The Scale Up Show - podcast cover

The Scale Up Show

Ryan Staleyryanstaley.io

How do you grow like a VC-backed SAAS company without taking on investors? What are the secrets that SAAS CEOs have that the rest of us don't? Do you want to create a lifestyle business, a performance business, or an empire?  How do you scale to an exit without losing your freedom?


Join the host Ryan Staley every Monday and Wednesday for conversations with the brightest and best SAAS Founders, CEOs, and Entrepreneurs to crack the code on repeatable revenue growth, leadership, lifestyle freedom and mindset.

This show has featured Startup and Billion Dollar Founders, Best Selling Authors, and the World’s Top Sales and Marketing Experts like Terry Jones (Founder of Travelocity and Chairman of Kayak), Gina Bianchini (Founder of Mighty Networks and prior Co-Founder with Marc Andreessen) and Harpaul Sambhi (Founder of Magical with a previous exit to Linkedin). This is where Scaling and Sales are made simple in 25 minutes or less.

Saas, Saas growth, Scale, Business Growth, B2b Saas, Saas Sales, Enterprise Saas, Sales, Business growth strategy, Founder, VP of Sales, CRO, Chief Revenue Officer, Technology, Leadership, CEO, Management, Hyper-Growth.

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Episodes

Why Your AI Transformation Is Failing From The Top - Part 2

In this episode, Ryan Staley discusses the challenges and opportunities of AI transformation in organizations, focusing on leadership's role in driving successful implementation. He highlights common leadership patterns that hinder progress, the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation, and practical steps leaders can take to embrace AI effectively. Staley emphasizes the need for leaders to demonstrate AI usage, create safe environments for innovation, and share successes across team...

Dec 04, 202412 minEp. 453

Why Your Best Employees Are Hiding Their AI Innovation - Part 1

In this episode, Ryan Staley discusses the silent AI revolution, highlighting how many employees are secretly leveraging AI to enhance their productivity without their organization's knowledge. He explores the concept of the shadow AI economy, where a significant percentage of employees use personal AI tools due to lack of training or restrictions from their employers. Staley provides actionable strategies for organizations to embrace AI innovation, including anonymous surveys, innovation amnest...

Dec 02, 20248 minEp. 452

Unique AI Strategies: How you can create GPTs for your personal Healthcare, Legal needs, and Marketing

In this episode, Ryan Staley and John Munsell delve into various AI use cases, focusing on practical applications across different sectors. John shares insights on how AI tools like GPT and Perplexity can be utilized for tasks ranging from blog writing to analyzing medical reports and legal documents. The conversation highlights innovative internal applications of AI in education and healthcare, as well as the importance of fostering a culture of AI utilization within organizations. Takeaways AI...

Nov 27, 202414 minEp. 451

Navigating AI Implementation: Insights from John Munsell on Scalable Prompt Engineering

Summary In this engaging conversation, Ryan Staley and John Munsell delve into the intricacies of AI strategy and implementation. John, the CEO of Bizukka, shares his journey from software development to focusing exclusively on AI training and consulting. They discuss the importance of creating a structured AI strategy canvas to help organizations effectively integrate AI into their operations. John elaborates on the concept of scalable prompt engineering, emphasizing the need for a systematic a...

Nov 25, 202428 minEp. 450

Exploring the Future of AI: Insights on AGI and Agents with Alexander De Ridder

Summary In this episode of the Scale Up Show, host Ryan Staley and guest Alexander De Ridder discuss the future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and the role of AI agents in transforming industries. They explore the expectations surrounding AGI, the challenges of scaling AI models, and the profound impact AI will have across various sectors. Alexander emphasizes that while AGI may not be as earth-shattering as anticipated, the evolution of AI agents will drive significant change in how b...

Nov 20, 202413 minEp. 449

Are AI Operating Systems the New Foundation for AI Agents?

In this conversation, Ryan Staley interviews Alexander De Ridder, founder and CEO of SmythOS, an AI operating system that connects networks via specialized AI agents. They discuss Alexander's journey in the AI space, the lessons learned from competition, the importance of user experience, and the distinction between AI agents and traditional LLMs. Alexander introduces the concept of meta LLMs, which allow for the orchestration of multiple AI models and APIs into workflows, emphasizing the need f...

