

Topline
Pavilion
The #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Tune in every week to hear Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno and Asad Zaman discuss and debate the trends, news, and developments impacting the B2B tech world. Enjoy the hot takes, strong opinions, and dry humor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

64 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 11min
The Ranking Expert: How to DOMINATE AI Search in 2026 (ChatGPT, AI Overview)
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.

71 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
Big Tech Will Lay Off 1M People In 2026. Are You One of Them?
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.

46 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
99% of AI Leaders STILL Don't Know How to Keep Us Safe
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.

56 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Inevitable Rise of 72-Hour Work Weeks, Explained
In this discussion, Dave Kellogg, an experienced enterprise software executive and investor, explores the emerging dynamics of AI-driven startups. He highlights the stark contrast between market leaders and their struggling counterparts in the wake of AI advancements. Kellogg elaborates on strategies for capturing market share, the true nature of early AI revenues, and the evolving relationship between labor and management. He provides insights on how companies can motivate teams without imposing rigorous work schedules and the importance of consolidation to safeguard against market volatility.

103 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 12min
AI Cults? The Most Popular ChatGPT Uses Are Not What You Think.
Kyle Norton, CRO of Owner.com and host of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, joins to discuss the surprising surge in non-work ChatGPT usage, which now dominates at 73%. The conversation dives into its role in companionship and pseudo-therapy, raising questions about AI's potential risks, especially in health contexts. Kyle also reveals insights on transitioning to an AI-native, phone-first sales tech stack and addresses the challenges startups face in Europe, including regulatory hurdles and talent migration issues.

77 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Most Surprising Companies Private Equity is Buying
Dive into the fascinating world of private equity as surprising assets come to light, from music catalogs of legends like Springsteen and Dylan to the unexpected reach into toll roads and funeral homes. CEOs share what it's like to be acquired, offering insights into the preparation and negotiation process. Discover the role of AI in enhancing operations and the rapid pace of OpenAI's product development. The discussion blends culture, standards, and the unique playbook that drives private equity’s impact on industries.

43 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 56min
The Fastest Way to Make $1M in 2025 is Not What You Think
Three successful entrepreneurs reveal their unconventional strategies for making a million dollars in 2025. They delve into the nuances of bootstrapping versus venture capital, and share insights on the dangers of mislabeling businesses. A discussion on NVIDIA's massive investment in OpenAI sparks debate over whether it's a bubble or a sound infrastructure bet. The conversation also explores the challenges of going public and staying true to one's business model amidst changing market dynamics. Finally, personal strengths of founders are examined, highlighting how passion can sometimes turn into a weakness.

89 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 58min
If You Want $100M FAST, Copy These Startups
Dive into the world of booming AI startups, where the race to reach $10 million in revenue ignites fierce debate. Discover whether the current funding surge is a sustainable shift or a fleeting trend. The hosts discuss the viability of different business models, weighing product-led growth against traditional sales strategies. They rank top AI use cases showing strong market fit and question the impact of GMV on revenue records. Finally, they share their investment picks, with insights on the future landscape of AI-driven companies.

47 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
This Controversial Industry is Secretly Creating Billionaires
Peter Walker, Director of Strategic Sales at Carta, digs deep into the world of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), revealing how they're reshaping the startup landscape. He discusses how SPVs are fueling growth and creating wealth while bringing risks like transparency issues and layered fees. The conversation shifts to the AI bubble, comparing it to past booms and exploring potential impacts on startups. Walker also shares valuable tips for founders on strategy and sustainability in uncertain times, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to the evolving market.

57 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
We Obsessed Over Palantir's $370B Strategy (Nobody Talks About THIS)
Discover the secrets behind Palantir’s soaring stock and its enigmatic CEO, Alex Karp. Uncover how its unique sales culture and innovative go-to-market strategies set it apart from competitors like Salesforce. Delve into the impact of AI on both business and personal life, with bold predictions for the future. Explore the company’s origins and why it's captured public interest, illustrating the fine line between hype and reality in the tech world. This deep dive reveals insights that could change your perspective on B2B technology.


