The Bird's Nest

Alejandro Vega had a resume most people would be proud of — Account Executive at Gartner, building a territory from scratch at Sysco in Savannah, then Seamless.AI, then Prezent. At 28, he walked away from all of it to buy a concrete coating company in Greenville, SC.In this episode, Dave sits down with Alejandro and gets into the real story — not the LinkedIn version. Alejandro traces his entrepreneurial instincts all the way back to lemonade stands, door-to-door cookie sales, and a college marketing agency. He talks about the book that changed his thinking, a friend who bought a plumbing company that pushed him over the edge, and the moment his wife told him she believed in him — the kind of conversation that makes everything feel possible and terrifying at the same time.  They get into Day 1 of ownership, what it actually felt like to make his first sale as the boss, and the difference between grinding for a quota versus building something of your own. Alejandro closes with a message that's hard to forget: get off social media, stop waiting, and be a doer.  If you've been sitting on something — this is the episode that might finally push you to go do it. 

Charles Thompson grew up one of five kids with a single mom, surrounded by gangs and drugs — and made a deliberate choice to go a different way. He leaned on football, coaches, and his faith to carve a path that took him to Bucknell University and into a corporate career. In this conversation, Charles shares what it was like being the first in his family to graduate college, living with a host family in high school who helped shape him, and how getting laid off from his job led to one of his most grounding moments — showing up to coach his son's flag football practice that same day. This is a story about choices, gratitude, fatherhood, and what it really means to equip the next generation. Honest, warm, and worth every minute. 

What keeps someone at the top of the leaderboard for over a decade? In this episode, Adam Kronemeyer of Sage shares how mindset, personal drive, and a commitment to providing for his family fueled 11 straight years of hitting quota. We get into the importance of building real relationships with clients—regardless of deal size—and how understanding a prospect’s true priorities can help you navigate obstacles and protect your time. Adam also talks about investing in professional coaching, even at the top of his game, and what he’s learned from recent losses that have made him even sharper. If you’re in sales, leadership, or just trying to stay consistent at a high level—this conversation delivers real takeaways you can apply immediately. 

Most people don’t take a straight path into sales. Tyler Meckes definitely didn’t. In this episode of The Bird’s Nest, Tyler hares how he went from majoring in Exercise Science to building a career in sales — and eventually making the leap into Revenue Operations at Eleven Software. What changed? He realized the skills he developed in college weren’t wasted. They were transferable. Teaching complex concepts. Breaking down problems. Communicating clearly. Those same abilities helped him win in sales — guiding prospects, diagnosing challenges, and leading conversations with confidence. And when he transitioned into Revenue Operations, those communication skills became even more valuable. Now he’s working cross-functionally — aligning sales, systems, data, and leadership to drive revenue performance at scale. This conversation is about career pivots, betting on your strengths, and realizing that no experience is wasted if you’re willing to connect the dots. If you’re in sales, RevOps, or thinking about your next move — this episode will challenge the way you look at your own path. 

This episode of The Bird's Nest features Lauren Szuchan, a top Senior Account Executive at SourceWhale, sharing a candid look at how her sales career truly took shape.Lauren breaks down the early foundation of her sales mindset from her time at Red Bull, what it was like stepping into a commission- and quota-carrying role, and how she evaluates new opportunities when deciding on her next move. A consistent theme throughout the conversation is her confidence—confidence in herself, confidence in the product she sells, and the importance of directly asking for the sale.The conversation also explores what fuels her outside of work: a deep love for travel, why Italy remains a favorite destination, and her firm belief that ice cream should always be a non-negotiable part of life.This episode is a must-listen for sellers navigating career transitions, leaders building confidence at the table, and anyone who believes success comes from preparation, conviction, and the courage to ask.

