Shows
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQLessons from the 22 Women CRO's & Leaders of the Dear Future CRO PodcastIntroducing GrowthQ's First AI Podcast: 22 Women's Leadership Stories. This episode distills the wisdom of 22 inspiring female leaders from the "Dear Future CRO" podcast.Authentic Leadership: Sharon Martin on aligning values.Vulnerability: Allison West Hughes on authenticity. Rhonda Henley on resilience.Strategic Leadership: Angie Perez Thomas on strategy & communication.Mentorship & Sponsorship: Paula Hansen on mentorship. Debbie McClure & Elaine Mason on sponsorship as a career accelerator.Diversity & Inclusion: 2025-03-1718 min
Techniche TipsFrom Cheerleader to CEO: Esther's Tech Founder JourneyFrom Cheerleader to CEO, Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu shares her inspiring journey navigating the dynamic world of tech and building her company, GrowthQ. Gain insights into success as she discusses career progression, overcoming rejection, and transitioning from tech sales to entrepreneurship. Esther’s story highlights the power of mentorship, community, and resilience in shaping a thriving career.Whether you're exploring tech career transitions, looking to break into tech sales, or seeking a career coach to guide you, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and strategies. Learn how to leverage mentorship, network effectively, and turn challenges in...2025-03-1531 min
Journey UntoldBe Curious Not Judgmental: career foundations from pro dancer turned CEO (ft. Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu)Esther Ayorinde is a former NFL/NBA dancer turned Founder & CEO of GrowthQ, an AI-powered Career Navigation Platform. In this episode, Esther shares her journey of: Leading with curiosity instead of judgement Learnings about self and career as a pro-athlete Prioritizing through intentional congruence Highlights (01:55) Life mantra and identity (06:18) What it's like to be a professional dancer in the NFL/NBA (8:54) How to priortize your life (12:08) Breaking into Tech at Cisco (16:23) Camaradrie and women supporting women (18:17) Transition to leadership (22:09) ENFP per...2024-11-2035 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQCareer Navigation and Leadership: Lessons from AWS Sales Leader Angie Perez ThomasWelcome back to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ! In this episode, we sit down with Angie Perez Thomas, the North American Sales Leader for Enterprise Customers at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Angie, a powerhouse in the tech industry, shares insightful reflections on her career journey, from her childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut to navigating her role at AWS.We delve into Angie's strategic approach to leadership, her outstanding communication skills, and her commitment to self-care and personal development. Discover how she managed a rapidly growing team amidst high-pressure t...2024-09-2547 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQHow to Drive Change and Build Trust with CRO Denise WalterWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ! In this gripping episode, host Esther goes deep with Denise Walter, the dynamic Chief Revenue Officer at Darktrace. Denise, a seasoned leader with a storied career in tech and sales, opens up about her relentless travels, transformative strategies, and the fine balance she strikes between long-term planning and tactical execution for public companies.Denise takes us through her pivotal career moments, including her early misstep that set her on a path of leadership development and mentorship. Learn how she motivates her teams by understanding...2024-09-1834 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQFrom Developer to Sales Leader: Lynne Doherty's Unconventional Path to SuccessWelcome to another insightful episode of the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ! Today, we're thrilled to host Lynne Doherty, a remarkable leader whose unconventional career journey took her from a math and computer science major to a powerhouse in sales leadership. Lynne's philosophy? "Disruption is not a dirty word." In technology, it means innovations that reinvent how we, as consumers, experience the world. Lynne is not only an advocate for this kind of creative disruption but also a champion for accountability—doing what you say you will do.Currently, as President of a...2024-09-1238 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQAligning Career Choices with Personal Values: How to Lead Authentically with Sharon MartinWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ! In this episode, our host and Founder of GrowthQ, Esther sits down with the inspiring Sharon Martin, a seasoned systems engineering leader, to delve into the challenges and mindset shifts one faces throughout their career journey.Sharon shares her personal story of growth and resilience, from her early days as an enthusiastic individual contributor to her current season of intentional leadership. She reflects on the values instilled by her parents, such as perseverance, grit, and gratitude, and how they have shaped her approach to...2024-09-0442 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQMastering Overlay Sales Leadership: Garrett Claridge’s Guide to Building Trust and Managing TeamsWelcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast," powered by GrowthQ! In today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Garrett Claridge, the Regional Sales Leader of the West Coast for Cisco Webex, based in Seattle. Garrett shares his invaluable insights on understanding your business's impact on customers and bosses, the essence of curiosity, networking, and being open to change for ambitious leaders.Garrett delves into his diverse career journey, from starting in sales with a small telecommunications provider to managing large accounts at Cisco during the financial crisis. He offers a behind-the-scenes look...2024-08-2843 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQLeadership