Revenue Builders

Force Management

Welcome to the Revenue Builders podcast, a weekly show featuring B2B sales leaders and executives. Hosted by Five-time CRO John McMahon and Force Management’s Co-Founder John Kaplan, the show goes in the barrel, behind the scenes with the people who have been there, done that and seen the results. Revenue Builders covers the best practices for scaling and growing your business, while sharing the pitfalls to avoid. Great conversation. Solid interviews. Tangible takeaways to help you succeed. If you enjoy our content, please subscribe, rate and review the show to help us reach more people. This show is brought to you by: Force Management where we help companies improve sales performance, executing their growth strategy at the point of sale. Check out forcemanagement.com more information

  1. Navigating Energy Challenges and Innovations with Carl Coe

    -1 J

    Navigating Energy Challenges and Innovations with Carl Coe

    In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon are joined by Carl Coe, Chief of Staff for the US Secretary of Energy. Carl shares his impressive career journey, from his initial sales role at PTC to his current influential government position. The conversation covers the urgency of addressing the United States' power capacity, the role of nuclear and renewable energy, and the intricate relationship between DOE and industry leaders. Carl also speaks about the pivotal role of the national labs, the impact of outdated IT systems, and the strategic use of AI in regulatory processes. The discussion highlights the importance of mission-driven work, the critical race against China in AI and energy, and the transformative changes needed in both government operations and the education system to support the future workforce. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Connect with Carl Coe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-coe-912b82/ Explore Force Management’s Free SKO Planning Resources: https://hubs.li/Q03K94cs0 Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0 Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGS Read the Guide on Winning Government Contracts: https://bit.ly/3UYAOvO Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT [00:03:17] Carl Coe's Career Journey [00:05:58] Lessons from PTC and Beyond [00:15:32] Transition to Government Role [00:19:43] Challenges and Achievements at DOE [00:30:05] Modernization and Opportunities in Government IT [00:30:53] AI's Role in Streamlining Regulations [00:31:49] The Power Capacity Challenge [00:32:25] Strategies to Increase Power Capacity [00:36:05] Incentives for Diverse Energy Sources [00:37:46] Reviving the Nuclear Industry [00:39:00] The Importance of Trade Skills [00:43:33] Engaging with the Department of Energy [00:44:28] Technological Innovations and DOE's Role [00:51:45] Procurement and Efficiency Initiatives [00:55:01] Cybersecurity and Grid Protection HIGHLIGHT QUOTES [00:05:30] "Think big, be incredibly urgent. Don't take no for an answer. Outwork, out-hustle, outcompete." [00:13:20] Key lesson: Extreme competitiveness and knowing your product, customer, and problem are essential for success. [00:21:58] "Lose the small battles, win the big ones. Get fired up about the big stuff." [00:24:12] "Many more deposits than withdrawals—help people advance so when you ask for something, they're happy to do it." [00:27:50] "Mission is everything. All parties need to know what the mission is and that everyone is in it for the right reasons." [00:32:54] "You can't skip steps. You gotta know what problem your customer's trying to solve and build champions around it." [00:38:16] "Urgency—it's about urgency, not for us, but for the country. It's a race. We've got to win. There's no choice." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 1 min
  2. Building an Operational Cadence with Meghan Gill

