Presales Podcast by Presales Collective

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Scott Blacker connect on the topic "Leveraging the Flywheel at Scale”. Scott, Global Head of Solutions Engineering at Atlassian, discusses Atlassian’s go-to-market strategy as it relates to the flywheel. With the topic of Product-Led Growth on the rise, Scott breaks down what the flywheel effect is and how it impacts the Solutions Engineers role within the organization. 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Erin Baker connect on the topic "How To Get Promoted". Erin, Director of Solutions Consulting at AlayaCare and PreSales Collective Ambassador, talks about her promotion journey from Client Success Associate to Solutions Engineer and now Director of Solutions Engineering. Erin has been promoted 4 times during her 4.5 years at AlayaCare so she will share what has worked for her, how she has stood out, and what advice she has for those looking to make that leap.

Jonathan Friedman, Co-founder & CEO at Demostack, discusses the urgency of adapting sales strategies to shifting buyer behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in connecting product value, showcasing techniques that captivate and engage clients. Authentic narratives are highlighted as vital for credibility and emotional resonance, which build lasting connections. Friedman shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and the successful evolution of DemoStack, illustrating how effective storytelling can lead to significant sales success.

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Katie Meloche connect on the topic "Career Confidence". Katie, Senior Strategic Value Advisor at Adobe, shares her personal experience and story of her career and how not to tie self-worth into career achievements. Katie is vulnerable and open as it relates to the impact of the demands of the PreSales professional. This is a great episode for anyone struggling with career confidence and finding their worth.

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Rishi Kapoor connect on the topic "The Importance of Team Selling". Rishi is a Consulting Lead Sales Engineer at Alteryx, and a PSC Ambassador, discusses what team selling is, why it is essential, and how, if done right, it unlocks a better customer experience. 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Courtney Flickwir connect on the topic "Rearchitecting the Experience". Courtney, Member Experience Manager at PreSales Collective, talks about how we are improving our current PreSales Collective Member Experience. There are many ways to be involved and engaged in PreSales Collective, which can have both benefits and cause confusion. Our new Member Hub and redesigned website are all about a frictionless experience. 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Kevin Mefford connect on the topic "Spring World Tour”. Kevin, Head of Community at PreSales Collective, talks about why PreSales Collective is building community and belonging in the face to face setting. The Spring World Tour is a 17 city event schedule for PreSales professionals to connect and network with their peers. Learn more about where we are going on our events schedule on www.presalescollective.com. Alternatively, all events are listed in our member hub or our https://lu.ma/psc/events PSC Shop for World Tour T-Shirts: https://www.shop.presalescollective.com/ 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Amin Ibrahim connect on the topic "Leveling Up the Demo". Amin, Senior Director of Value and Solutions at Hootsuite & PSLC Council Member, talks about elevating the demo experience. Expectations of our prospects are changing so how do Solutions Consultants alter our demos to meet customers where they are. In this episode, James and Amin reference Donald Miller’s “Creating a Story Brand” book and how things like emotional hoosk, heroes, and villians play a role in captivating audiences. Read Amin’s article on the Pyramid of PreSales on the PreSales Collective blog: https://www.presalescollective.com/post/the-pyramid-of-presales

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis and Tom Banton connect on the topic "Back on the Road". Tom, Global Vice President of Solutions Engineering at eightfold.ai & PreSales Collective Ambassador, shares his experience in face to face customer meetings. As we leave the remote-only world, there are new rules of the game for in person sales meetings. Tom shares his learnings and offers advice for those just starting face to face meetings. 

On the PreSales Podcast, James Kaikis, Ben Fleishman, and Jenna Jienzle connect on the topic "Forging a Foundation for Success". Ben, Director of Solutions Engineering at Showpad and Jenna, Solutions Engineer at Showpad, dicuss the creation and success of their Associate SE program. Listen to Jenna's story from BDR to ASE to SE! Spoiler alert - Jenna just won SE of the Year.