CPQ Podcast

Hosted by Frank Sohn

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Episodes

426

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The CPQ Podcast is your go-to source for all things Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ). Each episode features in-depth interviews with industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners who share real-world insights, strategies, and success stories. Whether you're in Sales Ops, RevOps, IT, or Product Management, this podcast helps you stay ahead in the evolving CPQ landscape — from CPQ tools and processes to digital selling, product configuration, pricing strategy, and Quote-to-Cash trends. Tune in to expand your CPQ knowledge, explore new solutions, and hear from the voices shaping the future of B2B sales automation.

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60 recent

October 25, 2026Episode 41730 min

AI in CPQ: Configure One's AI Model Builder & AI Seller | Kiana Mostajabian

What if the biggest challenge in CPQ isn't the configuration engine itself, but getting the right product knowledge into it? In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank Sohn welcomes back Kiana Mostajabian, Senior Director of Product Management at Configure One , to explore how artificial intelligence is changing product configuration, quoting, and sales processes for manufacturers of complex products. Kiana explains why product modeling and the dependence on a small number of technical experts remain major barriers to scaling CPQ. She introduces the Configure One Intelligence Platform and its two connected applications: AI Model Builder , which transforms product specifications, drawings, and bills of materials into draft configuration models, and AI Seller , which interprets customer requirements and RFQs to help generate accurate quotes. They discuss how these capabilities could help manufacturers expand their configurable product catalogs, reduce their reliance on sales engineering, and enable dealers and distributors to quote complex products more independently. Kiana also shares early customer experiences with AI-assisted modeling and explains why buyers increasingly expect measurable business value from AI rather than additional features. The conversation also covers several other important CPQ developments, including: CRM and ERP integration and implementation timelines Intelliquip Select for fluid handling manufacturers Headless CPQ and future PLM integration capabilities AI-assisted quoting and pricing optimization Kiana also provides an update on product availability: AI Model Builder is already available, while AI Seller is currently in beta, with general availability planned for January 2027. Whether you're evaluating CPQ software, implementing configure-price-quote solutions, or exploring AI in manufacturing, this episode offers practical insights into how CPQ technology is evolving and what these developments could mean for your business. Learn more: ConfigureOne | Kiana on LinkedIn Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. To stay up to date with the CPQ Podcast and the latest Novus CPQ research and insights, visit novuscpq.com .

October 18, 2026Episode 41630 min

From Visual CPQ to AI-Native CPQ: Threekit's AI Agents with Marc Uible

What does AI-native CPQ actually mean, and how is it different from adding AI capabilities to traditional CPQ software? In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank Sohn speaks with Marc Uible, VP of AI at Threekit, about the company's evolution from 3D product visualization to AI-native Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software and AI-powered sales agents. Marc explains how Threekit is addressing the challenges manufacturers face when selling complex, configurable products through direct sales teams and channel partners. He discusses how AI agents can simplify product selection, configuration, pricing, and quoting while working with existing product data and business rules. The conversation explores several topics, including: What distinguishes AI-native CPQ from traditional CPQ with added AI capabilities How dealers can generate proposals using photos, voice commands, or competitor quotes How AI-powered website agents can improve product discovery and guided selling How Threekit combines AI with rule-based validation to check product information and reduce inaccurate recommendations Implementation timelines for AI-powered web agents and complete CPQ solutions How Threekit integrates with enterprise platforms such as Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, and Infor Marc also discusses practical implementation challenges, including managing complex product information, defining business processes, and balancing manufacturers' requirements with the flexibility sales teams and dealers need. We also explore how Threekit uses AI internally and Marc's perspective on how AI agents could evolve to support more of the sales process, from initial product discovery to completed quotes. If you're evaluating CPQ software, exploring AI agents for manufacturing, or interested in how artificial intelligence is changing product configuration and B2B sales, this episode provides insights into Threekit's approach to AI-native CPQ and some of the practical considerations involved. Learn more: Threekit | Threekit Live Demo | Marc Uible on LinkedIn Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. To stay up to date with the CPQ Podcast and the latest Novus CPQ research and insights, visit novuscpq.com .

