The SaaS Sales Performance Podcast

In this episode of the SaaS Sales Performance Podcast, host Matt Milligan sits down with Tanvir Bhangoo and former college football player turned commercial leader, keynote speaker, and author of the bestselling book The Pro Business Mindset.

Tanvir is the Founder of TBX Digital, where he helps organizations unlock elite performance under pressure by applying principles from sports to business.

Together, they explore how sales and revenue leaders can build resilience, sharpen execution, and lead teams through market turbulence by focusing on process, mindset, and fundamentals, not just pipeline velocity.

Expect a grounded, practical conversation on how to perform when conditions are tough and how to lead with grit, discipline, and clarity when your team needs it most.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why "training camp" fundamentals matter more than ever in tough markets
✅ How to reset your mindset and team habits during a downturn
✅ What true leading indicators of enterprise performance look like
✅ Why in-person connection is becoming a competitive advantage again
✅ How EQ, consistency, and discipline outperform over-activity

🎧 A must-listen for CROs, VPs of Sales, and leaders navigating uncertainty in 2025.

00:00 – 00:15 | Protecting the Core in Downturns
Why companies are cutting costs, consolidating tech, and focusing on essentials.

00:15 – 01:34 | Meet Tanvir Bhangoo
From football field to boardroom — how sports shaped Tanvir’s leadership philosophy.

01:34 – 03:43 | Market Mindset: Grit Over Growth Hacking
Navigating instability by focusing on fundamentals, not just outbound acceleration.

03:43 – 06:55 | Back to Training Camp
Reassessing what works, cutting what doesn’t, and rebuilding habits that drive performance.

06:55 – 08:48 | The Sniper Approach to Pipeline
Why fewer, more targeted deals outperform high-volume outreach in slow markets.

08:48 – 10:56 | Resetting Boardroom Expectations
How leaders can proactively communicate and reforecast during tough quarters.

10:57 – 13:20 | Managing Process, Not Just Results
Why the best leaders focus on consistency, not outcome dependency.

13:21 – 15:14 | Mindset Under Pressure
High performers master what they can control — habits, routines, and focus.

15:14 – 17:29 | KPIs That Matter in Enterprise Sales
Measuring stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and true customer understanding.

17:30 – 19:51 | Reading the Right Leading Indicators
Early signals of success: relationships, collaboration, and customer depth.

19:52 – 22:42 | Why In-Person Still Wins
The trust dividend of face-to-face meetings in an AI-driven world.

22:42 – 24:01 | Doing the Hard, Inconvenient Work
The mindset of elite performers — doing what most avoid.

24:01 – 25:38 | The Power of Restraint
Knowing when to slow down and rebuild strength before pushing forward.

25:38 – 27:38 | Owning the Pipeline
Why top performers source their own deals and lead by initiative.

27:38 – 29:06 | AI’s Role: Automate the Transactional, Humanize the Strategic
EQ, trust, and relationships will define the winners in high-value sales.

29:06 – End | Growth, Fulfillment & What’s Next for Tanvir
A look at Tanvir’s upcoming book and where to connect for more insights.

In this episode of the SaaS Sales Performance Podcast, we sit down with Frank Sondors, Co-Founder and CEO of SalesForge. With a career spanning Google, high-growth SaaS startups, and now building cutting-edge AI-driven sales automation, Frank shares his unique perspective on the future of outbound sales, pipeline generation, and sales efficiency.

We explore how traditional outbound models—built on ever-growing headcount—are breaking down, and how AI, automation, and smarter processes can drive predictable growth with leaner teams. Frank also highlights the market realities shaping sales today: talent shortages, buyer saturation, and the rise of AI-to-AI communication.

You’ll learn:

• Why sales software needs to evolve away from “big-team” assumptions

• How to increase productivity per rep using AI and automation

• Why outbound channels like cold email and cold calls are declining—and what’s next

