The Emblazers Show

Creating Mentally Healthy Sellers of the Future - Dr. Stefanie Boyer

In this episode of The Emblazers: B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue, hosts Amanda and Tim sit down with Dr. Stefanie Boyer, a top-ranked sales professor and researcher, to discuss mental health in sales, the science of effective coaching, and how AI is reshaping sales training.
Sales is a high-pressure profession—rejection, quotas, and isolation all take a toll on sellers and managers alike. Stefanie shares groundbreaking research on how coaching, practice, and even improv can build resilience, boost performance, and create healthier sales cultures. She also reveals how AI-powered training is cutting ramp times and improving seller confidence—especially for women in sales.
Tune in to Learn:
The mental health challenges facing sales teams and how leaders can help
Why 30 practice sessions is the magic number for sales mastery
How AI is changing coaching and feedback for sellers and managers
The surprising link between improv training and sales success
The biggest mistakes sales managers make—and how to fix them
Links and Resources:
Connect with Dr. Stefanie Boyer, Amanda, and Tim
Learn more about Bryant University Sales Institute
Subscribe to The Emblazers for more expert insights
Check out the Emblaze revenue community powered by Corporate Visions and start a free Insights membership today!
Come see us in person at Emblaze Revenue Summit, April 15th-17th, 2025, in Denver, CO! Experience the ultimate, insights-driven conference for revenue growth leaders and their teams.
Learn About Dr. Stefanie Boyer
Dr. Stefanie Boyer is a leading researcher and educator shaping the future of sales talent. As a Marketing Professor at Bryant University, she specializes in developing the next generation of sellers, focusing on the intersection of sales performance, mental resilience, and cutting-edge learning methods. Her research explores the psychological demands of sales, how leaders can foster healthier, more sustainable sales environments, and the evolving role of AI in training and coaching. A TEDx speaker and Forbes #NEXT1000 entrepreneur, Stefanie has authored multiple books, including the Audible series 6 Sales Skills Everyone Should Know. She is a passionate advocate for equipping sellers with the emotional and strategic skills they need to thrive in a high-pressure profession. 
 
Learn about Amanda DeVlugt
A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions.
 
Learn about Tim Riesterer
As Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions and Chief Research Officer at Emblaze revenue leaders’ community, Tim Riesterer is a pioneering force in developing customer conversations that break through the status quo and drive measurable business results. His innovative approach helps companies craft differentiated messages and deploy them through powerful self-service and sales-directed tools that consistently outperform traditional content strategies. A recognized expert in value creation and capture, Tim enables organizations to transform their customer conversations through proven methodologies that elevate their market position and drive sustainable growth.
 

How to Sell to the C-Suite Post-Covid - Rohail Khan

In this episode of The Emblazers: B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue, hosts Amanda and Tim sit down with Rohail Khan, a seasoned executive and expert in AI, automation, and digital transformation, to uncover the secrets to selling to the C-suite.
With over 25 years in executive leadership, Rohail has been on the other side of high-stakes sales conversations—as the buyer. He’s generated over $500 million in revenue, holds a patent for the Healthcare FICO score, and has built AI-driven innovations in banking and healthcare. Now, he shares how sales professionals can gain access to senior decision-makers and make an impact at the highest levels.
Rohail breaks down the three factors every executive cares about when making a decision:
Risk Mitigation – Are you solving a problem that keeps them up at night?
Impact – How will your solution drive real business value?
Outcomes – What tangible results can they expect?
Tune in to learn:
Why most salespeople fail to capture an executive’s attention—and how to fix it
The exact messaging and email techniques that make a C-level buyer “swipe right” on your pitch
How to navigate complex buying committees and multi-stakeholder decisions
The biggest myths about selling to the C-suite—and what’s actually true
Why AI is reshaping executive decision-making and how sellers can adapt
Links and Resources:
Connect with Rohail, Amanda, and Tim
Learn more about IRPA AI
Subscribe to The Emblazers for more episodes featuring sales thought leaders
Check out the Emblaze revenue community powered by Corporate Visions and start a free Insights membership today!
Come see us in person at Emblaze Revenue Summit, April 15th-17th, 2025, in Denver, CO! Experience the ultimate, insights-driven conference for revenue growth leaders and their teams.
Learn about Rohail Khan
Rohail Khan is President of Digital Services & Solutions at IRPA/AI, where he leads a global team revolutionizing business through automation and AI. A visionary with 25 years in executive leadership, Rohail has generated over half a billion dollars in revenue through his innovative GenAI solutions in banking and healthcare. He holds a patent for the Healthcare Fico Score and is known for transforming organizations through digital innovation. Currently serving as a Facilitating Consultant at Corporate Visions, Rohail is passionate about creating value, empowering teams, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI. 
Learn about Amanda DeVlugt
A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions.
Learn about Tim Riesterer
As Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions and Chief Research Officer at Emblaze revenue leaders’ community, Tim Riesterer is a pioneering force in developing customer conversations that break through the status quo and drive measurable business results. His innovative approach helps companies craft differentiated messages and deploy them through powerful self-service and sales-directed tools that consistently outperform traditional content strategies. A recognized expert in value creation and capture, Tim enables organizations to transform their customer conversations through proven methodologies that elevate their market position and drive sustainable growth.
 