 In this episode, Becca Thompson shares her deeply personal journey from medical device sales to launching her own company as a LinkedIn writer and social media consultant for medical companies Becca opens up about the pivotal career decisions that led her to entrepreneurship, how her experience with breast cancer reshaped her outlook on life and business, and why she’s committed to showing up unfiltered, unapologetic, and grounded in her values. This conversation explores: The emotional and practical realities of leaving corporate salesHow adversity can clarify purpose and confidenceBuilding a business without compromising who you areWhy being “yourself” is a competitive advantage — not a riskThis episode is honest, empowering, and inspiring for anyone navigating career change, entrepreneurship, or personal growth. 🎙️ A must-listen for sales professionals, founders, and anyone ready to stop shrinking and start showing up fully. 

Joe McNamara, former Marine Officer and founder of the Iron Leader Team, brings a battle-tested approach to leadership that transforms individuals and teams. With multiple combat tours under his belt, Joe now partners with companies and athletic programs to teach leaders how to lead themselves first—then drive results through disciplined, values-based action.In this episode of The Bird’s Nest, Joe breaks down the core principles behind his leadership development programs, how small mindset shifts lead to massive transformation, and why real leadership starts long before a title. Whether you run a sales team or coach a squad, this episode delivers the blueprint to build leaders who win.

Scott Blostein joins The Bird’s Nest to drop a masterclass on landing your next role by thinking like a salesperson.With years in SaaS under his belt, Scott now helps job seekers break into tech by teaching them to treat their job hunt like a sales cycle — complete with prospecting, discovery, and closing.He gets real about his own imposter syndrome, why fulfillment matters more than titles, and the power of serving others. If you're changing careers, breaking into tech, or just feeling stuck, this episode will light a fire under you.

In this raw and empowering episode, we sit down with Brianna Chapman — a military spouse living in Canada and a powerhouse AE at Offsite — to unpack her incredible story of resilience and reinvention.💥 From quietly battling alcohol dependency and unhealthy social media habits to quitting both cold turkey… 💬 From receiving disturbing harassment on LinkedIn to courageously going public and standing tall through the backlash… 💼 From overcoming personal challenges to building a thriving side hustle that helps others land their dream jobs...Brianna holds nothing back. Her story is about courage, clarity, and the confidence to rewrite your own narrative — no matter who's watching.If you've ever felt stuck, silenced, or underestimated, this conversation is a must-listen.🔗 Like. Share. Subscribe. And don’t forget to leave a review if Brianna’s story moved you.

Mando Sallavanti is a top 1% nationally recognized financial advisor with MassMutual and he is not even to his fifth year yet.  He joined for the second time on the podcast to discuss how in two years he has taken his practice from a good level to now speaking in front of hundreds of advisors from around the country on how to achieve his success.  Mando has experienced success some of us only dream about, but he describes his fear in losing it all, how he learns from his mistakes and how he operates with a 'back against the wall' menatality each and every day.  I am thrilled to hit the publish button this episode maybe more than any other.  Enjoy!!Armando Sallavanti is a registered representative with and offer securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC Member SPIChttp://www.sipc.org2 Bala Plaza, Ste 901Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004Tel: 610-766-3000

Collin Strachan was told he would be most likely be blind by the time he was in his twenties.  The doctors proved to be wrong, but that moment at such an early age has driven Collin to living life to the extreme and taking challenges head on.  Collin and his wife started a creative production company, but soon found themselves searching for more out of life.  They turned to Alaska where they found an environment that is extreme, a community of people that is a warm and welcoming and a new business that now does work for brands such as Lands' End.  Collin is open, honest and transparent on his journey to creating a great company and living life on his terms.  Have a listen and enjoy!

Cassie Moreno was living a life we all would want.  A political Communications Director in New York City working on campaigns she believed in and was thriving at and yet she wanted something else.  She wanted to live a life where she was free to travel, express herself, use her creativity and take chances.  She found a role as a Business Development Representative in SaaS, but utlimately found a position as the Go To Market Creative Manager for RevPartners.  She talks on the freedom she found, the smile she now has back in her life and the journey she is on to keep building on her success.  Take a listen to Cassie's journey as I think we all can take something away from this.  I know I did.  Enjoy!!  (P.S.  Audio got off a little...my bad!)

