State of the AI Union

Stephen Steers: The Secret Sauce of Sales in Storytelling & AI

In this episode, Stephen Steers, author of Superpower Storytelling, shares insights on how storytelling and AI are transforming sales. Discover how top salespeople leverage storytelling, the role of curiosity, and practical AI applications to enhance customer connections and decision-making. keywords sales, storytelling, AI, customer connection, sales tips, AI tools, sales strategy, storytelling framework, sales training, AI in sales key topics The role of storytelling in sales success Using AI for pre-call preparation and pattern recognition The importance of curiosity in sales and AI's support Mitigating risks of AI tools in sales and hiring Building trust, judgment, and taste through AI Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stephen Steers and his expertise 01:20 Why great salespeople focus on helping, not selling 02:25 Understanding customer outcomes and AI's role 03:21 AI in pre-call prep and pattern recognition 04:46 Using AI to identify messaging patterns 06:01 The importance of fundamentals and curiosity in AI use 07:02 How AI can scale poor sales practices 08:23 Creating multiple messaging versions for testing 09:36 Using AI to optimize outreach and engagement 11:11 The impact of AI on storytelling and human connection 13:06 The importance of being real and authentic in sales 13:29 Assessing judgment, taste, and trust with AI 15:37 Guardrails for AI in hiring and sales 16:25 Challenging AI outputs and avoiding bias 17:16 Using AI to identify blind spots in decision-making 17:57 Starting an AI-native sales organization 20:16 Stephen's book: Superpower Storytelling 23:23 Upcoming book: Seven Minute Sales 24:15 Final advice on using AI wisely resources Stephen Steers on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-steers/]

David Weiss: Expertise before AI in Sales

In this episode, sales expert David Weiss shares insights on how AI can enhance or hinder sales processes, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and expertise before scaling with AI. He discusses practical strategies for integrating AI into sales training, deal management, and leadership to improve accuracy and decision-making. key topics AI's impact on sales and deal management The importance of critical thinking in AI adoption Strategies for training sales teams with AI Risks of scaling bad sales behaviors with AI Leadership's role in data and AI oversight keywords AI in sales, deal management, sales training, critical thinking, AI tools, sales leadership, deal inspection, AI risks, sales efficiency, AI adoption resources & guest links DealDoc [https://dealdoc.com] David Weiss [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlbweiss/]

CT Leong: Mastering AI Native GTM Architecture

In this episode, CT Leong shares insights on go-to-market strategies, the evolution of outbound marketing, and the role of AI in revenue operations. Discover practical frameworks, the importance of data, and how to leverage AI agents for scalable growth. key topics * GTM architect role and responsibilities * Evolution of outbound marketing strategies * AI-driven revenue operations and revops * Framework for optimizing current GTM efforts * Challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asian markets keywords GTM, outbound marketing, AI in revops, SaaS growth, GTM architecture, outbound strategy, AI agents, revenue operations, startup advice resources Go-To-Market Architects - https://go-to-market.com CT Leong on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/ctleong

Ben Orthlieb: Can your VC do this with AI?

Ben Orthlieb from Blue Moon Ventures discusses how AI is transforming venture capital by automating sourcing, screening, and analysis of startups. He shares insights on leveraging AI for faster, better investment decisions, and how founders can prepare for VC meetings in an AI-driven landscape. key topics * AI in venture capital * Automated sourcing and screening * Impact of AI on founder selection * Diversity in startup portfolios * Future of VC technology keywords AI, Venture Capital, Startup Funding, Machine Learning, Investment Strategies, Founders, VC Tech, Portfolio Diversification resources DevRev for Startups - https://devrev.ai/startups Blue Moon Ventures - https://bluemoon.vc guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/benorthlieb

Tiffany Benitez: Women are the AI Edge

In this episode, Tiffany Benitez shares her insights on the rapid evolution of AI governance, the importance of data quality, and the role of women in shaping the future of AI. She discusses how organizations can navigate the fast-moving AI landscape, evaluate vendors, and foster diversity in tech leadership. key topics * AI governance and data quality * Challenges of rapid AI transformation * Vendor evaluation and trust-building * The role of women in AI leadership keywords AI governance, data quality, women in tech, AI transformation, vendor evaluation, AI ethics, leadership in AI, enterprise AI, AI ROI, diversity in AI resources Women in Tech of Northwest Arkansas - https://www.womenintechnwarkansas.org/ Trailblazers Podcast - https://trailblazers-podcast.com/ guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/tiffanybenitez Twitter - https://twitter.com/tiffanybenitez