ChatGTM

Michael Beck

The ChatGTM Podcast by Inc Tank GTM

  1. 1d ago

    ChatGTM S2 E37: Claude Silver ~ Author & Chief Heart Officer VaynerX / Be Yourself at Work

    What if the greatest leadership advantage wasn't AI... but authenticity? In this episode of the ChatGTM Podcast, Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she leads the people and experience strategy behind one of the world's most recognized marketing organizations. Working alongside Gary Vaynerchuk, Claude has spent more than a decade proving that culture isn't a perk, it's a competitive advantage. This conversation explores what happens when leaders stop managing people and start believing in them. From emotional intelligence and psychological safety to leadership, vulnerability, accountability, and the future of work, Claude shares why the strongest organizations aren't built on fear, they're built on trust. We also dive into her new book, Be Yourself at Work, and discuss why so many professionals are exhausted; not because of the work itself, but because they're performing a version of themselves they believe the workplace expects. If you're a CEO, founder, manager, HR leader, or anyone responsible for building teams, this episode is a masterclass in creating cultures where people, and businesses thrive. In This Episode ✅ What it really means to be a Chief Heart Officer ✅ Building culture inside Gary Vaynerchuk's organization ✅ Why culture is a business strategy—not an HR initiative ✅ Emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower ✅ How to create psychological safety at work ✅ Why authenticity outperforms performance ✅ Hiring for culture addition, not culture fit ✅ The importance of self-awareness in leadership ✅ Why empathy and accountability belong together ✅ Lessons from Claude's book Be Yourself at Work Guest Claude Silver Chief Heart Officer | VaynerX Author | Be Yourself at Work 🌐 https://claudesilver.com 📘 Pick up Be Yourself at Work About ChatGTM The ChatGTM Podcast features conversations with the founders, executives, innovators, and thought leaders transforming hospitality, retail, AI, leadership, and Go-to-Market strategy. Hosted by Michael Beck and Chad Horn, each episode explores the people behind the brands and the ideas shaping the future of business. 🎙️ New episodes every week. 👍 Like this episode 💬 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with extraordinary leaders. Question for the Audience What's one thing leaders can do today to create a workplace where people truly feel safe to be themselves? Tell us in the comments. #ChatGTM #ClaudeSilver #VaynerX #GaryVee #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #CompanyCulture #PeopleFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #PsychologicalSafety #FutureOfWork #Authenticity #BusinessLeadership #IncTankGTM #GoToMarket

    ChatGTM S2 E37: Claude Silver ~ Author & Chief Heart Officer VaynerX / Be Yourself at Work
  2. 3d ago

    ChatGTM S2 E36: Patrick Bobrukiewicz ~ VP AI @ Thrive / The Human Side of AI

    What if AI didn't replace great leaders... but made them even better? In this episode of the ChatGTM Podcast, Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Patrick Bobrukiewicz, technology leader at Thrive Restaurant Group, Google AI Influencer, and one of hospitality's most respected voices on AI and operational innovation. While much of the conversation around AI focuses on automation and efficiency, Patrick offers a different perspective: The future belongs to organizations that use AI to make people more human, not less. From freeing General Managers from spreadsheets to empowering better leadership, improving employee culture, and creating more meaningful guest experiences, Patrick explains why AI should be viewed as an Iron Man suit, not a replacement for the person inside. The discussion explores the intersection of leadership, technology, culture, and hospitality, offering practical insights for restaurant operators, franchise leaders, technology providers, and anyone preparing their organization for the future of work. In This Episode✅ Why AI should make leaders more human—not replace them ✅ Freeing General Managers from the back office ✅ Building trust in AI across restaurant operations ✅ The future of restaurant leadership ✅ Why EQ becomes more valuable in the age of AI ✅ Connecting POS, labor, guest feedback, and operational data ✅ How AI can improve culture and employee engagement ✅ The importance of designing technology around people ✅ Why frontline adoption determines AI success ✅ Creating personalized guest experiences through AI Memorable Quotes💬 "Burn the kilowatt hours, not the man hours." 💬 "Return on Attention is becoming just as important as Return on Investment." 💬 "The companies that win in the AI era will focus on the humans first." GuestPatrick Bobrukiewicz VP AI Strategy & Innovation | Thrive Restaurant Group Google AI Influencer Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-bobrukiewicz/ About ChatGTMThe ChatGTM Podcast features conversations with the founders, operators, executives, and innovators shaping hospitality, retail, AI, and Go-to-Market strategy. Hosted by Michael Beck, CEO of Inc Tank GTM, and Chad Horn, each episode explores the people, ideas, and technologies transforming the industries they serve. 🎙️ New episodes every week. 👍 Like this episode 💬 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders. Question for the audience: Will AI replace great leaders... ...or give them more time to become even better leaders? Tell us what you think in the comments. #ChatGTM #IncTankGTM #GoToMarket #GTM #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #RestaurantTechnology #HospitalityTechnology #Leadership #RestaurantLeadership #GoogleAI #Hospitality #FutureOfWork #OperationalExcellence #RestaurantInnovation