Grant Cox was a Top 100 high school baseball player in the US in his senior year.  Two years later doctors stated he would probably never run again.  That is when Grant made the decision to live his life on his terms.  His quote then was "The doctors know the surgery but they do not know the person".  Grant had endured tragedy throughout this period in his life ranging from the death of his friends, mentors and family in horrible accidents.  Throughout the process, he has kept a perspective on life that is grounded in his faith and what he believes in.  This is one my favorite interviews as it is an emotional tale of how something so bad can spur someone to keep living and helping others.  Enjoy the episode!!

Jeff Hatten did not plan on having some of his videos receive millions of views that is what happened.  Jeff is an entrpreneur who in his own words fell into the space of creating humorous videos and helping companies reach an audience and be memorable.  We also talk about Jeff's start where he leaned on words of encouragement from others to get through the start-up phase every company goes through.  Jeff's passion for what he does, his honesty during our talk on his career, family and dreams and his advice for those out there wanting to grow their own brand made this episode great!!  Enjoy!!!

How do Business Owners utilize video over the next 5 years?  Ding Zheng and Jake Clare founded EventShark to show companies how to create content with videos that has not been done in the past.  Trade shows now become hours of footage of branding, client testimonials and marketing material.  Tours of a company's facility now are real, interactive and engaging for their clients.  Ding and Jake bring their sales backgrounds, creativity and overall enery to the podcast that delivers true value and some fun along the way.  Enjoy!!

In what way you are you holding yourself back?  This is the question that Rachel Drukenmiller asks her auidences across the country as a world-class speaker and transformation catalyst.  Rachel talks on her own personal struggles, internally and with some of her most precious relationships, and how these experiences have shaped her as a person and as a speaker to tens of thouands who hear her message every year.  Her message has the ability to change the course of your life.  I know it meant a lot to me and I hope it means the same for you.  Sit back and enjoy!!!

If there is one thing that Shaun Hervey is not scared to do it is to be himself.  He has gone from the stage with a band and comedy to running his own successful recruiting business.  We dive into how his LinkedIn journey started from a random late night post to running a new business while handling a young and growing family.  Shaun brings his absolute best and does not hold back on some tough questions.  Sit back and enjoy a very honest and open conversation about Shaun's journey!

In today's day and age, selling has become a team sport.  Bradley Pastor  outlines how he has done this over his 30-year career in sales.  His interview covers so many relevant topics ranging from how companies should do partnerships, the AE/SDR balance and how he has hired successfully over the years.  Bradley has coached early stage companies throughout his career and his vast knowledge is prevalant in this episode.  Enjoy!!

Is a college degree needed for certain roles anymore?  Roy Schumacher and I discuss this question and look at his background, career and journey.  Roy started walking to work at age 14 cutting meat in a butcher's shop.  He started a business and had an ultra-successful career in the fitness industry for 14 years, but struggled breaking into Saas due to lack of experience and a college degree.   He found his break as an SDR and the rest is history.  Roy's conversation is one that describes his work ethic, mental toughness and his drive to succeed no matter the situation.  Hit the play button and listen as Roy is open and honest throughout.  Enjoy!!

Chris Cicconi, the Head of Business Development for Unicrn and a season sales professional, comes strong with his views on how the buyer's journey has changed.  He discusses how certain companies have adapted to this and how some are still selling in a way that buyers do not want.  He discusses personal branding, the role of the SDR in this new age, and how leadership in companies have responsibility to evolve.  It is an episode where we hit on so many cool topics that you will not want to miss this time hearing Chris tell it like it is.  Enjoy!!

