On this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna sits down with lighting-rod revenue leader Jessica Robertson, Chief Revenue Officer at Orbb. After first connecting at a lively CRO roundtable, they unpack a conversation that could have lasted hours—touching on business philosophy, sales innovation, and the evolving role of relationships in growth. Tune in to discover why Jessica’s intelligence and empathy make her a standout leader in today’s noisy market. Jessica traces her rise from a teena...
Jun 19, 2025•58 min•Ep. 74
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna welcomes Emma Clayton, C-Suite Strategic & Commercial Leadership Consultant at Be Brilliant Consultancy. With 27 years in marketing, Emma reveals the origin of her provocative LinkedIn musing on B2B marketing’s fragmentation and leadership vacuum. She shares why she left a prominent community, how her spontaneous critique went viral, and its implications for today’s revenue leaders. Emma dives into her ongoing “Who Shot Marketing?” narrativ...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, Warren Zenna sits down with Joe Gravino, Principal at Falcon Partners. They explore how private equity–backed firms identify and deploy revenue leaders. Joe explains Falcon’s boutique search approach focusing on aligning go-to-market teams with strategic objectives. Together, they pinpoint key markers of organizational readiness for a Chief Revenue Officer. They discuss timing hires to maximize growth. Warren and Joe tackle confusion between the CRO role and sal...
May 15, 2025•55 min•Ep. 73
Hiring the right Chief Revenue Officer can make or break a company's growth trajectory. In this episode, Warren Zenna and Wayne Starritt unpack the systemic issues behind CRO hiring failures—and why fixing the hiring process itself is critical to long-term success. They reveal how many companies unknowingly sabotage CROs before day one. Wayne shares lessons from working with PE-backed SaaS firms, highlighting why hiring a CRO isn't like hiring a CFO or CMO. He and Warren dig into why short-term ...
May 07, 2025•58 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna welcomes John E. Lepto IV for a deep dive into current revenue leadership challenges. Their insightful conversation unpacks the evolving CRO role amid aggressive market dynamics and PE pressures, revealing actionable strategies to balance growth ambitions with operational discipline. John E. Lepto IV shares extensive experience navigating complex revenue landscapes by aligning sales, marketing, and customer success to achieve measurable outcome...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 71
On this engaging episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna sits down with Guy Rubin, Founder and CEO at Ebsta, to dissect the evolving CRO role. They explore the challenges companies face when hiring for growth—from misaligned expectations to premature role adoption. Their conversation sparks innovative ideas on how to recalibrate commercial strategies for lasting success. Guy delves deep into the pitfalls of early CRO hires and the impact of a 17-month turnover trend. He shares insights on ho...
Apr 23, 2025•41 min•Ep. 70
Warren Zenna welcomes Elio Narciso on CRO Spotlight as they dive deep into the challenges of data overload in today’s sales environments. They explore how manual tasks and disjointed CRM systems drag down productivity while innovative integrations and AI-driven agents set the stage for a transformative approach that empowers CROs and their teams to focus on high-impact activities. The conversation shifts to the impact of agent technology and automated research on routine tasks. Warren and Elio d...
Apr 16, 2025•49 min•Ep. 69
In this episode of the CRO Spotlight podcast host Warren Zenna connects with Janis Zech, Co-Founder and CEO at Weflow. They explore the rising significance of the Chief Revenue Officer role amid evolving market challenges. The discussion sets the stage by addressing operational inefficiencies and the need for precise revenue intelligence in today’s competitive environment. The conversation dives deep into aligning sales, marketing, and customer success for a unified revenue strategy. Janis share...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 68
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna welcomes Rich Sutton, Co-Founder at DM&RS Advisory, for a deep dive into the evolving CRO role. Rich shares his unconventional journey from rock and roll DJ to strategic revenue leader, setting the stage for a conversation that challenges traditional sales-focused perspectives in today’s dynamic market. Rich explains how the fractional CRO role can transform startups by integrating sales, marketing, and customer success. He highlights that ...
Apr 02, 2025•59 min•Ep. 67
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna welcomes Alex Asianov and Jonathan Blessing of DOOR3 for a deep dive into their company’s 22-year journey through the ever-changing world of technology services. Alex shares how his early passion for programming led to the founding of DOOR3 and how that foundation evolved into a product-focused mindset serving real business outcomes. Jonathan joins the conversation with reflections on his parallel path in the tech world and eventual return to D...