    ChatGTM S2 E36: Patrick Bobrukiewicz ~ VP AI @ Thrive  / The Human Side of AI
  3. Aug 6

    ChatGTM S2 E35: Tim Gannon ~ Co-Founder Outback Steakhouse / Sell the Saddle. Chase the Dream

    Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, shares his entrepreneurial journey, from early sacrifices to the birth of a global brand. The conversation delves into the importance of partnerships, resilience, and strategic decision-making, culminating in the purpose of his book and reflections on his life's journey. The conversation with Tim Gannon covers a wide range of topics, from reflecting on the legacy of Norman Brinker to the symbolism of the saddle and life lessons. Tim shares insights on mentorship, early adventures, making money, the importance of partnership, scaling a brand, the role of flavor and branding, dreaming big, embracing failure, and the power of branding and naming. Throughout the conversation, the theme of entrepreneurship, adventure, and resilience shines through, offering valuable takeaways for listeners. Takeaways Importance of strategic decision-makingThe value of strong partnerships The importance of mentorship and early adventuresEmbracing failure and dreaming big Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins01:56 The Saddle and the Sacrifice03:16 The Decision to Build06:20 Early Ventures and Lessons08:38 The Importance of Partnerships13:17 Resilience and Perseverance15:38 The Birth of Outback21:14 The Purpose of the Book25:19 Reflections and Lessons Learned26:45 The Legacy of Norman Brinker27:15 Reflecting on Mentorship and Early Adventures28:11 The Motorcycle Journey and Lessons Learned30:06 Making Money and Taking Control31:22 The Importance of Partnership and Staying in Your Lane40:33 Scaling the Outback Brand and Protecting Culture48:47 The Role of Flavor and Branding45:20 Dreaming Big and Embracing Failure46:58 The Symbolism of the Saddle and Life Lessons49:27 The Guardians of Flavor and Legacy51:23 The Power of Branding and Naming52:14 Dreaming Big and Never Giving Up

    ChatGTM S2 E35: Tim Gannon ~ Co-Founder Outback Steakhouse /  Sell the Saddle. Chase the Dream
  4. Jul 29

    ChatGTM S2 E34: Erika Till ~Founder Rise Light Co / Why Great Teams Go Silent

    Why do great teams stop speaking up? According to Erika Till, it isn't because they stop caring. It's because they stop believing anyone is listening. In this episode of ChatGTM, hosts Michael Beck and Chad Horn welcome Erika Till, Founder of Rise Light Co., for a conversation about leadership, trust, communication, and the culture every organization says it wants but few know how to build. Drawing from years spent helping technology companies scale, Erika explains why employee experience ultimately defines customer experience, how communication breaks down as companies grow, and why leaders must create environments where people feel safe enough to challenge ideas, share feedback, and contribute to the vision. This conversation explores: ✔ Why great teams eventually go silent ✔ Why employee experience drives customer experience ✔ The hidden cost of toxic high performers ✔ Why culture isn't pizza parties or perks ✔ Building trust through better leadership ✔ The disconnect between sales, operations, and executive leadership ✔ The power of asking better questions ✔ How founders can build organizations people genuinely believe in Whether you're a founder, CEO, operator, sales leader, HR executive, or fractional leader, this episode offers practical leadership lessons that apply to every growing organization. GuestErika Till Founder, Rise Light Co. Connect with Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikatill/ About ChatGTMChatGTM is the podcast where hospitality, retail, SaaS, and Go-to-Market leaders share the ideas, strategies, and stories shaping the future of business. Hosted by Michael Beck, CEO of Inc Tank GTM, and Chad Horn, each episode features candid conversations with founders, executives, innovators, operators, and thought leaders helping organizations grow smarter. If you're passionate about: Go-to-Market StrategyFractional LeadershipHospitality TechnologyRestaurant TechnologyRevenue GrowthAILeadershipCompany CultureCustomer Experience...you're in the right place. 👍 Like the episode 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week Connect with ChatGTM & Inc Tank GTM 🌐 https://www.inctankgtm.com Follow Michael Beck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbeck/ Follow Chad Horn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-horn/ #ChatGTM #IncTankGTM #GoToMarket #GTM #FractionalLeadership #Leadership #CompanyCulture #EmployeeExperience #CustomerExperience #RevOps #HospitalityTechnology #RestaurantTechnology #ExecutiveLeadership #Founders #B2BSaaS

    ChatGTM S2 E34: Erika Till ~Founder Rise Light Co / Why Great Teams Go Silent
  5. Jul 24