October 11, 2026Episode 41512 min

A Smarter Way to Explore CPQ: Meet the Novus CPQ Advisor

How much should you know about CPQ before relying on software vendors, consultants or implementation partners to guide your next steps? In this episode, Frank Sohn discusses why CPQ buyers should first learn enough to ask good questions, challenge assumptions and look at the market from more than one perspective. He also introduces the new Novus CPQ Advisor , an independent starting point for exploring CPQ vendors, solutions, research and next steps. The Advisor can help people who are new to CPQ as well as experienced CPQ stakeholders who want another perspective, information on a vendor, or help finding relevant Novus resources. The Advisor is not intended to provide the final answer to every CPQ question. Instead, it gives users a place to start, learn and explore before deciding where deeper research, technical expertise or direct advisory support may be useful. Try the Novus CPQ Advisor: novuscpq.com/#cpq-advisor Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. To stay up to date with the CPQ Podcast and the latest Novus CPQ research and insights, visit novuscpq.com .

October 4, 2026Episode 41430 min

From zipCPQ to HeliozOne: Modular CPQ, AI & Visualization with Antonio Brkic

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank speaks with Antonio Brkic, Chief Product Officer at Helioz Technologies, about the evolution of zipCPQ into HeliozOne and the company's broader vision for configurable product sales. Antonio explains why Helioz is moving from a CPQ-focused solution toward a modular platform that can support product configuration, pricing, quoting, e-commerce, spare parts, document generation, production quoting, and integrations. He also discusses what this transition means for existing zipCPQ customers, noting that current solutions and support remain in place and that adoption of additional HeliozOne capabilities is customer-driven rather than mandatory. The conversation explores several areas that are becoming increasingly important for manufacturers and other companies selling configurable products, including: AI-assisted product configuration and PDF-to-configurator workflows 2D and 3D product visualization CAD integration, including Onshape CRM, ERP, accounting, and e-commerce integrations API-based data exchange and modular architecture Production quoting and cost calculation Self-service CPQ for small and midsize businesses Antonio also shares Helioz' approach to AI: using artificial intelligence to suggest, extract, and accelerate work while keeping people involved in reviewing and validating the results. He discusses growing customer interest in AI-driven configuration, sales guidance, and converting information from PDFs into structured configurator data. Frank and Antonio also look at where 2D and 3D visualization add the most value, how Helioz integrates with systems such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, and accounting platforms, and what types of organizations are the best fit for HeliozOne. If you are evaluating CPQ software, working with complex or configurable products, or interested in how AI, visualization, CAD, and integrations are changing Configure-Price-Quote processes, this episode provides a practical look at the evolution of a modern CPQ platform. Learn more: Antonio Brkic on LinkedIn | HeliozOne | Helioz Technologies Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. To stay up to date with the CPQ Podcast and the latest Novus CPQ research and insights, visit novuscpq.com .

September 27, 2026Episode 41331 min

Agentic AI in CPQ and Quote-to-Cash: Where Autonomy Belongs | Sourabh Kukar, Salesforce

