"Execution is everything." — Ethan Ruby, CEO and Co-founder of SaaSGrid

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Ethan Ruby, CEO and Co-founder of SaaSGrid, joins Jeff Martin to explore why metrics matter—and how the right data can change everything for B2B SaaS companies.

Ethan shares the pain that inspired SaaSGrid: endless hours wrangling messy data while running analytics at Craft Ventures. That frustration led to building SaaSGrid, a financial intelligence platform now used by 1,000+ SaaS companies to unify CRM, billing, and ERP data into a single source of truth for ARR, pipeline, retention, and more. The conversation dives deep into which metrics really move the needle at Series A, how execution gets measured, and why business—like jiu-jitsu—is a craft learned over time.

This episode is a must-listen for founders, finance leaders, and operators who want to align their team around clear, actionable insights—and scale with confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Metrics in Business Success

02:05 Understanding SaaSGrid and Its Impact

05:03 The Role of Data in Decision Making

07:51 Craft Ventures: Insights from Experience

10:48 The Art of Crafting a Business

13:52 Key Metrics for SaaS Companies

16:33 Balancing Leading and Lagging Indicators

19:29 The Journey to Series A Funding

22:25 Metrics for Series A Companies

25:01 The Evolution of Metrics in Growth Stages

27:49 Execution and Its Measurement

30:24 Adapting to Market Changes

33:12 The Craft of Business and Jiu-Jitsu

35:56 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies

https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Growth Team with the Peak Operating System™

https://www.collective-genius.com/

Got 5 minutes? Take the Peak Teams Assessment to see where your team needs to level up

https://www.collective-genius.com/peak-teams-assessment

#SaaS #Metrics #StartupGrowth #Execution #SaaSGrid #TechScenes #JeffJamesMartin #EthanRuby #B2B #ARR #Retention #CraftVentures #KPI #BusinessIntelligence #JiuJitsuMindset #Founders #SeriesA #peakos #collectivegenius #peakteamsbook

"The best sellers enable buyers to buy." — Gal Aga, CEO and Co-founder of Aligned

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Gal Aga, CEO and Co-founder of Aligned, joins Jeff Martin to unpack the future of B2B sales—from broken enterprise workflows to building digital spaces that make buying easier and faster.

Drawing on 17+ years of scaling SaaS companies from $1M to $100M ARR, Gal shares the moment he realized traditional sales enablement was no longer enough. In an era where 95% of buying happens without the seller in the room, Gal and his team built Aligned to offer “Buying Process as a Service”—a digital workspace where buyers and sellers collaborate in real-time, track next steps, and get deals done faster. From enabling cross-functional alignment to generating 65% of leads through LinkedIn, Gal offers a masterclass in modern selling and founder-led growth.

This episode is for anyone navigating high-stakes sales, building GTM systems, or leading a startup in a buyer-led world. Come for the tactics, stay for the mindset shift.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Founder

08:42 Understanding Sales Dynamics

17:55 Navigating Enterprise Sales Challenges

26:58 The Role of Alignment in Success

36:15 Leveraging LinkedIn for Growth

45:53 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies

https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Growth Team with the Peak Operating System™

https://www.collective-genius.com/

Got 5 minutes? Take the Peak Teams Assessment to see where your team needs to level up

https://www.collective-genius.com/peak-teams-assessment

#B2BSales #SalesEnablement #FounderJourney #LinkedInGrowth #Aligned #TechScenes #JeffMartin #GalAga #SalesLeadership #EnterpriseSales #StartupGrowth #SalesProcess #CustomerSuccess #BuyerEnablement #StrategicNarrative

"Fundraising is not that easy." — Xiao Zhang, CEO and Co-founder of Collov AI

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Xiao Zhang, CEO and Co-founder of Collov AI, joins Jeff Martin to share how his team is transforming real estate staging with lightning-fast AI-powered visual generation—and what it really takes to fund and build a high-performance startup.

Xiao reflects on the early struggles of fundraising, the evolution of Collov’s business model, and the importance of finding product-market fit through continuous customer feedback. From hiring domain experts to building a lean team and defining clear KPIs, he unpacks the lessons learned from scaling a deep-tech company in a fast-moving category. Whether you're a technical founder navigating your first raise or a leader exploring AI's impact on traditional industries, this conversation offers a tactical look into focus, discipline, and building with purpose.