    -5 J

    Building an Operational Cadence with Meghan Gill

    In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Meghan Gill, who spent 17 years scaling MongoDB. Meghan shares her approach to building credibility in sales operations, enabling leaders to think with a business mindset, and creating a management operating rhythm that empowers organizations to scale effectively. From fixing broken reporting to establishing trust and building a cadence that fosters championship-level performance, this conversation is a masterclass in how RevOps drives long-term success. KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:01:00] Sales leaders often excel at recruiting and closing deals but must learn how to leverage information effectively. [00:02:12] Credibility begins with fixing the basics—clean reporting builds trust and opens the door to deeper strategic input. [00:03:00] A strong cadence inside an organization enables consistency and peak performance, much like a championship sports team. [00:04:21] Multiple cadences exist at different levels—frontline managers focus on recruiting and pipeline, while leadership focuses on forecasting and long-term planning. [00:05:52] Sales operations can provide insights that validate or challenge a CRO’s instincts, helping identify hidden issues. [00:07:08] Weekly metric reviews create accountability and ensure readiness, cascading discipline throughout the sales organization. QUOTES [00:00:48] “The greatest sales ops organizations aren’t internal affairs—they’re like coaches, helping sales leaders think with a business intent.” 00:02:29] “Don’t come in too hot. Solve the first basic problems, earn trust, and then earn the right to be at the table.” [00:03:35] “The cadence wasn’t punitive—it became enabling. It was something you sought after, like being part of a championship team.” [00:05:22] “By the fifth day of the first month, forecasts roll up. By the 10th, something else happens—there’s a time element to cadence that drives discipline.” [00:07:29] “It started with me. I had to understand the metrics and be prepared, which set a standard that cascaded throughout the organization.” Listen to the full conversation through the link below. https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/scaling-sales-operations-with-meghan-gill Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 Check out John McMahon’s book here: Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4 Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here:  https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    8 min
  3. Scaling Success: Revenue Growth and AI in Sales with John Schoenstein

    18 SEPT.

    Scaling Success: Revenue Growth and AI in Sales with John Schoenstein

    In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon are joined by John Schoenstein, the CRO of Customer.io. The discussion dives into Schoenstein's extensive experience in scaling companies from startup stages to large enterprises, touching on key topics like repeatable revenue systems, the importance of talent, and sales rep productivity. The conversation also explores the integration and impact of AI on sales processes, how to create effective revenue systems at various growth stages, and the cultural and operational shifts necessary for scaling. Schoenstein emphasizes the significance of data, training, and customer-centric approaches in driving successful sales teams. The discussion offers valuable insights for B2B sales leaders looking to understand and implement strategies for scalable and efficient growth. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Connect with John Schoenstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-schoenstein/ Learn more about Customer.io: www.Customer.io Email John about joining the Customer.io team: john.schoenstein@customer.io How leaders are driving growth and scalability in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0 Watch Force Management’s C-Level Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGS Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT [00:02:36] Scaling Companies: Insights from John Schoen Stein [00:03:41] The Importance of Talent in Sales [00:11:16] Pipeline Generation and Sales Leadership [00:16:50] Building a Winning Culture [00:18:28] Implementing Repeatable Revenue Systems [00:30:02] The Role of Data and Rev Ops in Scaling [00:32:58] Pipeline Focus and Sales Rep Productivity [00:34:09] Measuring Sales Rep Productivity [00:35:27] Regional Productivity and Investment Decisions [00:36:05] Analyzing Sales Data for Insights [00:38:35] Sales Productivity in Startups [00:40:00] Remote Work and Sales Productivity [00:41:42] Encouraging Creativity and Adaptability in Sales [00:45:52] AI in Sales and Revenue Leadership [00:49:05] Implementing AI in Sales Processes [01:02:06] Customer Engagement and AI at Customer.io HIGHLIGHT QUOTES [00:05:32] “Talent matters at all levels. You want people who are competitive, coachable, and curious.” [00:08:33] “You can’t own your territory if you’re depending completely on inbound leads.” [00:12:54] “Patriots go to battle with you when it’s hard. Mercenaries leave when things get tough.” [00:16:57] “Pride is the precursor to winning, and winning is the precursor to pride.” [00:39:57] “If you’re not looking at sales productivity, you’re missing a precursor to whether people will make it.” [00:46:28] “AI should be a copilot—helping reps win, not just adding more inspection.” [00:47:10] “Sellers that do not have AI acumen are going to be replaced by sellers that do.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 6 min
  4. Breaking Down the Critical Role of a Manager with Scott Rudy

