Unlearn with Asher & Kelly

Ep 50: Workday’s Partner Playbook | Marketplace Maturity | Own the Number | AI With Humans Jul 26, 2026 00:54:20 In Episode 50, we celebrate a major Unlearn milestone: 50 conversations about what business leaders need to rethink.Saqib Sheikh joins the show to break down how Workday is building its partner ecosystem across strategic partnerships, ISVs, benefits, payroll, and Workday Marketplace. This is a practical conversation about what happens when partnerships move from “nice to have” to a real growth mot

Ep 49: Building AI-Native Companies | Services vs. Software | The Future of Work Jul 11, 2026 00:56:21 In Episode 49, we sit down with Connor Jeffers, Founder of Aptitude 8 and CEO of Hapily, to explore what it takes to build an AI-native company. After scaling one of HubSpot’s leading services partners and launching a venture-backed SaaS business, Connor shares how AI is changing software development, marketing, partnerships, and the way startups compete.We cover:* Why AI is making small teams dra

Ep 48: AI Stack Playbook | AWS x Cerebras | Build the Channel First | Inference Race Apr 6, 2026 00:55:12 In Episode 48, we break down a hard truth about AI: the companies that win will not be the ones with the best models. They will be the ones with the best partner strategy. Alan Chhabra joins the show to unpack the AI stack and why distribution, not product, is becoming the real advantage.We cover:• Why AI is a stack game and no company can win alone• The AWS x Cerebras partnership and what it sign

Ep 47: Anthropic’s Ecosystem Play | AI Services Boom | Events Are Back | CEO Reset Mar 29, 2026 01:05:41 In Episode 47, we break down a major shift happening in AI right now: it is not just changing products, it is reshaping services companies and forcing entirely new operating models. Brendan Tolleson, CEO of RevPartners, joins the show.We cover:• Anthropic launching a marketplace and $100M partner fund and what it signals for AI GTM• Why frontier AI companies are going partner first instead of prod

Ep 46: AI Doesn’t Reduce Work | Anthropic at $20B | Salesforce & HubSpot Moves | CEO = Chief AI Officer Mar 17, 2026 00:47:32 In Episode 46, we break down one of the biggest misconceptions about AI right now: it is not reducing work, it is intensifying it. Shailesh Powdwal, VP at Partnerships at Forsys joins the show.We cover:• Research showing AI increases pace, scope, and expectations across teams• Anthropic’s rapid growth and what it signals about the AI market• HubSpot and Salesforce reshaping partner programs for an

Ep 45: AI vs SaaS? | Anthropic’s Agents | Microsoft Co-opetition | $1T Software Selloff Feb 21, 2026 01:02:45 In Episode 45, Kelly hosts for the first time and friend of the pod Scott Brinker returns to pressure test the SaaS apocalypse thesis.We cover:• Anthropic’s new agent capabilities, including legal automation• The $1T software selloff and Nvidia’s pushback on the collapse narrative• Microsoft positioning against OpenAI and the rise of AI co opetition• Anthropic vs OpenAI’s Super Bowl ad battle and

Ep 44 | America as a Platform Company: The AI Ecosystem Shift, System Integrators, Anthropic’s SI Role & The Budget Reality Feb 14, 2026 01:03:59 In this episode, Asher and Kelly zoom out to a bigger question: what happens when AI turns nations, platforms, and enterprises into ecosystem companies?Starting with the idea that “America is becoming a platform company,” they explore why the biggest AI winners will be the ones with the largest ecosystems, not just the best models.From Lumen’s transformation from telecom provider to connective AI

Ep 43 | New Format | OpenAi CPO job | Shopify layoffs | Microsoft, Google, ServiceNow Updates | BCG CEO Radar | Kathleen Curry from Workday joins the pod Jan 24, 2026 01:01:51 In this episode, Asher and Kelly kick off a new Unlearn format and talk through what’s really changing across the tech ecosystem. Kathleen Curry from Workday joins the pod.They dig into OpenAI recruiting a CPO-level partnerships role, Shopify’s partnership shakeup, and the latest partner program moves from Google, Microsoft and ServiceNow.The conversation also looks at what the BCG AI Radar tells

