Bob Barbieri, a highly successful CFO, shares his insights and experiences in finance, business analytics, and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of active learning and understanding the situation when starting as a new CFO. Bob also discusses the attributes he looks for in leadership when building a team, including competence, style, and diversity. He highlights the need for speed and course correction in decision-making, especially during challenging times like the global pandemic. Bob shares his thoughts on AI and its transformational impact on businesses, emphasizing the importance of human touch alongside AI capabilities. Lastly, he discusses the value of coaching and collaboration in corporate America and offers advice for salespeople engaging with C-level executives.

SummaryIn this episode of Getting to Know Your CXOs, host Stephen Brown interviews Doug Kahn, a highly accomplished business operations executive with over 30 years of experience in the technology industry. They discuss the role of a COO, the importance of listening and building credibility, and the process of building a successful team. They also touch on the impact of AI in business and the transformation of the sales profession. Doug shares his insights and advice for salespeople when meeting with C-level executives.KeywordsCXOs, COO, business operations, leadership, team building, decision making, AI, sales professionTakeawaysAs a new COO or CXO, it is important to listen to your team, customers, and vendors to develop an accurate understanding of the company's performance and industry landscape.When building a team, consider using an industry-standard organizational structure and fill the roles with individuals who have the necessary skills and passion for the job.When making tough decisions, categorize them as reversible or irreversible and make reversible decisions quickly, monitoring progress and adjusting if necessary.AI is a transformational technology that will have a significant impact on various industries and careers. Understanding AI and its applications can be valuable for both contributing to and avoiding careers that will be affected by AI.Salespeople should focus on serving as trusted advisors to C-level executives, providing valuable information and assistance that helps them in their job and industry.Developing relationships and rapport with C-level executives through education and assistance can lead to successful sales interactions.TitlesThe Role of a COO and the Importance of ListeningThe Impact of AI in Business and Career ConsiderationsSound Bites"The top three most important things that you should do as a new COO or CXO, listen, listen, listen.""I think listening is, it's, it has resounded as basically the core theme throughout this series.""All decisions can be categorized into two categories. There are decisions that are reversible, and then there are decisions that are not reversible."

SummaryIn this episode of On The Edge, host Stephen Brown interviews Dan Picker, a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience. The conversation covers Dan's background, advice for new CTOs, the impact of AI, and memorable experiences. Dan shares insights on leadership, decision-making, and the role of a CTO in driving innovation and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and challenging C-level executives to foster new ideas and better outcomes.KeywordsCTO, technology executive, leadership, decision-making, AI impact, collaboration, innovation, integrity, C-level executivesTakeawaysThe role of a CTO involves driving innovation, collaborating with diverse teams, and leveraging technology to create products that resonate with consumers.Integrity and ethical leadership are crucial for building successful teams and driving positive outcomes in challenging situations.AI has the potential to elevate business operations, free up time for strategic focus, and uncover non-intuitive correlations in data, leading to better decision-making.Challenging C-level executives and fostering open dialogue can lead to the emergence of new ideas and better outcomes, creating a culture of innovation and collaboration.TitlesThe Role of a CTO in Driving Innovation and CollaborationIntegrity and Ethical Leadership in Technology LeadershipSound Bites"A CTO and a CTO's office should not be a stranger to risk matrices, which means assessing what are the things that can go wrong and how do we mitigate those things and look at them ahead of time."

SummaryIn this episode of Getting to Know Your CXOs, host Stephen Brown interviews Teresa Caragol, the founder and CEO of Achieve Unite, Inc. They discuss the challenges and decisions faced by C-level executives, the importance of trust-building, leadership attributes, decision-making, and the impact of AI on businesses. Teresa shares insights on building a team, the qualities of a good leader, and advice for modern salespeople when meeting with C-level executives.KeywordsCXOs, C-level executives, leadership, trust-building, decision-making, AI impact on business, team building, sales strategiesTakeawaysThe importance of trust-building and relationship-building in leadership and salesThe impact of AI on businesses and the need to embrace it for competitive advantageThe qualities of a good leader and the importance of strategy and execution alignmentAdvice for modern salespeople when meeting with C-level executivesThe significance of building a strong team and the role of genuine leadership in business successTitlesBuilding Trust and Relationships in Leadership and SalesModern Sales Strategies: Meeting with C-Level ExecutivesSound Bites"It's one thing for somebody to be hard on you, but when it's coming from a place of love."