Chris Cicconi comes strong in this podcast with his views on how the buyer's journey has changed.  He discusses how certain companies have adapted to this and how some are still selling in a way that buyers do not want.  He discusses personal branding, the role of the SDR in this new age, and how leadership in companies have responsibility to evolve.  It is an episode where we hit on so many cool topics that you will not want to miss this time hearing Chris tell it like it is.  Enjoy!!

Troy Barter joins the show to discuss the future of the SDR role in sales and how  the modern day seller can truly control their own fate no matter the circumstances presented.  Troy is a proven sales leader having trained teams at some of the most well known brands out there.  He explains why he decided to build a six hour plus video course that takes his vast knowledge of sales at every level and turns it into actionable items for any person in sales to up their game.  This episode is longer than usual, but only because Troy had so much valuable information to provide.  Enjoy!!

Go To Market is being researched across the globe more than ever. Loren Shumate joins the show to discuss why that is, how the Marketing Qualified Lead of the past is now being replaced with Account Based Marketing and what companies can do to drive growth using this method.  Her wealth of experience in both sales and marketing senior roles allowed Loren to share such great insights into the communcation, teamwork and trust this method has and what it can mean to a company's future.  Get your pen out as Loren provides a wealth of useful information!

Leslie Venetz tells the story of starting her own company, the mindset shift that she had to go through, the lessons she learned in Year 1 and how she has built her sales consulting business to thrive in under 2 years.  Leslie was so open and honest during this episode on the guilt she faced in taking PTO the first year to how she redefined her client focus.  Leslie's insight is super valuable for anyone looking to grow in their professional career.  Enjoy!!

Eric Iannello, known for his funny videos on LinkedIn around the sales community, provides a very thought provoking perspective of defining who we are as a sales professional.  I came into the episode thinking we were going to talk on his amazing journey from fitness into a tremendous sales career, his views on the current state of LinkedIn and what I found was a conversation on his definition of selling and trust between an employee and employer.  His perspective is unique, it's his own and I know you will enjoy it!

Amelia Taylor is one of the most well known LinkeIn Influencers around.  She has gone against the grain her entire career and it has allowed her to build a following due to it.  She is so open and honest on where she wants to go in her next role, examples of speaking her mind to her leadership team and if she ever thought of slowing down to take it easy given the rise of the past four years.  Amelia does not hold back in the episode.  Hope you enjoy it as much as Kris and I did.

Amanda Bagley was employee number fourteen at Chili Piper.  She has made her career in tech start-ups that has included the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  She goes into both of those areas with me during this tremendous episode of The Bird's Nest.  She details the first days of Chili Piper as their first SDR, to Sales Management, to a lay-off and now to a fantastic team at her next start-up at AudiencePlus.  Amanda showed such transparency and her real self talking about this, but also on why she has been successful in her career, how Tottenham became her favorite team and how she danced to Mandy Moore as a kid.  Hit the play button and enjoy this epic conversation with one of the great guests I have had the pleasure of talking to.

Cold calls or cold emails are his thing.  Clint Steveson just waves to people, has a great conversation, offers to help them with whatever they need and has a built a new business off of this mindset.  He is breaking every mold of how to build his health insurance business.  Through just waving to folks everyday during his walks he is now known for his kindness and that is who people want to work with.  Kristine and I have already talked about how to have Clint back on as his story is one that everyone should hear no matter what industry, profession or career you have.  Enjoy!!!

Emily Mireault faced burnout twice, an unexpected layoff and has turned that experience into becoming a published children's book author, a valuable member of a team she loves with a product she truly believes in and finding her joy in life.  She discusses how she had the idea of documenting her pregnancy on LinkedIn, how the idea of a the children's book came to her and her husband and what is on her plate for 2024.  Kristine and I had so much fun talking to Emily that we literally forgot about the time!  Enjoy the episode!!!