Ep 42 | The Partnership Infrastructure Behind Stripe’s Biggest Innovations Dec 9, 2025 00:55:05 Most people still think about partnerships as a sales channel. Stripe’s Erika Wool doesn’t. She leads product and strategic partnerships and defines her job as helping Stripe build businesses that wouldn’t exist without partners.In this episode, Erika walks through how she moved from consulting and Edelman into Google and Stripe, how product partnerships evolved as Stripe scaled from “easiest way

Ep 41 | Richard Ezekiel on Codifying Partnerships With COELEVATE Jul 2, 2025 00:52:42 In this episode, Asher and Kelly sit down with Richard Ezekiel to unpack his book COELEVATE, a practical framework built from decades in the trenches in Silicon Valley and as part of the venture capital ecosystem. Richard breaks down how to build a “virtual company” between partners, why operational rigor is often overlooked, and how partner professionals can move beyond buzzwords to drive real bu

Ep 40 | The New Rules of PR, Partnerships, and Personal Brand Jun 17, 2025 00:51:29 Natan Edelsburg, Chief Partnerships Officer at Muck Rack, joins Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn on Unlearn to talk about what happens when a revenue leader outgrows the CRO seat. They unpack how modern PR is evolving, why media training matters more than ever, and how partnerships roles are becoming more dynamic and strategic than ever before. Natan shares his journey from early employee to CPO, th

Ep 39 | How Factorial Built a 100-Person Partner Team (That Drives 30% of Revenue) May 22, 2025 00:53:36 As VP of Partnerships at Factorial, Marcel Queralt turned a side project into a full-blown business unit, driving one-third of the company’s revenue. In this episode, Marcel breaks down how he built a 100-person global team, why partner leaders need to think like entrepreneurs, and the exact culture and org structure that keeps it all running.Chapters02:30 - Why partnerships became a growth lever0

Ep 38 | How TD Synnex is Reinventing Distribution Apr 4, 2025 00:54:06 In this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn sit down with Sergio Farache, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at TD Synnex. Sergio shares insights on how TD Synnex is breaking away from the traditional linear model, creating a dynamic ecosystem that supports diverse partner types, from SMBs to global enterprises.Chapters02:28 - Sergio’s Background and Role at TD Synnex

Ep 37 | CRO’s Ultimate Playbook to Partnerships and Innovation Mar 26, 2025 00:56:18 Join hosts Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn as they engage with Gilad Zubery, Chief Revenue Officer at DealHub. This episode unpacks Gilad's journey from EVP of Partnerships at ContentSquare to his current role, highlighting the strategic importance of partnerships in driving business growth. Discover insights into the challenges of revenue operations and the evolving landscape of partner-driven str

Ep 36 | Breaking Barriers in Healthcare Data Sharing Mar 10, 2025 00:44:45 In this episode, hosts Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn engage with Serrah Linares, Senior Vice President of Growth Innovation at Optum, in a compelling discussion on the future of healthcare partnerships. This episode unpacks how technology, APIs, and strategic alliances are reshaping healthcare delivery and innovation.Chapters5:02 - Healthcare tech: EMRs, APIs, and data exchange10:57 - Industry ev

Ep 35 | Rethinking Partnerships: A Product Leader’s Playbook Feb 19, 2025 00:54:14 Elena Leonova, Chief Product Officer at Spryker, joins Unlearn to discuss how product leaders should rethink their approach to partnerships. She explains why transparency in product roadmaps is critical, how developer ecosystems drive platform success, and why product managers need to integrate partners into their strategy. This episode is packed with insights on structuring partnerships for scale

Ep 34 | Debunking The B Team Myth in Partnerships Feb 4, 2025 01:03:00 Join hosts Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn as they engage with Alan Chhabra, a seasoned executive with a rich history at MongoDB, now leading partnerships at Cerebras. This episode unpacks Alan's journey from engineering to executive roles, offering insights into building robust partner organizations and strategies for collaborating with hyperscalers. Chapters - - 01:24 - Alan's Backgroun

Ep 33 | Lessons from Microsoft's $2 Trillion Transformation with Jason Graefe Jan 14, 2025 00:53:53 In this Unlearn episode, Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn sit down with Jason Graefe, a seasoned Microsoft executive. With over two decades at Microsoft, Jason shares his journey from a field seller to leading Microsoft's engagement with software development companies. This episode explores leadership lessons, the transformative impact of generative AI, and Microsoft's strategic approach to partneri