CROs as Agents of Change - Sona Jepsen

In this episode of The Emblazers: B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue, hosts Amanda and Tim sit down with Sona Jepsen, Chief Revenue Officer at Curinos, to break down the complexities of leading a modern revenue organization.
Sona shares her perspective from the CRO hot seat, detailing the strategic orchestration of sales, marketing, and customer success to drive sustainable revenue growth. She explains why pipeline generation, deal qualification, and revenue retention are the pillars of success and how today’s CROs must be both data-driven and deeply human-centered in their approach.
As a board member of PayTech Women and an advocate for high-growth environments, Sona also dives into leadership strategies, change management, and the evolving role of AI in sales—offering essential insights for those aspiring to lead large-scale commercial teams.
Tune in to learn:
The real role of a CRO and what it takes to succeed in the seat
How to orchestrate sales, marketing, and partnerships into a unified growth engine
Pipeline strategy secrets—from top-of-funnel expansion to rigorous deal qualification
Why AI is an efficiency enabler but not a replacement for sales professionals
How to build your leadership brand and position yourself for career growth
Links and Resources:
Connect with Sona Jepsen, Amanda, and Tim
Learn more about Curinos
Subscribe to The Emblazers for more episodes featuring sales thought leaders
Check out the Emblaze revenue community powered by Corporate Visions and start a free Insights membership today!
Come see us in person at Emblaze Revenue Summit, April 15th-17th, 2025, in Denver, CO! Experience the ultimate, insights-driven conference for revenue growth leaders and their teams.
Learn about Sona Jepsen
Sona Jepsen is Chief Revenue Officer at Curinos, where she leads the company's commercial strategy and drives sustainable revenue growth through sales, client relationships, and business development. As a board member of PayTech Women, Sona is passionate about creating high-growth environments and empowering teams to navigate complex markets with both precision and empathy. Sona will share her expertise at the upcoming Emblaze Revenue Summit in Denver, CO, April 15-17, by participating in a forward-looking CRO panel discussion about leading teams in 2025 and beyond, as well as presenting a case study on how sales leaders are leveraging analytics and technology to drive consistent pipeline.
Learn about Amanda DeVlugt
A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions.
Learn about Tim Riesterer
As Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions and Chief Research Officer at Emblaze revenue leaders’ community, Tim Riesterer is a pioneering force in developing customer conversations that break through the status quo and drive measurable business results. His innovative approach helps companies craft differentiated messages and deploy them through powerful self-service and sales-directed tools that consistently outperform traditional content strategies. A recognized expert in value creation and capture, Tim enables organizations to transform their customer conversations through proven methodologies that elevate their market position and drive sustainable growth.

