Most comp plans buy the wrong behavior in a usage-based world—and the results show up as stale pipelines, noisy dashboards, and hunters who drift into farming. We sat down with seasoned sales ops leader Chuck Lee to unpack how to pay for outcomes that actually matter: a clean start, a predictable ramp, and a scalable hand-off that sticks.

We trace a real transformation inside a large inbound motion where reps were incentivized to chase the oldest leads and obsess over consumption they didn’t own. By stripping the plan to a simple, action-focused design and shutting off post-implementation pay for AEs, the team saw a 40%+ lift in conversion. Chuck explains why high-velocity sales demands fewer choices, not more; how to align quotas to volatile demand without eroding trust; and the telltale signs your plan is buying noise instead of revenue.

Then we go deep on usage-based mechanics. The true “deal won” is when the customer starts using the product, and the second milestone is the ramp to forecast. Chuck shares how to set the AE’s window in the deal using historical ramp curves, why FP&A should co-own the model, and how SLAs between sales and CS prevent credit confusion and dropped hand-offs. We also confront the perpetual commission trap that turns hunters into farmers, and outline a cleaner split: hunters own start and ramp-to-target, farmers own adoption, expansion, and problem-solving.

If you’re wrestling with comp design for usage-based sales, this conversation gives you practical guardrails, from monthly quota tuning and points-based payouts to role clarity that protects new logo growth. Subscribe, share with your revenue team, and tell us: what behavior is your comp plan really buying?

The loudest AI often isn’t the smartest. We dig into fresh research with Curtis Schroeder, Head of Research and Insight at Varicent, to unpack a striking pattern among 150 revenue leaders: most expect the biggest ROI from system-level AI—forecasting, territory design, quota setting, incentive modeling—while investments still chase seller-facing tools that look great in a demo but struggle to compound impact.

Curtis explains why AI for revenue is really two markets. Seller AI promises instant productivity stories yet demands training, process change, and continuous behavior shifts. System AI upgrades decision quality at the core, creating compounding gains across the org—better coverage, cleaner attainment, faster re-planning, and more credible forecasts. We explore how to separate hype from value, why human skepticism remains the top blocker, and why adoption improves when AI becomes invisible inside workflows rather than another tool reps must learn.

You’ll hear how leaders pair quick visible wins with deeper system investments, how to make forecasting an always-on signal rather than a month-end ritual, and how to link territory potential to quota for fairer, higher-yield plans. We also get real about ROI proof: attribution is messy, but speed, decision quality, and resilience to market shocks are measurable and persuasive. If you’re navigating mandates to “do AI” while chasing durable growth efficiency, this conversation offers a practical blueprint to build trust, compress planning cycles, and invest where results compound.

If the episode sparks ideas, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review—what’s one system-level decision you’d upgrade with AI next?

Download the report mentioned in this podcast:

https://www.varicent.com/info/ai-roi-sales-revops

Headlines scream about AI every day, but the real story is quieter: the teams winning with AI aren’t chasing shiny tools, they’re rebuilding how revenue work gets done. We sat down with Dan Morgese, Director of Content Strategy and Research at Gong, to unpack the new State of AI report and reveal what separates impact from noise. The report pairs a survey of 3,000 director-plus leaders with Gong Labs analysis of 7.1 million closed opportunities, giving us both market sentiment and inside-the-workflow evidence.

What stood out first is a mindset shift: productivity just jumped to the number one growth lever, reframed from time saved to revenue per rep. That changes everything. Instead of using AI to draft more emails, top teams use it to guide seller actions, expose deal risk, and align coaching with what actually moves win rates, cycle time, and ASP. Depth of adoption beats breadth—leaders who treat AI as a core driver of strategy, not a sidecar, see stronger commercial outcomes across the board.

We also dig into the underappreciated frontier: forecasting, strategic planning, and initiative tracking. Adoption for these systemic use cases surged as teams realized forecasting improves when you combine call intelligence, pipeline dynamics, and engagement signals. Planning gets smarter when AI informs territory design and compensation scenarios. And tracking initiatives in the wild lets leaders see whether new messaging lands with customers and whether it moves revenue, closing the loop from strategy to impact.