Ep 32 | Shaping the Future of Design: Exploring Canva’s Ecosystem with Anwar Haneef Dec 2, 2024 00:55:05 In this episode of the Unlearn podcast, Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn chat with Anwar Haneef, Head of Ecosystem at Canva, about the company's innovative approach to empowering developers. Anwar explores Canva's ecosystem, showcasing tools like the Apps SDK and Connect API, which enable seamless integrations across platforms. He shares insights on Canva’s expansive reach, partnerships with industr

Ep 31 | Untangling the Digital Maze With Partnerships Nov 22, 2024 00:53:09 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, hosts Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn connect with Eron Sunando, Asana's Head of Channels & Alliances. Fresh from Asana's Partner Summit, Eron brings a unique perspective on how partnerships can simplify the increasingly complex world of business technology. Drawing from his globe-trotting career that spans from UBS to Salesforce, Eron unpacks the challen

Ep 30 | Navigating the Future of Partnerships Oct 21, 2024 00:54:09 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, hosts Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn welcome Rich Gardner, a partnership maven with a knack for turning industry insights into actionable strategies. Fresh from events like Catalyst and Dreamforce, Rich shares his take on peer-to-peer learning and aligning partnerships with the big picture. Drawing from his time at Klaviyo, Rich dives into the nitty-gritty o

Ep 29 | The Ripple Effects of Social Media: Understanding Impacts and Driving Positive Change Jul 31, 2024 00:51:58 On this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, hosts Asher Mathew & Kelly Sarabyn engage in a compelling discussion on the impacts of social media. They are joined by author Tobias Rose-Stockwell, known for his book "Outrage Machine," Tobias, a seasoned researcher in technology's societal impacts, shares insights gathered over a decade of study. His expertise sheds light on how platfor

Ep 28 | Evolving Partnership Models: Insights on Transforming Programs at Hyper Growth Scale Jul 20, 2024 00:49:14 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, hosts Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn sit down with Ritu Khanna, Vice President of Partnerships at Shopify. Under Ritu's leadership, Shopify has unified previously segmented partner functions, generating new synergies that drive the company's continued hypergrowth. With a proven track record in transforming traditional models to thrive amidst digital disrupti

Ep 27 | Transforming Partnerships in a Digital World: Evolving Strategies, Aligning Teams and Staying Focused Through Change Jul 12, 2024 00:50:53 On this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, hosts Asher and Kelly connect with Louise McEvoy, Vice President of US Channel Sales at Trend Micro. Louise shares her insights on building channel programs while balancing a demanding career with her passion for mountain climbing. The discussion covers topics such as obtaining executive buy-in for new models, modernizing competencies for channel leaders, an

Ep 26 | Leading Through Change Jun 15, 2024 00:54:54 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, we discuss leadership with Rachel Skaff, Managing Director of North America Partner Sales at AWS. At AWS, she oversees the channel sales organization for North America, focused on accelerating growth through partners. Joined by hosts Asher and Kelly, Rachel shares insights from her diverse career path and transforming AWS's partner model. The conversati

Ep 25 | Driving Partnership Success from the C-Suite Jun 13, 2024 00:58:46 In this episode of the Unlearn podcast, hosts Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn sit down with Mekaela Davis, Chief Partner Officer at Trintech. With experience at both Big 4 consulting firms and enterprise software companies, Mekaela shares her unconventional journey to becoming a CPO. She discusses the diverse skills required and the importance of executive-level accountability. Mekaela also offers

Ep 24 | From Startups to Scaleups: Insights from a partnership pioneer May 7, 2024 01:02:40 On this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, hosts Kelly and Asher are joined by Bob Rosin, a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning the B2B industry, startups, and leadership roles at companies like Sony, LinkedIn, and Stripe. Rosin shares insights into strategic partnerships, emphasizing the importance of understanding partners' goals and creating mutual value. He highlights LinkedI

Ep 23 | Beyond Channels: A Holistic Approach to Partnering Across the Value Chain Mar 19, 2024 01:00:44 On this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, hosts Kelly and Asher chat with Greg Sarafin about his extensive career journey at IBM and EY. Greg highlights the significance of grasping a company's business model, and distinguishing between scarcity and abundance mindsets. He emphasizes the success potential of companies embracing abundance by partnering to deliver client outcomes effectively. The conve