    ChatGTM S2 E33: Erik Wetzel ~ VP Sales Buyers Edge Great Sales Leaders Build People, Not Pipelines

    What do professional baseball, restaurant technology, AI, and sales leadership have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of ChatGTM, hosts Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Erik Wetzel, Vice President of Sales at Buyers Edge Platform, to explore the leadership principles that separate good sales organizations from great ones. Erik's journey began on the baseball field, where he learned that championships aren't won by swinging for home runs. They're built through consistency, discipline, resilience, and showing up every single day. Today, he brings those same lessons to one of hospitality's fastest-growing organizations, helping restaurant operators solve complex challenges while leading high-performing sales teams across the Buyers Edge Platform ecosystem. The conversation explores why discovery wins deals, how AI is transforming sales without replacing human leadership, why rejection is a necessary ingredient for growth, and what it really means to build a culture where people thrive. Whether you lead a sales team, run a restaurant, build technology, or simply want to become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately. In This EpisodeErik's transition from professional baseball to sales leadershipWhy consistency always beats chasing home runsThe leadership philosophy behind Buyers Edge PlatformBuilding trust with restaurant operatorsWhy discovery is the foundation of every successful saleHow great leaders motivate instead of intimidateAI's role in the future of sales organizationsLessons from John Davie's growth strategyCreating resilient sales teamsWhy culture always outperforms fearIf you're building, scaling, or leading a go-to-market organization, this conversation belongs on your playlist. 🎙 Guest Erik Wetzel Vice President of Sales Buyers Edge Platform Learn more: https://www.buyersedgeplatform.com Connect with Erik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-w-286454230/ Subscribe for more conversations with the executives, founders, operators, and innovators shaping the future of hospitality and restaurant technology. 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe #ChatGTM #SalesLeadership #HospitalityTechnology #RestaurantTechnology #BuyersEdgePlatform #Leadership #RevOps #GoToMarket #ArtificialIntelligence #Hospitality

    ChatGTM S2 E33: Erik Wetzel ~  VP Sales Buyers Edge Great Sales Leaders Build People, Not Pipelines
  6. Jul 21

    ChatGTM S2 E32: Sterling Douglass ~ CEO Chowly / AI Agents Explained

    Everyone is talking about AI. Almost nobody agrees on what an AI agent actually is. In this episode of ChatGTM, Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder & CEO of Chowly, for a conversation that cuts through the hype and focuses on what AI is actually doing inside real businesses today. Sterling explains the difference between AI workflows and AI agents, why most companies are implementing AI incorrectly, and how Chowly is using AI to help restaurant operators drive more revenue through marketing, online ordering, SEO, Google Ads, and customer engagement. Rather than chasing flashy demos, Sterling shares what it takes to build AI systems that deliver measurable business outcomes. The conversation also explores Claude Code, prompt engineering, leadership during technological change, AI adoption inside organizations, and why critical thinking has become even more valuable in an AI-first world. If you're a restaurant operator, founder, technology leader, marketer, or simply trying to understand where AI is headed, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately. In This Episode What an AI agent actually isAI workflows vs. AI agentsWhy most AI projects failClaude Code and "vibe coding"How Chowly is embedding AI into restaurant marketingBuilding products that create measurable outcomesAI adoption inside growing companiesLeadership during rapid technological changeThe future of restaurant technologyWhy critical thinking matters more than ever About Sterling Douglass Sterling Douglass is the Co-Founder & CEO of Chowly, a restaurant technology company serving more than 17,000 restaurant locations across the United States. Since founding Chowly in 2015, Sterling has helped transform the company from a POS integration platform into an AI-powered digital commerce and marketing platform focused on helping restaurants grow revenue through online ordering, SEO, Google Ads, loyalty, and guest engagement. Sterling is also the co-host of the AI for Restaurants podcast alongside Aaron Newton, where they explore practical AI implementation, automation, and the future of restaurant technology without the hype. Connect with Sterling LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlingddouglass/ Learn more about Chowly https://www.chowly.com Listen to AI for Restaurants https://aiforrestaurants.ai About ChatGTM ChatGTM brings together founders, operators, investors, technologists, and industry leaders who are building the future of hospitality, retail, AI, and go-to-market strategy. Hosted by Michael Beck and Chad Horn. Follow the ChatGTM Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/chatgtm-podcast If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like 💬 Leave a comment 🔔 Subscribe #ChatGTM #SterlingDouglass #Chowly #AIForRestaurants #AIAgents #ArtificialIntelligence #ClaudeAI #Anthropic #RestaurantTechnology #RestaurantMarketing #RestaurantLeadership #HospitalityTechnology #OnlineOrdering #DigitalMarketing #Innovation #Leadership