• The future role of AI SDRs, and when they do and don’t make sense

• What leaner, AI-augmented revenue teams of the future will look like

00:00 - 02:00 Introduction of the episode, guest Frank Sondors, and the topic—outbound sales and pipeline efficiency
02:00 - 04:00 Frank’s background: Google, SaaS, founding SalesForge, and rapid $0–$3M growth in 22 months
04:00 - 07:00 Inefficiencies in traditional sales models: reliance on headcount and dissatisfaction with old approaches
07:00 - 10:00 Building software ecosystems that reduce reliance on large teams; addressing deadwood in sales
10:00 - 13:00 Attrition challenges and the high cost of acquiring top sales talent
13:00 - 16:00 Increasing individual productivity with automation, AI, and smarter processes
16:00 - 19:00 Market saturation: overwhelmed buyers, AI filtering, and the rise of AI-to-AI communication
19:00 - 22:00 Adapting continuously: testing channels like direct mail, offline events, and content sharing
22:00 - 25:00 Decline of cold calls/emails; need for experimentation and integrated touchpoints
25:00 - 28:00 Leveraging automation platforms and integrating humans with AI
28:00 - 31:00 Follow-up automation strategies and handling high meeting volumes
31:00 - 34:00 Future of AI agents in sales; when AI SDRs make sense
34:00 - 37:00 Criteria for AI SDR adoption: large account pools, mid-market deals, shorter cycles
37:00 - 40:00 Pitfalls of over-relying on AI without product-market fit; need for iteration
40:00 - 43:00 Testing AI solutions effectively: 3-month cycles and embracing failure
43:00 - 45:00 Future team structures: lean, technical GTM engineers and RevOps specialists
45:00 - 47:00 Augmentation, not replacement: humans + AI for better margins and efficiency
47:00 - 48:00 Closing remarks: salesforge.ai, upcoming events, and advice to adopt AI and automation

In this episode of the SaaS Sales Performance Podcast, Matt sits down with Roee Hartov (Berlin) to unpack how revenue leaders can drive productivity and profitability in today’s tighter market.

Roee maps a simple but powerful approach: standardise processes, deploy the right tools, and upskill teams—then measure everything through a clear data model. Expect candid takes on AI’s real impact (today vs. hype), why many SaaS unicorns face hard choices, and how to sequence change so it sticks.

You’ll learn

• Why the 2021–2025 shift demands efficient growth and pre-IPO profitability

• How to implement process fixes that compound (e.g., closing next steps to stop ghosting)

• The role of a data model (e.g., bowtie) to track stage conversions and diagnose gaps

• Where AI helps now: coaching, call insights, early forecasting—and where it’s headed

• Why the frozen middle (50–100% to target) is the highest-ROI cohort for upskilling

  
  

00:00 — Intro & Context: From growth-at-all-costs to efficient GTM
01:03 — Market Reset: Cost discipline, profitability before IPO, and the Docusign watershed
03:07 — Unicorn Math: 1,200 private SaaS unicorns vs. ~346 public—what happens next
06:46 — AI & Deflationary Pressure: How disruption reshapes SaaS buying
08:26 — The Framework: Productivity via Processes, Tools, Skills
09:37 — Process Wins: Small changes with compound effect (close, summary, next steps)
14:21 — Measure What Matters: Data models (bowtie), stage conversion, trend tracking
17:14 — ICP is a Moving Target: Why benchmarks must evolve with the market
20:00 — Tools & AI: Coaching, call analysis, forecasting; the self-serve frontier
23:10 — Team of the Future: Fewer heads, deeper skills; the SDR role transforms
28:37 — Upskilling Strategy: Focus on the middle performers; will vs. skill
29:28 — Wrap & Connect: Reach Roee on LinkedIn for models/resources

Engineer-turned-founder Sriharsha “Sai” Guduguntla, CEO of Hyperbound, joins the SaaS Sales Performance Podcast to unpack how voice AI roleplay is reshaping sales enablement. We cover de-risking AI initiatives, why practice beats pipeline obsession, and why the top reps are the hungriest users of coaching tech. Plus: the wild go-to-market behind Hyperbound’s viral launch and what the future holds for enablement teams.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Sai Guduguntla, co-founder & CEO at Hyperbound, an AI platform that lets enterprise sales teams practise real conversations through intelligent voice roleplay and coaching. Sai shares the founder journey from YC acceptance to a hard pivot, why “inbox-only selling” is fading, and how reinforcement—not one-off training—wins.

You’ll learn:

• The research sprint behind Hyperbound: 25k LinkedIn messages, 10k cold emails, 2k user interviews

• Why Hyperbound pivoted from AI SDR to AI coaching—and why realism is everything

• How to de-risk AI in GTM (start with the problem, not the tool)

• The enablement reboot: reinforcement, measurement, and coordination at scale

• Why top reps adopt practice tools fastest—and how laggards get found out

In this episode of the SaaS Sales Performance Podcast, host Matt Milligan is joined by Raouf Mhenni, Chief Commercial Officer at Sopra Banking Software (SBS). Ralph brings 25+ years of commercial leadership experience and shares powerful, actionable insights from his global career in sales, marketing, and product strategy.

Introduction & Guest Background (0:00 - 1:20)

Raouf shares his journey from pre-sales to sales leadership, highlighting his passion for customer interaction and continuous learning, especially in banking.

Overview of SBS and Market Context (1:20 - 2:40)

SBS provides core banking and digital banking solutions across Europe and North America, focusing on retail banking and specialized finance.

