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Jen Waltz doesn’t just build partner programs, she rewires them for impact.

In this episode, Jen joins Jason and Sam to drop an absolute gem on authentic networking, channel evolution, and the art of partner-led scale. She dives into everything from being “voluntold” into channel, to the difference between real partnership and just pushing portals. We talk trust, seller psychology, the 7-partner strategy from Jay McBain, and why emotional intelligence is your most valuable asset in GTM.

Jen also shares her personal journey, growing up at the intersection of four cultures, learning from a fighter pilot father and financial strategist husband, and how that shaped her unique leadership lens.

This one’s got it all: heart, humor, hard truths, and tactical gold.

Whether you’re a partner leader, aspiring board member, or just thirsty for curiosity (shoutout to Jen’s self-proclaimed “thirst trap for learning” mindset), this is your episode.

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Joe Henderson, a seasoned expert in global partnerships, shares his journey from an accidental entry into the field to becoming a specialist in building partnerships from scratch. Joe discusses the nuances of establishing global partnerships, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural differences and the necessity of face-to-face interactions. He highlights the significance of curiosity and open-mindedness in navigating diverse business cultures.  We delve into the concept of "unreasonable hospitality," inspired by Will Guidera's book, and how it can transform partner relationships by focusing on proactive engagement and creating exceptional experiences. The episode explores the challenges of assessing a company's readiness for partnerships and setting realistic expectations, with Joe offering insights into the timeline and metrics for building a successful partner program from zero to one.

Join us for Arcadia Leadership Experience - ArcadiaLeadershipExperience.com 

Will Guidera's Unreasonable Hospitality https://amzn.to/44Vhzcw

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Join Jason and Sam on the Friends with Benefits podcast as they chat with Robin Dreeke, a former FBI counterintelligence expert. Robin shares his unique insights on building trust and relationships, drawing from his 21 years of experience in the FBI. He talks about the importance of understanding others' challenges and priorities, and how genuine curiosity and transparency can foster trust. Robin also discusses how his experiences in espionage translate to business leadership, emphasizing the power of authentic connections. Whether you're in the world of spycraft or business, Robin's advice on human behavior and trust-building is invaluable.

Check out Robin's latest book here: https://amzn.to/4lQXN8f

Join us this summer: Arcadialeadershipexperience.com/

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 You can’t automate authenticity. You have to earn it.

In this episode, we sit down with MK Getler-Porizkova, CMO at Loop & Tie, host of The Connected Brand podcast, and someone who talks about human connection like it’s their life’s calling (because it is).

We dive deep into the idea that real leadership starts with self-awareness, and that brand trust, team culture, and customer relationships are all just echoes of the energy you bring into the room. We talk biomimicry, neuroplasticity, and how marketing strategies can (and should) be built on frequency, not just frameworks.

This episode is for any leader who’s tired of performative leadership, copy-paste marketing, and hollow KPIs, and ready to lead, build, and live from a more connected place.

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In this episode, Jason and Sam dive into a playful game of quote recall from past episodes, sparking discussions on key partnership strategies. They explore the challenges of gaining board-level support, the importance of speaking the business language, and the pitfalls of spreading resources too thin across multiple partnerships. The duo emphasizes the need for partner leaders to influence go-to-market strategies and the value of partner ops in bridging organizational gaps. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, hopefully, you'll laugh a bit and find a few valuable lessons on building successful partnerships.

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Ned Arick, a successful leader with multiple exits, shares his journey of personal transformation and redefining success. He discusses the challenges of climbing the corporate ladder while losing sight of what truly matters. In this conversation, we explore the importance of self-discovery, setting boundaries, and finding joy in both personal and professional life. He offers insights on effective goal-setting, time management, and bringing one's authentic self to work. The conversation delves into Ned's approach to leadership, his journaling practice, and the creation of his newsletter "Meaningful Momentum." Throughout the episode, Ned emphasizes the value of introspection and aligning one's actions with a clear vision of their ideal life.

If you're interested in more conversations like this one, join us this summer in Montana for the Arcadia Leadership Experience. More information at ArcadiaLeadershipExperience.com

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In this episode, Jason and Sam welcome marketing legend Dave Gerhardt. Known for his industry-shifting marketing approach at Drift and now leading Exit 5, Dave shares his journey from CMO to community builder. He emphasizes the power of human connection in marketing, especially in an era dominated by AI. Dave discusses the importance of building a founder brand, where storytelling and personal narratives become key differentiators in a crowded market. He recounts how Drift's success was rooted in creating genuine content that resonated with audiences, rather than focusing solely on product promotion. The conversation also touches on the challenges of measuring marketing ROI and the need for a holistic approach to partnerships and marketing strategies. Dave's insights offer a fresh perspective on how businesses can thrive by prioritizing relationships and authentic engagement.


Join us in Montana for the Arcadia Leadership Experience this summer. https://arcadialeadershipexperience.com/

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Mara Gleason Olson shares her journey from witnessing a profound change in her father to becoming a leader in understanding human consciousness. She reveals how our thoughts shape our reality and how we can harness this to improve our lives. Through her work with Rebels for Peace, Mara empowers youth in Chicago to break free from limiting mindsets and become leaders in their communities. This episode is a deep dive into the mind's potential, offering insights into how changing our thoughts can change our world. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or someone seeking personal growth, Mara's insights provide a roadmap to a more conscious and fulfilling life. 

Check out Mara's book, One Thought Changes Everything here - https://amzn.to/4iRPoPv


Join us for Arcadia Leadership Experience July 14 -17 in Bozeman, MT. Learn more at https://www.arcadialeadershipexperience.com/

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What does it take to build a partner program from scratch and make it a competitive differentiator?

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Kester, an early employee at SalesLoft who played a pivotal role in building their partner ecosystem from the ground up. Sean shares how he transitioned from sales development to product leadership, his playbook for integrating partnerships into a company's DNA, and the lessons learned from scaling a partner program that set the industry standard.

And, of course, we get into Sean’s personal journey, how he challenges himself with extreme endurance races, what keeps him learning, and his current work at In Revenue Capital helping early-stage SaaS startups scale their GTM strategies.

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Join us this July for the Arcadia Leadership Experience. Early Bird pricing through 2/28. Arcadialeadershipexperience.com

Welcome back to Friends with Benefits! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of GTM (Go-to-Market) strategy, partnerships, and networking with our special guest, Stephen Oommen. Stephen is a powerhouse in the GTM and go-to-network space, bringing a wealth of experience in sales, partnerships, and leadership. We chat about:
•The real etiquette of relationship-building in business
•Unspoken rules of networking that can make or break your connections
•Why metacognition (thinking about how you think) is the key to success
•How to position yourself as a leader in a constantly evolving market

Plus, Stephen drops some major insights on building meaningful partnerships and navigating business relationships like a pro. If you’re looking to level up your GTM motion and sharpen your networking skills, this one’s for you.