Trust inevitably comes up. Sixty-seven percent of leaders say they trust AI, but the smarter framing is trust in data. Domain-specific systems that capture reality—conversations, signals, and activity—beat manual CRM fields when accuracy and explainability matter. With AI quickly becoming table stakes, the advantage shifts from “Are you using AI?” to “Are you using it well?” If you’re ready to move beyond pilots, this conversation offers a blueprint: pick systemic use cases, build depth, measure what matters, and let revenue per rep be your scoreboard.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a colleague who owns forecast or RevOps, and leave a quick review so more revenue leaders can find it.

Unlock the secrets of usage-based sales models and revolutionize your growth strategy with insights from Daragh King, Vice President of Sales Operations at XBO. This episode is your ticket to understanding how transforming from traditional CRM-based opportunity management to innovative usage-based approaches can give you a competitive edge.

Through Daragh’s expertise, we explore the intricacies of customer promise and realization, and how a simple pricing agreement can lay the groundwork for accurately predicting and realizing revenue opportunities. Get ready to expand your horizons as we dissect the nuances of this transformative model, particularly in industries like financial services, distribution, and transportation.

Get ahead in the fast-paced world of sales with strategic Revenue Operations (RevOps) insights that optimize processes and deepen customer relationships. Discover how the integration of opportunities with existing revenue and shipments can evolve into an early warning system, shifting the focus from mere data reporting to actionable insights through AI and machine learning.

As the year draws to a close, learn how prioritizing daily tasks using CRM signals can enhance sales efficiency, streamline priorities, and reduce administrative burdens for a more productive workday. Join us on this insightful journey and seize the opportunity to harness these strategies for tangible improvements in revenue and organizational benefits.

00:03) Driving Growth Through Usage-Based Sales

(13:03) Optimizing Sales With RevOps Insights

(16:27) Increasing Sales Efficiency Through Prioritization

(00:03) Driving Growth Through Usage-Based Sales

Nature's usage-based sales models drive growth in financial services, distribution, and transportation industries, with accurate prediction of customer promises being crucial.

(13:03) Optimizing Sales With RevOps Insights

RevOps integrates opportunities and data to enhance sales processes and customer relationships through AI and machine learning.

(16:27) Increasing Sales Efficiency Through Prioritization

CRM signals can enhance sales team productivity by prioritizing tasks and reducing administrative work, leading to tangible improvements in revenue.

What if you could revolutionize your sales process and boost your team's productivity without adding a single new hire? Join us as we uncover the transformative power of AI in sales with insights drawn from a compelling Salesforce study and engaging conversations with three seasoned sales leaders. Discover how AI is reshaping sales workflows, enabling teams to reclaim valuable time for direct customer interactions and driving substantial growth and value creation. We emphasize the critical role of structured initiatives in harnessing these capacity gains and how well-trained sellers can outperform their peers, ultimately generating significant revenue.

In another exciting segment, we explore how Chief Revenue Officers can leverage AI and coaching to maximize sales effectiveness. By reallocating time saved through AI into deeper, high-quality engagements, sales teams can seize opportunities even in limited-deal scenarios. Learn about the use of conversation intelligence as an early warning system to prevent lost deals, and get a sneak peek into the future of sales with a discussion on the shift from traditional SaaS contract pricing to usage-based models. Tune in for valuable insights from our guests and get ready to explore the evolving landscape of sales with industry innovators.

(00:05) Using AI to Drive Sales Efficiency

(07:33) Leveraging AI for Sales Improvement

(00:05) Using AI to Drive Sales Efficiency

This chapter explores how AI can drive value and efficiency within sales organizations, emphasizing that the future of sales is about collaboration between humans and technology. By reimagining workflows, sales teams can use AI to reduce non-selling time and increase direct customer interaction, ultimately boosting productivity. We examine a Salesforce study suggesting that by enhancing efficiency in five key areas, sales teams can reclaim 5% of their time for direct selling, potentially generating significant revenue without additional hires. The discussion highlights the importance of structured initiatives to maximize capacity gains and improve key performance indicators. Additionally, we touch on the impact of effective training, noting that well-trained sellers can significantly outperform their peers. Overall, the focus is on leveraging AI for both efficiency and effectiveness, aiming for substantial growth and value creation in sales organizations.

