

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

50 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 4min
The White Collar Bloodbath Explained: These Jobs Won’t Exist in 12 Months!
Explore the dramatic shifts in white-collar jobs due to AI technology. Discover which positions are facing extinction and what roles are emerging as resilient and in high demand. The hosts delve into the need for adaptability and the importance of interpersonal skills in this evolving landscape. A humorous take on AI glasses adds a light touch, while discussions on political discontent showcase the broader societal impacts of these changes. Personal anecdotes on travel and reflections on AI in daily life further enrich this fascinating dialogue.

11 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 25min
SPOTLIGHT: Surviving the Inbox Apocalypse with Evan Huck of UserEvidence
Evan Huck, CEO and co-founder at UserEvidence, shares his intriguing journey from leading teams at SurveyMonkey to navigating the startup world. He candidly discusses the messy reality of building credibility and turning customer proof into demand. From the challenges of cold starts in sales to the importance of a strong brand narrative, Evan highlights the shifting landscape of sales development. He emphasizes consistency and community engagement as key to fostering growth, revealing the real stories behind startup success.

41 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
E120: What does the future of tech look like when it costs $0 to switch software?
What if switching software was as easy as a click? The hosts dive into how AI is transforming SaaS, discussing the potential and challenges of effortless transitions. They question the productivity boost claims linked to AI, unveiling the misconceptions around 'vibe coding.' There's a fascinating debate on the future of jobs in tech by 2030 and the ethical complexities of AGI. Plus, lighthearted moments emerge as they explore intriguing facts about the Rubik’s cube and shuffling cards, blending humor with insightful tech discussions.

33 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 25min
Kyle Norton on Decoding Churn: Enhancing Retention in High-Growth Businesses
Join Kyle Norton, CRO of Owner.com and host of the Revenue Leadership Podcast, as he dives into the intricacies of customer churn management. He sheds light on the challenges of pinpointing churn causes and navigating strategic decisions for better retention. Discover how data-driven insights and machine learning can transform customer profiles and optimize onboarding. Kyle emphasizes collective leadership's role in retention efforts and the importance of understanding both aggregate and individual customer data for effective strategies in fast-growing businesses.

32 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 1h 13min
E119: What Public SaaS Can Learn from Private Equity
Discover how public and private equity-backed SaaS companies differ in profitability despite faster growth in public firms. The discussion dives into the impact of R&D spending and customer acquisition costs. Explore the complexities of board dynamics and investor relationships in the SaaS landscape. Additionally, the hosts critique Microsoft's acquisition of LinkedIn and its implications for user experience. With insights into the evolution of AI and emerging financial strategies among tech giants, this conversation is packed with valuable perspectives for industry leaders.

27 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 23min
Asad Zaman's Take: Rethinking Key Person Risk and Business Growth
Asad Zaman, CEO of Sales Talent Agency, offers valuable insights on key person risk and personal branding. He challenges the norm by advocating for deep connections with employees and customers over minimizing reliance on key individuals. The conversation explores the balance between immediate problem-solving and long-term vision in meaningful business growth. Asad emphasizes strategic branding and the importance of pacing oneself for sustainable success, all while highlighting the artistry involved in AI content creation.

55 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
E118: Did Windsurf Screw 200+ Employees for $2.4B ft. Carta's Peter Walker
Peter Walker, Chief Insight Officer at Carta, dives into the whirlwind events surrounding Windsurf's near-acquisition by OpenAI and the subsequent $2.4 billion Google offer. He unpacks the ethics of talent-first extractions and discusses what founders owe to their teams. The conversation navigates the current volatility in AI markets and the significance of recurring revenue. Walker also highlights the challenges startups face regarding employee morale and trust, all while contemplating whether we’re heading toward another financial bubble.

27 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 31min
AJ Bruno's Journey: Balancing Growth with Sustainable Revenue
AJ Bruno, Founder and CEO of Quotapath, shares transformative lessons from his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the pivotal moment when he shifted focus from chasing new clients to emphasizing revenue retention. AJ reveals his legendary 'war room' strategy that improved customer success and retention. He dives into the complexities of integrating AI into business and why it might not always be the answer. Plus, he shares fascinating insights into the history of Mars Inc. and the innovative spirit that led to legendary candy bars.

81 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
E117: How AI Native Orgs Are Reshaping RevOps and Post Sales
The discussion centers on how AI-native companies redefine Revenue Operations and post-sales strategies. They highlight the shift from traditional marketing roles to agent-led outreach, examining the competitive landscape for talent. Insights into Figma's financial metrics reveal key trends for assessing company health and implications for potential IPOs. Evolving community dynamics and challenges on social media are analyzed, alongside innovative marketing strategies driven by AI. The importance of post-onboarding processes for enhancing enterprise value is also emphasized.

18 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 36min
Elaine Zelby on AI and Marketing: Lessons in Operational Scaling
Elaine Zelby, Co-founder and CRO of Tofu and former partner at SignalFire, shares cutting-edge insights on B2B marketing. She reveals the importance of variable pay for marketing teams and how AI can tailor strategies for thousands of accounts simultaneously. Zelby also discusses the complexities of marketing attribution and the need for a simplified MarTech stack. From revenue leadership lessons to the emerging landscape of B2B influencer marketing, her perspectives challenge conventional thinking and illuminate paths to success.