Sales Lead Dog Podcast

By: Christopher Smith
  • Summary

  • "Unless you are the lead dog, your view never changes." On the Sales Lead Dog podcast, CRM technology and sales process expert Christopher Smith talks with exceptional sales leaders that have separated themselves from the rest and achieved a sales leadership role in their organization. Hear what they did to become the alpha, lead their pack, and how they leverage CRM technology to drive sales for their organization. If your goal is to rise higher in your sales career or you currently are the alpha, this podcast gives you useful insight on how the best-of-the-best achieve success with their team and CRM technology.
    Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Lee Weech: Balancing Leadership and Self-Care in Sales Management
    Jul 29 2024

    Unlock the secrets to successful sales leadership as we sit down with Lee Weech, Vice President of Sales for Executech. Learn from Lee's vast experience as he discusses how Executech has thrived over the past 25 years in managed services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions. Discover why cloud migration and robust cybersecurity measures are more critical now than ever and get tips on how to protect your corporate data in the age of AI technologies like ChatGPT.

    Gain priceless insights from Lee’s early sales experiences, where transparency and confidence played a pivotal role in closing deals. Hear his candid stories about failures and the lessons they imparted, illustrating how accountability and resilience can turn professional hardships into stepping stones for success. Lee's personal philosophy on sales will inspire you, whether you're starting your career or looking to overcome your own professional challenges.

    Peek behind the curtain of sales leadership with Lee as he shares the ups and downs of steering a team in the managed service provider industry. Learn the art of balancing responsibilities, the importance of self-care, and the role of delegation in fostering a cohesive and successful team. Lee’s approach to hiring, transparency, and leadership will offer you practical strategies to build a supportive, honest, and high-energy work environment. Tune in for invaluable lessons and inspiring stories that can transform your approach to sales and leadership. Lee Weech is the Vice President of Sales for Executech having helped clients find solutions for Managed IT, Security and Cloud-based solutions to improve their efficiencies for 8 years within 8 locations in 6 states.

    Lee is originally from San Diego moving to Utah is 2005. Along with his two kids, Jackson 18 and Kara 16, they enjoy a very active life together including ATV riding, skiing, golf, hiking, paddle boarding, traveling and proud to carry the National Park annual pass. Lee enjoys giving back to the community as the former chair of the Salt Lake City President Ambassadors and volunteers within the Daybreak community in South Jordan, UT.

    Quotes:

    "Honesty, showing up, and transparency are the core values I hold true. Whether it's telling a client they don't need an expensive solution or showing up in a snowstorm, these principles build trust and long-term relationships."

    "The hardest thing for me in leadership is delegation. By doing everything myself, I'm not helping my team grow. It's important to give them opportunities to handle challenging situations, knowing I've got their back."

    "Reflecting on past failures, I've learned that lack of effort and attention to detail can lead to job losses, but these experiences also serve as critical learning opportunities. Accountability and resilience are key to transforming professional hardships into stepping stones for success."

    Links:

    Lee’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeweech/

    Executech - https://www.executech.com

    Get this episode and all other episodes of Sales Lead Dog at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog

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    39 mins
  • Kevin Kostiner: Authenticity and Vulnerability in Modern Sales
    Jul 22 2024

    Kevin Kostiner, Chief Commercial Officer of ClimaFi, joins us to discuss their revolutionary microgrid technologies and strategic energy solutions. As grid instability grows, Kevin emphasizes the crucial need for businesses to secure reliable energy sources to avoid disruptions. Drawing from his own career, he shares invaluable advice on the importance of focus, passion, and perseverance. We also explore the shifting landscape of career trends in the tech industry, from long-term employment to frequent job changes.

    In a heartfelt segment, we tackle the transformative power of vulnerability and genuine confidence. Behind the polished exteriors often seen at business events, many rely on artificial confidence to hide insecurities. By sharing personal anecdotes from my entrepreneurial journey and my daughter's post-college challenges, we highlight how embracing discomfort and being open about struggles can lead to meaningful connections and personal growth.

