Outsource to Profits Podcast

The Future of AI Sales & Ethics

Episode 74
 
AI Sales & Ethics: What Leaders Must Know
 
About the Host: 
Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
 
About the Guest:
Dr. Cindy Gordon is the CEO & Founder of SalesChoice, a company focused on AI-driven sales intelligence. With a deep passion for AI ethics and responsible technology adoption, she is a leading voice in AI transparency, sales automation, and ethical AI governance. Cindy contributes to Forbes, speaks at global AI summits, and is co-authoring a book on AI risk and governance with Ernst & Young's Kathy Kobe. She is also an educator at the United States AI Institute and is actively involved in shaping AI literacy for executives. 
 
Guest Info: 
Name: Dr. Cindy Gordon 
Designation: CEO & FOUNDER 
Organization: SalesChoice 
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cigordon
 
Episode Summary: 
In this episode of Outsource to Profits, host Jamie Shanks talks with Dr. Cindy Gordon, CEO of SalesChoice, about the challenges of hiring AI sales talent and the critical role of AI ethics in business. Cindy reveals why traditional sales hiring fails in AI, emphasizing the need for math and analytics expertise alongside relationship skills. She shares how SalesChoice revamped its hiring strategy using case studies and technical assessments to find the right talent. They also discuss AI governance, the lack of global regulations, and how AI models can intentionally mask the truth. Cindy stresses why AI education is essential for leaders to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Packed with real-world hiring insights and AI ethics expertise, this episode is a must-listen for business leaders, sales professionals, and AI enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways:
AI sales need math & analytics, not just soft skills.
Traditional sales hiring fails in AI—case studies & tests are key.
AI regulations are weak; the U.S. & China skipped the ethics accord.
AI models can mask the truth, raising ethical concerns.
Leaders must understand AI to make informed decisions.
BDRs alone aren’t enough—data scientists play a crucial role.
AI sales are evolving fast—businesses must adapt hiring & governance.
 
#AISales #SalesRecruiting #AIHiring #TechSales #SalesLeadership #AITransparency #AIRegulations #AIEthics #ResponsibleAI #AIInnovation #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation #AIinBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #AITrends #SaaS #DataScience

Branding with Purpose: Why Taking a Stand Matters

Episode 73
Authenticity, Polarization, and the Power of Brand Storytelling
 
About the Host: 
Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
 
About the Guest:
With over 30 years of experience, Ruth Bay is the founder of Company X and a seasoned Brand Strategist. From creative direction to brand strategy, her expertise spans industries, helping established entrepreneurs unlock untapped potential and build brands that resonate. For Ruth, branding isn’t just aesthetics—it’s purpose, connection, and impact. She partners with visionary business owners who value innovation and strategic growth, guiding startups and established companies alike, and even preparing brands for M&A success. Not for those seeking quick fixes, Ruth thrives on depth, collaboration, and bold brand evolution.
 
Guest Info: 
Name: Ruth Bay 
Organization: Company X 
Designation: Founder 
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ruthbay 
 
Episode Summary: 
In this compelling episode of Outsource to Profits, host Jamie Shanks sits down with Ruth Bay, founder of Company X, to explore why authenticity is the foundation of successful branding. Together, they challenge the conventional approach of playing it safe, making the case for brands to take a stand—even if it means making enemies. Ruth shares how deep listening, emotional connection, and brand polarization can create a lasting impact. With real-world examples, she unpacks the balance between data-driven strategy and intuition, showing businesses how to craft brand narratives that truly connect. Whether you're a startup or an established company, this episode will transform the way you think about branding, storytelling, and business success.
Key Takeaways:
Authenticity wins – Stand for something real.
Polarization attracts – Bold brands gain loyal fans.
Listen to lead – Insights come from understanding.
Emotion drives branding – People buy with feeling.
Intuition + data – Balance gut and strategy.
Experience builds loyalty – Make every interaction count.
Purpose over trends – Conviction outlasts fads.
Branding is storytelling – More than just a logo.
Risk fuels growth – Safe brands stay invisible.
 