Ep 22 | The Future of Partnerships: A Conversation with Microsoft's Chief Partner Officer Mar 15, 2024 00:53:35 On this episode of the Unlearn Podcast, we dive into the world of partnerships with Nicole Dezen, the Chief Partner Officer at Microsoft. In this insightful conversation, hosts Asher and Kelly sit down with Nicole to explore her extensive career in partnerships, the intricate partner organization structure at Microsoft, and her invaluable perspectives on crucial topics shaping the future of the pa

Ep 21 | Driving Transformation Together: The Evolving Role of Partnerships with Hong Choing Feb 28, 2024 00:54:06 On this podcast episode of the Unlearn Podcast, we are joined by Hong Choing from Oracle, who has over 25 years of experience leading global partnerships. Listen in, as he shares how strategic collaborations currently supercharge innovation, accelerate time to market, and help companies leapfrog competitors. He dives into the critical success factors and challenges in managing partnerships at mass

Ep 20 | Mastering Mega Deals: Insights from a Decade of B2B Dealmaking with Christopher Engman Feb 21, 2024 00:51:21 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, Listen in to Asher and Kelly talk to Christopher Engman, a veteran in the mega deals space. He discusses the differences between selling to large enterprises versus small businesses and how marketing plays a bigger role in mega deals due to the complexity of decisions. He emphasizes the unique approach needed for mega deals, highlighting the impact of comp

Ep 19 | Data-Driven Decisions with Peter Caputa Feb 21, 2024 00:58:56 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, listen in to Peter Caputa, where he delves into his role at Databox, an analytics platform with a unique Benchmark feature. Discover how Databox helps companies harness data for decision-making, and their partner program for accessible data-driven insights. The conversation also explores community building, product launch challenges, and Caputa's journ

Ep 18 | Marketing Strategies in the Digital Landscape with Doug Landis Jan 19, 2024 00:54:19 On this podcast episode of the Unlearn Podcast, listen in to Doug Landis as he delves into marketing strategies in the digital age, discussing challenges and innovations with Asher Mathew and Kelly Sarabyn. They touch on startup layoffs and acquisitions in the venture capital industry, shedding light on the experiences of B2B SaaS investment firms and the evolving landscape of founder mental healt

Ep 17 | Unlearning Marketing - Crafting Engagement in a Changing Landscape with Kristen Jacobson Oct 18, 2023 00:51:50 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, Join hosts Kelly and Asher as they talk to Kristen Jacobson, a growth marketer and head of digital operations at UST. Kristen unfolds her unconventional journey into marketing and how her entrepreneurial background has shaped her unique approach to growth marketing. Their discussion spans a spectrum of intriguing topics, from the influence of pop culture on

Ep 16 | Supercharging Business Technology: Startup Disruption and Innovation with David Linthicum Oct 9, 2023 00:48:29 Join hosts Kelly Sarabyn and Asher Matthew in the latest episode of the Unlearn Podcast, featuring the insightful David Linthicum, Chief Cloud Strategy Officer at Deloitte. Together, they embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of supercharging technology in the business world. They fearlessly confront questions about whether plucky startups can take on industry giants and why innovation can som

Ep 15 | Charting New Waters: Redefining Leadership in Modern Marketing with Amanda Malko Sep 6, 2023 00:54:26 Join hosts Kelly Sarabyn & Asher Matthew on the Unlearn Podcast as they delve into a lively chat with Go-to-Market expert Amanda Malko. Discover Amanda's journey to guilt-free time off and her ingenious use of the regret minimization framework. Unearth the evolution of marketing in the digital age, and how Amanda envisions a strategic upheaval, with CEOs steering the ship. Tune in for insi

Ep 14 | Unraveling Partnership Prowess with Nate Bray Aug 2, 2023 00:49:40 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, join hosts Kelly and Asher as they sit down with Nate, a dynamic partnerships leader, to unravel his fascinating journey from business process outsourcing to the world of financial services and banking partnerships. Discover how Fintech partnerships evolved amidst regulatory challenges and data sensitivity, and learn about his groundbreaking integration fram

Ep 13 |Startup Secrets Unveiled: Exploring Fundraising with Rand Fishkin Jul 26, 2023 00:58:28 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, Join hosts Kelly and Asher as they dive deep into the fascinating world of startups and fundraising with none other than Rand Fishkin, Founder of the revolutionary SparkToro. Listen in to Rand as he shares the secrets of the startup ecosystem, unraveling the mysteries surrounding fundraising and addressing some of the structural challenges within the current

Ep 12 | Shaping the Future of GTM Leadership with Bruce Cleveland Jul 13, 2023 01:02:18 On this episode of the Unlearn podcast, listen in to Bruce Cleveland, a renowned tech industry executive of Oracle, Marketo, and Siebel Systems, as he delves into the ethical implications of AI for HR and why he prefers a hard charging, in-office culture. He also shares his view on future-proof GTM leadership and expounds upon the strategic power of partnership models.

