#034: Zach Lawryk (Rippling, Slack) - Solutions Engineering: How to skyrocket your Startup

Zach is currently the Head of Solutions Engineering at Rippling. Previously, he was the VP of Solutions Engineering at Slack, and has led solutions engineering at Optimizely and Box. In this episode, expect to learn how startups can build out a solutions engineering team the right way, why the SE function is different to customer success and sales, the powerful and measurable benefits SE can have on a business, the impact AI will have on this space, the ups and downs of working with early-stage companies, advice for founders and people thinking about entering this field and much more…#startup #solutionsengineering #business---------------------------------TIMESTAMPS:---------------------------------00:00 Intro01:20 Solutions Engineering 10103:10 Benefits of having SE in your organization05:25 Differences between SE and non-SE organizations07:36 Creating a SE pipeline and process10:07 The benefits of ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)14:13 How to build a strong SE team16:50 Hiring great solution engineers19:52 The ups and downs of a startup22:35 Understanding Customer Success27:06 Advice for founders30:05 Impact of AI on the SE space34:10 Recommended podcasts/books35:47 Mental models/decision making36:56 Daily Routine - selfcare38:35 Connecting with Zach ---------------------------------GUEST:---------------------------------Zach’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zlawryk/  Recommended Podcasts: Daily Rundown, Invest Like the Best Recommended Books: Going Infinite (FTX Scandal)---------------------------------CONNECT WITH ME:---------------------------------About Me / Newsletter: https://barrywinata.ck.page/YouTube:  @barrywinata Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@barrywinata/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrywinata/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.prompt_/ X: https://x.com/barrywinata RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/258746.rssPatreon Support: https://www.patreon.com/barrywinata---------------------------------FOR FOUNDERS:---------------------------------https://metagrove.vc/ ----------------------------------ABOUT ME:----------------------------------I'm an engineer, founder, and investor. I've worked across Silicon Valley with hundreds of founders and early-stage companies. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work alongside amazing founders and entrepreneurs. This channel is to help support the next generation of leaders.---------------------------------AFFILIATES:---------------------------------Riverside: https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=theprompt This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beesletter.substack.com