Every team, company and department is looking at their goals for this year and will need top talent to hit the mark.  I spent over a decade at a recruiting agency working with Fortune 50 companies to family owned businesses.  I have seen best in class hiring practices and I have seen some of the all time failures along the way.  In this episode, I provide the outline of how to win the hiring process and give you the best chance at securing the top talent on the market.  No item requires new software or is a ground breaking idea, but rather this is a list of items that if you follow will allow you to greatly increase you ability to hire the right people and hit those yearly goals.  Enjoy!!

LinkedIn used to be where you posted a resume.  It is now the world's premier professional networking platform and Danny DelVecchio discusses how video is the future on the platform.  He has created a hugely successful business helping people create videos on LinkedIn that engage their audience in a way that written content cannot.  He discusses his journey in starting his business, tips and ideas on how to best use the platform and what he has planned for 2024.  I personally took a page of notes on best practices from this interview.  Enjoy the discussion with Danny!

LinkedIn Influencer Marketing is only going to increase and at a very rapid pace as brands recognize the power of the platform and the reach to various audiences.  Alexis Rivera Scott discusses this growing trend and how she has positioned her company to be part of that movement.  Her very candid insights into the current and future state of this movement along with telling her journey into entrepreneurship make this a cannot miss interview to listen to.  Enjoy!

Maddie Bell and her husband left church on a Sunday.  By the time they got home they had an idea for an AI tool that would change the way businesses scheduled meetings forever.  Fast forward through an accerlerator program, a U.S. patent and now serving sales and revenue teams drive better experiences with their customers, Maddie Bell and her husband Mike have launched the next great AI tool.  Maddie shares the journey of their company, but also her own transformation of becoming a Mom with a growing professional career. A truly compeling interview that I know you will enjoy from start to finish!

Laid off after being a top sales person, Kristine Kapatos turned to her faith and began her journey into what is now a thriving business.  Kristine opens up about how she beat her self-doubt and limiting beliefs, formed a deeper connection with God and turned what was a negative event into what is now a her passion of helping businesses and people achieve their goals.  I was captivated by Kristine's honesty and story.  I hope you get as much out of this as I did with her.

Aaron Wallace was a 6th Grade Math Teacher and is now a thriving Account Executive in one of the most respected companies in the SaaS industry.  He tells his story of breaking into tech sales but also how one sentence of encouragement empowered him to reach his potential.  Aaron is open, honest and very revealing in the road that he took from educator through SDR and now into an Account Executive role.  I hope you listen to his story closely as it is one of determination and just true grit.  Enjoy!

Stephanie Whalen, President of Ullico, provides how she raised her hand over the past 25 years to take on the tough assignments or in her words "figure it out".  She came into the organization with a goal of staying 18 months to 3 years, but through hard work, dedication and mentorship she is now an industry leading executive.  Stephanie goes deep to discuss her challenges out of college, how she has built a strong team built around culture and what is next in her journey.  One of the most enjoyable conversations to date on the podcast and a must listen for those looking to build their career or leading teams.  Enjoy!!

My wife of almost 23 years uttered those words as I was "quietly fired" from my last company.  She looked me dead in the eye and said in a way only she could, "They Don't Know You!"  It set me on a journey to find a find a new career, a new part of myself who is not scared to dive into something new, a version of myself who now is not scared to fail.  This short 12-min episode is for anyone looking for that push to do get what you deserve in life.  Enjoy!!

Julie Raeder is a story in understanding that winning in whatever you do is not an isolated incident but a continous journey.  Julie takes us through her progression as a D1 athlete to her career change into the tech industry and then to how she is applying this to her entire life.  I personally was challenged on this episode to understand how I can do better in my journey and I think you will take the same thing away from it.  Sit back and enjoy!

What started as Grayson Hogard and his wife started baking cookies out of their townhome for friends has now turned into a wildly successful business.  The Groove Cookie Company is a simple story of a great product, crazy hard work and some ingenious marketing.  Grayson shares his story, what he has learned as a new business owner and what is next for the company as they continue to grow. 

