Sales Squad Pod

📋 Episode Summary90% of top sales performers score high in emotional intelligence. They produce double the revenue of average performers and close at a 15% higher rate. So why isn't every sales team training for it?In this episode, Lisa, Syreeta, and Donna get into the real mechanics of EQ in sales: what it actually looks like on a call, how to build it deliberately, and why it's about to become the single biggest differentiator in a world flooded with AI-generated outreach. This isn't a soft skills conversation. It's a competitive edge conversation.🕐 Thematic Timestamps[02:23] — How to Hire for EQ (Donna's Playbook) Donna breaks down what she's actually looking for when she's hiring leaders — and it's not the smoothest talker in the room. It's the person who can self-diagnose a role play after it's over. That moment of honest reflection? That's the tell.[04:30] — The Self-Awareness Gap (And the Research) Spoiler: 95% of people think they're self-aware. Only 10% actually are. Lisa and Donna unpack what Daniel Goleman's five components of EQ really mean — and why self-awareness is the hardest one to develop because you can't see your own blind spots.[10:03] — Coaching for EQ: What to Do When Your AE Stops Seeing Lisa puts a real scenario to Syreeta: an AE who isn't picking up on nuances. Syreeta's answer is all curiosity — ask what changed, what's underneath, what's blocking them. The same muscle you build for your customers, you use for your team.[16:33] — EQ Before the Zoom Even Starts Syreeta makes the case that EQ begins in the outreach — not the meeting. If you're not asking a prospect what they need from the next conversation before you show up, you've already lost a point.[20:46] — AI vs. EQ: The One Thing AI Can't Do The squad's hottest take: AI is incredible at the top of funnel. It scales outreach, preps research, surfaces insights. But it cannot be self-aware. It cannot show empathy. It cannot ask the second, third, and fourth question. That's EQ. And that's what closes the deal.🎯 3 Things to Do This WeekStart the journal. After your next call, write down how you felt, how you think they felt, and what you'd do differently. Look for patterns over 30 days.Bring a room reader to your next big meeting. Assign someone on your team the single job of watching faces and flagging when the room goes quiet.Ask the fourth question. Next time a deal stalls or someone says we're not interested, don't accept it. Get curious. Ask what changed. Dig one layer deeper.📚 Resources MentionedEmotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanLet's Get Real or Let's Not Play by Mahan Khalsa & Randy Illig🎙️ About Sales Squad PodHosted by Lisa (enterprise AE), Syreeta (frontline sales leader), and Donna (former leader of leaders). Three women who met in the Salesforce trenches, have carried a bag for decades, and built careers most people only read about. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.Follow, rate, and review — it helps more sellers find the squad.

Episode DescriptionImposter syndrome doesn't discriminate — it hits hardest among the highest achievers. In this episode, Lisa, Syreeta, and Donna get real about the self-doubt that plagues top sales performers, why it shows up more as your career advances, and the research-backed tactics you can use to silence the inner critic and own your success.From closing seven-figure deals and still feeling like a fraud, to being mistaken for the coffee server before running a boardroom, to navigating imposter syndrome as an underrepresented seller — this is an honest, empowering conversation you won't find anywhere else.If you've ever closed a big deal and thought "I just got lucky," this episode is for you.What You'll LearnWhy 82% of people experience imposter syndrome and why high achievers feel it mostThe difference between healthy discomfort (growth) and harmful self-doubt (burnout)Why imposter syndrome hits differently for underrepresented sellers, and what to do about itHow cognitive diffusion helps you separate your feelings from your identityThe Alter Ego Effect used by Kobe, Beyoncé, and top sellersPractical self-talk strategies to rewire your inner narrative — starting today[00:32] What imposter syndrome actually is — and why high achievers feel it most[03:46] How managers can spot and correct imposter syndrome in high-performing reps[08:59] Why imposter syndrome hits differently for underrepresented sellers — and what to do about it[10:52] The #1 research-backed tool for working through imposter syndrome: the psychological safety anchor[18:35] Practical tactics to silence the inner critic: the Alter Ego, the Smile File, and replacing feelings with factsKey TakeawaysImposter syndrome is a sign you're growing, not failing. Discomfort means you're being stretched — and that's where performance is built.Your feelings are not your review. Replace self-doubt with data: quota attainment, win rates, deal size, pipeline. You don't get lucky six quarters in a row.Build your Smile File before you need it. Collect your wins, your receipts, your moments of success. When the inner critic gets loud, open the file.Find your psychological safety anchor. Whether it's a person, a memory, or your own evidence — anchor to something that reminds you: you have done this before.Try the Alter Ego. Detach from the version of you that feels like a fraud. Perform as the version of you who belongs in the room — because that version is real.Resources & References MentionedDr. Valerie Young — Co-founder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute; research cited: 82% of people experience imposter syndromeThe Alter Ego Effect by Todd HermanSmile File / Brag Book — System for tracking wins, positive feedback, and evidence of successCognitive Diffusion — Mindfulness/meditation technique for separating your identity from intrusive thoughts