Talking Shop with the Father of MEDDICC - Dick Dunkel

In this episode of The Emblazers: B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue, hosts Amanda DeVlugt and Tim Riesterer sit down with the legendary Dick Dunkel, known as the father of MEDDICC, the sales qualification methodology that has transformed enterprise sales for over three decades.
Dick shares the story behind MEDDICC’s creation, offering a rare glimpse into the origins of this data-driven framework and its ongoing relevance in today’s sales landscape. From the perspective of both sellers and modern buyers, Dick explains how MEDDICC helps enterprise teams qualify leads, build stronger pipelines, and close deals more effectively. As a practitioner with decades of hands-on experience, Dick delivers actionable insights that every sales leader can apply immediately.
Tune in to discover:
The foundational principles that make MEDDICC timeless
How to align your sales process with the evolving needs of modern buyers
Proven strategies for building and converting robust sales pipelines
Links and Resources:
Connect with Dick Dunkel, Amanda, and Tim
Learn more about MEDDICC
Subscribe to The Emblazers for more episodes featuring sales thought leaders
Check out the Emblaze revenue community powered by Corporate Visions and start a free Insights membership today!
Come see us in person at Emblaze Revenue Summit, April 15th-17th, 2025, in Denver, CO! Experience the ultimate, insights-driven conference for revenue growth leaders and their teams.
Learn about Dick Dunkel Our guest today, Dick Dunkel, is known as the father of MEDDICC, a sales qualification methodology used to help sales teams determine if a lead is a good fit for their sales funnel. He’s also a practicing revenue growth leader at Cloudera. As VP of Field Enablement at Cloudera, he leads his team to elevate sales execution and impact customer performance. Throughout his career, he's helped major corporations and world-class brands adapt to change and improve business performance through innovative technology and process improvement.
Learn about Amanda DeVlugt A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions.
Learn about Tim Riesterer As Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions and Chief Research Officer at Emblaze revenue leaders’ community, Tim Riesterer is a pioneering force in developing customer conversations that break through the status quo and drive measurable business results. His innovative approach helps companies craft differentiated messages and deploy them through powerful self-service and sales-directed tools that consistently outperform traditional content strategies. A recognized expert in value creation and capture, Tim enables organizations to transform their customer conversations through proven methodologies that elevate their market position and drive sustainable growth.

Scaling Massive Digital Sales Teams with a High Talent Bar - Rakhi Voria

In this episode of The Emblazers: B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue, hosts Amanda and Tim sit down with Rakhi Voria to discuss what it takes to build and scale high-performing sales teams in today’s competitive landscape.
With a track record of leading sales teams at Microsoft, IBM, and Procore, Rakhi shares how she has hired and developed top talent, many from non-traditional backgrounds like journalism, teaching, and the military. She also dives into the evolving role of digital sales, the impact of AI and sales technology, and why a structured, data-driven hiring approach is critical to scaling revenue.
Rakhi’s leadership has helped take Procore from $500 million to $1 billion in annual recurring revenue in just three years. Her insights on sales enablement, training, and hybrid work models provide a playbook for revenue leaders looking to grow their teams and drive better results.
Tune in to learn:
The traits that make non-traditional candidates successful in sales
How to scale sales teams quickly and effectively
The AI-driven sales tech stack that fuels high-performance teams
How hybrid and remote work models are evolving in inside sales
Rakhi’s biggest lessons from building global sales teams at Microsoft, IBM, and Procore
Links and Resources:
Connect with Rakhi, Amanda, and Tim
Subscribe to The Emblazers show for more expert insights
Check out the Emblaze revenue community by Corporate Visions and start a free Insights membership today. You'll get instant access to research, resources, and members-only virtual events.
Come see us in person at Emblaze Revenue Summit, April 15th-17th, 2025, in Denver, CO! Experience the ultimate, insights-driven conference for revenue growth leaders and their teams. 
Learn about Rakhi VoriaOur guest today, Rakhi Voria, is an enterprise tech veteran who brings transformational leadership experience from Procore Technologies, Microsoft, and IBM. She has built and scaled massive digital sales teams generating billions in revenue, and she's known for her data-driven approach to sales leadership and fostering people-first cultures. Beyond her impressive corporate achievements, Rakhi is a passionate advocate for advancing women in sales, regularly contributing to Forbes and speaking at conferences, while also serving as an executive sponsor of the women's employee resource groups at her various companies.
Learn about Amanda DeVlugt A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions. Learn about Tim Riesterer As Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions and Chief Research Officer at Emblaze revenue leaders’ community, Tim Riesterer is a pioneering force in developing customer conversations that break through the status quo and drive measurable business results. His innovative approach helps companies craft differentiated messages and deploy them through powerful self-service and sales-directed tools that consistently outperform traditional content strategies. A recognized expert in value creation and capture, Tim enables organizations to transform their customer conversations through proven methodologies that elevate their market position and drive sustainable growth.