Lessons from Tony Colon: Diversity, Instinct, and Financial WisdomWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ! In this episode, our host and Founder of GrowthQ, Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu engages in a compelling conversation with Tony Colon, SVP for Customer Success at ServiceNow. Tony takes us through his diverse career journey from his early life in Chicago to pivotal roles at Salesforce and Cisco. He emphasizes decision-making using both data and instinct, the value of ideas from diverse perspectives, and the importance of innovation within companies. Esther and Tony discuss the significance of learning from those making high-stake decisions and listening to frontline employees. They also...2024-08-2151 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQAllison's Journey: Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity in LeadershipGrowthQ Community, in this insightful session with the amazing Allison West Hughes, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, Allison shares her transformative journey of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in her leadership style, thanks to the groundbreaking work of Brene Brown. We dove deep into the challenges and rewards of uncovering, the importancei of embracing your authentic self, being open about personal struggles, like disabilities, in the workplace and being intentional about what support and accommodations looks like.. Allison's experiences at Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Telcos, and ServiceNow taught her invaluable lessons about building trust, optimizing sales, and navigating complex stakeholder...2024-08-1438 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQDelivering Tomorrow’s Growth Today: Rhonda Henley’s Leadership MissionGrowthQ Community, join us for an inspiring episode of the Dear Future CRO Podcast with Rhonda Henley, Vice President of America's Partner Sales at Cisco. Rhonda shares valuable insights from her remarkable career journey, discussing the importance of setting clear expectations, seeking feedback, and understanding what success looks like in a new role. She also delves into daily routines, productivity hacks, and the significance of accountability and staying true to oneself. Rhonda's candid reflections on missed opportunities and the constant pursuit of learning and growth offer powerful lessons for anyone navigating their career path. Don't miss this opportunity to...2024-08-0732 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQKelly Wright on Driving Sales Success with Culture Driven SalesWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In today's enlightening session with Kelly Breslin Wright, we dove deep into the heart of transformative sales and the power of a people-first approach. Kelly's journey, from door-to-door book sales to the pinnacle of tech industry disruption, highlights the essential blend of passion, perseverance, and people skills needed to excel in this ever-changing landscape. By championing a culture-driven sales strategy, Kelly reminds us that aligning with a company's mission and vision isn't just good practice, it's imperative for success. Stay tuned, reach out, and remember—the story we...2024-05-2239 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQScaling Success: Insights from Mark Niemiec on Leadership and Revenue GrowthWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Niemiec, Chief Revenue Officer at Salesloft, who dives deep into the challenges and strategies of aligning sales goals with customer needs. Mark shares invaluable insights from his journey—from his philosophy background to leading sales at a tech forefront, emphasizing the critical role of understanding customer adoption and the importance of values in sales success. We also explore the essential blend of leadership, technology, and project management skills needed for a CRO. For anyone aiming to elevate their sales career or le...2024-05-1537 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQMentorship, Motivation, and Moving Up in Sales with Travis CoxWelcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we delve into the compelling career journey of Travis Cox, Global Vice President of Sales at HeroDevs, detailing his transition from big corporations to medium-sized companies, and then to the vibrant world of startups, all driven by his goal to become a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Join us as Travis shares invaluable insights from his diverse experiences — from finance to sales leadership, and his strategic role at HeroDevs, where he significantly influences the company's rapid growth. Throughout his illustrious career, Travis has emphasized the cri...2024-05-0833 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQWinning in Sales with Heart: Lessons from Frederick DeWorkenWelcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we are honored to have Frederick DeWorken as our guest. Frederick is an Investor and Co-Founder of a Data Services Company. In this episode, we uncovered the unconventional career path of a man who transitioned from the Peace Corps to becoming a trailblazing executive in tech. Frederick advises every future leader to believe in their potential and to embrace every setback as a stepping stone towards greater success. For those in the tech industry, create or find your community, especially if you're from an un...2024-05-0130 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQThe Power of Networking: Marjorie Martin's Key to Professional AdvancementWelcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we are honored to have Marjorie Martin as our guest. Marjorie is an expert in technology sales, who started her career unexpectedly at VMware and is now the Area Vice President of Enterprise at Juniper.During this episode, we will learn about Marjorie's inspiring journey, and how she overcame challenges, led teams, and changed careers. Marjorie will share her experiences on how she leads, networks, and helps teams