Elevating Performance (HD)
Explore tech-driven leadership and sales excellence on Elevating Performance, hosted by Mark A. Dronen—entrepreneur, coach, and transformation expert. We spotlight guests' bold leadership, sales triumphs, and innovations fueling business growth.
Episodes unpack visionary Founders, deal-closing pros, and industry disruptors in AI, cloud, and agile tech. Discover tactics for enterprise wins, mindset pivots, and exponential strategies through raw stories and actionable insights.
Explore tech-driven leadership and sales excellence on Elevating Performance, hosted by Mark A. Dronen—entrepreneur, coach, and transformation expert. We spotlight guests' bold leadership, sales triumphs, and innovations fueling business growth.
Episodes unpack visionary Founders, deal-closing pros, and industry disruptors in AI, cloud, and agile tech. Discover tactics for enterprise wins, mindset pivots, and exponential strategies through raw stories and actionable insights.
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Episodes

Aug 4, 2025
Aug 4, 2025
6 min
Diana Gibson explores effective strategies for building teams and fostering strong team leadership. This video shares key insights on team development and the importance of organizational structure in scaling operations, plus how management in your organization can drive success. 🚀
Key Topics
Scaling operations requires careful consideration of team structure
Understanding the skills needed for successful scaling is crucial
Alignment between sales and delivery teams is essential for success
Emerging companies can have a richer customer success mentality
Guest
Diana Gibson is a retired Vice President of Microsoft Services and Customer Success, with a career dedicated to empowering people, delivering customer value, and driving business results through leadership and team development.
Diana currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Elevator 321, where she contributes her expertise in strategic growth and revenue enhancement.
Timestamps
00:00 Scaling Operations and Team Structure02:19 Customer Success: Key Characteristics and Integration04:31 Customer-Centric Approach in Emerging Companies
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 4, 2025
6 min

Aug 4, 2025
Aug 4, 2025
4 min
Diana Gibson shares the critical role of change management in driving successful integration and scaling new capabilities. Learn how strategic Adoption and Change Management plans can lead to customer success and organizational growth.
Key Topics
The evolution of change management from a neglected aspect to a core component of business strategy.
Insights into the importance of leadership support and communication in Change Management.
How integrating Change Management with Project Management ensures successful adoption of new solutions.
The impact of change management on customer success and organizational alignment
Guest
Diana Gibson is a retired Vice President of Microsoft Services and Customer Success, with a career dedicated to empowering people, delivering customer value, and driving business results through leadership and team development.
Diana currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Elevator 321, where she contributes her expertise in strategic growth and revenue enhancement.
Timestamps
00:00 The Evolution of Change Management02:07 Integrating Change Management in Corporate Culture04:17 The Importance of Leadership in Change Management
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 4, 2025
4 min

Aug 4, 2025
Aug 4, 2025
5 min
Diana Gibson shares her extensive experience in organizational growth and capability building, particularly in tech-driven companies like Microsoft. She discusses the various strategies organizations can adopt when scaling, including acquiring new capabilities, building them internally, or partnering with other organizations.
Diana emphasizes the importance of integration planning, change management, and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout these processes. She also highlights common pitfalls that can lead to failure, such as lack of leadership buy-in and neglecting the human aspect of integration.
Key Topics
Acquisitions often include integrating consulting and support services.
Building capabilities internally requires careful planning and skill development.
Partnerships can be more efficient than building capabilities in-house.
Integration planning is essential for successful acquisitions.
Technical skills can be taught, but customer-facing skills are crucial.
Leadership buy-in is necessary to avoid friction during integration.
Failing to manage change can lead to talent loss.
The 'Not Invented Here' mentality can hinder organizational growth.
Guest
Diana Gibson is a retired Vice President of Microsoft Services and Customer Success, with a career dedicated to empowering people, delivering customer value, and driving business results through leadership and team development.
Diana currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Elevator 321, where she contributes her expertise in strategic growth and revenue enhancement.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Diana Gibson and Her Background00:30 Building New Capabilities in Organizations01:37 Risks and Rewards of Partnering02:46 Lessons Learned in Integration and Change Management04:26 The dangerous 'Not Invented Here' Mindset
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 4, 2025
5 min

Aug 4, 2025
Aug 4, 2025
1 min
Introducing Diana Gibson, a powerhouse who retired as Vice President of Customer Success at Microsoft in 2022. Discover Diana's incredible 17-year journey at Microsoft, where her visionary leadership steered nine different businesses and spearheaded global migrations for their largest customers.
Learn from her extensive experience scaling technology startups and leading international teams in Fortune 500 companies.
Key Topics
Diana's journey from international leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies to her impactful tenure at Microsoft.
The challenges and successes of migrating Office 365 and Azure payloads for major clients.
Insights into driving global program management and leading diverse teams.
Guest
Diana Gibson is a retired Vice President of Microsoft Services and Customer Success, with a career dedicated to empowering people, delivering customer value, and driving business results through leadership and team development.
Diana currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Elevator 321, where she contributes her expertise in strategic growth and revenue enhancement.
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 4, 2025
1 min

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
52 sec
Paul Pearce and Mark Dronen discuss Gong.IO analysis of millions of software demos showing that successful demos involve frequent client interaction, with no more than 76 seconds of uninterrupted talk time, highlighting the need for a conversational approach to sales. This discussion also covers sales skills and tips for sales to help improve your B2B Sales approach. 🚀
Key Topics
Gong.io provides valuable B2B sales insights
Interactive SaaS demos lead to sales success
Key statistics help optimize sales strategies
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
52 sec

