

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

41 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
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.
34 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.

39 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.

80 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 14min
E116: Why Adaptation Is the Only Strategy That Works in AI
The hosts tackle the challenges of leadership in an uncertain landscape shaped by AI. They discuss the balance between ambition and personal fulfillment, especially amidst heightened anxiety for founders. The conversation explores how organizations are adapting to an AI-driven environment, emphasizing the importance of data quality and in-person connections. They also critique customer success models and highlight the struggles recent graduates face in today's job market, revealing a disconnect between education and employment opportunities.

45 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
E115: The Cultural Divide Between AI Startups and SaaS
Discover why AI-native startups are outpacing legacy SaaS companies in growth and market attention. The show explores the cultural divide between fast-paced AI teams and traditional firms, revealing the risks of stagnation. It also delves into the challenges faced by AI startups in corporate frameworks and the complexities of IPOs in a volatile market. Tune in to learn about innovative tools like Cluely that are reshaping company valuations and the competitive dynamics in the sales tech sector.


