In this episode of Shift & Thrive, host Natalie sits down with Matt Darrow, CEO and co-founder of Vivun, to explore his journey from consulting to leading innovations in AI sales engineering. Matt shares insights on transforming Vivun’s SaaS offerings into AI-native solutions, navigating organizational change, and maintaining leadership vision during times of transition. From his global upbringing to risk-taking hobbies, Matt offers a fascinating perspective on leadership, adaptability, and the future of AI in sales. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring stories from one of the industry's boldest innovators.

Takeaways:

• Remain agile and adaptable when navigating significant technological shifts. Separate teams may be necessary to ensure focus and specialization in new areas. Avoid simply adding new technologies to old frameworks; innovate with purpose and clarity.
• Consider bifurcating teams when necessary to allow specialized focus and faster innovation. Be transparent and communicate the reasons behind major organizational changes to maintain morale and buy-in.
• Lead with a positive and visionary approach, inspiring your team with a clear vision of the future. Understand the importance of maintaining a strong company culture, even in times of change and challenge.
• Recognize that no single person or group has all the answers. Encourage input and innovation from all levels. Manage with empathy and an open mind, especially when dealing with diverse teams with varying levels of experience and expertise.
• Encourage personal and professional development, equipping your team to adapt to new technologies and methodologies. Share personal stories and risks taken to humanize leadership and build rapport within your team.

Quote of the Show:

• “When you're managing up, bring your ingenuity and energy with respect. When you're managing down, bring your open-mindedness and empathy.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdarrow/ 
• Website: https://vivun.com/  

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change 
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 
• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. 

Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com