    Lastly, we delve into authenticity in leadership and the evolving virtual work culture. The shift to remote work has allowed for greater authenticity and a healthier work-life balance. We discuss the importance of supporting employees' passions, the benefits of casual attire, and how personal touches in virtual settings can foster deeper connections. We also emphasize the significance of effective CRM systems in enhancing productivity and avoiding manual inefficiencies. Tune in for a comprehensive look at achieving success in sales leadership and creating a thriving, authentic work environment.

    Kevin Kostiner is the Chief Commercial Officer at ClimaFi, an innovative startup backed by Google Ventures, focused on revolutionizing microgrid solutions through advanced software and funding. Prior to recently joining ClimaFi, Kevin spent 5 years as Head of Business Development & Partnerships at a leading electric vehicle charging manufacturer. As a recognized leader in the EV charging and renewable energy sectors, Kevin is focused on driving growth and forging impactful partnerships that expand sustainable solutions to deliver a greener present and future.

    Quotes:

    "In today's world of grid instability, businesses must proactively secure their energy needs to avoid operational disruptions. It's about building resilience and reliability into their infrastructure."

    "The ability to focus, find interest in your work, and persevere through challenges are key drivers of success. It's not about a perfectly curated life plan but about being adaptable and seizing opportunities as they come."

    "True confidence comes from embracing vulnerability and being genuine. The façade of artificial confidence at business events hides insecurities that many people have."

    Links:

    Kevin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkostiner/

    ClimaFi - https://www.climafi.com

    Get this episode and all other episodes of Sales Lead Dog at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog

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    38 mins
  • Cody George: From Engineering Roots to Sales Success
    Jul 15 2024

    What does it take to transition from engineering to leading a high-performing sales team? Join us on Sales Lead Dog as Cody George, Co-founder and Chief Sales Officer of RavenVolt, reveals his inspiring journey. Listen in as Cody discusses how his engineering roots and family background shaped his rise in sales leadership, and how he played a pivotal role in Ravenvolt's growth as a turnkey microgrid EPC since its inception in 2020. From maintaining integrity to fostering teamwork, Cody shares the core principles that have driven his success and fueled the company's rapid expansion.

    Discover the nuances of building trust in sales leadership as Cody dives deep into his experience of moving from an engineering manager to VP of Sales, and ultimately, gaining a firsthand understanding of a salesperson's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of a team-centric approach, asking the right questions, and enabling star performers. Cody also underscores the significance of early wins, cross-departmental collaboration, and personal goal planning in creating a thriving work environment. The episode sheds light on overcoming trust deficits and building strong, lasting relationships with team members and customers alike.

    Effective communication can make or break a sales team, and Cody brings this point home with compelling personal anecdotes. By highlighting the 7-38-55 rule and the power of face-to-face interactions, he illustrates how authentic listening and open dialogue are key to resolving trust issues. The episode also delves into the traits that matter most in building a successful sales team—competitiveness, discipline, and reliability. Wrapping up, we encourage you to connect with Cody on LinkedIn and subscribe to Sales Lead Dog for more engaging conversations. Don't miss out on this insightful episode packed with actionable takeaways for sales professionals!

    Cody George, P.E. is one of the co-founders and President of Sales for RavenVolt Inc., An ABM Company providing commercial microgrid and utility battery solutions throughout the country operating as a turnkey EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction). An degreed Mechanical and licensed Electrical engineer at heart, Cody loves working with people and teams to find reliable long-term solutions to challenging, multifaceted energy problems as our country continues to electrify and work toward modernizing our electricity grid with renewable resources. He and his family enjoy a very active life including sports of any kind, exploring the outdoors, travel and early morning exercise.

    Quotes:

    "Passion for what you do is a huge strategic advantage in sales."

    "Maintaining integrity, passion, and teamwork are the cornerstones of my success."

    "Trust is foundational. If you're going to ask someone to do something, be willing to do it yourself."

    "Sales might look like an individual sport, but it's truly a team sport."

    Links:

    Cody’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/codytgeorge/

    RavenVolt - https://ravenvolt.com

    Get this episode and all other episodes of Sales Lead Dog at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog

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    41 mins

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