(07:33) Leveraging AI for Sales Improvement

This chapter focuses on the innovative ways CROs can harness AI and coaching to enhance sales effectiveness. I discuss how reallocating time saved through AI into deeper, higher-quality engagements can maximize opportunities in limited-deal scenarios. Additionally, I highlight the importance of using conversation intelligence to set up tripwires, allowing sales teams to detect and address issues in individual engagements early, thus preventing lost deals. Looking ahead, I introduce the upcoming topic for November, which examines the transition from traditional SaaS contract pricing to usage-based models. This shift involves moving revenue generation from upfront contracts to ongoing usage, posing new challenges and opportunities for sales organizations. I look forward to exploring this with revenue innovators across various industries.

Download the report mentioned in this podcast:

https://enterprise.sandler.com/whitepaper-why-cros-who-adapt-with-ai-will-lead-the-next-era-of-growth?utm_content=350656110&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-14155

What if aligning your sales, marketing, and customer success teams could unlock the hidden potential for revenue growth? Join us as Matt Naeger, Trilliad's Chief Solutions Officer, shares his insights on breaking down organizational silos to foster collaboration and data integration, as revealed in Trilliad's 2025 Sustainable Growth Survey. With Matt's expertise, we uncover the strategic advantage of a unified approach, emphasizing the significance of setting KPIs with a customer-centric focus and the transformative power of shared data across departments.

Explore the remarkable role of AI in boosting organizational alignment and the often-overlooked potential of customer success as a strategic pillar. We tackle the challenges businesses face with AI adoption, highlighting the need for continuous reinforcement and balanced leadership to enhance sales, marketing, and customer success functions. Discover how AI can predict customer behavior, improve retention, and give your organization a competitive edge. This episode is a must-listen for those eager to harness the power of data and technology for sustainable growth, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving dynamics between sales, marketing, and customer success teams.

(00:05) 2025 Sustainable Growth Survey Insights

(14:18) Maximizing AI for Organizational Alignment

(19:19) Organizational Alignment and Data Management

This chapter explores the findings of Trilliad's 2025 Sustainable Growth Survey, highlighting the importance of data integration across B2B sales, marketing, and customer success functions. We discuss how aligning these typically siloed departments can drive substantial revenue growth, with companies that utilize data throughout the entire customer journey being over 50% more likely to anticipate increased revenues. I talk with Matt Naeger, Trilliad's Chief Solutions Officer, who emphasizes the need for data sharing and establishing KPIs with a customer-first approach rather than a departmental focus. We also touch on the challenges posed by organizational egos and silos, which often lead to fragmented data views, and how high-functioning organizations overcome these obstacles to achieve better-than-average growth rates.

(14:18) Maximizing AI for Organizational Alignment

This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities for B2B organizations in leveraging technology and AI to enhance sales, marketing, and customer success. We discuss the importance of continuous reinforcement in using new tools, emphasizing how consultants often advise others without applying the same principles internally. A significant focus is on the underutilization of customer success as a strategic advantage and the widespread dissatisfaction with current AI initiatives, often due to misaligned focus on efficiency rather than insightful data utilization. The conversation highlights the potential for AI to improve organizational alignment across different functions, stressing the importance of having a Chief Revenue Officer who provides balanced guidance across sales, marketing, and customer service. We also address the potential of AI in predicting customer behavior, offering proactive insights to client delivery teams to enhance customer retention and competitive positioning.

(19:19) Organizational Alignment and Data Management

This chapter explores the intricate dynamics between sales, marketing, and customer success teams, focusing on the importance of alignment among these departments. Despite sales often being perceived as independent and solely numbers-driven, we uncover that a significant 54% of sellers value alignment, particularly with marketing. This suggests that sales teams seek better integration of data and communication to enhance lead quality and customer onboarding. We discuss how alignment should prioritize the customer experience r

Join us as we explore the transformative shift towards usage-based sales models in enterprise organizations, especially within the SaaS industry. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Anthony McPartlin, a seasoned expert in sales operations and enablement, share his invaluable insights. Together, we unravel the compelling benefits of usage-based pricing, from aligning better with perceived customer value to enhancing net revenue retention. With examples from industry leaders like Snowflake and Datadog, we highlight how this model can drive growth and foster lasting customer relationships. However, this transition also brings challenges, particularly for sales leaders who must rethink compensation plans and sales strategies. This episode aims to equip Chief Revenue Officers with the knowledge they need to navigate this significant shift.