Copilot, assistant, agent — the terms get thrown around interchangeably, but they describe three very different levels of AI autonomy. So where does agentic AI actually belong in the configure-price-quote process, and where should humans stay firmly in control? In this episode, Frank sits down with Sourabh Kukar, Director of Technical Consulting at Salesforce, where he leads a team of enterprise architects working across Revenue Cloud, Agentforce Revenue Management, CPQ, and H&A solutions for large enterprise customers. Sourabh was named Salesforce's FY24 CMT Technical Architect of the Year, holds 23 industry certifications, and is an IEEE Senior Member. Sourabh brings a rare mix of backgrounds to the conversation — starting as a Java developer, spending a decade as an integration architect, then moving deep into the Salesforce platform in 2019. That combination of coding roots, systems breadth, and platform depth shapes how he thinks about which parts of quote-to-cash are ready for real AI autonomy and which still need deterministic guardrails and human sign-off. Frank and Sourabh also dig into how to architect multiple specialized agents so one agent's bad output doesn't become another agent's bad input, why fixing your data and simplifying your processes matters more than the AI layer itself, and what changes for revenue operations teams as quoting and approvals move into conversational tools like Slack. In this conversation we cover: The real difference between a copilot, an assistant, and an agent — and where Salesforce's Agentforce quoting agent fits Which parts of configure-price-quote are ready for high AI autonomy, and where humans need to stay in the loop How to architect multiple specialized agents so errors don't cascade downstream Why fixing your data and simplifying your processes matters more than the AI layer on top What changes architecturally when quoting and approvals move into Slack A practical framework for choosing phased coexistence over a full CPQ-to-Revenue-Cloud migration If you're a Salesforce CPQ customer evaluating a move to Revenue Cloud, an enterprise architect thinking through agentic AI governance, or a revenue operations leader trying to separate real AI capability from hype, this episode offers grounded, practitioner-level insight from someone building these systems for enterprise customers every day. Learn more: Sourabh Kukar on LinkedIn Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. More CPQ research and resources at https://novuscpq.com

September 20, 2026Episode 41247 min

From Renewal Reminders to Revenue Automation: Channel CPQ, Agentic AI & the Long Tail | Yagna iQ

Renewals are becoming a strategic revenue priority — but why do so many companies still manage them through disconnected systems, spreadsheets, emails, and partner portals? In this episode, Frank talks with Ram Rai, founder & CEO of Yagna iQ, and Manish Agrawal, Co-Founder & CTO , about how recurring revenue and renewal management are changing as companies move toward subscription and lifecycle-based business models. They discuss why renewals become particularly challenging in indirect sales channels, where OEMs, distributors, resellers, and end customers may all participate in the process. Ram and Manish explain Yagna's approach to channel CPQ and renewal automation , including how renewal processes can extend beyond simple expiration reminders to customer onboarding, adoption monitoring, account health, value realization, quoting, and expansion opportunities. They also discuss how Yagna integrates with existing CRM, ERP, and CPQ environments rather than replacing them. The conversation also explores the growing role of agentic AI in renewals and quoting—from processing supplier quotes and automating RFQs to AI-assisted customer outreach—as well as where human oversight, data readiness, integration, and governance remain important. In this conversation we cover: Why renewal management is moving from a transactional process to a strategic revenue discipline Why indirect channels create unique CPQ and renewal challenges across OEMs, distributors, and resellers How Channel CPQ can complement existing vendor-side CPQ systems Where agentic AI, voice agents, and automated quote processing can support renewal workflows Why data cleansing, CRM/ERP/CPQ integration, governance, and human-in-the-loop processes remain important How automation can help address the "Long-tail" of lower-value, high-volume renewals that are often uneconomical to manage manually If you work in CPQ, Revenue Operations, recurring revenue, channel sales, or partner management, this episode provides a useful look at how renewal automation is expanding beyond reminders and traditional quoting — and how AI may change the economics of managing recurring revenue at scale. Learn more: Yagna iQ Yagna iQ AI · Ram Rai on LinkedIn · Manish Agrawal on LinkedIn · Yagna iQ Customer Pulse Report – Recurring Revenue and Renewals in 2026 Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. More CPQ research and resources at https://novuscpq.com

September 13, 2026Episode 41131 min

Visual CPQ, Engineering Automation, and AI with Scott Heide of Engineering Intent