Mar 26, 2025•51 min•Ep. 66
In this engaging episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna sits down with seasoned executive Steve Kost to explore the intricate world of revenue leadership. Their conversation delves into the often-overlooked intangibles that drive success, drawing on experiences from Fortune 500 giants to nimble startups. The discussion sets a thoughtful tone for tackling today’s complex business challenges. Warren and Steve share candid insights on how empathy and transparency redefine leadership. They exam...
Mar 15, 2025•58 min•Ep. 65
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna welcomes Justin Shriber, CEO of BoostUp.ai, for a deep dive into the evolution of sales technology and enterprise revenue strategies. Justin recounts his journey from early days at Siebel to his leadership roles at Oracle and BoostUp.ai, sharing insights on how traditional models are being reimagined for today’s dynamic market. Justin explains how shifting customer expectations and new revenue models demand more than legacy CRM systems. He outl...
Mar 12, 2025•43 min•Ep. 64
In this episode, Warren Zenna dives deep into the often-overlooked challenges of leadership, particularly for Chief Revenue Officers (CROs). He explores the immense complexity of the role, which requires managing relationships with CEOs, cross-functional teams, boards, and other stakeholders—all while making critical decisions that impact the organization. Warren emphasizes the importance of leadership skills that go beyond operational processes, such as psychological and cultural management, de...
Mar 05, 2025•40 min•Ep. 63
In this episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, host Warren Zenna is joined by LinkedIn expert Brynne Tillman to explore how AI and LinkedIn Sales Navigator are revolutionizing the sales process. Brynne shares insights into using these tools to foster trust-based conversations, create tailored outreach, and enhance relationship-building strategies for CROs and revenue-driven professionals. Together, they discuss how modern technology can accelerate first connections while maintaining the authentic...
Dec 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 62
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna engages with Eric Steele, Chief Revenue Officer, and Larry Earl, Chief Financial Officer at SIB, to explore the intricate relationship between revenue operations and financial management. The discussion highlights how both roles can collaborate effectively to drive growth while maintaining financial health. Eric emphasizes the shift towards "value acceleration," where companies focus on smart growth rather than growth at all costs, ensuring pro...
Nov 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 61
In this episode of CRO Spotlight , host Warren Zenna interviews Chelsea Olsen, founder of CLOHZ, who specializes in helping businesses enhance their sales pipelines through effective LinkedIn strategies. Chelsea shares her entrepreneurial journey, detailing how she transitioned from corporate roles to establishing her consulting business focused on sales and lead generation. The conversation emphasizes the merging of sales and marketing in today's landscape. Chelsea argues that successful sellin...
Oct 30, 2024•51 min•Ep. 60
In this insightful episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, host Warren Zenna welcomes Dayna Williams, the Chief Experience Officer at The Myers-Briggs Company and author of The Diligence Fix. Warren and Dayna dive deep into the challenges of the modern CRO role, exploring how the relentless pursuit of top-line revenue often undermines long-term success. Dayna shares her unique approach to navigating the complexities of the CRO role, emphasizing the importance of simplification and alignment in cre...
Sep 18, 2024•51 min•Ep. 57
In this insightful episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, host Warren Zenna engages in a candid conversation with Kristen Habacht, the Chief Revenue Officer at Typeform. Kristen shares her unconventional journey into the CRO role, starting from an office manager position to leading revenue teams in top tech companies. She discusses the evolving nature of the CRO position, highlighting how her path was shaped by a desire to have a seat at the executive table and to lead organizations with a holist...
Sep 11, 2024•48 min•Ep. 55
In this insightful episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, host Warren Zenna sits down with James Roth, Chief Revenue Officer of ZoomInfo, to explore the critical elements that shape a successful CRO career. James delves into the importance of "knowledge stickiness," explaining how the ability to absorb and retain valuable insights from various roles and experiences is more important than simply having a diverse resume. He shares his journey from a sales leader to a CRO, emphasizing the value of s...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 58
In this thought-provoking episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, host Warren Zenna sits down with Jonathan Spier, CEO of Rev AI, to challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) title. Sparked by a viral LinkedIn post from Jonathan, this conversation dives deep into why he believes the CRO title is not just flawed but potentially detrimental to businesses. Jonathan argues that expecting a single person to effectively manage sales, customer success, and marketing un...