succeed in the ever-changing world of the tech industry.We will explore the importance o...2024-04-1735 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQChris Richardson on the Power of Authenticity and Leading with EmpathyHello and welcome to the "Dear Future CRO Podcast" powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, we’re honored to host Chris Richardson, Cloud Transformation Sales Leader at Google Cloud - a luminary in sales and go-to-market strategy. Renowned for his engaging personality, Chris is not only recognized within his professional sphere but also sought after as a speaker. He inspires others by sharing insights on how experiences, even the traumatic or difficult ones, can be the catalyst for success and growth.Chris’s story resonates widely, reminding us that the path to accomplishment is often paved with the b...2024-04-1036 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQLeadership and Learning with Umesh Lakshman: A Guide for Aspiring CROsWelcome to Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In this episode, our exclusive guest Umesh Lakshman, Vice President, Solutions Architecture, National Mid-Markets and Channels at Lumen Technologies, dove deep into the transformative power of mentorship, continuous learning, and the art of delivering value by truly understanding customer needs. Umesh brings to the table a passion for mentorship and the extraordinary impact it has on shaping career paths. With an emphasis on continuous learning, Umesh shares how he leverages online platforms to stay ahead of the curve.In this heart-to-heart with GrowthQ CEO, Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayor...2024-04-0333 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQKathy Saye’s Guide for Aspiring Leaders and Working ParentsWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. In our latest episode, Kathy Saye, an exemplary leader from Cisco, shared profound insights on authentic relationship-building, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and the art of balancing personal and professional life. She unveiled the secret behind transitioning from sales to leadership, emphasizing that it's not about the titles but the impact we create. Kathy's wisdom on mentorship, prioritizing life's glass balls over the plastic ones, and her unique zigzag career path, was not just inspiring but a strategic blueprint for aspiring leaders. GrowthQ CEO Esther 🌱 (Iyamu) Ayo...2024-03-2734 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQUnlocking Your Potential: Strategies from Katharina Matsui's Rise to SVP of SalesWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast, where we unlock the secrets to career growth with industry experts in Sales. This episode is a compelling conversation with Katharina Matsui, a mastermind in the sales landscape and the global SVP of sales for One Trust. Against the conventional, Katharina proved doubters wrong about her ability to deliver professionally in leadership roles with her unconventional background. The episode highlights an honest conversation filled with anecdotes about recognizing one's affinity for sales, navigating career challenges with a non-traditional background, and the significance of trusting your intuition when building a vision al...2024-03-2034 minThe "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQDEAR FUTURE CRO | Ep 001 | by Culture Crunch x GrowthQ - Paula HansenWelcome to the #DearFutureCRO Podcast, where today we’ve had the inspiring Paula Hansen sharing her wisdom on rising through the ranks to become a Chief Revenue Officer. She’s reminded us of the power of mentorship across all career stages, the vital role of sponsorship in unlocking potential, and the significance of building a diverse team committed to growth. Paula’s journey from engineering to leading sales at Alteryx showcases the blend of continuous learning and customer connection. Her advice to future CROs? Invest in people, champion diverse talents, and always nurture your relationships. Tune in to grow, connec...2024-03-1446 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQMarine to Meraki Americas Sales VP: Cedric Lockhart's Revenue Leadership Career JourneyWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ. I’m Esther, and in our latest episode, we sat down with the seasoned powerhouse - Cedric Lockhart. From his tactical beginnings in the Marine Corps to shaping sales strategies at Cisco Meraki, Cedric dives into the essence of scaling billion-dollar businesses and the significance of sales methodologies that derisk and amplify growth. We uncovered the rhythm of his success, from forecast calls to customer partnerships, and the power of a collaborative approach in the complexity of technological sales. Cedric pr...2024-03-1344 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQSusan Rothwell: Embrace Change and Propel Your Career as a CROWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast, where we unlock the secrets to career growth with industry experts in Sales. I'm Esther, and in this insightful episode, I dive deep with Susan Rothwell, a Go-To-Market luminary with nearly three decades of experience across tech, media, and healthcare. Susan shares her journey of evolution, shedding light on how staying ahead of the curve transformed her into the CRO at Epsilon. We discuss the importance of mentorship and the game-changing role of sponsors in scaling the corporate ladder. If you're aiming for that C-suite or looking to bolster your team's performance...2024-03-0641 minThe "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQSusan Rothwell: Embrace Change and Propel Your Career as a CROWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast, where we unlock the secrets to career growth with industry experts in Sales. I'm Esther, and in this insightful episode, I dive deep with Susan Rothwell, a Go-To-Market luminary with nearly three decades of experience across tech, media, and healthcare. Susan shares her journey of evolution, shedding light on how staying