Art & Science of Complex Sales

Fixing Fundamentals in Sales │ Richard Pole

In this episode, Paul Fuller talks with Richard Pole of Noodle Spark Group about what is really behind missed targets, weak forecasts, and stalled deals. Richard shares lessons and explains why most teams struggle because they lack a documented sales process, consistent leadership, and a repeatable framework that turns best practices into team-wide performance. Together, they discuss why “we have always done it that way” is one of the most dangerous phrases in any business, and why sellers should stop rushing to proposals and focus on aligning to the customer, educating them, and guiding the buying journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why sales performance is declining even when leaders blame the market • The 3 root causes that prevent teams from hitting targets • Why sales leaders often act like fixers instead of coaches • How to avoid false deals and forecast inflation • What it means to align, educate, and guide buyers without pushing Listen in to learn how fixing fundamentals creates predictable growth.

Selling in a Post-Trust World │ Larry Levine

Sales is more difficult than ever, not because buyers stopped buying, but because trust is harder to earn. In this episode, Paul Fuller [https://www.linkedin.com/in/psfuller/] talks with Larry Levine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/] about what it takes to sell in a post-trust world. Larry breaks down his four pillars for rebuilding credibility in modern selling: authentic relationships, meaningful business value, inspirational experiences, and disciplined habits. They also explore why sellers get stuck trying to be liked, how confidence changes outcomes, and why leaders must coach mindset and heartset before they can expect skillset to improve. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why trust has declined and how sellers contributed to it * How to avoid the “friend zone” by bringing meaningful business value * The four pillars that build credibility with consistency * Why confidence and belief unlock real selling skills * How coaching and discipline drive long term performance Listen in to discover why soft skills yield hard dollars, and how trust based selling starts from the inside out. Learn more about Larry Levine’s book here [https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Post-Trust-World-Discover-Dollars/dp/163698343X].

Fundamentals in Sales │ Rocky LaGrone

Sales have changed, but the fundamentals never have. In this episode of The Art and Science of Complex Sales, Paul Fuller talks with Rocky LaGrone [https://www.linkedin.com/in/salesdevelopmentexpert/], a sales development expert with over 35 years of experience, about what truly drives sales performance and why leadership matters more than tools, tactics, or technology. Rocky shares why sales is ultimately a people game, how trust and discovery sit at the center of every successful deal, and why companies struggle when they rely on systems without accountability. Together, they explore how belief, purpose, and leadership shape long-term success for both sales teams and individuals. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why sales fundamentals never change * How leadership directly impacts sales performance * Why tools and training fail without accountability * How belief-driven development creates lasting growth Listen in to discover how developing people first elevates sales performance and transforms lives.

Crystal Ball Recruiting │ Jason Howes

Sales hiring is broken, and it is costing companies more than they realize. In this episode, Paul Fuller talks with Jason Howes of Arrow Executive Sales about his upcoming book, Crystal Ball Recruiting [https://jasonhowes.com.au/], and why leaders need a more predictable approach to hiring and retaining top sales talent. Jason breaks down the sales performance crisis behind short tenure, failed hires, and misaligned expectations. He shares why the smartest move is often to assess your current team first, define the role clearly, remove bias from decision making, and treat onboarding as a retention strategy, not an afterthought. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why sales recruitment fails when it is rushed and reactive * How to assess current team capability before hiring again * What it takes to define a sales role that attracts the right people * How to reduce bias and improve selection accuracy * Why onboarding is a key driver of retention and performance Listen in to discover how hiring with a better structure can build stronger sales teams and long-term growth. Get a copy of Crystal Ball Recruiting at https://jasonhowes.com.au/ [https://jasonhowes.com.au/]

Nurturing the Next Generation of Sales │ Daniel Kane, Curbell Plastics

Sales is one of the best careers in business, yet still one of the least understood. In this episode, Paul Fuller talks with Daniel Kane [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kane-rva/] of Curbell Plastics about developing the next generation of B2B sales talent. Dan shares how he found sales by accident, why relationship-building still sits at the core of great selling, and how Curbell invests in talent through internships, onboarding, and mentorship. Together, they explore how leaders can meet younger sellers where they are, why patience and curiosity matter more than polish, and how sales organizations can elevate the profession by putting people first. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why many great sales careers start by accident * How to attract and develop early-career sales talent * What younger sellers need from leaders today * Why patience, humility, and curiosity drive long-term success Listen in to discover how intentional development can turn sales into a meaningful, long-term career.