Ep 11 | Exploring the potential of modern marketplaces with Peter Evans Jun 28, 2023 00:44:56 Peter Evans, Chief Strategy Officer at McFadyen Digital, shares how marketplaces are disrupting traditional businesses. Peter has over 20 years of experience leading teams in assessing, framing, and implementing high-priority marketplaces that support business planning. He specializes in helping companies see around corners, anticipate key market trends, and craft platform and marketplace strate

Ep 10 | Creating and Scaling Impactful content with Jeff Barr Jun 7, 2023 00:51:52 On this episode of The Unlearn Podcast, listen in to Jeff Barr, Vice President and Chief Evangelist for Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he has been working for over 20 years. He is known for his influential blog, the AWS News Blog, which targets builders, developers, architects, CTOs, and students. Over time, Jeff has built a team of bloggers and implemented a streamlined content creation process

Ep 09 | AI-Powered Marketing: Unleashing the Value of Proprietary Data with David Meerman Scott May 24, 2023 00:40:48 On this episode of The Unlearn Podcast, listen in to David Meerman Scott of Stage 2 Capital share his thoughts on AI and its impact on marketing in the coming years. David is an acclaimed author with 12 published books that have sold over a million copies in 30 languages. He currently serves as an independent advisor and investor in emerging companies that are transforming their industries by deli

Ep 08 | The Evolution of Partnership Model and How to Leverage it with Ross Brown May 10, 2023 01:06:36 On this week’s episode of the Unlearn Podcast, we talk to Ross Brown of Oracle about the evolution of the Partnership model and leveraging this model to generate revenue. Ross is a well-traveled business professional with a diverse background that spans across different industries. He began his career as a software developer but eventually realized that it wasn't his passion. He then went on t

Ep 07 | Creating Value Through Platforms With Geoffrey Parker Apr 18, 2023 00:55:30 Get ready for a riveting episode of The Unlearn Podcast! Join us as we delve into the brilliant mind of Geoffrey Parker as he shares his insights on Creating Value Through Platforms and how this applies to B2B tech, scalable building and avoiding technical debt on the journey from product to platform.

Ep 06 | Empathy, AI, and Personalization to Thrive in Sales and Marketing with Kate Bradley Chernis Mar 30, 2023 00:56:51 Join Asher & Kelly on The Unlearn Podcast this week with special guest Kate Bradley Chernis as they discuss Empathy, AI, and Personalization to Thrive in Sales and Marketing. Tune in to this free flowing conversation that covers how AI can help you become the best version of yourself by learning from your best practices and then defaulting to that.

Ep 05 | Building and Nurturing Communities with James Carbary Mar 15, 2023 00:52:56 Join Asher & Kelly on The Unlearn Podcast this week with special guest James Carbary as they discuss building and nurturing communities.

Ep 04 | The Changing Realities of B2B Enterprise Sales with Jamal Reimer Mar 1, 2023 00:41:51 Listen in to Jamal share insights into the changing realities of B2B Enterprise selling, training SDR’s and having a slight dose of skepticism when running a deal.

Ep 03 | The Revenue R&D Framework with Chris Walker Feb 13, 2023 00:59:39 Chris Walker, the Founder and CEO of Refine Labs shares his Revenue R&D framework. He also talks about demand creation and capture strategies and the flaws in the current mindset toward the revenue function.

Ep 02 | Building Valuable Companies and Communities with Kindness with Sam Jacobs Feb 13, 2023 00:55:43 Listen in to Sam Jacobs of Pavilion share his thoughts on building valuable companies and communities with kindness in a dog eat dog world. In a free flowing conversation with Asher and Kelly, he also discusses his latest book - “Kind folks finish first” and shares interesting anecdotes from his career over the years.

Ep 01 | Insights on Partner Ecosystem and Change Management with Avanish Sahai Feb 13, 2023 00:30:30 Listen in to Avanish share insights into the partner ecosystem and his thoughts around undertaking change management.

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