#BrandStrategy, #AuthenticBranding, #BrandStorytelling, #BrandIdentity, #MarketingStrategy, #BrandGrowth, #BrandSuccess, #BusinessGrowth, #MarketingTips, #InnovationInBusiness, #MarketingWithPurpose, #CustomerExperience, #BrandImpact, #EntrepreneurMindset

Growth Without Compromise: The Founder’s Choice

Scaling Without Losing Yourself: Founder-Led Sales Explained
 
Episode 72
 
About the Host: 
Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
 
About the Guest:
Sam Vandervalk is the Founder of Salmon Eye Fishing Charters and a seasoned entrepreneur with ventures in vacation rentals, digital marketing, and business coaching. Passionate about strategic growth and personal fulfillment, he also co-founded Active Atoms, promoting health and wellness through functional nutrition. Sam shares insights on entrepreneurship, mindset, and sustainable business scaling.
 
Guest Info: 
Name: Sam Vandervalk 
Designation: Founder 
Organization: Salmon Eye Fishing Charters 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samvandervalk/?originalSubdomain=ca
 
Episode Summary: 
In this episode, host Jamie Shanks sits down with serial entrepreneur Sam Vandervalk to challenge one of the most common narratives in business scaling—should founders step away from sales? Jamie, drawing from his own experience scaling agencies, explores the risks of blindly following the venture capital playbook and the importance of keeping a founder’s unique strengths in the business. Sam shares his journey of building multiple businesses across industries, from sport fishing to vacation rentals and digital marketing, while staying deeply involved in sales. He explains why some founders thrive by staying in sales rather than delegating too soon and how he strategically replaced himself in other roles to focus on what he loves. Jamie and Sam dive into the pitfalls of rapid delegation, the importance of passion-driven growth, and the key factors that determine whether a founder should remain in sales or step back. Whether you’re scaling your company, managing investor expectations, or debating your role in sales, this episode will help you make an informed, strategic, and passion-driven decision about your role as a founder.
Key Takeaways
Founder-Led Sales Isn’t Always a Weakness
The Venture Capital Playbook Isn’t Absolute
Passion Drives Long-Term Success
Delegation Should Be Strategic, Not Rushed
Replacing Yourself the Right Way
Revenue Growth Matters More Than Structure
Avoid Doing What Drains You
Freedom Over Formulaic Scaling
#FounderLedSales, #ScalingSmart, #SalesLeadership, #VentureCapitalMyths, #DelegationStrategy, #FounderRole, #LeadershipDecisions, #SalesVsCEO, #SalesDrivenGrowth,  #SalesGrowth

Why Founders Must Get Hands-On to Win

Episode 71
Legacy Industries Reimagined: Tech, Traceability & Innovation
About the Host: Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
About the Guest:Brad Cortlandt is the founder and CEO of ClearTalley, a pioneering company transforming the seafood industry through automated logistics and traceability solutions. With decades of experience in the maritime sector—from superyachts to oil and gas—Brad brings firsthand insights into supply chain inefficiencies that cost the industry billions. His innovative approach to operational efficiency, traceability, and logistics is reshaping how seafood moves from ocean to table. Passionate about problem-solving and entrepreneurship, Brad also mentors early-stage founders, sharing invaluable lessons from his journey.
Guest Info: Name: Brad Cortlandt Designation: Founder/ CEO Organization: ClearTalley LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/bcortlandt
 
Episode Summary: For decades, the seafood industry has operated on tradition, often at the cost of efficiency and profitability. In this episode, Brad Cortlandt, founder of ClearTally, unveils how innovation is transforming fishing logistics through automation, traceability, and real-time data, saving businesses over $12 million annually. He sheds light on the unseen inefficiencies that lead to massive waste, the critical role of traceability in sustainability, and the power of data-driven decision-making. Beyond the industry, Brad offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, identifying inefficiencies, and cultivating the right mindset to scale a company. If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about how modern technology is reshaping legacy industries, this conversation is rich with practical wisdom and transformative ideas.
 Key Takeaways
-Legacy Industries Resist Change, Leading to Massive Inefficiencies-Outdated Supply Chain Processes Cost the Seafood Industry Millions-Traceability & Automation Are Essential-Founders Must Get Hands-On to Identify & Fix Industry Inefficiencies-Challenging the Status Quo Leads to Innovation-Industry-Specific Tech Solutions Can Disrupt Legacy Markets-The Founder Mindset: Success Comes from Getting in the Trenches-Founders Should Seek Support & Mentorship
#LegacyIndustry, #SupplyChainInnovation #OperationalEfficiency #TechDisruptor #DigitalTransformation  #FounderMindset #ScalingBusiness #EfficiencyMatters #SustainableGrowth #BusinessGrowth #CashFlowManagement #ProfitOptimization #SmartInvestments 
 