    14 SEPT.

    Breaking Down the Critical Role of a Manager with Scott Rudy

    In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan dive deep into one of the most important and most overlooked drivers of organizational growth: the roles of first and second line managers. Joined by Scott Rudy, CRO at Zywave, the conversation unpacks why these leadership levels are vital to sales success, where companies often blur responsibilities, and how to build accountability into leadership structures. From recruiting to development plans, and from forecasting to coaching, this discussion provides practical insights for CROs, VPs, and leaders who want to strengthen their sales engine and avoid costly missteps. KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00:22] First line managers are the backbone of seller success but face high pressure with new responsibilities like recruiting, training, and forecasting. [00:02:02] Second line leaders should not act as duplicate first line managers; their true role is coaching, simplifying, and plugging gaps for new managers. [00:02:58] Proper segregation of duties—development plans, recruiting involvement, and quality checks—prevents confusion and duplication. [00:03:56] A sales organization’s growth is often constrained by ineffective execution at the first line manager level. [00:04:53] Accountability must extend to both first and second line managers, ensuring clarity in responsibilities. [00:06:13] CROs should hold second line managers accountable for development plans and rep performance, not just first line leaders. [00:07:27] Recruiting should be a joint process—first line managers drive it, second line managers coach and validate decisions. [00:08:12] Second line leaders focus on quality, spotting blind spots, and identifying trends in recruiting and management. QUOTES [00:00:49] “Seller success should be the number one objective and North Star for a first line leader.” [00:02:02] “A great second line leader plugs the holes of a new first line leader by coaching and simplifying the job.” [00:02:58] “Segregating responsibilities prevents first and second line leaders from duplicating efforts and confusing reps.” [00:03:56] “One of the biggest obstacles for success is the execution of a first line manager.” [00:06:31] “If I’m the CRO, I’m asking the second line manager first about a rep’s performance and development plan.” [00:08:00] “The second line leader ought to focus on quality—spotting trends and blind spots the first line leader may miss.” Listen to the full conversation through the link below. https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/the-critical-role-of-sales-managers-in-driving-growth-with-scott-rudy Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 Check out John McMahon’s book here: Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4 Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here:  https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    9 min
  5. Mission Driven Leadership with Mike Hayes

    11 SEPT.

    Mission Driven Leadership with Mike Hayes

    In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon welcome back Mike Hayes, former Navy SEAL and current sales leader at Insight Partners. They discuss Mike’s new book, Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose, and how its lessons apply to sales success and leadership. Mike emphasizes the importance of rooting your work in alignment with personal values and goals, which leads to not only greater outcomes and accomplishments but a sense of fulfillment. Mike also shares insights from his 20-year government career and his transition to the private sector as a sales leader. This episode is an essential listen for anyone seeking to align their personal values with their professional journey. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Buy Mike’s book, Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mike-hayes/mission-driven/9780306836534/ Support the 1162 Foundation’s mission of helping Gold Star families: https://givebutter.com/1162foundation Listen to the first podcast with Mike Hayes on Mission, Meaning and Impact from Navy SEALs to Sales: https://www.forcemanagement.com/mission-meaning-and-impact-with-mike-hayes Connect with Mike Hayes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hayes-733688/ Instagram: Mike Hayes (@thisis.mikehayes) X: @thisismikehayes (@thisismikehayes) on X Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGS Read the Guide on Winning Government Contracts: https://bit.ly/3UYAOvO Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT [00:03:05] The 1162 Foundation and Supporting Gold Star Families [00:07:12] The "Who" vs. "What": A Core Lesson on Identity [00:11:48] The Challenge of Transitioning from a High-Profile Role [00:16:01] The Power of Honest Self-Reflection and Feedback [00:25:50] The Dan Hurley Story: Purpose Over Paycheck [00:33:14] The Three Circles: Aligning Energy, Skill, and Business Need [00:36:20] Adaptability and Developing a "Meta Plan" [00:43:03] Building Resilience and Finding Perspective in Hardship [00:48:19] The Importance of Being Intentional with Your Emotions [00:55:10] A Story of Competition and Humility in Iraq HIGHLIGHT QUOTES [00:08:45] "We would always say, who do you want to be? Because the who is that deeper you... let's not connect self-esteem or success based on a what, in a title and a position." [00:41:01] "The acid test, I think for a life well lived is how many people who you've never met have you positively impacted." [00:44:17] "When you're having a hard day, the best thing to do is go find somebody who's having a harder day and go help him or her." [00:53:11] "No one is actually selling technology. What you're actually doing is selling trust." [00:54:15] "When 15 men are wrong, look in the mirror." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 9 min
  6. Everyone Has a Story with Doug Holladay