    ChatGTM S2 E32: Sterling Douglass ~ CEO Chowly / AI Agents Explained
  7. Jul 14

    ChatGTM S2 E31: Jazmine Charles ~ Head of People & Partnerships, Disrupt Foods / Aces Only

    ChatGTM S2 E31: Jazmine Charles ~ Head of People & Partnerships, Disrupt Foods / Aces OnlyWhat if the biggest competitive advantage in your business isn't your technology... It's your people. In this episode of ChatGTM, Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Jazmine Charles, Head of People & Partnerships at Disrupt Foods, for a conversation about leadership, culture, AI, and why the best restaurant organizations invest in people before they invest in anything else. After spending more than 15 years leading sales for Fortune 100 companies, Jazmine now helps shape the culture behind one of the fastest-growing multi-brand restaurant organizations. Her philosophy is simple: build great people, and great businesses follow. Together they explore why "People Operations" is replacing traditional HR, how AI can empower leaders instead of replacing them, and why every operator should think differently about hiring, onboarding, retention, and leadership. If you're a restaurant operator, franchisee, hospitality executive, HR leader, or anyone responsible for building high-performing teams, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can put to work immediately. In This Episode• Why Disrupt Foods believes in an "Aces Only" culture • You can't scale a culture you haven't defined • Building leaders instead of just managing employees • Using AI to make better operational decisions • Why data should support people—not replace them • Creating an employee experience people don't want to leave • The Disrupt Business Academy and developing tomorrow's entrepreneurs • Why community impact is part of great leadership Connect with Jazmine CharlesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazminecharles/ Learn more about Disrupt Foods: https://www.disruptfoods.com (Update with official website if different.) Subscribe to ChatGTM🎙️ Follow ChatGTM on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/chatgtm-podcast New conversations every week with the leaders shaping restaurant technology, hospitality, AI, operations, customer experience, and the future of business. If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe 📤 Share it with someone building great teams. Chapters00:00 Introduction 02:20 Meet Jazmine Charles 06:30 Why People Operations Matters 14:30 Building an "Aces Only" Culture 22:00 AI That Helps People Lead Better 31:00 Community, Leadership & Disrupt Business Academy 44:15 Rapid Fire 52:00 Final Thoughts #ChatGTM #RestaurantTechnology #HospitalityTechnology #Leadership #PeopleOperations #CompanyCulture #RestaurantLeadership #EmployeeExperience #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Hospitality #DisruptFoods

    ChatGTM S2 E31: Jazmine Charles ~ Head of People & Partnerships, Disrupt Foods  / Aces Only
  8. Jul 9

    ChatGTM S2 E30: Betsy Davis ~ CMO Sandy Alexander / Why Smart Print Is Beating Digital Fatigue

    Why Smart Print Is Beating Digital Fatigue | Betsy Davis | ChatGTM S2 E30Everyone says the future of marketing is digital. But what if the biggest opportunity isn't choosing between physical and digital... it's combining them? In this episode of ChatGTM, Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Betsy Davis, Chief Marketing Officer at Sandy Alexander, to explore how AI is transforming direct mail, restaurant marketing, CRM integration, and customer engagement. This isn't a conversation about saving print. It's about making physical marketing smarter. Betsy shares how leading restaurant, retail, and healthcare brands are combining AI, personalized direct mail, QR codes, CRM data, and automation to create measurable customer experiences that cut through today's digital noise. In This Episode• Why digital fatigue is creating new opportunities for direct mail • How AI-powered QR codes create real customer conversations • Why restaurants are returning to physical menus • The technology behind managing thousands of menu variations • How CRM integration is making direct mail measurable • Why marketers should think "phygital," not physical vs. digital • The role AI will play in the future of customer engagement Whether you're a restaurant operator, marketer, retailer, technology leader, or simply curious about where customer experience is headed, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately. Connect with Betsy Davis🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davisbetsy/ Learn More About Sandy Alexander🌐 https://sandyalexander.com 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-alexander-inc/ Companies & Technologies MentionedApplebee's – https://www.applebees.com First Watch – https://www.firstwatch.com Olive Garden – https://www.olivegarden.com Darden Restaurants – https://www.darden.com Salesforce – https://www.salesforce.com Universal Studios – https://www.universalorlando.com Connect with ChatGTM🎙 Follow the ChatGTM Podcast on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/chatgtm-podcast If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave us a comment with your biggest takeaway. 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 📤 Share this episode with someone who cares about the future of marketing, hospitality, restaurant technology, or customer experience. #ChatGTM #HospitalityTechnology #RestaurantTechnology #MarketingTechnology #CustomerExperience #ArtificialIntelligence #DirectMail #RetailTechnology #RestaurantMarketing #Innovation

    ChatGTM S2 E30: Betsy Davis ~ CMO Sandy Alexander / Why Smart Print Is Beating Digital Fatigue

About

The ChatGTM Podcast by Inc Tank GTM