Aug 28, 2024•59 min•Ep. 56
In this episode of the CRO Spotlight podcast, we sit down with Alexa Curtis, a dynamic entrepreneur who navigated the path from a teenage blogger to a media powerhouse. Alexa shares her journey of breaking into the industry with her fearless attitude, from pitching TV segments at a young age to landing a deal with Disney. She recounts her innovative approach to content creation, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and taking bold risks to achieve success. Alexa's story is a testa...
Aug 21, 2024•46 min•Ep. 53
In this episode of the CRO Spotlight podcast, host Warren Zenna is joined by Philip Lacor, Chief Revenue Officer of Airbase, to discuss the intricate role of a CRO in fostering company growth and alignment. Philip, with his extensive background in engineering, finance, and sales, shares insights on how his diverse experience has equipped him to effectively lead cross-functional teams. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer pain points and aligning sales, marketing, and product te...
Aug 14, 2024•58 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of the CRO Spotlight Podcast, host Warren Zenna welcomes Hang Black, a seasoned revenue enablement expert, to discuss the transformative role of revenue enablement in modern businesses. Hang shares her inspiring journey from being a Vietnamese immigrant to becoming a leader in the field of revenue enablement. She emphasizes the importance of empowering and inspiring revenue teams to foster creativity and innovation. By sharing her personal and professional experiences, Hang highl...
Aug 07, 2024•47 min•Ep. 54
In this engaging episode of the CRO Spotlight podcast, host Warren Zenna sits down with Peri Shawn, CEO of the Coaching and Sales Institute. The conversation delves into the transformative power of sales training and effective coaching techniques, exploring how Peri's unique methodology enhances sales effectiveness and overall human performance. Through real-life examples and compelling anecdotes, Peri shares her journey from high school teacher to a leading expert in sales coaching, revealing t...
Aug 01, 2024•51 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, Warren Zenna engages in a candid conversation with Mark Walker, a seasoned Chief Revenue Officer with a wealth of experience in scaling businesses from zero to multimillion-dollar revenues. The discussion centers around the pivotal role of a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and the critical considerations companies must weigh before appointing one. Mark shares his perspective on the readiness of organizations for a CRO, emphasizing the essential groundwork needed in ...
Jul 17, 2024•55 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of CRO Spotlight, host Warren Zenna, CEO of the CRO Collective, sits down with Daniel Frailey, a dynamic leader who has navigated an unconventional path to success. Starting with an early exposure to the business world through his family's sales company, Daniel initially set his sights on a career in medicine. However, he soon discovered his true passion lay in the realm of sales and business development, leading him to pivot towards a business-focused career. Daniel shares his j...
Jul 10, 2024•46 min•Ep. 50
In this episode of the CRO Spotlight podcast, host Warren Zenna sits down with Roee Hartuv, a senior consultant at Winning by Design, to delve into the complexities of revenue leadership. Warren and Roee explore the critical balance between process-driven strategies and the essential leadership qualities needed to drive successful revenue operations. Through an engaging and insightful conversation, they discuss how recurring revenue models require more than just systems and processes—they demand...
Jun 26, 2024•55 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, Warren welcomes Dan Hurwitz, an experienced revenue leader and the mind behind the podcast "How to Unf**k Your Startup." Warren and Dan delve into the intricacies of revenue leadership, sharing insights from their own journeys and exploring the critical role of intuition alongside data in driving business growth. Dan shares his wealth of experience from over two decades in the industry, recounting his ventures in media and startup leadership. He discusses the common challenges f...
Jun 19, 2024•41 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, Warren sits down with Mike Campagna, an executive recruiter specializing in sales leadership roles within enterprise SaaS and B2B markets. With over a decade of experience, Mike shares his unique perspective on the intricacies of hiring for the CRO role. He discusses the importance of understanding the specific needs of a company based on its stage of growth and the critical differences between a true CRO and a head of sales. For founders and executives looking to appoint a CRO,...
Jun 11, 2024•40 min•Ep. 47
In this episode of The CRO Spotlight Podcast, Warren Zenna engages in a candid conversation with a seasoned expert in the revenue space - Frank Nardi, who is the CRO at Cin7. As they navigate through topics like the "Golden Age of SaaS" and the era of "profitable efficient growth," they explore how the role of the CRO has been shaped by changing market dynamics. Together they analyze the impact of the "grow at all costs" mentality prevalent in many SaaS businesses, highlighting the need for a sh...
Jun 06, 2024•54 min•Ep. 48