Building Resilient & Productive Teams (2:40 - 4:50)

Raouf emphasizes the fundamentals of hiring, onboarding, and engagement—adapting these processes for today’s talent market and technological environment.

Evolving Recruitment & Onboarding (4:50 - 8:20)

Shift from traditional hiring and onboarding to digital tools, e-learning, and leveraging internal referrals to attract motivated talent; importance of meeting with product teams and creating a sense of safety.

Motivating Salespeople Beyond Money (8:20 - 10:50)

Focus on learning, joy, and career growth, including aspirational paths to leadership, to retain top talent and foster engagement.

Fostering Team Solidarity & Collaboration (10:50 - 14:00)

Encourages creating spaces for sales teams to share experiences, work together on win-loss analyses without managers, and build peer leadership.

Leadership During Tough Moments (14:00 - 16:20)

Leaders should actively support and reassure their teams during challenging times through one-on-one conversations and human connection.

Impact of AI & Digital Transformation (16:20 - 23:00)

Raouf discusses AI's transformative potential across marketing, sales, and customer insights—speeding up processes, reducing time-to-market, and enabling smarter decision-making. Emphasizes the importance of change management and human-AI balance.

Human Element & Balance (23:00 - 24:30)

Despite technological advances, Ralph underscores the need to prioritize human connection, interaction, and wellbeing in the workplace.

Closing & Contact (24:30 - End)

Raouf invites listeners to connect via LinkedIn, emphasizing ongoing learning and adaptation in sales.

Jamie Lee, seasoned revenue leader with over 25 years of sales and go-to-market experience, including roles as Chief Revenue Officer at Zesty and multiple GTM leadership positions.

In this episode, Jamie Lee shares insights on navigating sales transformation, the importance of coaching, trust, and clear communication in sales teams, and how leaders can foster a growth mindset.

He emphasizes the significance of foundational practices like OKRs, effective hiring based on humility, hunger, and smartness (EQ), and the critical role of leadership in developing high-performing teams. J

amie also discusses overcoming resistance to new technologies, the importance of time management for leaders, and the value of continuous learning. He advocates for leaders to lead by example, prioritize coaching, and build a culture of self-awareness and humility to drive sustainable growth

Introduction & Guest Background (0:00 - 0:09)

Jamie Lee discusses his extensive sales and GTM leadership experience, including roles at Zesty and multiple CRO positions.

Market Trends & Challenges (1:00 - 1:13)

Insights on current market transformation, especially amid rapid AI growth and shifting team strategies.

What Reps Seek in Roles (3:52 - 4:04)

Coaching, trust, and clear communication are top priorities for high-performing salespeople.

Embracing New Technologies & Growth Mindset (4:12 - 5:30)

The importance of leaders modeling learning, supporting development, and fostering a growth mindset.

Handling Resistance to AI & Change (6:07 - 8:06)

Strategies for coaching team members hesitant to adopt new tools, emphasizing understanding motivations and fixed vs. growth mindsets.

Leadership & Coaching Time Management (12:47 - 15:18)

Overcoming excuses for lack of coaching; leaders should dedicate time to develop their teams and focus on hiring for humility, hunger, and EQ.

Setting Effective Goals & OKRs (16:00 - 18:01)

Using OKRs to align team efforts, focusing on inputs and actions that drive outcomes, and involving teams in goal-setting.

Hiring with the Right Traits (21:36 - 25:54)

Assessing candidates for humility, hunger, and smartness (EQ); practical interview questions and evaluation techniques.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement (28:45 - 29:23)

Jamie encourages ongoing learning, coaching, and community support to elevate the sales profession.

In this insightful Podcast, Daniel Cummings, Chief Commercial Officer at PrecisionAQ, shares insights on leading a PE-backed GTM organisation through its first 100 days and beyond. He emphasises the importance of relentless execution, focusing on doing the work daily, and maintaining a "day one" mindset. Dan highlights the significance of clear goal-setting using OKRs, establishing strategic boulders, and maintaining transparency with dashboards that track progress.

Daniel highlights the significance of clear goal-setting using OKRs, establishing strategic boulders, and maintaining transparency with dashboards that track progress.

He discusses how to unify teams in a private equity environment by leveraging data, incentives, and a matrix organisational model that balances delivery and growth initiatives. Building a strong talent foundation and fostering a culture of continuous communication are also key themes.

He stresses that the integration of AI into the go-to-market strategy, advocating for a people-centric approach to AI adoption, involving training teams to use AI tools effectively, and focusing on content creation and business insights. He advises managing team fears around AI by demonstrating its value and embedding it into daily workflows.

