In our first mini book club, we unpack Peter Drucker’s timeless book "The Effective Executive" and how you can bring it to life in your world. Some basics: Tracking exactly where your time goes Zeroing in on outcomes over tasks Doubling down on strengths Honing in on the few priorities that drive outsized results. Along the way, we share real Zipline stories on time-blocking, weekly accountability rhythms, and the mental habits that keep our “monkey brain” in check. What we want you to really ge...
Jun 18, 2025•30 min
Sales has become a dirty word—known for aggressive tactics, high-pressure targets, and customer frustration. MM and Zabi sit down to talk through why this doesn’t work, especially in B2B SaaS. We share exactly what great sales looks like: genuine problem-solving, aligning closely with customer pain, and building real relationships. How Zipline built a strong sales culture, deep product<>sales collaboration, why hiring for culture matters, how product agility makes selling easier, and why w...
May 21, 2025•31 min
We're back! Maddie's left for Ireland 🇮🇪 for new adventures and we've been working in the background on a refresh as Zabi comes on board! In this episode we cover what inspired the rebrand (hint: we're seeking growth at Zipline!) who is this for and what you can expect over the coming months. Synopsis The rebrand was inspired by Zipline, our startup gearing up to scale up. With this refocus, our thinking and questioning has shifted away from raw startup career advice to broader lessons learnt ...
Apr 05, 2025•19 min•Season 2Ep. 1
We've all got some level of perfectionism in us which leads us to trying to optimise everything. In this episode we chat about how to "cook just right" anything you work on - How to identify when you're over optimising - How to prioritise the right things to optimise for - How to think through the tension of high quality and realistic effort
Oct 04, 2024•27 min
MM regularly gets asked 'What is it truly like to work at Zipline? How would you describe the culture?' In this episode we unpack exactly what it's like to work at Zipline ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stillman ( ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode we consider what the smoke signals could be for someone working in a larger organisation who are looking for something more in their day-to-day. If you’re feeling any of these we think you could be very well suited to a career in a startup! Michael’s 5 signals that you should be looking out for (& if you have all 5, it’s time to get in touch with us!): 1. Does the treadmill speed of the organisation match yours? 2. Is the work pulling you in? (would you use any of your spare ...
Jun 20, 2024•22 min
In this episode we discuss how staying in your comfort zone and avoiding risk prevents you from finding hyper growth, both personally & professionally. StartUps are a great environment to push yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace discomfort. ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( link...
May 31, 2024•32 min
In this episode, special guest Tanmay (Chief Product Officer @ Zipline) runs us through his tried and tested approach to working backwards from an objective/key result to create a plan to execute. First we unpack solution design and then wrap up the episode with project planning. + special insight into the common mistakes Tanmay has seen & why people often fail in achieving their desired outcome. ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next te...
Apr 23, 2024•50 min
⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stillman ( linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman) 📣 Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - maddie@zipline.io...
Mar 25, 2024•42 min
Have you heard of the 6 critical questions... 1. Why do we exist? 2. How do we behave? 3. What do we do? 4. How will we succeed? 5. What is most important, right now? 6. Who must do what? In this episode we discuss why working for a company that regular discusses these questions is so important. Kai is back on the pod to share his learnings on this topic from a 500+ person organisation — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales coho...
Mar 13, 2024•24 min
Building your mental toughness is an ongoing journey. When personal/professional setbacks arise and demotivate or distract you in can be hard to get back into a productive mode. In this episode we discuss how to accept the setback & process it to snap back like a rubber band. Michael steps us through focussing on what you can control, taking a growth mindset, reminding yourself of perspective, find energy giving activities, sticking to routines and reminding yourself of the reasons you're do...
Mar 06, 2024•41 min
In this episode Michael shares his 7 point plan to receive any bad news with confidence: 1. Be a PRO (not an amateur).. 2. Make them feel safe 3. Get clarity- so you can think like Eisenhower 4. Plan the plan 5. Make it about them (show you care) 6. Agree to the check in to “work the plan" 7. Get them to capture actions/plan in writing Bonus tip #8: Buy time to get cool yourself if required — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales...