The CEO’s Guide to Breaking Through Growth Barriers

Episode 70
Scaling Smart: The Four Pillars of Growth & Success
About the Host: 
Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
 
About the Guest:
Brian Will is a serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and author with 35 years of experience across 10 startups in five industries. With multiple successful exits in venture capital and private equity, he specializes in helping businesses scale from $2M to $30M through financial intelligence, strategic delegation, and data-driven growth. As the Founder of Brian Will Media, he advises entrepreneurs on optimizing sales, marketing, and leadership to break through growth barriers.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theforcemm
Episode Summary: 
In this episode, Jamie sits down with Brian Will, a seasoned entrepreneur with multiple successful exits, to explore why some businesses scale effortlessly while others struggle to grow. Brian unveils the four essential pillars of growth and challenges common misconceptions—from the myth that "if you build it, they will come" to the hidden cost of doing everything yourself. He shares insights on market differentiation, delegation, financial acumen, and data-driven decision-making, revealing how founders can break through bottlenecks and achieve sustainable growth. For entrepreneurs feeling stuck, this conversation offers a clear roadmap—a call to step back, rethink, and scale smarter.
 Key Takeaways:
Scaling Requires More Than Just Building a Business
Delegation Is Critical for Growth
Financial Acumen Is Essential
Marketing Efficiency Drives Sales Success
Data-Driven Decisions Lead to Scalability
Surround Yourself With Experts
#ScalingBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #DelegationMatters #FinancialSuccess #SmartScaling #DataDrivenDecisions #Leadership #SalesStrategy #MarketingOptimization #FounderMindset #ScaleSmarter #BusinessStrategy #RevenueGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #StartupSuccess #GrowthHacking
 

Employee Engagement Through Play & Connection

Episode 69
Boost Culture, Engagement & Profits—One Game at a Time
About the Host: Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
About the Guest:Kristi Herold is the Founder and CEO of JAM, one of the world’s largest adult recreational sports leagues, operating in over 25 cities across North America. Through JAM Corporate, Kristi helps businesses boost employee engagement, retention, and productivity by integrating play into workplace culture. She is also the author of "It Pays to Play," advocating for the power of fun in fostering collaboration, reducing churn, and improving team dynamics.
Guest Info: Name: Kristi Herold Designation: Founder & CEO Organization: JAM LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kristi-herold
Episode Summary: In this episode, host Jamie Shanks speaks with Kristi Herold, Founder & CEO of JAM, about how integrating play into workplace culture drives business success. Kristi shares how companies can use team sports, creative events, and workplace play strategies to boost employee engagement, strengthen company culture, and reduce voluntary churn. Learn why top-performing businesses invest in fun and how you can implement simple, cost-effective play strategies to improve morale, increase retention, and drive profitability. Whether you're a Founder, CEO, or HR leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help turn workplace culture into a competitive advantage. 
Key Takeaways:Play Strengthens Workplace Culture – Fun activities foster collaboration and engagement.Play Reduces Employee Turnover – Stronger relationships lead to higher retention.Productivity Increases with Play – A fun work environment boosts motivation.Team Building Has ROI – Happy teams drive business success.Small Actions, Big Impact – Simple initiatives can transform company culture.Culture is a Competitive Advantage – Play attracts and retains top talent.Play Fuels Business Growth – Happier teams lead to better results.
#WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #TeamBuilding #CorporatePlay #BusinessGrowth #ProductivityBoost #FunAtWork #HRStrategy  #CompanyCulture #EmployeeRetention #InclusiveWorkplaces

How to Align Partners for Success

Episode 68
Why Business Alignment Matters More Than You Think
About the Host: 
Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
 