Finally, Daniel underscores the importance of aligning with the board through consistent OKR reporting, presenting clear narratives, and setting strategic priorities to ensure sustained growth.

0:00 - 1:14 Introduction & Guest Overview

1:14 - 6:17 First 100 Days Focus

6:17 - 12:13 Building a Unified GTM & Talent

12:13 - 14:00 OKRs & Board Communication

7:12 - 10:17 Private Equity Context & Acquisition Journey

15:22 - 17:50 Team Structure & Collaboration

25:12 - 29:01 AI Strategy & Modern GTM

29:01 - 33:34 Managing AI Adoption & Team Fears

Rachel Roberts is Chief Revenue Officer at Level Access, bringing deep leadership experience from global firms like Cisco, Adobe and high growth SaaS scaleups. With a proven record guiding organisations from tens of millions to enterprise scale, Rachel stands out for helping teams adapt and thrive through periods of major change. Her work covers industries from marketing technology to cybersecurity and always puts people at the centre of transformation.
In this episode, Rachel explains how to bring teams with you when changing strategy, go to market or ways of working. She shares honest stories about what works and what fails and why process alone is never enough. You will learn why most teams resist change, how to unlock informal leaders and why trust is your most important asset in a transformation. Rachel reveals her approach for building buy in, using FOMO to drive new habits and setting a vision that stretches people but keeps them united. The conversation covers compensation mistakes, keeping teams productive through uncertainty and what to do when your first attempt does not land. There is advice for new CROs taking over in times of upheaval and guidance on setting a bold vision without losing clarity.
00:00:00 Welcome and Rachel’s journey from Cisco to Level Access
00:02:10 Lessons learned leading change at Adobe and cybersecurity firms
00:05:30 How to win hearts and minds before rolling out new ways of working
00:09:15 The role of informal leaders and McKinsey research on successful transformations
00:13:00 Building trust by owning mistakes and fixing compensation models
00:17:30 Creating regular listening forums and why small cohorts beat big town halls
00:21:00 Setting vision as an ongoing process and making sure it passes the 30-second test
00:25:10 Helping high performers rise to a challenge while supporting those who struggle
00:28:30 Advice for new CROs on balancing board demands and team needs
00:31:50 Navigating constant change in growth companies and timing transformation work
00:36:00 Final tips for resilient leadership and keeping teams together during turbulence

In this episode, Keith joins host Matt Milligan to unpack how he helped PandaDoc scale efficiently after pandemic hypergrowth, revamp its GTM strategy and 4x average selling price, all by doubling down on execution, team alignment, and ICP focus.

Keith shares the radical mindset shift that enabled his team to stop chasing "ankle biter" deals and start prioritising the biggest opportunities.

You’ll also learn how letting go of non-core use cases helped PandaDoc solidify its category dominance in sales and rev ops.

This is a masterclass in sustainable scale, ownership culture, and resilient team building.

00:00:18 – Introduction: Keith Rabkin, CRO at PandaDoc, on Scaling High-Growth SaaS Teams
00:01:37 – PandaDoc’s Strategic Shift: From Sales Proposals to E-Signatures
00:02:25 – Sustainable Growth: How PandaDoc Quadrupled Average Selling Price (ASP)
00:03:30 – The Power of Focus: Prioritising High-Impact Deals Over "Ankle Biters"
00:04:40 – Mastering the ICP: Why Sales & RevOps Became PandaDoc’s Core Strength
00:05:42 – Building Resilient Teams: Keith's Approach to Tenacity, Ownership and Learning
00:07:48 – Leveraging Personal Resilience at Work: Connecting Life Experiences to Professional Growth
00:09:25 – The OWL Framework Explained: Empowering Sellers with Ownership, Wisdom, and Learning
00:11:47 – Cascading Ownership Culture: The Crucial Role of Frontline Leadership
00:13:01 – Flat Team Structures: Lessons from Google on Optimising Leadership Spans
00:14:34 – Strategic Talent Acquisition: Why Keith Personally Sources Talent on LinkedIn
00:16:00 – Contrarian Hiring: Seeking Candidates with Resilience and a "Chip on Their Shoulder"
00:17:44 – Inside Keith’s LinkedIn Strategy: Personalised Outreach for Top Talent
00:20:26 – The CRO's Role: Balancing Detail Orientation with Strategic Leadership (T-Shaped Model)
00:22:51 – Empowering vs. Micro-Managing: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with Frontline Managers
00:24:35 – Leading Through Change: Key Lessons from PandaDoc’s Transformation Journey
00:26:43 – Effective Learning in Sales Enablement: Customising Training to Individual Motivations
00:28:50 – Final Thoughts: Driving Team Success Through Ownership, Repetition and Transparency