Nov 18, 202418 minEp. 448

I spent my Saturday working with 3 Different AI agents and here is what I Learned

Reminder: If you’re exploring AI tools and it’s looking promising, Keep experimenting. It doesn't matter if you find one tool that seems perfect. Or if everyone says how great it is. I see too many people get stuck on one solution. Remember, there are multiple AI agents that can enhance your productivity. If tools are going to offer different strengths, you should explore them all. You can continue to use that one tool. But don't stop experimenting with others. Until you master the best fit for ...

Nov 13, 20247 minEp. 447

Navigating the AI Landscape in Business

In this conversation, Ryan Staley and Kris Rudeegraap discuss the importance of promoting their podcast episodes, the impact of AI on business, and the significance of understanding personal strengths and work preferences. They share insights on how to effectively navigate these themes in a professional context. Takeaways Promoting content is essential for visibility. AI is transforming how businesses operate. Understanding personal strengths can lead to better job satisfaction. Adaptation to AI...

Nov 11, 202414 minEp. 446

How we grew our Sales Pipeline with 1/2 the team using Clay

Featuring Kris Rudeegraap, CEO of Sendoso, this conversation dives into the evolution of sales development, focusing on how Sendoso has leveraged AI and automation to enhance outbound sales efficiency and effectiveness. Kris shares valuable insights on tracking SDR activities, automating repetitive tasks, and utilizing intent data to prioritize high-value accounts. The discussion also covers the future of go-to-market strategies and the importance of organizations adapting to new technologies an...

Nov 06, 202418 minEp. 445

Harnessing Technology for Business Success with Roman Arutyunov

In this conversation, Roman Arutyunov and Ryan Staley delve into the intersection of technology and business, discussing how innovative tools can enhance product-market fit and drive entrepreneurial success. They explore the nuances of leveraging technology effectively to meet market demands and the critical role of aligning products with customer needs. Takeaways Technology can significantly enhance business operations. Understanding product-market fit is crucial for success. Innovation should ...

Nov 04, 202415 minEp. 444

Cybersecurity & Innovation: Roman Arutyunov of Xage

In this episode of The Scale Up Show, host Ryan Staley interviews Roman Arutyunov, co-founder and SVP of products at Xage. They discuss Roman's journey in cybersecurity, the founding of Xage to protect critical infrastructure, and the importance of creating a delightful user experience in product development. Roman shares insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of execution over waiting for the perfect idea. Takeaways Xage was founded to protect critical infrastructure. Identi...

Oct 30, 202415 minEp. 443

Innovating with AI: Revolutionizing PR, Podcasting, and Business with Greg Galant

In this conversation, Ryan Staley and Greg Galant discuss the integration of AI in public relations, the evolution of podcasting, and the opportunities that AI presents for innovation in business. Greg shares his experiences from starting a podcast in 2005 to leveraging AI tools in his company, Muckrack. They explore personal and team use cases of AI, the challenges of adopting new technologies, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Takeaways AI is revolut...

Oct 28, 202419 minEp. 442

Harnessing AI for PR Success with Greg Galant

In this conversation, Ryan Staley interviews Greg Gallant, Co-founder and CEO of Muckrack, discussing the company's innovative approach to public relations through AI integration. They explore Muckrack's growth journey, its business model, and how PR professionals can leverage the platform to enhance their media coverage and relationships with journalists. The discussion also highlights the importance of identifying newsworthy stories and effectively targeting media outreach. Takeaways Muckrack ...

Oct 23, 202413 minEp. 441

How I created Viral AI content (with 700,000+ views) on Linkedin

In this episode, I break down the growing frustration with AI-generated content. However, ONLY if it is the wrong kind. Here is my logic on why a simple video went viral to over 700,000 people and had AI leaders from the biggest companies in the world reaching out to me. Authenticity: People crave realness. The video was genuine, not just another AI script. Value: It provided clear, actionable insights. No fluff, just straight to the point. Engagement: The content was interactive, encouraging vi...

