

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

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!

115 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.

12 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 13min
E90: Quality vs. Quantity - The AI Dilemma in Product Development
In 2025, the discussion centers on how AI is revolutionizing product development by prioritizing creativity over mere coding. A fresh take on management suggests reducing middle management could enhance efficiency. The hosts share personal leadership challenges while highlighting the importance of job security in this AI-driven era. They emphasize the need for transparency in product development and the value of fostering a positive workplace culture. A unique analogy likens team dynamics to 'crew' versus 'cargo,' driving home the emotional impact of workplace relationships.

39 snips
Dec 22, 2024 • 1h 13min
E89: 2024 Reflections and 2025 Go-To-Market Predictions
Hosts share reflective insights on the pivotal moments of 2024, emphasizing personal growth and lessons learned. They explore AI's transformative role in industries, particularly its integration in startups and marketing. Bold predictions for HubSpot suggest major shifts ahead. The conversation shifts to challenges like distribution channels and their critical importance for competitive success. With a sneak peek into upcoming trends and a nod to the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, the hosts balance humor with insightful industry analysis.

Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 9min
E88: Navigating Business Pivots with Scoop Analytics' Janet Gehrmann
Janet Gehrmann, co-founder of Scoop Analytics and expert in sales and neuroscience, shares insights into the challenges tech startups face today. She delves into the delicate balance between a founder's vision and the flexibility required to adapt to market changes. The conversation touches on the increasing trend of CEOs stepping aside post-funding and the importance of a strong support network for leaders navigating pressures. Janet also discusses the revival of San Francisco’s tech scene and how effective storytelling can unify teams during critical pivots.