TL;DR:

You can’t always “leave politics at the door” anymore. In this episode, Kelly Lewis and Tiffany Jones talk about what happens when world events show up at work, why psychological safety matters more than ever, and how leaders can support their teams without turning the workplace into a debate stage.

We typically don’t talk politics on The Revenue Insiders.

But after a Super Bowl halftime show that sparked national conversation, and in a world where social, cultural, and political moments increasingly bleed into the workplace, we felt this conversation was necessary.

Because whether you like it or not, your team is feeling it.

In this episode, Kelly Lewis and Tiffany Jones explore:

• Why “don’t talk politics at work” is no longer realistic

• The pressure people leaders face in emotionally charged moments

• How psychological safety (yes, Lencioni-style) becomes even more critical

• What real check-ins should sound like (hint: not just “How are you?”)

• The loneliness of leadership — especially for middle managers

• Supporting working parents navigating stress at home and at work

• How to create space without forcing conversation

• Why enabling leaders at every level matters right now

This isn’t about red vs blue.

It’s about emotional intelligence, modern leadership, and recognizing that employees are whole people — not just revenue producers.

We also discuss:

• The ripple effects of layoffs and constant change

• Why middle management often gets overlooked

• How leaders can share appropriately without oversharing

• The power of vulnerability in creating trust

• The importance of best friends at work (and what that does to productivity)

If you manage people, lead a team, or are trying to stay productive in a heavy season, this conversation will resonate.

The world feels fast. Loud. Emotional.

Leadership right now requires more EQ than ever.

You are not alone in navigating it.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

Most companies overlook the secret to dominating cloud marketplaces—and it’s not what you think. As tackle.io CEO John Janke reveals, understanding how AI will reshape go-to-market strategies is the game-changer that can catapult your revenue and valuation in 2024.

In this eye-opening episode, John shares lessons from a decade of navigating the complexities of B2B software sales, acquisitions, and the SaaS explosion. Discover how his team shifted from simply listing on cloud marketplaces to building a multi-component platform that became an essential, must-have tool for industry leaders. You'll learn how to turn channel partnerships into predictable revenue streams, use data-driven storytelling to accelerate deals, and avoid the pitfalls that leave sellers stuck on the sidelines.

We break down the real reason why RevOps can block pipeline, how to empower your sales team with AI agents that demystify customer engagement, and why the future of digital selling hinges on strategic vision and adaptability. Whether you're a CRO, partner leader, or founder, you’ll uncover the keys to positioning your company as a category leader—and making yourself irresistible to acquisition offers.

If you’re concerned about shrinking budgets, fierce competitor landscapes, or the shifting power of marketplaces, this episode will give you actionable insights to thrive. Capital markets are tightening, but the opportunities to stand out and connect with the right ecosystem have never been greater. Don't miss the bold strategies that could define your success in the next phase of SaaS evolution.

Perfect for revenue leaders aiming to double down on their go-to-market approach, product executives preparing for the AI revolution, and anyone interested in the future of digital sales—this conversation delivers the knowledge you need to stay ahead. Tune in now and start reimagining what’s possible in your growth journey.

TL;DR

Sales enablement pioneer Roderick Jefferson joins Kelly Lewis for a raw, deeply human conversation about the evolution of enablement, why revenue teams are still missing the mark, and the life-altering stroke that forced him to redefine success, leadership, and self-care.

If you work in enablement, revenue, or leadership, this episode is required listening.

What happens when the person who coined the term sales enablement says he is no longer a fan of it?

In this episode of The Revenue Insiders, Kelly Lewis sits down with Roderick Jefferson, widely known as the grandfather of sales enablement, for a conversation that goes far beyond job titles and frameworks.

Together, they unpack why enablement has outgrown its original definition, how revenue enablement should function as the connective tissue across go to market teams, and why roles like Customer Success, Professional Services, and onboarding are still treated like distant relatives instead of critical partners.

Roderick challenges the profession to stop being myopic, stop operating at the kids table, and start speaking the language of revenue, relationships, and impact across the full buyer and customer journey.

But this conversation takes a powerful turn.

Roderick opens up about his personal story behind his book Stroke of Success, sharing how unchecked stress, ego, and ultra achievement led to a massive stroke that nearly cost him his life. What follows is an honest reflection on burnout, identity, leadership, and the dangerous normalization of living at the red line.

Kelly and Roderick discuss:

• Why enablement must evolve beyond sales and truly serve the full go to market ecosystem

• The role of enablement as translators across marketing, product, sales, CS, and services

• Why team selling is an overlooked core competency

• The hidden cost of being an ultra achiever

• How redefining success can literally save your life

• Why self-care is not a reward, but a daily responsibility

This episode is a reminder that success and happiness are not the same thing, and that the best leaders know when to step back, trust their people, and take care of themselves.

If you have ever felt exhausted, stretched too thin, or unsure how long you can keep pushing, this conversation will stay with you.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

👉 Subscribe to The Revenue Insiders for more candid conversations on modern GTM leadership.

👉 Follow https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-revenue-insiders on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights and discussions.

👉 Connect with Roderick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roderickjefferson/