ahead of the curve transformed her into the CRO at Epsilon. We discuss the importance of mentorship and the game-changing role of sponsors in scaling the corporate ladder. If you're aiming for that C-suite or looking to bolster your team's performance...2024-03-0642 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQFrom Healthcare to Tech: A Chief Customer Officer's Take on Customer-Centric LeadershipWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast. I'm your host Esther, and in this episode, we have the incredible Sandy Hogan, recently named Chief Customer Officer from SADA. Sandy took us through her inspiring career journey—from her roots in healthcare to her pivotal Tech career at companies like VMWare, Rackspace, HERE Technologies, and Cisco. She shared the importance of innovation in customer interactions and a customer-centric approach in the tech industry. Her insights on creating specialized roles and driving yearly growth are a testament to her strategy. Tune in to learn how understanding cus...2024-02-2832 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQFrom Lawyer to Tech Sales Leader: Shannon Redd's Unique Career JourneyWelcome to the Dear Future CRO Podcast powered by GrowthQ, where we bring you insights from sales leaders who are shaping the future. I'm your host, Esther, and in today's episode, Shannon Redd takes the spotlight.Shannon's career has been a remarkable journey from advocating for social justice as an attorney in family law and criminal justice, to a sales leader revolutionizing the public sector. Today, she's here to share her story of transition, diving into how her law career provided a unique foundation for her unexpected rise in the world of technology sales.Join...2024-02-2134 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQIgniting Leadership Excellence: Vanessa Smith's Blueprint for Aspiring CROsWelcome to GrowthQ, where we tap into the wisdom of business leaders to fuel your ascent. Today, join me, Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu, and our exceptional guest, Vanessa Smith, President of Servicenow.org. Vanessa gave us a masterclass in career agility, detailing her journey from GE to the forefront of value selling at SAP, and now, driving change at ServiceNow. She shared her secret sauce for success: a unique blend of operational insight and brand ambassadorship. She reminded us that confidence and preparation are the cornerstones of leadership. For aspiring CROs, her message is clear: know your strengths, foster learning...2024-02-1433 minThe "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQDear Future CRO Season 2 TeaserDear Future CRO Season 2GrowthQ is on a mission to unlock human potential. GrowthQ is an AI-powered career navigation platform matching ambitious individuals with ideal roles, mentors, and career development resources all while allowing employers to apply to you. GrowthQ's AI-Assistant, Gigi, even uses data and AI to guide you on your dream career path. Start navigating your career with our AI Assistant, Gigi at https://beta.growthq.co/Follow us on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/growthq2024-02-0700 min
The "Dear Future CRO" Podcast by GrowthQNavigating a Tech Career with Ruba Borno: From Engineer to ExecutiveIn this insightful session with Dr. Ruba Borno, we uncovered the transformative power of mentorship and diverse leadership in tech. Ruba shared her remarkable journey from an electrical engineer to the Channel Chief at Amazon Web Services (AWS), inspiring us with her commitment to lifelong learning and her approach to intentional mentorship—for a reason, a season, and for life. She highlighted the importance of finding your voice and how seeking help, along with mastering communication, can propel your career forward. We delved into her four pillars of effective leadership: empathy, emotional intelligence, resilience, and accountability, and learned ho...2024-02-0732 min
Merchants of ChangeConnecting the Unconnected - Esther IyamuOn the last episode of Season 6 of Merchants of Change, we welcome Esther Iyamu, Founder & CEO of GrowthQ to the show!Esther is a former NFL and NBA cheerleader who successfully transitioned into a successful sales career before founding her own company, GrowthQ!A conversation filled with advice on starting your sales career, the importance of selling in entrepreneurship, getting dialed in, and much more!1:53 Cheer/Dance Career17:40 Transition to Sales29:40 Entrepreneurship38:50 Core Sales Beliefs44:05 Elite Sales Skill and Being Dialed In------------------------2023-12-2146 min
BEYOND BARRIERSEpisode 241: Optimistic Insights from Entrepreneur and Founder of GrowthQ, Esther Ayorinde-IyamuTo get ahead and make an impact, you must know your value and have clarity on your ‘why’. Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu, Founder of talent matching platform GrowthQ shares the key factors that have driven her entrepreneurial success, including her experience as a dancer for the LA Clippers, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets. She attributes her success to concentrating on good things coming to her and a focus on people, innovation, and creativity. Esther formed her first startup at age 19 from her college dorm. Her network was key to her success, and she describes the importance of depo...2022-11-1837 min
Uncorked: The Podcast#203 – Outsourcing Wellness with Esther Ayorinde IyamuMeet Esther Ayorinde! This week on Uncorked we celebrate the wildly successful recovering professional who has chosen to take her life and her health back into her own hands. After achieving quarter over quarter, quota over quota, Esther realized that something wasn't quite fulfilling her in her big life. This conversation she shares her rock bottom, her tools for success and most excitedly – her newest business venture. Please take a quiet moment to enjoy this one, take stock of your own health metrics and be sure to follow her work.LINKS:Esther and her partner’s instagram: www.instagram.com/sili...2022-06-2828 min