We had the privilege of sitting down with Marek Wasilewski, the dynamic Vice President of Sales for Americas and Latin America at Extreme Networks, to uncover the secrets behind his remarkable journey from aspiring fashion designer to sales powerhouse. Marek's story is a captivating narrative of ambition, resilience, and mentorship, painting a picture of how early experiences in selling timeshares and novelty memberships shaped his career. He shares invaluable lessons on how tough sales environments can be transformative, providing the backbone needed to succeed. Marek's tale is not just about climbing the career ladder but about sculpting one's character in the process and turning challenges into stepping stones.

We also explore the TEAM framework, a game-changing strategy Marek developed to revitalize underperforming business units, showcasing the power of communication as a cornerstone of success. The conversation takes a futuristic turn as we dissect the impact of AI on sales, with frameworks like BANT, CHAMP, and MEDDIC offering foundational guidance in this evolving landscape. Marek offers insights into the philosophical dimensions of AI advancements, pondering their broader implications on the sales field. With AI's rapid evolution, epitomized by tools like ChatGPT-5, Marek's forward-thinking perspective challenges us to envision a transformed future where adaptability and team alignment become the keys to thriving in sales.

Marek Wasilewski is a globally accomplished Revenue Leader with over two decades of experience leading high-performance teams and scaling multi-million-dollar growth across enterprise, SaaS, cloud, and service provider markets. From driving 28% growth in a major LATAM region to taking enterprise revenue from $0 to $5M in just 12 months, Marek has consistently delivered transformative results at scale.

Currently based in Austin, Texas, Marek brings a powerful mix of boardroom credibility and field-tested resilience. He’s the creator of the T.E.A.M. Leadership Framework—Talk, Evaluate, Action, Mentor—designed to inspire performance and build trust across global teams. His leadership ethos? “Business is like cycling—every climb builds strength, and success comes from preparation, endurance, and shared effort.”

Named to CRN’s Channel Chief list and a multi-time President’s Club and Chairman’s Inner Circle winner, Marek has held executive roles with some of the largest companies, leading teams across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. His expertise spans GTM strategy, recurring revenue models, AI-driven sales transformation, and customer-centric execution.

When he’s not leading global sales strategy, you’ll find him on two wheels—contributing to Dallas-based cycling charity events and recharging through endurance sports that mirror his leadership style: focused, resilient, and purpose-driven.

Quotes:

Nobody grows up saying I want to be a salesman. I left school wanting to be a fashion designer, but sales found me, and it turned out to be my true passion."

"Selling timeshares and novelty memberships taught me resilience. It's about understanding that you're one call away from success and learning to deal with rejection."

"Effective communication is the cornerstone of success. Over-communicating both internally and externally can transform underperforming business units."

"The TEAM framework is built on four principles: Talk, Evaluate, Act, and Mentor. It's about creating a consistent and disciplined approach to revitalizing teams."

Links:

Marek’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwasil/

Extreme Networks - https://www.extremenetworks.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/

Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing your sales strategy with the power of AI! Join us as we sit down with Drew Regan, Global Leader, CRM Modernization & AI Solutions at Microsoft, who brings fresh insights from his recent move from Salesforce. Discover how AI is not just a buzzword but the backbone of a seamless, efficient work environment, helping businesses consolidate data and obliterate silos. With Microsoft's cutting-edge applications like Azure, Outlook, and Dynamics, you'll learn how to harness AI for dynamic, streamlined processes that transform mundane tasks into strategic opportunities.

Say goodbye to the drudgery of manual data entry and hello to a new era of CRM efficiency. We tackle the common frustrations of sales professionals burdened by traditional CRM systems and unveil how AI and automation, through platforms like Microsoft's Dynamics 365 and Salesforce, are game changers. Imagine freeing up valuable time to focus on building customer relationships instead of logging information. Our conversation underscores the value of a unified platform that eliminates complexity and boosts productivity, all while keeping the focus on what truly matters—driving business success through meaningful customer interactions.