Oct 21, 202416 min

Advanced Voice AI is Changing the Game

Advanced Voice AI is Changing the Game. It’s not just talk... It's revolutionizing interactions. I tested with the custom instructions of Marc Benioff to understand the future of Salesforce's Agents.

Oct 16, 202410 min

From Startups to Enterprises: Strategies for Operationalizing AI Effectively

In this episode, Ryan Staley shares his insights from recent experiences at a SaaS startup event in New York and the massive Dreamforce conference in San Francisco. Ryan discusses the challenges faced by tech startups and large enterprises in implementing AI strategies, revealing that many companies lack a systematic approach to AI integration. Ryan highlights the importance of operationalizing AI across organizations and shares key takeaways from his interactions with Fortune 1000 and Fortune 5...

Oct 13, 202418 min

The Leadership Blind Spots: Common Mistakes CEOs Make and How to Avoid Them

In this episode, Ryan Staley flips the script and is the one who is being interviewed and engages in a thought-provoking conversation about the challenges and strategies of growing a VC-backed company without external investment. Ryan shares insights from his extensive experience in sales and leadership, discussing common pitfalls that CEOs encounter, such as focusing too heavily on product development at the expense of go-to-market strategies. The episode also delves into the transformative imp...

Oct 08, 202438 min

Harnessing AI in Pharma: Max Votek's Journey from Pharmacist to Digital Innovator

In this episode, Ryan Staley welcomes Max Votek, a pharmacist turned entrepreneur and co-founder of Customer Times, a leading digital consultancy. They delve into the transformative role of AI in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, discussing how innovations like design memory tools are revolutionizing clinical trials and decision-making processes. Max shares insights from his extensive experience working with Fortune 500 companies and highlights the importance of capturing institution...

Oct 06, 202417 min

The Future of Voice AI: Exploring Digital Memory and Business Success With Jason Chicola - Part 2

In this episode Ryan Staley welcomes back Jason Chicola, CEO and founder of Rev.com, to delve into the transformative concept of AI memory and its implications for both individuals and organizations. Jason discusses the profound changes in workplace dynamics since 2020, highlighting the challenges of remote communication and the overwhelming number of virtual meetings. He emphasizes the potential of AI to enhance our memory capabilities, allowing professionals to capture and recall vital informa...

Oct 01, 202422 min

From Gig Economy to AI Innovation: Jason Chicola's Journey with Rev

In this episode, Ryan welcomes Jason Chicola, a pioneer in the gig economy and the founder and CEO of Rev, a leading voice AI platform. Jason shares his fascinating journey from launching a labor marketplace to developing cutting-edge speech recognition technology. Jason discusses the evolution of Rev's services, including their new SaaS product, Voice Hub, which leverages large language models to enhance productivity for professionals like journalists and lawyers. The conversation delves into t...

Sep 29, 202418 min

Navigating The Sales Tech Landscape: General Purpose vs. Niche-Specific AI Tools with Dan Gottlieb

In this episode, Ryan Saley welcomes back Dan Gottlieb, VP of Sales Tech and Gen AI expert at Gartner, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of sales technology, particularly focusing on generative AI. Building on their previous discussion, Ryan and Dan explore the differences between general-purpose large language models and niche-specific sales tools, emphasizing the importance of ease of use and integration within existing tech stacks. They discuss the challenges sales reps face in adop...

Sep 24, 202417 min

Navigating The Chaos: Insights From Dan Gottlieb On The Evolving Sales Tech Landscape - Part 1

In this episode, Ryan Staley welcomes Dan Gottlieb, VP of Sales Tech and Gen AI expert at Gartner, to discuss the current chaos and future trends in the sales tech landscape. Dan shares insights from his extensive experience, including the evolution of sales technologies and the impact of generative AI on the market. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying technologies and methodologies to leverage AI in sales processes effectively. The conversation delves into "technology a...