B2B Sales Trends to Watch for in 2025 - Dr. Leff Bonney

In this inaugural episode of The Emblazers: B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue, host Amanda DeVlugt and resident expert Tim Riesterer kick off an exciting journey into the world of sales leadership and transformational strategies. Joined by Dr. Leff Bonney from Florida State University Sales Institute, the conversation dives deep into the intersection of data, research, and actionable insights that redefine how sales leaders approach their craft.
Leff shares his expertise on sales leadership, addresses the hype and realities of AI in sales, and reveals why some sales methodologies stand the test of time while others fade into obscurity. This episode is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking discussions designed to equip sales leaders with the tools to navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Tune in to discover:
Why the "AI dust is settling" and what it means for sales strategies
The role of research-backed insights in making smarter sales decisions
What it takes to lead a modern sales team in an era of unprecedented change
Links and Resources:
Connect with Leff Bonney, Amanda, and Tim
Learn more about the FSU Sales Institute
Subscribe to The Emblazers show for more expert-driven episodes
Check out the Emblaze revenue community powered by Corporate Visions and start a free Insights membership today.
Come see us in person at Emblaze Revenue Summit, April 15th-17th, 2025, in Denver, CO! Experience the ultimate, insights-driven conference for revenue growth leaders and their teams. 
Learn about Leff Bonney Our guest today, Leff Bonney, Ph.D., is a behavioral scientist and Associate Professor of Sales and Marketing at Florida State University Sales Institute, which he also founded. Leff spent a decade in sales and sales management roles before becoming a leading sales researcher specializing in customer selection as well as adaptive sales strategies and methodologies. He is the Research Director at Emblaze, the leadership insights community powered by Corporate Visions. Most recently, he hosted the global collegiate sales competition for undergraduate business majors, so he really has his finger on the pulse of what new sellers are learning. Learn about Amanda DeVlugt A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions. Learn about Tim Riesterer As Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions and Chief Research Officer at Emblaze revenue leaders’ community, Tim Riesterer is a pioneering force in developing customer conversations that break through the status quo and drive measurable business results. His innovative approach helps companies craft differentiated messages and deploy them through powerful self-service and sales-directed tools that consistently outperform traditional content strategies. A recognized expert in value creation and capture, Tim enables organizations to transform their customer conversations through proven methodologies that elevate their market position and drive sustainable growth.

B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue Growth: The Emblazers Podcast Trailer

Get ready to ignite your revenue growth!
Hosted by Amanda DeVlugt with resident revenue growth expert Tim Riesterer, The Emblazers show brings bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies for B2B revenue leaders.
Powered by the Emblaze revenue community and Corporate Visions, this podcast is your go-to listen for CROs, CSOs, and anyone leading the charge in sales, enablement, and customer success.
Coming soon—don’t miss your chance to spark the breakthrough that elevates your sales strategy!
Links and Resources:
Connect with Amanda and Tim
Subscribe to The Emblazers show for more expert-driven episodes
Check out the Emblaze revenue community powered by Corporate Visions and start a free Insights membership today.
Come see us in person at Emblaze Revenue Summit, April 15th-17th, 2025, in Denver, CO! Experience the ultimate, insights-driven conference for revenue growth leaders and their teams. 
Learn about Amanda DeVlugt A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions. Learn about Tim Riesterer As Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions and Chief Research Officer at Emblaze revenue leaders’ community, Tim Riesterer is a pioneering force in developing customer conversations that break through the status quo and drive measurable business results. His innovative approach helps companies craft differentiated messages and deploy them through powerful self-service and sales-directed tools that consistently outperform traditional content strategies. A recognized expert in value creation and capture, Tim enables organizations to transform their customer conversations through proven methodologies that elevate their market position and drive sustainable growth.