The Sales Machine

How to Build an Accountable Sales Culture That Delivers | Ft. Bryan Elsesser


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Most leaders say they want accountability. But when deals slip, teams stall, or morale dips? They point fingers instead of fixing the root.

In this episode of The Sales Machine, I sit down with one of the sharpest minds in GTM—Bryan Elsesser. He’s a two-time VP of Sales, GTM advisor, NYC tech vet, and the kind of guy who’s seen every stage of the sales game—from the trenches to the boardroom.

We talk about:

  • How to actually build accountability without creating fear
  • Why sales is service (and how to get your team to believe it)
  • What parenting teaches you about leadership (and vice versa)
  • How to adapt your sales strategy across inbound, outbound, and omnichannel
  • Why emotional connection—not just pitch decks—closes deals

You’ll also hear why “Buyers are liars” is more than just a saying, how to avoid happy ears, and what elite reps do that average ones don’t.

This episode hits hard for sales leaders, frontline managers, and anyone trying to grow a team that performs under pressure without losing heart.

Tune in if you want to:

  • Stop tolerating mediocrity on your sales floor
  • Lead with service, not just quota pressure
  • Create a culture of reps who think and win like owners
  • Be a better leader without burning out

Let’s get into it!

Episode Highlights

“This is my world. I’m from the field. Your people can never bullshit me… I pitch 100 to 200 people a day.” - John Rankins

“Sometimes the legend is in your own mind. What I thought was a signal turned out to be noise.” - Bryan Elsesser


“If you want to go to market and be successful, reach out to the people that are doing it at the highest level.” - John Rankins


“The best thing you can do is treat your network like it’s the most important part of your brand—because it is.” - Bryan Elsesser


“You hone your craft by solving problems. And the more problems you solve, the higher level you get to play at.” - John Rankins


Chapters

(01:00) - The Journey of a Sales Leader

(04:58) - Parenthood and Leadership

(09:56) - Sales Philosophy and Practices

(14:54) - The Importance of Self-Reflection

(20:06) - Understanding Customer Needs

(27:34) - Navigating Sales Challenges and Team Dynamics

(36:39) - Transforming Sales Strategies: Outbound vs Inbound

(42:28) - The Importance of Omnichannel Approaches

(55:57) - Building Relationships and Community in Sales


Connect with Bryan Elsesser

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanelsesser/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryan.wz.here/ 

X: https://x.com/MrSalesDev 


Connect with John Rankins

Website: https://thesalesmachine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSalesMachineOfficial

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmachine_official/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesalesmachineofficial/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRankinsOfficial

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The Sales MachineBy John Rankins