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    Podcast - Connecting Sales to Strategy with Tony Cross

    In this episode of The Art and Science of Complex Sales, we’re joined by Tony Cross, CEO of Growth Matters International. Tony shares how sales managers can be the most powerful lever for sales transformation.

    The conversation focuses on how to lead teams through uncertainty, coach toward customer buying behavior, and create practical momentum through structured conversations and frameworks. Tony also introduces his "Chalk and Talk" initiative, a live, collaborative coaching experience designed to foster strategic action.

    Coaching Through Uncertainty (03:38)

    Tony explains how sales managers can cut through the noise by staying focused on the fundamentals. Rather than "getting back to basics," he advocates reinforcing foundational one-on-one coaching that helps reps guide customers through complex buying decisions. Uncertainty is high, but clarity can be created through strong leadership.

     


    Aligning with the Buying Process (06:08)

    The episode explores why sales teams need to understand how buying decisions are made inside customer organizations. Tony discusses using a draft buying vision to collaborate with buyers and ensure proposals speak to everyone involved, not just the primary contact. This approach builds trust and improves win rates.

    Pipeline Coaching with the ICE Model (15:55)

    Tony introduces the Identify, Clarify, Explore (ICE) model as a simple yet powerful framework for coaching reps on pipeline health. He explains how sales managers should move beyond metrics like coverage ratios and instead diagnose pipeline challenges by looking at value, volume, velocity, and deal shape.

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    Paul Fuller
    Published May 18, 2025
    By Paul Fuller

    Paul Fuller’s stated mission is to help others maximize their gifts by using his.
    Paul has been a pioneer in the sales process and training, sales as a service, content marketing and CRM. As a previous founder and owner of multiple successful growth organizations in these spaces, Paul has effectively trained and led sales and marketing teams across the world to focus on and achieve dynamic growth.

    He firmly believes sales is defined best in three categories:

    • Service - helping other get what they need

    • Leadership - guiding others toward their vision

    • Wayfinding - navigating the path to success together

    He is firmly committed to elevating the sales profession through coaching, leading, and empowering others through systems that enable strong performance.

    Currently Paul leads revenue growth at Membrain.com - the top sales effectiveness CRM in the world. Working with his team, and a group of over 100 top sales consultant organizations across the globe, they are focused at creating scalable growth through sales excellence in companies and teams in over 80 countries.

    Schedule a call with him here.

    Find out more about Paul Fuller on LinkedIn