Hello Innovators, Disruptors, and Future-Makers — welcome back to The Sales Accelerator Podcast, where we dive deep into the pulse of AI-driven sales innovation. I’m your host, Tim Cortinovis, and yes, this is my AI-cloned voice welcoming you today. We’re about to embark on another eye-opening journey into the fast-paced world of AI in sales. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get started.

First off, Artisan is stirring the pot by securing $25 million in new funding despite facing some serious challenges. Their AI sales agents have hit roadblocks like client mismatches and unqualified leads. Sound familiar? It’s the age-old sales dilemma but with a high-tech twist. Artisan’s switch to success-based pricing is a bold move—a testament to how adaptability and targeting are becoming non-negotiable in the world of AI solutions. Is this a sign that the days of flat-rate pricing are numbered, especially in AI-driven sales?

Next up, let’s zoom into Actively AI, a company that just closed a $22.5 million funding round. But here’s the kicker: they’re moving away from mass outreach tactics. Instead, they’re harnessing AI to emulate the decision-making prowess of top-notch sales reps. It’s quality over quantity — almost a renaissance for sales strategy itself. If Actively AI’s success is anything to go by, we might just be witnessing the dawn of a new age where reasoned, thoughtful engagement trumps sheer volume.

On a global scale, Mary Meeker’s latest report is shaking things up by proclaiming that AI adoption is outstripping even the rapid rise of the Internet. With ChatGPT raking in 800 million weekly users and China enhancing its open-source models, there’s no denying we’re in an AI arms race. Sales teams must embrace agility, as geopolitical competition heats up and accelerates innovation. Are you ready? Blink, and you might miss the next big wave.

Speaking of giants, Microsoft is expanding its Copilot Studio, leaning into multi-agent automation. By enabling collaboration across CRM, document drafting, and task management, Microsoft is providing enterprise sales teams with a way to streamline complex workflows like never before. If your team isn’t looking at AI as a tool for building efficiency in every nook and cranny, you’re missing out on a key piece of the future sales puzzle.

Shifting gears, Google Ads is integrating AI into desktop search summaries and rolling out conversational campaigns. What’s the takeaway here? Creativity and conversion signals are taking center stage over simple keyword bidding in ad strategies. The landscape of digital advertising is shifting — and if you’re not riding that wave, you could be left watching from the shore.

Over at Salesforce, they’ve rolled out the Agentforce Deal Agent in their Summer ‘25 release, transforming pipeline hygiene with AI-driven, real-time deal analysis. This isn’t just about reducing manual data entry; it’s about sharpening your sales forecasts and elevating decision-making processes. Imagine what your sales predictions could look like with all your data points working seamlessly in concert.

And then we have Meta, staying true to making waves, projecting a staggering $1.4 trillion revenue from generative AI by 2035. While some debate this audacious figure, one thing is clear: Monetizing ads and subscriptions within sales ecosystems is a conversation we’ll be having for a while.

Lastly, we need to address some significant projections and ethics. Research Insights is forecasting a whopping $50 billion market for AI agents by 2030, driven by the automation demands in lead generation and customer onboarding. This paints a promising picture, yet it’s not all smooth sailing. Ethical concerns are rising as AI agents make their way onto org charts. As sales teams increasingly morph into hybrid human-AI models, transparency will be crucial. How do we ensure ethical transparency without stifling innovation?

So, what does this all mean for you? This week we’ve seen it all — from infrastructure shifts and AI democratization to seismic changes in government and corporate practices. But at the core, this is about preparation and leadership. Prepare your sales tech stack. Learn about building your own AI capabilities. Keep your finger on the pulse of these massive global shifts.

And here’s your call to action this week: take these insights back to your team and start a discussion. Audit your current strategies, explore piloting an AI agent, and position yourself not just to adapt but to lead in this new era.

Thanks for tuning into The Sales Accelerator. If today’s episode brought you value, share it with your team, subscribe, and as always — keep innovating, keep disrupting, and keep accelerating. Until next time — this is Tim Cortinovis, signing off.