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They unpack a shocking flip in the job market and which sales roles might disappear. They debate how AI agents and early sales avatars change go-to-market work. They argue where a new golden era for sellers could exist and why mid-market reps may benefit. They clash over brand versus performance marketing and whether companies should invest in long-term reputation.

The discussion dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital in 2026. Sam predicts it will be the 'Year of the Deal' with innovative M&A strategies, while Asad highlights the unsettling trend of capital concentration dominating funding. AJ emphasizes the critical role of compelling AI narratives in shaping valuations for traditional SaaS companies. The hosts also tackle tough choices for seed founders and reveal increasing layoffs intertwined with AI advancements. Prepare for a transformative year in tech and investing!

Pablo Dominguez, Operating Partner at Insight Partners, shares his insights from over 20 years in sales operations. He reveals how 'Dylan,' a system of 13 AI agents, has revolutionized due diligence, slashing processing time from 35 to just 14 hours. Pablo discusses the common pitfalls in AI initiatives, stressing the importance of strategy and buy-in. He also dives into future trends like the decline of traditional CRM and the potential exit of Sam Altman from OpenAI, making bold predictions for 2026 that are sure to spark interest.

Wade Foster, the co-founder and CEO of Zapier, transformed the company into a profitable giant without traditional VC backing. He reveals how a $1M post-YC investment paved the way for agility during AI's rise, particularly after the launch of GPT-4 which altered their strategy. Wade discusses the concept of agentic workflows and the importance of an AI-literate culture, emphasizing practical ways to stimulate internal AI adoption. He offers insights on navigating competition and maintaining long-term thinking in product development.

Kyle Poyar, a growth and pricing expert with a background at OpenView, shares insights on the integration of AI in sales strategies. He discusses why many AI implementations fall short of expectations, highlighting a disconnect between activity and effectiveness. The conversation dives into evolving pricing models, including a shift towards credit-based systems. Poyar also emphasizes starting with manual processes before automating for better outcomes, and debates the future of traditional pricing models such as seat-based structures.

The hosts tackle the alarming decline in entry-level jobs due to AI, spotlighting how young professionals are affected. Mental health struggles and financial instability among graduates are discussed, revealing stark realities. They share practical advice on networking, skills development, and the value of sales training. A debate on pricing strategy emphasizes the importance of customer value and the risks involved in raising prices. Additionally, they highlight the need for a balance between tech skills and humanities education to build well-rounded professionals.

Dive into the intriguing world of AI infrastructure and data centers! Discover alarming stats about power usage tied to AI growth. The hosts explore the tumultuous job market for go-to-market leaders and discuss the cooling private M&A landscape. Are we witnessing an industrial revolution or merely a bubble? They weigh the sustainability of AI breakthroughs, debate the efficacy of AI SDRs, and highlight hiring trends favoring younger leaders. Plus, bold predictions about future tech trends will keep you on your toes!

Ethan Smith, Founder and CEO of Graphite, and Rahul Jain, CEO of Noble, dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI search. They discuss the transition from traditional SEO to AI-enhanced AEO strategies, debunk myths about SEO being dead, and share insights on how LLMs choose sources for citations. Ethan emphasizes the importance of offsite mentions and niche focus, while Rahul highlights the resurgence of PR in AI search. Together, they outline the future dynamics of search, urging listeners to adapt and innovate in this new landscape.

A predictive model estimates that big tech could lay off a staggering 1 million people by 2026. Despite strong market performance, companies like Amazon and Meta are cutting jobs, raising questions about efficiency versus overhiring. The impact of AI on job roles is discussed, particularly in engineering and management. The discussion also highlights the shifts in hiring practices, with a focus on senior roles over junior ones. Finally, there's practical advice for safeguarding careers in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.

Explore the contradictions in AI companies' bold promises versus their actions. Delve into the influence of Elon Musk on prominent AI firms and the curious hiring patterns from Meta. Debate Anthropic's funding reversal and the implications of changing corporate stances. Consider the looming threat of AI-induced unemployment and whether geopolitical controls can truly limit AI technology access. Lastly, discover traits that will help companies thrive post-bubble and the impact of capital on AI strategies.