
Topline
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.
Latest episodes

26 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 12min
E95: Growth vs. Efficiency in 2025
Hosts dive into the dynamics of building teams in Latin America, highlighting compensation arbitrage and offshoring. They discuss the competition North American junior talent faces from skilled international professionals and the impact of AI on job roles. The challenges of hiring sales reps for complex deals are tackled, with a focus on how AI can take over routine tasks. They also explore OpenAI's Deep Research release and its potential operational benefits for businesses, urging listeners to rethink compensation and recruitment strategies.

17 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 28min
SPOTLIGHT: Co-CEO Alina Vandenberghe on Taking Over Marketing to Scale Demand at Chili Piper
Alina Vandenberghe, Co-CEO and acting CMO of Chili Piper, shares her dynamic journey in scaling marketing for a B2B tech company. She discusses the challenges of aligning data-driven strategies with business goals, particularly in a saturated market. Alina emphasizes the importance of creativity, using humor and provocation to engage audiences. She also delves into navigating demand generation during economic downturns and the essential skills for effective marketing leadership, highlighting the balance of technical prowess and emotional intelligence.

35 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 56min
E94: Navigating AI Challenges in Established Tech Companies
Dive into the world of AI and its impact on tech companies as the hosts discuss the stark differences between AI-first and AI-enabled businesses. Explore the challenges leaders face when integrating AI into operations and the rise of new roles in AI Ops. The conversation highlights outdated go-to-market strategies and the necessity for innovative compensation models that extend beyond sales. With insights on recruitment and balancing daily tasks with long-term strategy, learn why embracing AI is crucial to staying competitive in the tech landscape.

5 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 22min
SPOTLIGHT: Keith Frankel of Totango on Creating a Unified Culture in Mergers
Keith Frankel, Chief Product Officer at Totango and a leader in enterprise AI, shares keen insights on merging company cultures after acquisitions. He discusses challenges faced when integrating teams from Tel Aviv and New York, emphasizing the vital role of open communication. Frankel also highlights the importance of addressing cultural divides and enforcing consistent processes to unite diverse teams. Moreover, he reflects on his journey from philosophy to tech, stressing that prioritizing personal happiness can enhance professional satisfaction.

53 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 15min
E93: Dissecting Carta’s 2024 State of Startups Report
Dive into the latest insights from Carta's State of Startups report, revealing the surge of down rounds impacting startups in 2023 and 2024. Discover the intriguing rise of solo founders, who now make up 36% of the startup scene. The hosts share personal stories about leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for business decision-making. They also reflect on evolving company cultures and management styles, emphasizing personal growth and authentic communication as vital strategies for navigating today's challenges.

4 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 19min
SPOTLIGHT: OrgChart’s Tom McCarty on Narrowing Total Addressable Market to Drive Growth
Tom McCarty, CEO of OrgChart, shares his journey as a first-time CEO in B2B tech. He discusses critical strategies for narrowing the total addressable market to boost growth, revealing how focus can transform challenges into opportunities. Tom emphasizes the importance of building trust with private equity partners through transparency and collaboration. He also addresses the tech bloat dilemma and offers advice to aspiring CEOs, highlighting resilience and personal development as keys to navigating adversity in leadership.

56 snips
Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 17min
E92: Kyle Norton of Owner.com on How Great CROs Drive Enterprise Value
Kyle Norton, CRO of Owner.com and host of The Revenue Leadership Podcast, dives into the evolving role of the Chief Revenue Officer. He discusses the unique strengths of successful CROs, the impact of advanced AI models like GPT-3 and GPT-4 on business operations, and how these technologies might streamline management structures. The conversation also highlights the shifts in sales leadership dynamics and the importance of systems thinking in achieving sustainable growth. Tune in for insights on balancing creativity and systematization in market strategies!

Jan 16, 2025 • 19min
SPOTLIGHT: Jenny Podewils' Strategy for Aligning Teams in Dynamic Environments
In a fascinating conversation, Jenny Podewils, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Leapsome, shares her insights on navigating the HR tech landscape. She discusses how AI is revolutionizing team performance and HR efficiency. Jenny reveals Leapsome's strategic entry into the Human Resource Information System market and the challenges of managing a global workforce. She emphasizes the necessity of clear objectives and automation to enhance organizational alignment amidst shifting market dynamics. Her tips on maintaining inspiration while juggling work and family are equally valuable!

114 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
E91: Investor Tomasz Tunguz on AI’s Breakout Year and What Comes Next
Tomasz Tunguz, an AI power user and investor known for his daring insights into SaaS and AI, shares his bold predictions for 2025. He discusses the profound impact of AI on startups and productivity, highlighting how enterprises might benefit before smaller companies can disrupt them. The conversation dives into practical AI applications, personal workflows, and the evolving landscape of AI investment. Tunguz also reflects on the importance of storytelling in selling AI technologies and the dynamic role of AI in transforming work habits and industries.

8 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 16min
SPOTLIGHT: Lessons and Insights on Leading Through Layoffs from AJ Bruno, CEO of QuotaPath
AJ Bruno shares his firsthand experiences with massive workforce reductions, diving into the emotional and strategic hurdles encountered while cutting 30% of his team. He discusses the essential balance between maintaining morale and achieving operational efficiency post-layoffs. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering a clear mission to rally remaining employees and focusing on retaining 'A players' to drive collaboration. Insights on navigating change and the unexpected benefits of a leaner team provide valuable lessons for leaders facing similar challenges.
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