Episodes

  • Closed vs. Open AI: Understanding the Difference for Sales Teams with Stephanie Downs
    Feb 13 2025

    In this episode, we’re discussing the key differences between “closed” and “open” AI tools. We’ll also break down how Sales Accelerator AI, CSS’ own closed AI system, is designed to address the unique challenges salespeople regularly face.

    And helping Matt explore it all is Stephanie Downs, SVP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy.

    Stephanie offers so many awesome things to think about, like:

    • How closed AI tools can offer more tailored responses by working solely from the information that you teach it
    • How, when open AI tools don’t know an answer, they often produce “hallucinations,” filling in the gaps with inaccurate information
    • And, finally, why sellers who are leery about embracing these tools need to understand that AI is not the future, it's the present

    LINKS:

    Stephanie Downs

    Sales Accelerator AI

    Matt Sunshine

    The Center for Sales Strategy

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    20 mins
  • The AI Task Force: Making AI Work for Your Organization with Brent Tripp
    Feb 6 2025

    In this episode, we’re discussing the benefits of having an AI Task Force at your company and how such a brain trust can be an invaluable resource to ensure that your organization stays ahead of the curve.

    Joining Matt to explore it all is Brent Tripp, Digital Marketing Coordinator & Podcast Producer here at CSS.

    Brent offers some solid points to think about, like:

    • Why it’s essential for everyone at your organization to have a firm grasp on how AI tools function and what they can help you accomplish.
    • How having an AI Task Force at your company can help you make decisions and provide recommendations as new tech innovations become available
    • And, finally, why if you or your organization is reluctant to embrace AI tools, you just might be missing out on an opportunity to compete with larger teams.

    LINKS:

    Brent Tripp

    Matt Sunshine

    Sales Accelerator AI

    The Center for Sales Strategy

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    23 mins
  • Building Smarter CRMs with Maryanne McWhirter & Emily Hartzell
    Jan 30 2025

    In this episode, we’re taking a look at how AI is supercharging CRMs and, specifically, exploring how HubSpot is transforming the way businesses manage customer relationships, sales processes, and marketing campaigns.

    Helping me break it all down are Maryanne McWhirter and Emily Hartzell, both VP/Senior Directors at LeadG2.

    Maryanne and Emily offer so many awesome points to think about, like:

    • How HubSpot is NOT just a CRM, but a robust marketing tool that allows you to see every step that a customer has taken in their buying journey
    • How HubSpot’s AI uses CRM data to craft tailored messages for personalized sales pitches
    • And, finally, why if you’re not automating repeatable processes in your CRM, you’re falling behind

    LINKS:

    Maryanne McWhirter

    Emily Hartzell

    LeadG2

    Matt Sunshine

    The Center for Sales Strategy

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    28 mins
  • The Future of Sales Coaching with Varun Puri & Ajay Jain
    Jan 23 2025

    Previously this season, we explored how AI is transforming the world of sales coaching. Today, in this episode, we’re diving a bit deeper into that topic by chatting with two incredible guests from the AI coaching platform, Yoodli.

    Varun Puri, Co-Founder of Yoodli, and Ajay Jain, Head of Training and Enablement at Yoodli are here to break down exactly how their platform is revolutionizing the way sales professionals refine their communication skills.

    Both bring such great points to the table, like:

    • How AI coaching can be a really great “batting cage” for sellers
    • Why AI tools like Yoodli are making the idea of practice fun versus it feeling like homework
    • And, finally, how AI can take someone from a zero to an 8, but to get from an 8 to a 10? You need a human in the loop.

    LINKS:

    Varun Puri

    Ajay Jain

    Yoodli

    Matt Sunshine

    Practice Coach AI

    The Center for Sales Strategy


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    24 mins
  • Quick Take: The AI Advantage in Sales Coaching
    Jan 16 2025

    In this Quick Take episode, we’re exploring the undeniable power of sales coaching, the challenges of traditional approaches, and how AI-powered solutions, like CSS' Practice Coach AI, are setting a new standard for skill development.

    On the other side of this brief episode, you’ll see how AI sales coaching truly can elevate the game of your sellers.

    Practice Coach AI Video

    Matt Sunshine

    The Center for Sales Strategy

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    11 mins
  • Quick Take: How to Keep Your Sales Team Happy & Productive
    Sep 2 2024

    In this Quick Take episode, we’re breaking down how to keep your sales team happy and productive.

    You’ll not only learn why employee happiness and productivity go hand-in-hand, but also actionable ways to increase morale and sales numbers at the same time.

    LINKS:

    Matt Sunshine

    The Center for Sales Strategy

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    9 mins
  • Focusing on Sales Activities that Drive Performance with Jeff Clewett & Emily Estey
    Aug 26 2024

    In this episode, we’re discussing how to ensure your sales teams are focused on the right sales activities to drive performance.

    And joining me to help break it all down is Jeff Clewett, Director of Sales at Bonneville Denver, and Emily Estey, VP/Senior Consultant here at CSS.

    Both offer some amazing points to think about, like:

    • Why too many sales managers treat everything as an emergency when they need to be prioritizing and filtering the right information for their teams
    • How target drives can help put a spotlight on the activities that actually make you money
    • And, finally, if you’re coaching Michael Phelps, you’re not going to teach him to run.

    LINKS:

    Jeff Clewett

    Emily Estey

    Matt Sunshine

    The Center for Sales Strategy

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    26 mins
  • Quick Take: How to Track Revenue Performance
    Aug 19 2024

    In this Quick Take episode, we're tackling how to track revenue performance for maximum results.

    From understanding the key metrics to utilizing the right tools, you'll be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage your revenue and make the best decisions for your business.

    LINKS:

    Matt Sunshine

    The Center for Sales Strategy

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    7 mins