Their conversation dives into the real ROI of physical engagement, how clear customer journeys and micro-wins fuel retention, and why recognition is the ultimate hidden driver for long-term loyalty. If you’re rethinking how to break free from retention plateaus, want to spark more excitement in your customer onboarding, or are just tired of stale, digital-only strategies, this episode will open your mind to a whole new set of possibilities. Tune in for actionable insights, real-world examples, and a fresh perspective on delivering predictable B2B success, one box at a time. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Mark Stern’s Journey – Transition from Deloitte to founding Custom Box Agency.Value of Physical Experiences – Why adding tangible elements to digital offers matters.First “Box Zero” Campaign – How a high-ticket online summit led to the first successful custom box experience.Customer Journey vs. Customer Experience – The importance of mapping the journey before designing the experience.Journey Mapping – Breaking down customer journeys into acquisition, delivery, and retention stages.Gamification and Milestones – Using micro-wins and milestones to motivate customer progress.Strategic Box Use – Leveraging custom boxes for acquisition, onboarding, and ongoing engagement.Practical Examples – Real-life applications like 57 Hats and multi-year coaching programs.Recognition and “Jewels” – How awards and physical tokens drive retention and customer loyalty.Retention Gaps in B2B – Why businesses often overlook delivery and retention in their customer experience strategy.And much, much more...
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Jul 22, 2025 • 43min

Data Driven Business Strategy Mistakes Costing CEOs Millions

Are you ready to discover what drives data-fueled growth in today’s dynamic business landscape? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, Zainulabedin Shah joins host Vinay Koshy for an eye-opening conversation on turning data insights into sustainable revenue and competitive advantage. With over 18 years of experience modernizing analytics for powerhouse brands, leading billion-dollar portfolios, and scaling startups from zero to $70 million in revenue, Zainulabedin shares why he left the corporate comfort zone to found Zeed—and how he helps businesses of every size unlock the actual value hidden in their data. You’ll get an inside look at the intersection of people, strategy, analytics, and AI. From uncovering overlooked call center revenue, to demystifying AI “fever,” to building scalable, people-centric data strategies, Zainulabedin offers stories and tactics you won’t want to miss. He dives into the misunderstood art of data governance, why humility in leadership is non-negotiable, and how to communicate complex insights to even the most skeptical stakeholders. If you’re curious about how your organization can move beyond surface-level analytics and drive bottom-line results with data, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and fresh perspectives. Tune in and get inspired to rethink your data-driven strategy! Some areas we explore in this episode include: Zainulabedin Shah’s Career Path – Moving from corporate roles to entrepreneurship and his reasons for making the leap.Strengths in Relationships & Data Storytelling – Combining interpersonal skills with data analysis to create value.Aligning Business and Data Strategies – Why business goals must drive data and AI initiatives.Assessing Data Readiness – How companies can evaluate their ability to leverage data for growth.Pilots & Incremental Wins – Using pilot projects and agile approaches to build credibility and prove value.Champion Enablement – Finding and empowering internal advocates to drive data adoption.Common Challenges in Scaling Data Strategy – Issues like lack of strategy, inflexibility, and failing to pivot as needed.AI, Privacy & Bias – Addressing data privacy and bias with strategies like federated AI and diverse teams.Communicating Insights – Making complex data understandable and valuable for non-technical stakeholders.The Future of Data Strategy – Integrating data deeply into business strategy and preparing for ongoing change.And much, much more...
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Jul 16, 2025 • 59min

Product-Led Growth Onboarding: Why Effortless Actually Kills Conversions

Curious about the secrets behind truly successful product-led growth? In this episode of Predictable B2B Success, host Vinay Koshy speaks with Leo Sadeq, a former biomedical engineer who has transitioned into a product and go-to-market specialist. Leo shares his unconventional journey from engineering to the world of startups, delving into the unexpected catalyst that led to a career pivot. Together, they unpack the real wins and common missteps companies make when trying to craft products users love and adopt at scale. Leo brings vivid, firsthand stories about building features that major competitors noticed, turning minor tweaks into massive revenue gains, and harnessing emotional intelligence to create winning teams. He doesn’t shy away from discussing the friction between product and marketing, or why most companies get user onboarding and virality wrong. Whether you’re a founder struggling with churn, a product manager chasing activation, or just fascinated by how fast-growing SaaS companies operate, you’ll find actionable takeaways, cautionary tales, and fresh frameworks inside. Settle in for a conversation that demystifies PLG, challenges “one-size-fits-all” thinking, and offers plenty to ponder on company culture, onboarding, and the power of “aha” moments. Press play for fresh insights and real-world lessons you can’t Google. Some areas we explore in this episode include: Switching Careers: Leo’s journey from biomedical engineering to startups and product roles.Product Management Wins: Examples of improving onboarding, reducing churn, and boosting conversions.Product-Led Growth (PLG): What PLG means, its company-wide impact, and how it differs from sales-led approaches.Emotional Intelligence: How EQ and company culture influence product and team success.Cross-functional Team Structures: Breaking down silos between product, marketing, and other teams for better PLG outcomes.User Intimacy & Mapping: Deeply understanding user needs and tailoring onboarding for different personas.Onboarding & Conversion Tactics: Strategies to shorten the path from free to paid users.Content & Feature Communication: Balancing education, feature reveal, and delivering value through messaging.Webinars & Podcasts: Leveraging these formats to build trust, community, and brand authority.PLG Pitfalls: Common mistakes, hidden costs, and how to avoid turning PLG into a cost center.And much, much more...

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