In this episode of Getting to Know Your CXOs, host Stephen Brown interviews Wendy Kaceras, a 30-year marketing executive specializing in B2B enterprise software and cloud-native applications. Wendy shares her experience as a CMO and offers advice for up-and-coming CMOs. She emphasizes the importance of listening and observing in the first 30 days of a new role, as well as assessing the talent and team structure. Wendy also discusses the role of AI in marketing and the need for collaboration between marketing and sales teams.In the first 30 days as a CMO, it is important to listen and observe before making any major changes.Assess the talent of the team and identify strengths, overlaps, and gaps to build the right team structure.AI can help marketers become more efficient, insightful, and customer-focused, driving better results and ROI.Marketing and sales teams should work hand in hand, with regular communication and collaboration.When engaging with C-level executives, understand their priorities and focus on how your solution can help their teams be more effective.

SummaryIn this episode of On The Edge, host Stephen Brown interviews Paul Butcher, a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in high technology. They discuss various topics, including advice for new C-level executives, building effective leadership teams, making tough decisions, and the impact of AI on business. Paul shares insights from his experience starting and growing companies, emphasizing the importance of customer focus and tailored communication in sales.KeywordsCXOs, challenges, decisions, lessons, C-level role, leadership teams, tough decisions, AI, business impact, starting companies, customer focus, tailored communication, salesTakeawaysAdvice for new C-level executives: Build bridges with your management team, focus on business success, and listen to the voice of the customer.Building effective leadership teams: Balance emotional and personality traits, encourage healthy debate, and ensure everyone's voice is heard.Making tough decisions: Focus on what you can affect, ignore what you can't, and prioritize what's best for the overall business.The impact of AI on business: AI can improve customer service, automate tasks, and enhance decision-making, but it requires careful implementation and consideration of ethical implications.Lessons from starting companies: Tailor your approach to customer needs, invest in building credibility, and be flexible and adaptable in a changing market.Sales advice for meeting with C-level executives: Do your homework, tailor your communication, and focus on the decision-makers and their specific needs.TitlesThe Impact of AI on Business and SocietyNavigating the Challenges of a C-level RoleSound Bites"Build bridges with your management team.""Balance emotional and personality traits in leadership teams.""Focus on what you can affect, ignore what you can't."Chapters00:00Introduction02:34Paul's Experience in High Tech03:02Advice for New C-level Executives07:18Building Effective Leadership Teams13:49Making Tough Decisions26:36Lessons from Starting and Growing Companies34:56Sales Advice for Meeting with C-level Executives37:06Conclusion

In this podcast episode, Stephen Brown interviews Martyn Etherington, CMO. They discuss various topics related to being a CMO and provide valuable insights for sales professionals. Martyn emphasizes the importance of understanding what success looks like in a new role. He also highlights the significance of data-driven decision making and the role of AI in business. Additionally, Martyn shares memorable experiences from his career and offers advice for engaging with C-level executives.

In this episode of On The Edge, host Stephen Brown interviews Joe Ward, an accomplished executive with experience in the telephony business and the CEO of IKIN. They discuss the important steps a CEO should take in their first 30-60 days, the significance of building a strong leadership team, the challenges of making tough decisions, the impact of AI on business, and Joe's experiences in the technology industry. Joe also shares his advice for salespeople when meeting with C-level executives. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of patience, learning, and adaptability in leadership roles.TakeawaysIn the first 30-60 days as a CEO, it is important to be patient, learn as much as possible about the environment and challenges, and take a measured approach to implementing policies and procedures.Building a strong leadership team is critical for a company's success. Leaders should focus on mentoring their team members and giving them the opportunity to make decisions and learn from their mistakes.Making tough decisions as a CEO requires confidence, accountability, and the ability to accept that mistakes may happen. It is important to be open to input from others but ultimately take ownership of the decisions.The rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Leaders need to be proactive in addressing the security and ethical implications of AI and finding ways to use it in a productive and responsible manner.Experiences in the technology industry, such as competing against larger companies, have taught valuable lessons about agility, innovation, and the importance of connecting with customers on a personal level.Salespeople should prioritize building real-life connections with customers and focus on making them successful by solving their problems with the company's solutions.

Chuck Reagan, CEO of VoIP Networks, shares his insights and experiences in the telecommunications industry and building successful companies. He emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships in sales, as well as the value of listening and understanding the needs of customers and employees. Chuck also discusses the impact of AI on business and the need for regulation. He highlights the fear of failure as a motivator for entrepreneurs and the importance of taking calculated risks. Overall, Chuck provides valuable advice for sales professionals and aspiring CEOs.