JR Butler, the CEO of Shift Group, is a former athlete who after a successful career in sales started his company focused on helping former athletes like himself as well as veterans find their identity and a place in the corporate world.  He discusses his own trials with this during his transition as well as how the the mindset of a professional no matter your industry.  JR provides a true glimpse into what makes him so successful.  It is an episode that I hope you enjoy as much as I did given the real talk JR gives.

Brian LaManna from Gong joins the program to speak about his incredible journey in sales.  He speaks on his rise from SDR to one of the top producers in his company and how he became a leading voice on LinkedIn with a tremendously popular weekly sales newsletter all within five years of starting his sales career.  Brian provides a very transparent view on how people have viewed him due to his age, his failures along the way and what has made him ultra successful in his career.  It is an episode you will not want to miss!

James provides his vision on where the AE and SDR roles will eventually evolve to given the state of sales, AI, and how people buy.  He also discusses his journey of finding a new role after going through a reorganization recently.  Super transparent and useful for anyone in that situation.  He also describes his views on training, hiring and how companies can improve in both of those areas.  A truly honest and open conversation that you will not want to miss.

Dan Goodman, Founder and CEO of TruCommish, discusses how sales professionals are losing millions of dollars each year in commissions that are rightfully owed to them in their compensation plans.  Dan provides extremely valuable tips on how to look at your compensation plan as an employee and how to negotiate the plan before you start your new role.  This episode is a must listen in educating yourself in all things related to your compensation.

Both ultra successful, John Lane and Will Barfield were forced to pivot their businesses due to the pandemic.  They came together to form a partnership and a new business venture that will fuel them for years to come.  John and Will share the details of the journey, what they have learned in the process and where they intend to take it in the years to come.  I learned a ton listening to their story and I am sure you will as well.

Mando Sallavanti III goes into the law of attraction that allowed him to go from making nothing in his first three months in sales to over $50k by month five.  Mando is super bright, articulate and brings energy in this episode as he discusses his passion,  the pillars in his life and how he took his career and life to a new level.  I was captivated by his story and the lessons he shares and I am sure you will be as well.  Armando Sallavanti is a registered representative with and offer securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC Member SPIChttp://www.sipc.org2 Bala Plaza, Ste 901Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004Tel: 610-766-3000

Most of us think that to be truly successful you can never be content.  Jacob Karp proves this wrong to discuss his journey through sales, but also his mindset of being content.  He is a super successful Enterprise Account Executive in Software Sales that provides a wealth of knowledge on how he has changed his life with this thinking.  Sit back and enjoy as Jacob did not disappoint.

Brandon Barend describes his sales career that involves being himself and not changing no matter the client, the account or what is situation.  He has succeeded by allowing people to get to know the real person and nothing else.  This mentality is appreciated by anyone who comes into contact with him.  His ideas on how to lead a sales team in this new environment is also riveting.  You will enjoy hearing just a real voice and honest take in this conversation.

Cynthia Handal was unemployed at the start of the pandemic, had never held a SDR position and transformed herself into a sales leader, content creator and teacher to everyone around her.  Her story of working hard as an SDR to make her numbers, coaching successful teams to now building a sales team that helps talent in her home country succeed in sales.  An amazing journey that you will want to hear.

Jen Allen-Knuth from Lavender brings passion, energy and a her own true thoughts on a number of topics.  Jen speaks from the heart on women in sales, how she bet on herself and her career, how to be authentic and building communities for your product and company.  I personally learned so much during this short time with Jen.  I know you will enjoy this episode as much as I did.

Mikey Henninger joins the show and tells all on his story of Sales Professional to Fantasy Football Entrepreneur.  It is a detailed and riveting story of a hobby turned successful business.  Mikey is honest and candid on why he took the leap away from Corporate America and how his family played a large part in that decision and the success of the business today.  A must listen for anyone pursuing a dream.