Sep 22, 202421 min

Unlocking Growth: Kyle York on Integrating AI into Advisory Services for Startups

Ryan welcomes back Kyle York, CEO of York IE, for a deep dive into the innovative integration of AI within business operations. Kyle shares his unique approach to productizing services in the advisory and venture capital space, emphasizing the importance of creating scalable, tech-enabled solutions for startups. The discussion explores the evolving landscape of business models, particularly the shift towards results-driven services, and how companies can achieve efficiency without sacrificing qu...

Sep 18, 202412 min

Preparing for the AI Revolution: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Need for Regulation in the Tech Space

This episode features Ryan's interview on The Revenue Reimagined Podcast for a discussion on the transformative impact of AI in the tech and sales sectors. He explores the nuances of AI, distinguishes it from automation, and takes a look at the potential challenges and fears surrounding job displacement due to AI advancements. Ryan also touches on the future of autonomous agents and the need for regulatory measures to mitigate risks associated with rapid AI development. Join 2,500+ readers getti...

Sep 15, 202417 min

The Future of Tech Startups: Kyle York Discusses Market-Driven R&D and Efficient Go-to-Market Strategies

Ryan sits down with Kyle York, CEO of York IE, to discuss his innovative business model that combines venture capital with advisory services. Kyle shares insights from his journey of scaling a company from zero to $200 million before its exit to Oracle, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities of bootstrapping a service-heavy business. They look at the integration of AI and offshore outsourcing within their operations, as well as the importance of a pragmatic approach to growth, R&am...

Sep 10, 202422 min

Insights on Leveraging Technology for Sales and Marketing Success - Modern Startup Marketing

In today's episode, Ryan is interviewed by Anna Furmanov of the Modern Startup Marketing. Together, they explore the transformative power of AI in sales and marketing. Ryan shares insights on how sales professionals and revenue leaders can leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and ultimately double their performance while working fewer hours. Join 2,500+ readers getting weekly practical guidance to scale themselves and their companies using Artificial Intelligence and ...

Sep 08, 202438 min

Building an AI Advisory Council: A Strategic Approach with Matt Van Itallie | Part 2

In this episode, Ryan continues his discussion with Matt Van Itallie, the founder and CEO of SEMA, on the creation of an AI advisory council. Matt shares his vision and strategic approach for the council, focusing on helping technologists share benchmarking data and best practices related to using generative AI in coding. They delve into the different use cases for non-technical knowledge workers and the importance of senior developers in maximizing the benefits of Gen AI tools. Matt also highli...

Sep 03, 202417 min

Growing a Tech Company with Gen AI Code Analysis: A Conversation with Matt Van Itallie | Part 1

In today’s episode, Ryan interviews Matt Van Itallie, the founder and CEO of SEMA. They discuss the challenges of growing a company without taking on investors, and the impact of Gen AI on code analysis. Matt shares insights on SEMA’s revenue, team size, go-to-market strategy, and the importance of building trust with private equity firms. They also look at the challenges and opportunities the use of AI in code checking presents, and the best practices for deploying Gen AI code. Join 2,500+ read...

Sep 01, 202419 min

A Deep Dive into Performance-Based Pricing with Sahil Patel of Spiralyze | Part 2

In this episode, Sahil continues to discuss Spiralyze's unique performance-based pricing model for A-B testing services. Sahil explains how they use a massive data set to predict lift for clients and only charge if results are achieved. Sharing insights on growth challenges, maximizing growth channels, and the need to resist the allure of shiny new tactics, the conversation delves into the evolution of Spiralyze's business model over the years, emphasizing the importance of continuous reinventio...

Aug 27, 202414 min

Revolutionizing Website Conversion with AI: A Conversation with Sahil Patel of Spiralyze | Part 1

Ryan interviews Sahil Patel, the CEO of Spiralyze. Sahil discusses how SpiralEyes helps businesses improve their website conversion rates through conversion rate optimization. He explains the importance of pattern recognition and AI in identifying successful tests and executing them at high velocity. Sahil also shares insights on their unique pay-for-performance model and the advantages of being a self-funded company. Join 2,500+ readers getting weekly practical guidance to scale themselves and ...

Aug 25, 202418 min
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