This episode is packed with startup wisdom—from leadership evolution to business model design to the power of saying no—making it a must-watch for anyone building at the intersection of AI and user experience.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising

01:15 Introducing Call Of: AI in Visual Generation

04:59 Targeting the Real Estate Market

08:57 Building a Lean and Focused Team

10:30 Evolving Business Models and AI Innovations

16:02 Lessons Learned from Scaling Challenges

19:38 Hiring in the Competitive AI Landscape

23:26 The Importance of Customer Feedback

26:51 Strategic Goal Setting and Team Alignment

30:18 Leadership Evolution and Management Style

33:49 Advice for Technical Founders

38:38 Desert Island Scenario: Music Choices

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies

https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Growth Team with the Peak Operating System™

https://www.collective-genius.com/

Got 5 minutes? Take the Peak Teams Assessment to see where your team needs to level up

https://www.collective-genius.com/peak-teams-assessment

#AI #RealEstateTech #CollovAI #Fundraising #StartupLeadership #TeamBuilding #VisualGeneration #TechScenes #JeffMartin #XiaoZhang #Entrepreneurship #Startups #ProductMarketFit #CustomerFeedback #ScalingStartups #DeepTech

“Harvest now, decrypt later.” – Rebecca Krauthamer, CEO and Co-founder of QuSecure

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Rebecca Krauthamer, co-founder and CEO of QuSecure, joins Jeff Martin to explore the quantum frontier—and how it’s already reshaping cybersecurity. From quantum-safe encryption to the values that guide her team’s decisions, Rebecca shares what it takes to build both protective technology and an intentional culture in the face of exponential change.

The conversation spans the realities of quantum computing, including what makes it fundamentally different from traditional computing, and the urgent need for crypto agility. Rebecca also opens up about the hard choices founders face—like walking away from misaligned funding—and why saying no can ultimately protect your mission. From AI to quantum, from values to vision, this episode is packed with insight on how leaders can navigate the intersection of innovation, ethics, and security.

Whether you're building a tech company, exploring the next wave of computing, or simply trying to stay ahead of disruption—this episode is a must-listen.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Values-Driven Company Culture

00:45 Introduction to QuSecure and Quantum Computing

01:50 Understanding Quantum Computing: An Analogy

04:13 The Dual Nature of Quantum: Opportunities and Threats

06:21 Harvest Now, Decrypt Later: Cybersecurity Concerns

08:41 Implementing Quantum-Safe Solutions

10:25 From AI to Quantum: A Founder's Journey

12:25 Challenges of First-Time Founders

15:02 Leadership Through Company Values

16:58 Saying No to Misaligned Funding

19:25 Scaling Culture Through Growth

22:19 Learning Fast in a Fast-Moving Space

25:41 Creating Clarity Across Teams

27:49 The State and Future of Quantum Computing

33:06 Where QSecure is Headed

35:43 Final Thoughts and Founder Wisdom

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies 📘 https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Growth Team with the Peak Operating System™ 🌐 https://www.collective-genius.com/

Got 5 minutes? Take the Peak Teams Assessment to see where your team needs to level up - https://www.collective-genius.com/peak-teams-assessment

#QuantumComputing #Cybersecurity #QuSecure #AI #QuantumSafe #TechScenes #JeffMartin #RebeccaKrauthamer #Startups #Leadership #Encryption #PostQuantum #StartupCulture #FounderJourney #Innovation #ValuesDrivenLeadership

"AI needs visibility and controls."

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Oren Michels, co-founder and CEO of Barndoor AI, to talk about the future of work, the rise of agentic AI in the enterprise, and how governance and visibility will shape the next era of human–AI collaboration.

Oren shares insights from decades of experience building and scaling companies—from co-founding Mashery and selling it to Intel, to investing in breakout startups like Uber and eero, to producing Broadway shows. He explains why the future of work isn’t AI replacing humans, but AI handling secondary and knowledge tasks so people can focus on creativity, strategy, and innovation. The conversation explores managing AI access through strict protocols, bridging the talent gap in a world where fewer junior roles exist, and what leaders can learn about team building from both theater and startups.

The discussion also covers the critical need for governance in AI deployment, the role of collaborative intelligence in decision making, and why having a clear vision is essential for attracting both talent and investors in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

About Barndoor AI

As more AI agents take on work across your company, it’s not just harder to see which agents are doing what — it’s riskier. Barndoor brings visibility and control into one place, giving enterprise teams the granular access, policy enforcement, and oversight they need to scale AI safely. Now you can use AI with confidence across every team, tool, and action.

Takeaways

The future of work involves collaboration between humans and AI.

AI will increasingly handle secondary tasks, freeing up human creativity.

Governance and visibility are crucial for safe AI deployment.

Managing AI access requires strict protocols and oversight.

Collaborative intelligence enhances decision-making processes.

Bridging the talent gap is essential for future workforce development.

A clear vision is vital for attracting talent and investors.

Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined in teams.

Organizations must adapt to rapid technological changes.

