Episodes

Monday Dec 25, 2023
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Marcus sits down with customer success expert and high performance coach Irina Musteata to discuss how to sustain top performance in your career while still maintaining joy and balance in your life.
Irina knows firsthand the challenges of juggling a demanding job with the demands of running her own coaching business. In this conversation, she shares insights on:
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The blindspots that prevent people from realising joy is a key component of success, not just a "nice to have"
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Frequently unasked questions people should be asking themselves and their teams about how to work smarter, not just harder
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Metrics and decisions at the top that can unintentionally create problems downstream in customer success
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Storytelling to help prospects imagine how your solution can transform their future
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Subtle ways leaders can bring more fun and meaning to people's daily work
Tune in to hear their unconventional yet practical advice on achieving high performance without burning out or losing your passion along the way. This show is guaranteed to give you a fresh perspective on maximising your impact and enjoyment at work.
Contact Irina via linkedin.com/in/irina-musteata-710b3422
Website: irinamusteata.com (High Performance Coaching)
Email: contact@irinamusteata.com
**
I’m going to work with a handful of private clients one-on-one in the new year.
Would you like to work with me? Take my selling strategy audit and then grab 30 minutes in my diary to learn something you don't yet know about yourself. No pressure.
If you want more, at the end of "auditioning" me, it'll be your turn to convince me why you we are good fit for each other. I only have a handful of spots I'm making available for new clients. That seems a fair way for us to assess if we're a good fit. What do you reckon? Drop me a line when you're ready.

Saturday Dec 23, 2023
Thomas Goubau: Are These 3 ”Obvious” Blindspots Holding Back Your Business?
Saturday Dec 23, 2023
Saturday Dec 23, 2023
Thomas Goubau
Facing HR Hard Truths
Thomas learned the hard way about outsourcing HR strategy. As his startup scaled, a "spaghetti network" of disconnected tools emerged without strategic oversight. He shares how Q7's People Model Canvas fixes this by bringing objectivity to difficult conversations about people.
3 Blindspots Hidden in Plain Sight
Many leaders miss subtle but important distinctions. Thomas reveals how assuming all roles are the same leads to misaligned processes. Plus, why focusing only on performance instead of cultivating skills dooms companies to irrelevance.
Rituals: The Secret to Alignment
Consistency creates predictability, but many flounder without it. Thomas shows how quarterly offsites, weekly standups and 1:1 coaching sessions turn managers into the "glue that sticks organizations together."
Leaders Adrift Without Clarity
Ambiguity is confusing and leads to mismatched expectations, disappointment, failure to perform against unclear expectations lead to confusion, politics and underperformance.
Executives must define direction to empower decision-making where it belongs, with the person closest to the action. Thomas explains how clarity of vision allows people to execute - and adjust course later if needed.
Get Back to Basics
HR complexity distracts from fundamentals. Thomas stresses the importance of compensation fairness, engagement and developing skills before building culture. A few well-executed routines can transform an organisation.
Parting Wisdom: Keep it Simple...and Sharp
Thomas distills leadership lessons into a single maxim: Focus on clarity, competence and empowerment over bureaucracy. Don't overthink HR - with the right framework, growth handles itself.
Contact Thomas linkedin.com/in/thomasgoubau
Website: scale-up.q7leader.com/ (Personal)
Twitter:thomasgoubau
Email: thomas@q7leader.com
**
I’m going to work with a handful of private clients one-on-one in the new year.
Would you like to work with me? Take my selling strategy audit and then grab 30 minutes in my diary to learn something you don't yet know about yourself. No pressure.
If you want more, at the end of my "audition" with you, it'll be your turn to convince me why I should offer you one of handful of spots I'm making available for new clients. That seems the fairest way for us to assess if we're a good fit. What do you reckon?

Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Ryan Staley: Applying AI to Achieve Ridiculous Results with Limited Resources
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Ryan Staley, Founder and CEO of Will Boss says, "I grew from zero to 30 million with a team of four and five and a half years with no marketing or sales."
Ryan
- Grew a company from zero to $30M in revenue with only 4 salespeople, no marketing or sales enablement teams
- Has trained over 800 CROs and VPs of sales on scaling strategies
- Passionate about integrating AI into sales processes to unlock new levels of performance
Key Insights:
- Ryan discusses how he analysed top deals at his previous company to discover a high-potential vertical, allowing him to focus resources for outsized results
- He shares a framework for using AI to gain deep "acumen" on prospects by having it think through the perspective of a seasoned executive
- Ryan explains how he was able to create an entire sales organisation framework in just 20 minutes by leveraging AI prompts
- He dives into a core framework for systematising referrals that dramatically increases conversion rates
Takeaways for leaders:
- Learn how to leverage AI for strategic advantages like target account selection and skills acquisition
- Understand how to gain deep insights into prospects' challenges and motivations to improve relevance
- Discover how AI can help automate execution of key processes like onboarding to leverage limited resources
- Gain ideas on systematising referrals by incorporating pathways, processes, peaks and playbooks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstaley/
Podcast: The Scale Up Show
Email: ryan@willboss.com
Grab 9 Free Sales AI Resources Just for Saying Maybe: https://www.aiforrevenue.com/sale-ai-accelerator-home
--
I’m going to work with a handful of private clients one-on-one in the new year.
Would you like to work with me?
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp

Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
My guest is Usman Sheikh, CEO of XIQ
- Founded XIQ to build an AI-powered sales platform focused on behavioral science
- Has experience in product management, strategy development and digital transformation
- Passionate about how AI can enhance sales processes and drive better outcomes
Key insights:
- Usman discusses how AI can be used to gain deep insights into prospects' motivations, challenges and emotional drivers
- He explains how AI has helped shorten the sales cycle by streamlining research and preparation
- Automating execution of processes like onboarding is discussed as a way to multiply impact
- Behavioral science and psychometrics are highlighted as important additions to AI systems
- The importance of focusing on opportunities rather than pain points with prospects is emphasized
Takeaways for leaders:
- Learn how AI combined with behavioural data creates more personalised engagements
- Understand how to qualify prospects faster and gain a strategic edge
- Discover ways AI can free up time by automating repetitive tasks
- Consider augmenting sales methodologies with AI to enhance performance
- Reframe sales conversations around possibilities rather than problems
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usmanmsheikh/
Twitter: @usmansheikh_
Email: usman@xiq.ai
Website: www.xiq.ai
--
How can you start making your boldest ambitions a reality beginning today? Take my selling strategy audit and grab up to 30-minutes with me for free. No charge. No pressure.
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp
You'll learn something about yourself you don't know, how you are getting between your buyers and their decision to buy from you.

Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Vlad Blagojevic: Is Your ’GTM Process’ Actually Sabotaging Your Success?
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Every post I've come across by Vlad Blagojevic for the past couple of years since stumbled across his content has been on the money. He is a long overdue guest and you won't be sorry you listened a few times and took notes.
Vlad is the co-founder of FullFunnel, which helps B2B companies implement account-based marketing strategies. He has built a large, loyal and appreciative audience on LinkedIn sharing practical advice on topics like understanding buyers, content marketing, and challenging traditional sales assumptions.
Key discussion points:
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Rethinking traditional sales/marketing approaches
- Focusing on relationships over transactions
- Understanding buyers' journeys rather than chasing clicks
- Questioning pushy sales tactics and short-term thinking
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Prioritising high-fit accounts
- Narrowing focus yields better ROI than spreadsheets approach
- Case study: Client increased deal size 10x focusing on 11 accounts
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Standing out amid noise on LinkedIn
- Engage wider networks including influencers and colleagues
- Deliver expertise addressing buyers' struggles, not self-promotion
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Downstream impacts of poor lead generation
- High failure rates waste resources and burden sales teams
- Disconnects between departments undermine customer experience
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Unethical practices in sales/business
- Tactics damaging trust in decision-making need reevaluation
- Short-term thinking at expense of people has costs
Contact Vlad:
To learn more about Vlad's work helping companies implement customer-centric strategies, check out fullfunnel.io or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Website: fullfunnel.io
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vladblagojevic
***
Want 30 minutes of my coaching free?
Take my audit and I'll coach you. No charge. No pressure.
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp
Just honest insights to improve in 30 days.
Want more? Ask about paid coaching because I won't sell it to you!
We'll go deep. We focus on what matters and let go of what doesn't.
Are you making sacrifices you don't want? Wrong reasons?
What do you want from your career? What matters most?
Is something missing? Let's discuss.
Take the audit now. Book a free consult. Start the journey today.

Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Andrew Barry: Utilising a 250,000 Year Old Skill Every Human Being Responds To
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
In this episode of TheInquisitor Podcast, sales expert Andrew Barry takes the stage to share his invaluable insights on navigating the ever-changing landscape of sales.
Prepare to be inspired as Andrew discusses the need for creativity, innovation, and emotional intelligence in the face of volatility. He sheds light on blind spots in sales, the power of storytelling, and the importance of building trust and human connection with customers. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that will revolutionize your approach to sales.
- Embracing Change: Andrew Barry highlights the challenges that traditional sales techniques face in today's volatile world and explains why creativity and innovation are the keys to success. Discover how to adapt and thrive in uncertain times.
- Overcoming Blind Spots: Dive into the often-overlooked blind spots in sales, including the lack of proper manager training and the reliance on logic-based problem-solving. Andrew offers practical solutions for addressing these blind spots and achieving sales excellence.
- The Power of Storytelling: Andrew Barry unveils the secrets of effective storytelling in sales and how it can enhance problem-solving skills. Explore the concept of "story thinking" and its role in adaptive intelligence, empowering you to connect with clients on a deeper level.
- From Sellers to Leaders: Learn about the crucial distinction between sellers, managers and leaders and why developing strong leadership skills is essential in today's economic environment. Andrew shares valuable insights on team dynamics and the power of harnessing self-belief.
- Trust and Connection: Discover the keys to building trust and establishing meaningful connections with customers. Andrew delves into the concept of primal intelligence and its impact on successful sales strategies, leaving you equipped to forge powerful relationships.
Tune in to TheInquisitor Podcast as Andrew Barry shares his game-changing strategies and expert advice. Prepare to challenge your beliefs, overcome blind spots, and harness the power of storytelling. By the end of this episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on the tools to build trust, connect deeply with clients, and thrive in the face of uncertainty. Listen now and unleash your inner bard!
Websites
- curiouslionlearning.com (Corporate Training Strategy)
- leadstreamonline.com (Lead Generation)
Phone: +1 347-915-4667 (Work)
Twitter: Bazzaruto
--
Get 30 minutes of my coaching free.
Take my audit and I'll coach you. No charge. No pressure.
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp
Just honest insights to improve in 30 days.
Want more? Ask about paid coaching. We'll go deep.
I'm selective. I push for what matters, not distractions.
Are you making sacrifices you don't want? Wrong reasons?
What do you want from your career? What matters most?
Is something missing? Let's discuss.
Take the audit now. Book a free consult. Start the journey today.

Monday Dec 11, 2023
Jay Weiser: Unleash Your Leadership Superpowers to Thrive in Volatile Times
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
In this episode of TheInquisitor podcast, join host Marcus Cauchi as he dives into the world of leadership with special guest Jay Weiser. Jay, a renowned consultant, shares his expertise in helping leaders thrive in the face of disruption and uncertainty. Get ready to uncover the blind spots that hold leaders back and learn how to unleash your leadership superpowers.
Here are 5 points of interest from the episode:
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The Five Leadership SuperpowersTM : Discover the key attributes that can transform your leadership style and empower you to navigate challenging times.
- The Impact of Blind Spots: Explore the common blind spots that leaders often overlook, hindering their ability to respond effectively and think ahead.
- Moving from Firefighting to Future Thinking: Understand the importance of shifting your focus from reactive problem-solving to proactive, long-term strategies.
- Redefining Success: Learn how to align your definition of success with your team's and create a shared vision for growth and transformation.
- Challenging the Status Quo: Explore the boundaries and limitations that may be holding you back and discover new possibilities for leadership growth.
Before listening, ask yourself: Are you aware of your blind spots and their impact on your leadership? Are you stuck in firefighting mode, unable to think about the future? Do you have a clear definition of success and is it aligned with your team's? Join Jay Weiser and Marcus Cauchi as they challenge your thinking and empower you to embrace your leadership potential. After listening, be prepared to shift your perspective, take ownership of your agency, and unlock new possibilities for success.
Websites:
- jayweiser.com (Company)
- youtube.com/@jayweiserconsulting (Other)
- medium.com/@jayweiser (Other)
Email: jay@jayweiser.com
Twitter: Jay_R_Weiser
--
Struggling? Can't work out why your training and experience aren't delivering the results you need? Take my selling strategy audit and claim 30 minutes with me debriefing you on the implications of your results and how you can take control and improve within 30 days. Learn something you didn't understand about yourself and start on a journey of permanent improvement.
I will not sell you coaching. you can ask about working with me but you are going to have ask, I don't push. I want volunteers not hostages.
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp
Learn how the top 4% sell whatever the market conditions, competitive landscape and close excellent deals at premium prices that customers love.

Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
In this captivating episode of TheInquisitor Podcast Interview, join host Marcus Cauchi as he sits down with renowned marketing expert Mike Maynard to delve into the world of B2B marketing. Uncovering the blind spots and debunking common misconceptions, they explore the true essence of effective marketing strategies. Get ready to shift your perspective and rethink what's possible in the realm of business growth.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Mike Maynard and Marcus Cauchi tackle five meaty points of interest. They discuss the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than the amount of hard work put into a project. They challenge accepted marketing opinions and emphasize the need for tailored approaches that consider individual markets and audiences. They also shed light on the power of testing and encourage marketers to explore new avenues for lead generation. Plus, they highlight the significance of aligning marketing goals with overall business objectives.
Before you hit play, take a moment to ponder these powerful questions: How well do you truly understand the blind spots in your marketing strategies? Are you too focused on the work itself rather than the desired outcomes? Are you open to testing and exploring new approaches to generate leads? Prepare to challenge your beliefs and expand your horizons as Mike Maynard and Marcus Cauchi provide eye-opening insights into the world of B2B marketing. After listening, you'll be equipped with fresh perspectives and empowered to revolutionize your own marketing efforts.
Contact Mike on linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard
Website: NapierB2B.com (Company)
Twitter: Mike_Maynard
--
Do you want to raise your performance and experience permanent improvements in the next 30 days?
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp
Complete my selling strategy audit to see how you compare with the world's top 4% performers and how you can move the needle to the right to perform more like them. No pressure. Free 30 minute consult. You'll have to ask me if you want more coaching. I won't sell it to you. You will ask for help if and when you're ready and you don't need any pressure from me to know if you need my help.