As we explore the future of AI in sales, witness firsthand the immense potential of AI-driven tools like Microsoft's Copilot and Dynamics. These technologies drastically cut down the time and effort needed for tasks like preparing QBR presentations, empowering sales teams to prioritize strategic deals. From enhancing decision-making with precise data analytics to automating routine tasks, AI is reshaping modern business practices. You'll hear real-world examples of how AI optimizes field service operations and meeting preparations, paving the way for a more productive and successful future. Don't miss out on learning how AI is not just a tool but a strategic partner in revolutionizing your sales processes.

Drew Regan is a Global Leader and Principal Business Program Manager based in Charleston, South Carolina, guiding organizations of all sizes to modernize CRM with an AI-first approach across all stakeholders. With a strategic mindset and passion for innovation, Drew helps businesses transform with speed to stay ahead of the competition and drive measurable impact by deploying productivity and automation across their entire operation.

As a strategic and trusted partner, Drew leads customers through the AI-driven shift from legacy CRM systems to modern, intelligent enterprise platforms, enabling smarter engagement and scalable growth. His programmatic approach, collaborative leadership, and results-oriented mindset empower teams and customers to thrive in today’s dynamic digital landscape.

Quotes:

"AI isn't just a buzzword—it's becoming the backbone of a seamless and efficient work environment, helping businesses obliterate silos and consolidate data."

"With Microsoft's cutting-edge applications like Azure, Outlook, and Dynamics, AI is transforming mundane tasks into strategic opportunities, paving the way for modern sales success."

"Say goodbye to the drudgery of manual data entry and hello to a new era of CRM efficiency where AI and automation become game changers."

"The true power of AI lies in its ability to automate routine tasks, allowing sales teams to focus on what truly matters—building meaningful customer relationships and driving business success."

Links:

Drew’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-regan-01272b7/

Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/

Nicolas Restrepo, the Senior VP of Sales at World Emblem, joins us to share his remarkable journey from aspiring lawyer to sales leader. As the largest emblem manufacturer and garment decorator, World Emblem offers a unique perspective on current economic trends, serving as a barometer through its work with uniforms and personalized consumer items. Nic uncovers his personal path in sales, emphasizing the power of curiosity, connection, and authenticity. We explore the latest customization trends, juxtaposing sleek metallic designs with nostalgic chenille styles, as Nic illustrates the importance of listening and humility in forging genuine sales relationships.

Transitioning into leadership roles presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, and Nic is candid about both. The episode delves into the nuances of guiding new talent and the invigorating energy it brings. While embracing the process and maintaining persistence, Nic underscores the importance of overcoming personal ego and allowing others to shine. For those aspiring to leadership positions, the focus should be on fostering others' success and recognizing talent, all while appreciating the often repetitive yet rewarding behind-the-scenes work necessary for nurturing a thriving team.

Drawing inspiration from the former CEO of Ford, who revolutionized company culture with transparency and vulnerability, we explore transformative leadership strategies. Open communication and a red-yellow-green project status system are central to this discussion, promoting the value of setting ambitious goals and stepping outside comfort zones. We also explore the critical role of CRM systems in sales success, likening their use to a well-coordinated sports team where everyone knows their role. By making CRM data both accessible and actionable, sales teams can achieve optimal performance and make meaningful client connections. Finally, we extend an invitation to join the Sales Lead Dog Pack and explore our expansive content library, available across various platforms to keep you engaged and informed.

Nicolas Restrepo is the Senior Vice President of Sales at World Emblem, one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-quality custom apparel decorations. He is passionate about lifelong learning, achieving goals through teamwork, and leaving a lasting legacy in the textile manufacturing industry.

Quotes:

"In sales, the power of curiosity, connection, and authenticity can truly unlock success."

"Transitioning into leadership means overcoming personal ego and letting others shine."

"Effective leadership requires setting ambitious goals and stepping out of your comfort zone."

"A well-coordinated sales team is like a sports team—everyone needs to know their role for optimal performance."

Links:

Nic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-nic-restrepo/

World Emblem: https://www.worldemblem.com

Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/