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
47 sec
Paul Pearce discusses the importance of seizing key moments in sales to build a strong reputation. He emphasizes that while you don't have to be impressive every day, there are critical times when investing significant effort can lead to career-defining successes.🚀
Key Topics
Key moments in sales can define your career
Investing significant effort is crucial for success
Reputation is built on critical wins
Be ready to seize opportunities when they arise
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
47 sec

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
58 sec
Starting a sales presentation with a corporate slide deck is a common mistake, learn how to present and skip that pitch! This discussion covers useful sales techniques and presentation skills to capture your audience and offers sales demo tips for a more effective business presentation. 🚀
Key Topics
Avoid starting demos with corporate overview slides
Prove value before talking about your company
Engage your audience by getting to the point
Earn the right to discuss your company
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
58 sec

Aug 1, 2025
Why Do We Forget So Fast? (EP 11, T3)
Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
50 sec
Paul Pearce discusses the Forgetting Curve, emphasizing how quickly people forget information and the impact on Sales presentations. He highlights the importance of repetition and delivering the right information at the right time to ensure retention. 🚀
Key Topics
The Forgetting Curve is a critical concept
People forget 50% of information within an hour
70% of information is forgotten within a week
80% of information is forgotten within two weeks
Repetition is key to retention
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
50 sec

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
57 sec
Explore effective sales techniques and sales training to enhance your sales skills. Learn essential sales tips for improved closing rates and overall sales strategies. Achieve sales success by mastering these key approaches. 🚀
Key Topics
Sales teams the disciplin from a sound sales methodology
Personal nuances can enhance sales techniques
Concise communication is crucial
Practice is essential for successful pitches
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
57 sec

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
32 min
Paul H. Pearce, President Americas for Great Demo! discusses the evolving landscape of sales presentations, emphasizing the importance of engaging clients with impactful content right from the start. Paul details how AI is transforming sales methodologies, enhancing discovery processes, and providing real-time insights.
Drawing parallels between military training and sales practices, Paul highlights the significance of discipline, clarity, and effective communication in achieving sales success. The discussion also touches on the need for sales professionals to adapt to changing buyer behaviors and leverage AI to become trusted advisors rather than mere vendors.
Key Topics
Engage clients by presenting impactful content upfront
AI accelerates sales processes and demands more insights
Discipline and repetition in sales training build readiness
Winning sales teams focus on solving problems, not just performing
Begin sales conversations with the desired outcome in mind
Most information presented is forgotten quickly; focus on key points
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction of Great Demo! and Doing Discovery01:00 Transforming Sales Demos: From Features to Outcomes02:31 The Psychology of Effective Demos04:23 Understanding Buyer Behavior and Sales Strategy05:35 The Impact of AI on Sales and Coaching06:38 AI-First Approach in Business08:05 Leveraging AI for Effective Storytelling10:45 Selling Insights from AI Data Analysis12:29 Engaging Clients with the End in Mind14:21 Transforming Demos into Conversations15:06 Overcoming Objections in Sales Training15:45 The Psychology Behind Effective Presentations17:25 Military Training and Corporate Sales Parallels20:00 The Importance of Methodology in Sales22:50 Understanding the Forgetting Curve23:51 Leadership's Role in Sales Training Accountability25:13 The Importance of Questions for Authentic Leadership27:31 Building a Strong Foundation Through Hard Work29:57 Lessons from Early Career Experiences
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
32 min

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
6 min
Paul H. Pearce shares invaluable insights on leadership and career development, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions, hard work, and preparation. He reflects on his early career experiences and the lessons learned that shaped his professional journey. Mark Dronen adds his perspective, highlighting the significance of discipline and the pride that comes from hard work.
Key Topics
You don't need all of the answers, just better questions
The best leaders create clarity, not noise
Work harder than everyone else to build a strong foundation
Be ready to dig in when it counts in your career
Moments of impressive performance can define your career
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Timestamps
00:00 The Importance of Questions for Authentic Leadership02:26 Building a Strong Foundation Through Hard Work04:53 Lessons from Early Career Experiences
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
6 min

Aug 1, 2025
Aug 1, 2025
8 min
Paul H. Pearce discusses the parallels between military training and corporate sales, emphasizing the importance of discipline, repetition, and methodology in achieving sales excellence. He highlights the need for sales teams to practice and rehearse their techniques to build readiness and confidence.
The discussion also touches on the Forgetting Curve, illustrating how quickly information is forgotten and the necessity for leadership to reinforce training and methodologies to ensure retention and effectiveness in sales practices.
Key Topics
Discipline and repetition build readiness in sales
Salespeople must rehearse techniques until they become second nature
Methodologies in sales ensure consistency and effectiveness
The Forgetting Curve shows that most information is quickly forgotten
Leadership must actively support and reinforce training methodologies
Guest
Paul H. Pearce, is the President of the Americas for Great Demo! Paul serves as an advisor, coach, instructor, and keynote speaker addressing the Great Demo! discovery and demo methodologies. Paul earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Eastern Illinois University, complementing his distinguished service in the Air National Guard.
Great Demo! LLC specializes in enhancing the success of software organizations by improving their sales, presales, marketing, and customer success outcomes through tailored discovery and demo strategies. The company offers workshops, seminars, webinars, keynotes, and coaching, focusing on equipping B2B software teams with high-performance skills in discovery, storytelling, and solution-focused demonstrations.
Timestamps
00:00 Military Training and Corporate Sales Parallels02:44 The Importance of Methodology in Sales05:34 Understanding the Forgetting Curve06:35 Leadership's Role in Sales Training Accountability
Host
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.
A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales
Aug 1, 2025
8 min