Chapters

00:00 The Future of Work: Humans and AI Collaboration

00:55 Introducing Barndoor AI: Governance and Visibility for AI

03:52 Managing AI Access: Protocols and Responsibilities

08:03 The Evolution of Work: AI's Role in Knowledge Tasks

11:31 Collaborative Intelligence: Humans and AI Decision Making

14:53 Bridging the Talent Gap: Early Career Development

17:50 Building Teams: Lessons from Theater and Startups

20:38 Vision and Agreement: Attracting Talent and Investors

26:15 Roles and Responsibilities: Clarity in Teams

29:40 Adapting to Change: The Rapid Evolution of Technology

35:35 The Future of AI: Balancing Automation and Human Insight

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies

https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Growth Team with the Peak Operating System™

https://www.collective-genius.com/

#AI #FutureOfWork #BarndoorAI #Automation #Governance #AgenticAI #TechScenes #JeffMartin #Startups #Leadership #TalentDevelopment #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Technology #TeamBuilding

"Trust is something holding them back." — Matt Auron, Co-Founder of Evolution

In this episode of Tech Scenes, Jeff James Martin sits down with Matt Auron—Co-Founder of Evolution—to unpack the inner mechanics of leadership, culture, and coaching inside high-growth startups. With decades of experience helping teams like Slack, Snapchat, and Coursera scale with intention, Matt shares grounded insights on how coaching has evolved as a discipline, why culture isn’t soft stuff, and how trust issues quietly derail performance.

Together, they explore the difference between therapy and coaching, the craftsmanship behind effective organizations, and how the best leaders invest in themselves and their teams—not just their product. From building feedback loops to navigating team dynamics and scaling consciousness across companies, this conversation is a masterclass in human-centered growth.

Takeaways

* Coaching is present-focused and action-oriented; therapy is past-focused and healing-oriented.

* Leadership is a craft—great companies invest in developing it.

* Organizational culture must evolve as the company scales.

* Feedback loops and structure are essential for team alignment.

* Trust breakdowns are often the root of performance issues.

* Coaches play a key role in scaling both people and systems.

* Growth requires systems—not just hustle.

* Music and personal reflection can deepen leadership insight.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Therapy vs. Coaching

00:38 The Evolution of Coaching

04:41 Building Organizational Culture

10:35 The Role of Coaches in Leadership

16:57 Navigating Team Dynamics

23:12 The Importance of Structure in Startups

28:05 Craftsmanship in Organization Building

33:52 Personal Reflections and Music Choices

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™ - https://www.collective-genius.com/

#techscenes #mattauron #evolution #leadershipdevelopment #coaching #startups #organizationbuilding #trust #teameffectiveness #culturematters #therapyvscoaching #emotionalintelligence #businessgrowth #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #collectivegenius

"The mentor-mentee relationship often evolves into a peer relationship." — Brad Feld, Partner at Foundry and Co-founder of TechstarsIn this special Tech Scenes Unplugged episode, Jeff James Martin sits down with Brad Feld, a pioneer in early-stage investing and co-founder of Techstars, to explore the power of mentorship, the philosophy of Give First, and the evolution of entrepreneurship over the last three decades. Brad shares candid insights from his newest book Give First, reflecting on the personal lessons he's learned from mentoring, writing, and navigating both venture capital and community building.This wide-ranging conversation goes deep on how real mentorship works, why peer relationships matter more than advice, and how founders can unlock compounding impact through generosity and intentional reflection. From Boulder to boardrooms, Brad’s clarity and authenticity make this a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone passionate about building companies—and better humans.Takeaways:Mentorship is most powerful when it becomes a peer relationship.Shared experiences create trust faster than advice.Great entrepreneurship is global—not just coastal.Give First is a philosophy that compounds over time.Community and connection are at the core of startup success.Reflection and cadence are underrated skills.Writing books can unlock deep personal growth.AI must be approached with nuance and critical thinking.Mentors don’t need all the answers—they need real experience.Bigger isn’t always better. Better is better.Chapters00:00 The Magic of Mentorship02:21 Personal Reflections and Gratitude04:45 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship07:38 The Role of Mentorship in Startups10:25 The Importance of Peer Relationships13:09 The Structure of Effective Mentorship15:44 The Philosophy of Give First18:36 Learning Through Teaching21:03 The Dynamics of Mentorship23:46 Writing and Reflecting on the Book26:10 The Balance of Public and Private Life28:17 The Future of AI and Humanity31:16 The Importance of Reflection and Cadence33:41 The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship36:00 Navigating Life's Challenges38:53 Final Thoughts on Mentorship and AILearn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companieshttps://a.co/d/hp5JtnuVisit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™https://www.collective-genius.com/#techscenes #bradfeld #givefirst #techstars #foundrygroup #mentorship #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #founders #startupjourney #startupwisdom #ai #startupcommunity #personalgrowth #leadership #startupfounder #startupmentor #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #collectivegenius