Where does traditional CPQ stop—and where does engineering automation need to take over? In this episode, Frank sits down with Scott Heide, CEO of Engineering Intent, to explore how CPQ can support products that require far more than standard configuration, pricing, and quoting. Scott brings more than 30 years of experience working with engineer-to-order companies, knowledge-based engineering, and sales engineering automation. Returning to the CPQ Podcast for the first time since 2023, Scott explains why customers typically approach Engineering Intent when their products involve complex engineering calculations, dynamic geometry, visual configuration, detailed bills of materials, or automatically generated sales and manufacturing drawings. He also discusses KBridge, Engineering Intent's design automation platform, and how it can connect the commercial CPQ process with the engineering work required to produce a valid custom design. Frank and Scott also examine Engineering Intent's new direct Salesforce integration, its established relationship with ServiceNow, and the growing role of systems integrators in projects that combine CRM, CPQ, and engineering automation. Scott shares how Engineering Intent is using AI to accelerate the capture of product knowledge and design rules—while maintaining the repeatable, deterministic, and documentable outputs required in manufacturing. In this conversation, we cover: Why traditional CPQ solutions may struggle with highly engineered and graphically complex products Where CPQ ends and engineering or design automation begins How KBridge generates dynamic 3D models, visualizations, drawings, calculations, and detailed bills of materials The difference between fixed-geometry visualization tools and parametric models that change dynamically Engineering Intent's new Salesforce integration and how KBridge can work alongside Salesforce Revenue Cloud How AI may reduce the time and effort required to capture and automate product-specific engineering rules Recent capabilities including advanced solid modeling, animation, source merge, and offline runtime Engineering Intent's growing focus on material handling, MEP, precast concrete, and other vertical applications Why systems integrators may need stronger engineering skills to implement advanced design automation successfully What Engineering Intent plans to demonstrate at Dreamforce and other upcoming industry events If you work with engineer-to-order products, visual product configuration, manufacturing CPQ, or complex sales and engineering processes, this episode provides a practical look at how CPQ and design automation can work together across the full lifecycle—from early sales visualization to manufacturing-ready drawings and bills of materials. Learn more about Engineering Intent and connect with Scott Heide on LinkedIn . Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. More CPQ research and resources at https://novuscpq.com

August 2, 2026Episode 41030 min

From Salesforce CPQ to Agentforce Revenue Management | ShiftLogic.io

Salesforce CPQ is officially end of sale — but what does that actually mean for your business, and where do you go from here? In this episode, host Frank sits down with Jamie Trigg and Timo Taipale from ShiftLogic.io to unpack the shift from Salesforce CPQ to Agentforce Revenue Management (ARM), and why this transition is a full revenue transformation, not just a platform swap. Jamie brings nearly 20 years of CPQ experience, from the early days at Big Machines and Steelbrick through a long run in Salesforce Revenue Cloud. Timo shares his journey as a self-described "accidental admin" who chose Revenue Cloud over Steelbrick CPQ during a greenfield implementation, long before joining ShiftLogic.io. Frank, Jamie, and Timo also examine why "end of sale" doesn't mean "end of life," and why experienced CPQ practitioners often find ARM the hardest transition to make — thanks to a deeply ingrained "quote-centric" mindset that doesn't always translate cleanly to a revenue-centric world. In this conversation we cover: Why the real urgency behind ARM adoption comes from customers wanting more capability, not from Salesforce forcing a switch Why experienced CPQ practitioners often struggle most with the shift to ARM How to tackle technical debt and legacy CPQ rules with a "vision lock" approach The difference between engineering CPQ and sales CPQ, and where ARM fits for manufacturing and complex products How AI and Agentforce adoption is accelerating across CPQ and revenue lifecycle management Real customer adoption patterns, typical implementation timelines, and what to expect from a Salesforce CPQ to Revenue Cloud migration If you're a Salesforce CPQ admin evaluating your next move, a revenue operations leader planning an ARM implementation, or simply curious about where CPQ and revenue management are headed, this episode offers grounded, practitioner-level insight from two people who've lived it on both sides of the table. Learn more: ShiftLogic.io · Jamie Trigg on LinkedIn · Timo Taipale on LinkedIn Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform.