Monday Dec 04, 2023
Ian Campbell: Why Buyers Really Buy and Uncovering What They Truly Value
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
In this captivating episode of The Inquisitor Podcast, join CEO of Nucleus Research, Ian Campbell, as he delves into the world of creating value and unlocking its true potential. From mastering the art of persuasion to maximising return on investment, Ian shares invaluable insights and techniques that will transform your approach to sales. Get ready to shift your perspective and discover what's truly possible!
Key Points of Interest:
- Learn how to articulate the benefits and value of your offering to captivate your customers.
- Understand the different types of benefits and how to leverage them in your business case for accelerated success.
- Discover the secrets behind crafting a compelling value proposition that turns features into irresistible value.
- Uncover the blind spots that may be hindering your ability to create value and overcome them.
- Gain expert advice on handling the ROI conversation with finesse and avoiding common pitfalls.
Listen to this episode to challenge your beliefs, expand your boundaries, and tap into the limitless potential of value creation. Prepare to be inspired and empowered to take your sales game to new heights.
Powerful Questions to Shift Your Thinking:
- How can I use value to truly help my customers and accelerate my deals?
- Have I been overlooking the different types of benefits and their impact on my sales success?
- What changes can I make in my approach to turn features into a compelling value proposition?
- Am I aware of my blind spots when it comes to creating value, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I navigate the ROI conversation with confidence and unlock new opportunities?
Listen to this thought-provoking episode now and experience a paradigm shift in your sales strategy.
--
Get 30 minutes of my coaching free.
Take my audit and I'll coach you. No charge. No pressure.
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp
Just honest insights to improve in 30 days.
Want more? Ask about paid coaching. We'll go deep.
I'm selective. I push for what matters, not distractions.
Are you making sacrifices you don't want? Wrong reasons?
What do you want from your career? What matters most?
Is something missing? Let's discuss.
Take the audit now. Book a free consult. Start the journey today.

Sunday Dec 03, 2023
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
In this captivating episode of The Inquisitor Podcast, join Marcus Cauchi as he delves into the fascinating career path of Andy Cunningham, a positioning and branding expert who had the incredible opportunity to work alongside the legendary Steve Jobs. Discover how Andy's journey led her from Silicon Valley to collaborating with one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. Gain insights into her role in launching the Macintosh and the profound impact it had on her expertise in positioning and branding. Get ready to be inspired by Andy's remarkable career journey and learn how her experiences with Steve Jobs shaped her approach to business and innovation.
Key Points of Interest:
- Andy Cunningham's early days in Silicon Valley and her introduction to the world of technology.
- Her pivotal role in the launch of the Macintosh and collaboration with Steve Jobs.
- How working with Steve Jobs influenced Andy's expertise in positioning and branding.
- The lessons learned from her experiences in the tech industry and their impact on her career path.
- Insights into Andy's unique approach to business and innovation, shaped by her time with Steve Jobs.
Discover how Andy's collaboration with Steve Jobs and her expertise in positioning and branding have paved the way for her unique approach to coaching.
Andy coaches me through rebranding, repositioning, and realising my message. Andy guides me through a process for developing a strong message architecture.
Tune in now to unlock the secrets of creating a compelling brand message and witness the power of message architecture coaching in revolutionizing your marketing strategy. Prepare to shift your thinking and discover what's truly possible for your business. Are you ready to elevate your brand to new heights?
Websites
- andycunningham.com (Personal)
- cunninghamcollective.com (Company)
Twitter: andycunningham4
--
Get 30 minutes of my coaching free.
Take my audit and I'll coach you. No charge. No pressure.
https://mailchi.mp/laughs-last.com/satp
Just honest insights to improve in 30 days.
Want more? Ask about paid coaching. We'll go deep.
I'm selective. I push for what matters, not distractions.
Are you making sacrifices you don't want? Wrong reasons?
What do you want from your career? What matters most?
Is something missing? Let's discuss.
Take the audit now. Book a free consult. Start the journey today.