    7 SEPT.

    Everyone Has a Story with Doug Holladay

    In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan share a thought-provoking segment with Doug Holliday, author of Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life. Doug explores the significance of vulnerability, owning your story, and fostering authentic communication in leadership and relationships. Learn how asking the right questions, embracing imperfection, and understanding the stories of others can transform both personal and professional connections. KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:00:40] Understanding Team Dynamics [00:01:55] The Power of Vulnerability [00:02:24] The Impact of Social Media on Youth [00:04:19] Owning Your Story QUOTES [00:01:38] "Instead of looking for answers, why don’t we try to identify the 20 best questions that’ll help us get to the best answer?" [00:02:03] "People are attracted to our broken parts. Nobody's really attracted to perfection." [00:03:16] "To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s trying to make you someone else is the bravest thing you can do." – E. Cummings (cited by Doug Holliday) [00:04:31] "Everybody has a story. Don’t think for a minute anyone you encounter doesn’t have their own." [00:05:12] "There are no heroes, no victims—just a story." [00:05:39] "What people want to see isn’t perfect people, but authentic people." Connect and learn more about Doug Holladay through the link/s below. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougholladay/ Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 Check out John McMahon’s book here: Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4 Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here:  https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Force Management is hiring for a Sales Director. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q02Zb8WG0 Read Force Management's eBook: https://www.forcemanagement.com/roi-of-sales-messaging Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min
  7. A Masterclass in Closing Big Deals with Steve Waugh

    4 SEPT.

    A Masterclass in Closing Big Deals with Steve Waugh

    In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Steve Waugh, a legendary enterprise software salesperson. Steve shares his journey from starting at IT resellers to executing some of the largest deals in enterprise software at companies like Blade Logic, BMC, and Medallia. He outlines strategies for identifying champions and detractors, the importance of mindset, belief in one's product, and understanding the customer's business impact. Additionally, Steve discusses the critical role of executive support in closing big deals and offers insights into navigating internal challenges within one's company. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to understand the art and science of selling large enterprise software deals. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Connect and learn more from Steve Waugh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-waugh-4833b57/ Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on Growth, Valuation and Execution: https://bit.ly/4p6kyGS Read the Guide on Winning Government Contracts: https://bit.ly/3UYAOvO Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT [00:02:19] Steve's Early Career and First Big Deal [00:04:30] Breaking into Financial Services [00:07:36] Mindset for Selling Big Deals [00:11:50] Identifying and Handling Detractors [00:22:21] Cost vs. Value in Sales [00:32:10] The Importance of Content in Sales [00:32:50] Embracing Your Unique Style [00:34:53] Believing in Your Product [00:36:39] Navigating Company Challenges [00:37:55] The Art of Big Deal Selling [00:46:33] Uncovering Hidden Opportunities [00:51:21] Mastering Executive Communication [00:53:43] Career Pathing and Leadership HIGHLIGHT QUOTES [00:20:49] "You have to believe that everybody gets up and puts their pants on the same way." [00:24:26] "If a customer's constantly looking at cost, you haven't got 'em converted—you gotta get 'em to forget cost and look at the value." [00:33:09] "You gotta know who your friends are, but you gotta know your enemies better." [00:46:46] "Executives don't care how you do it—they care about the 'so what.'" [00:54:17] "If my own leader doesn't believe me, it makes it uber hard for me to accomplish it." [00:56:48] "It's a two-way street. The company has to support their people to believe they can do it, and they have to have that same courage." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 1 min
4,9
sur 5
158 notes

À propos

Welcome to the Revenue Builders podcast, a weekly show featuring B2B sales leaders and executives. Hosted by Five-time CRO John McMahon and Force Management’s Co-Founder John Kaplan, the show goes in the barrel, behind the scenes with the people who have been there, done that and seen the results. Revenue Builders covers the best practices for scaling and growing your business, while sharing the pitfalls to avoid. Great conversation. Solid interviews. Tangible takeaways to help you succeed. If you enjoy our content, please subscribe, rate and review the show to help us reach more people. This show is brought to you by: Force Management where we help companies improve sales performance, executing their growth strategy at the point of sale. Check out forcemanagement.com more information

Vous aimeriez peut‑être aussi