AI isn’t replacing top sales performers… it’s exposing the gap between average and elite.In this episode of Sales Squad Pod, we break down what it really means to sell in an AI-driven world and how sellers and leaders can use AI as a force multiplier to drive better performance, stronger pipeline, and faster career growth.From meeting prep and pipeline analysis to coaching, negotiation, and relationship building, we share practical ways to integrate AI into your day-to-day without losing the human edge that actually closes deals.If you’re in sales and not leveraging AI yet… you’re already behind.What You'll Learn:How to use AI as a force multiplier, not a crutchPractical ways to leverage AI for meeting prep, messaging, and deal strategyHow leaders can use AI to uncover pipeline gaps and coaching opportunitiesWhy data + AI insights are changing how top teams operateThe shift from feature selling → outcome-based sellingWhy relationships, trust, and “vibes” still win dealsHow to use AI to build business acumen and negotiation strategyWhere AI fits (and where it doesn’t) in high-stakes sales conversationsHow senior leaders use AI as a thought partner and sparring tool Timestamps:00:00 – Why AI Isn’t Replacing Top Performers02:40 – AI as a Force Multiplier in Sales05:16 – Using AI for Meeting Prep & Strategy08:31 – Pipeline Insights & Data-Driven Selling13:13 – Coaching with AI: Asking Better Questions15:51 – The Human Edge: Relationships & “Vibes”23:28 – The Future of Selling: Outcomes Over Features26:37 – Final Thoughts: How to Stay Ahead in an AI WorldTools Mentioned:ChatGPTGongMEDDICC / MEDDPICC Sales Framework🔗 Connect with the Hosts:Lisa – LinkedInSyreeta – LinkedInDonna – LinkedInSales Squad Pod - Instagram

Sales is one of the only careers where:You can do everything right… and still lose the dealYour performance is publicly measured every monthYou hear “no” far more than “yes”And yet you still have to show up the next day.In this episode, we break down what it really takes to stay in the game when rejection, pressure, and uncertainty are constant.If you’ve ever felt:Burned out after a tough quarterDiscouraged by constant rejectionQuestioning whether you’re cut out for salesThis episode is for you. We discuss:Why sales is ranked among the most stressful professionsThe science behind rejection—and why it literally feels painfulWhy resilience (not talent) is the #1 predictor of successHow top performers think differently after losing dealsPractical ways to recover faster and stay mentally strongOther Episodes referenced Episode 4 - The Habits of Top Sellers (And How to Build Them)Episode 1 - The Secrets of Executive Presence every Seller needs to hearDonna’s Newsletter The Most important trait in SellersChapters:00:00 Introduction00:45 Understanding Stress in Sales03:57 The Impact of Rejection09:14 Building Resilience and Grit13:51 Demonstrating Grit in Interviews16:21 Acknowledging Effort Over Outcome19:52 Normalizing Tough Quarters23:23 The Importance of Community in Sales

Episode SummaryConfidence is not innate, it’s built through preparation, clarity, and repetition. In this episode, Lisa, Donna, and Syreeta break down how to prepare for high-stakes moments, show up with executive presence, and follow through in a way that compounds confidence over time.Key Moments: 1. Confidence Comes from Preparation00:00 – 01:3410:52 – 11:5824:35 – 25:002. Physical & Mental Preparation Techniques02:02 – 03:1507:49 – 08:323. Clarity Over Information Overload03:42 – 04:58 (2–3 key takeaways)04:58 – 05:35 (Lisa’s 5-question framework)4. Handling Objections & Unknowns05:35 – 06:185. In-Meeting Execution & Presence11:58 – 16:456. Virtual Meeting Mastery17:19 – 21:03 (storytelling, slide design, delivery)7. Post-Meeting Follow-Up & Ownership22:00 – 22:50 (recaps, action items, control)8. Feedback as a Growth Lever22:50 – 24:35 (internal + customer feedback)We always appreciate you interacting with us, if this was useful to you please like, subscribe, and comment what you would like to hear next!

Closing a deal takes more than a strong product and a good relationship - it requires alignment across the entire buying process.In this episode, we break down how Mutual Success Plans (MSPs) help sales teams and buyers stay aligned from early discussions to final signature and implementation.The conversation explores why successful deals require visibility into every stage of the internal buying journey including procurement, legal, IT, security reviews, executive signers, and post-sale implementation. Without a clear plan that both sides agree on, deals often stall in late-stage approvals.Example template here We also discuss how top sellers use mutual plans internally and externally: externally to align with customers on timelines and responsibilities, and internally to coordinate resources, manage risk, and keep complex deals moving forward.If you’re working large or multi-stakeholder deals, understanding how to build and manage a Mutual Success Plan can be the difference between a stalled opportunity and a successful close.Key TakeawaysMutual Success Plans are essential for managing complex deals and closing successfullyStrong MSPs create alignment between sales teams and buyers throughout the purchasing processUnderstanding internal buyer steps - procurement, legal, IT, security, and signers helps prevent deal delaysMSPs should be used both externally with customers and internally with your teamClear ownership, timelines, and next steps keep deals moving toward implementation

Executive presence isn’t about sounding corporate or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about how you show up, how you communicate, and whether people trust your perspective when the stakes are high.In this episode of Sales Squad Pod, we break down what actually creates executive presence and why it plays such a critical role in how professionals are perceived inside organizations.We explore the three core elements:Gravitas — confidence, composure, and judgment under pressureCommunication — brevity, clarity, and strong storytellingAppearance — visual cues and the impact of first impressionsBut executive presence goes deeper than surface polish. It comes from preparation, deep knowledge of your craft, and having a clear point of view. Whether you're presenting to executives, leading a team, or looking to elevate your career, how you show up in the room matters.In this episode we cover:Why brevity and clarity signal confidenceHow preparation strengthens credibilityThe importance of having a point of viewHow composure and confidence create gravitasWhy appearance and visual cues influence perceptionIf you want to command the room, build influence, and show up like a leader — this episode is for you.NewsletterYou aren’t born with Executive Presence, you build it over time. LinkedIn InfographicHow to Exude Executive PresenceSales Squad Pod is a podcast for serious B2B sellers and sales leaders who want practical insights, real-world experience, and the skills that separate average performers from elite operators.#Sales #Tech #Leadership #Career