Listen in as we also examine the evolving roles in revenue operations and the implications of usage-based pricing on sales compensation and forecasting. The discussion underscores the importance of advanced data analytics in making informed decisions and highlights the shifting responsibilities of Customer Success Managers towards revenue generation. Anthony and I discuss the potential merging of Customer Success Manager and Account Manager roles, emphasizing the need for collaboration to drive strategic growth and maintain strong customer relationships. With Anthony's expertise, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey into the future of revenue operations and sales models.

(00:05) Usage-Based Sales in Enterprise Organizations

(10:56) Evolving Roles in Revenue Operations

(00:05) Usage-Based Sales in Enterprise Organizations

This chapter focuses on the transition to usage-based sales models in enterprise organizations, particularly within the SaaS industry, driven by AI data and customer preferences. We explore the benefits of usage-based pricing, including better alignment with perceived customer value, lower barriers to entry, and higher net revenue retention, exemplified by companies like Snowflake and Datadog. While acknowledging that this model can enhance growth and create durable customer relationships, I also address the challenges it poses for sales leaders, such as adjusting compensation plans and sales strategies. By offering insights into how this model can drive stickiness and provide accurate signals of product-market fit, we aim to equip CROs with the knowledge needed to navigate this significant shift.

(10:56) Evolving Roles in Revenue Operations

This chapter focuses on the complexities of transitioning to usage-based pricing models and the implications for sales compensation and forecasting. We explore how quota and compensation design must adapt to ensure fairness and motivation for sales representatives, given the variability in usage patterns. The discussion highlights the importance of advanced data analytics and telemetry in making informed, data-backed decisions, reducing reliance on sellers for forecasting. We also address the evolving roles within organizations, particularly the shift in Customer Success Manager (CSM) responsibilities towards revenue generation, and the potential merging of CSM and Account Manager (AM) roles. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the need for collaboration between these roles to strategically drive growth and maintain strong customer relationships.

Join us for an insightful discussion as we explore the evolving role of Revenue Operations (RevOps) with special guests Amy Cook and Ryan Westwood, founders of Fullcast. This episode is a unique opportunity to understand how RevOps is redefining traditional business operations by aligning revenue growth with organizational efficiency. Amy and Ryan share compelling insights from recent surveys, illustrating how the RevOps role is increasingly elevated, often reporting directly to CEOs, and navigating the priorities of both CROs and CFOs. This dynamic highlights the growing strategic importance of RevOps in influencing both revenue and margins.

Discover how RevOps is emerging as a crucial function for eliminating silos and ensuring alignment across sales, marketing, and customer success teams. Amy provides her perspective from the marketing side, emphasizing the transformative power of collaboration in breaking down old bureaucratic structures. Meanwhile, Ryan discusses the critical role of technology in managing sales territories, commissions, and forecasts to enhance the well-being and productivity of sales teams. Together, they highlight how fostering a silo-free company culture can lead to greater efficiency and success in achieving business goals.

We also explore the strategic vision behind Fullcast's recent acquisitions of Comissionly, EBSTA, and Atrium, aiming to build a comprehensive revenue operations platform. This move from fragmented solutions to a consolidated ecosystem addresses vendor fatigue and enhances efficiency for Chief Revenue Officers. Listen in as Amy and Ryan share their approach to integrating sales planning, forecasting, deal intelligence, and commission management into a unified platform, underscoring the market's evolving digital maturity post-COVID. The episode wraps up with a look at the transformative potential of AI technology in marketing, sales, and brand unification, and the exciting expansion towards an AI agency. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with strategic insights and future-focused ideas.

(00:04) Evolving Role of Revenue Operations Leader

(10:18) Strategic Empowerment in Revenue Operations

(21:25) Building a Comprehensive Revenue Platform

(31:32) Expanding Benefits of AI Agency