July 26, 2026Episode 40930 min

AI and CPQ: Revenue Cloud, System Integrators, and the Future of Configure Price Quote

With Javed Jafar, CPQ and Billing Expert with 20+ years of experience across enterprise implementations, advisory work, and customer-side transformation programs. How will AI change CPQ for customers, vendors, system integrators, and CPQ professionals? In this episode, Javed shares his perspective on why AI is not replacing CPQ expertise, but changing what good CPQ expertise looks like. Routine configuration work, documentation, testing, and delivery tasks are becoming easier to accelerate with AI tools. At the same time, deep domain knowledge is becoming more important, since customers still need experts who can recognize incorrect AI output, manage complexity, and translate business requirements into scalable commercial processes. Frank and Javed also discuss how AI is changing expectations for system integrators, as customers increasingly expect more value for every professional services dollar — a shift that may push the market toward fixed-price offerings, reusable accelerators, boutique specialists, and AI-enabled delivery models. They also examine the current business climate around AI adoption, including why many organizations are investing in AI tools but still struggle to demonstrate measurable ROI. In CPQ specifically, Javed sees many companies experimenting with automation and AI assistance, while true agentic CPQ adoption is still in the early stages. In this conversation we cover: Why AI is changing what good CPQ expertise looks like, not replacing it How AI is accelerating configuration, documentation, testing, and delivery work Why deep domain knowledge matters more as AI output needs expert review How AI is reshaping expectations and pricing models for system integrators The gap between AI investment and measurable ROI in CPQ today The state of agentic CPQ adoption and Salesforce Agentforce Revenue Management The impact of legacy CPQ end-of-sale messaging The shift from rule-based to constraint-based thinking What types of customers benefit most from AI-first, API-driven revenue architecture If you are a CPQ customer, part of a Salesforce Revenue Cloud team, a system integrator, a CPQ vendor, or a revenue operations leader trying to understand how AI will reshape Configure, Price, Quote over the next few years, this episode offers a grounded, experience-based perspective. Learn more : Javed on LinkedIn

July 19, 2026Episode 40822 min

AI-Powered CPQ Explained: Stan Chirk on Building Talkulate AI CPQ

Can AI actually replace the sales engineer in complex product configuration — without sacrificing accuracy? In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, host Frank sits down with Stanislav "Stan" Chirk, founder of R[ai]sing Sun, an EU-based AI solutions company building custom AI agents for B2B companies. Stan walks us through his journey from engineering and entrepreneurship into the world of Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ), and how that combination led him to found R[ai]sing Sun just over a year ago. We dig into the company's "AI-native" philosophy — building AI-first rather than retrofitting AI onto legacy systems — and their guiding principle: no AI for the sake of AI. The conversation centers on R[ai]sing Sun's flagship product, Talkulate AI CPQ, a self-service configurator that guides buyers through complex product decisions and delivers instant, accurate quotes — no sales engineer required. Frank pushes Stan on one of the biggest questions in AI-driven CPQ: how do you guarantee deterministic, repeatable outputs when generative AI is involved? Stan explains how structured product databases and rule-based logic keep quote generation accurate, even while the upfront sales conversation stays flexible. You'll also hear about R[ai]sing Sun's phased delivery model (including a bold promise to walk away from projects that don't hit KPIs), a typical 3–5 week go-live timeline, their traction in medical and engineering industries, and how AI-native CPQ stacks up against established, traditional platforms. Whether you're a CPQ practitioner, a sales operations leader, or simply curious about how AI agents are reshaping B2B quoting and configuration, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at where AI-powered CPQ is headed. 🎥 Stick around for a separate demo video showing Talkulate AI CPQ in action, configuring a real-world "home media server" request from scratch. 🔗 Learn more about R[ai]sing Sun at https://r-sun.ai/ 📬 Contact Stan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stani-chirk/

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