Feb 27, 2024•32 min
In this episode Michael shares has 7 point plan to share any bad news with confidence: 1. Prepare and reflect 2. Start with clarity and be vulnerable throughout 3. Be upfront with what you need from them 4. Use facts and specifics 5. Express accountability and responsibility throughout 6. Focus on solutions and next steps 7. Practice active listening — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/...
Feb 05, 2024•17 min
It's never easy to share bad news, but sitting on it or avoiding it is not the answer. In this episode we discuss why this is so important for your areas of responsibility, the different types of bad news & how to spot it. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen...
Jan 28, 2024•28 min
— ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stillman ( linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman) 📣 Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - maddie@zipline.io...
Jan 22, 2024•30 min
At Zipline we talk about 's-curve growth,' the journey that takes you from novice to high growth, high growth to master. In this episode we unpack the approach to seeking feedback and coaching (including criticism) to fast track this growth journey. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen...
Jan 14, 2024•49 min
Part 2 - time to execute on your reflections! It might feel indulgent to get away from your busy to-do list to spend some time reflecting but this is where true growth can start. In this episode we unpack how step away from busy work and lean into deep thinking and journalling. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linke...
Jan 02, 2024•26 min
It might feel indulgent to get away from your busy to-do list to spend some time reflecting but this is where true growth can start. In this episode we unpack how step away from busy work and lean into deep thinking and journalling. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie...
Dec 24, 2023•32 min
We call this a 🪃 boomerang request - use this trick to most effectively get input, feedback or approval for your work. Plus if the request expires, you are empowered to execute! — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stillman ( linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman)...
Dec 17, 2023•44 min
A meeting/customer brief serves many purposes: it prepares the meeting host, it forces you to distill your thoughts & succinctly define what the goal of the meeting. Always remember bad prep = bad meeting, good prep = good meeting. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie ...
Dec 10, 2023•30 min
An angry customer or mismatched expectations can certainly trigger your cortisol. In this episode we cover some strategies for how to take ownership, empathise to their situation and take action to work through a plan to rectify. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stillman (...
Dec 01, 2023•50 min
Reporting directly into an executive leader can look very different on a week to week basis. Maddie & Michael unpack how sometimes you may feel micromanaged and highly scrutinised and other weeks you may barely hear from your boss. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stil...
Nov 26, 2023•28 min
In this episode, we explain ACE (from Winning by Design) - the three steps to kick off a customer meeting: 1. Appreciate your time 2. Check time 3. Expectations / end goal It might sound simple but getting these 3 steps right is vital to running a successful meeting. Maddie role plays her ACE and gets some gems of feedback from Michael. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Conn...
Nov 17, 2023•29 min
You can't expect to nail a meeting if you haven't done the prep. In this episode we unpack how to run an excellent customer meeting. Often people will over optimise what they want the customer to know. Focusing on what you need them to DO is the single most important thing. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/micha...
Nov 10, 2023•48 min
When sending cold email outreach do you consider what the receiver needs to know, how you're making them feel and most importantly have you made it clear what they need to do? — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stillman ( linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman) 📣 Feedback, ideas...
Nov 04, 2023•34 min
Michael shares additional flavour to Pt 1 of this conversation about radical transparency. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie Stillman ( linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman) 📣 Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - maddie@zipline.io...
Oct 27, 2023•23 min
Dive into the concept of radical transparency with us. What is it? How does it show up in the workplace? How does it flow both up (to managers), down (to direct reports) and laterally (to peers). + how Zipline has implemented as a foundational part of our culture. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Maddie...
Sep 30, 2023•49 min
In this episode we unpack what it means to have an ownership mindset towards your career. How can you set and achieve the right career goals to get where you want to be? To put this into practice we share practical tips to implement continuous self improvement and hold yourself accountable. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/mic...
Sep 22, 2023•39 min
Kai is passing the co-host role to Maddie as he steps away from Zipline. Maddie & Kai share their approaches to making bold side steps in their early careers over chasing a linear promotion pathway that is often termed as 'successful.' We talk about the pros and cons of this approach. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelm...
Sep 15, 2023•39 min•Ep. 43
Michael shares a story from his telco days early in his career. He knew he would never be the most commercial savvy, so he became an EXPERT on the technicalities of the product. — We mentioned: - Justin Lipman's interview (https://www.evp.com.au/team/justin-lipman) — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Kai L...
Aug 25, 2023•23 min•Ep. 42