About the Guest:
Marcus Smith is the CEO of Cloud Trailz, a Salesforce consultancy renowned for its speed, execution, and customer-driven solutions. With a background in industrial engineering, Marcus specializes in streamlining processes and maximizing value for businesses. In this episode, Marcus shares his journey of scaling Cloud Trailz during the COVID-19 boom and navigating challenges like partner misalignment, equity splits, and role definition. He discusses the importance of clear organizational structures, robust shareholder agreements, and aligning team responsibilities to drive long-term success. Marcus’s insights offer practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to build strong partnerships and sustainable growth strategies. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusasmith1
 
Episode Summary: 
In this episode, Jamie Shanks is joined by Marcus Smith, CEO of Cloud Trailz, for a compelling discussion on the challenges and triumphs of building a business. Marcus reflects on his journey of founding a Salesforce consultancy during the unique opportunities of the COVID-19 era, navigating rapid growth, and addressing the cracks that emerged as the business evolved. The conversation delves into pivotal themes, including the complexities of partner alignment, equity distribution, and the critical importance of defining roles and responsibilities. Jamie enriches the dialogue with thoughtful insights from his own entrepreneurial experiences, offering perspective on shareholder agreements, decision-making frameworks, and strategies to maintain cohesion in partnerships. Together, they deliver an inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of what it takes to establish a resilient, scalable business, leaving listeners with actionable takeaways for their ventures.
 
Key Takeaways:
Align partners with clear expectations and goals.
Define roles early to prevent confusion.
Separate equity from operational responsibilities.
Use organizational charts to clarify structure.
Create strong shareholder agreements.
Involve third parties to resolve conflicts.
Focus on a shared vision for sustainable growth.
#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #PartnerAlignment #LeadershipTips #ScalingBusiness #SmallBusinessSuccess #EquitySplits #ShareholderAgreements #ConsultingLife #StartupLessons #SalesforceConsulting #BusinessAlignment #EntrepreneurTips #RoleDefinition #FoundersJourney

Retention Strategies for Sustainable Recurring Revenue Growth

Episode 67
Why Customer Engagement and Data Accuracy Are Your Growth Engines
 
About the Host: 
Jamie Shanks, Founder and CEO of Get Levrg and Pipeline Signals, is a leader in offshoring, sales enablement, and business growth. He founded Sales for Life, training 250,000+ professionals globally for companies like Microsoft and Oracle. Jamie specializes in scaling profit growth through strategic offshoring and account-based intelligence. A sought-after thought leader, he empowers businesses with actionable insights to streamline operations and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.
 
About the Guest:Karen Humphrey Celik, CEO and Co-Founder of Contacts411 is a CRM industry pioneer with over 30 years of experience. Starting her journey in 1989, she has been a leader in customer retention strategies and accurate data management. She’s passionate about ensuring businesses thrive through accurate customer data and retention-focused strategies. Karen has been at the forefront of customer relationship management since its inception, helping organizations maintain strong customer connections for sustainable growth. 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-humphries-sallick 
 
Episode Summary: 
In this episode, host Jamie speaks with Karen Humphrey Celik, CEO and Co-Founder of Contacts411, to explore strategies for reducing churn and achieving sustainable growth in subscription-based businesses. Drawing from her decades of CRM expertise, Karen highlights the importance of accurate contact data, consistent engagement, and delivering recurring value to customers.
Together, they discuss the primary causes of churn, including outdated customer information and limited value consumption, and share practical solutions to combat these challenges. With actionable insights for boosting retention and maximizing recurring revenue, this episode is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and revenue leaders seeking to scale effectively and retain their best customers.
 
Key Takeaways:1. Churn is a Silent Growth Killer
2. Accurate Contact Data is Essential
3. Engagement Fuels Retention
4. Recurring Revenue Needs Recurring Value
5. Proactive Onboarding and Follow-Up are Game-Changers
6. Losing Top Customers is Expensive
7. Data Decay Demands Action
 
#CustomerRetention #RecurringRevenue #ReduceChurn #CRMStrategies #CustomerEngagement #SubscriptionBusiness #DataAccuracy #RetentionStrategies #CustomerSuccess #GrowYourBusiness