H2H Sales Automation Podcast

Hosted by Bart Kowalczyk

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Jun 2026

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About the show

If you believe that the human approach is the only one that sells, you’re in the right place. Our podcast is dedicated to growing-business owners, CEOs and sales leaders who want to achieve goals faster through H2H sales & marketing automation. We invite our clients and guests from the UK and worldwide for a short 20 min interview to inspire you and improve your business.

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31 recent

June 8, 202621 min

EP 31. AI Governance: Why Every Business Needs to Take Control Before It's Too Late

In Episode 31 of the H2H Sales Automation Podcast, I, Bart welcomes Sam Easton, project manager at Automate Now, to discuss the crucial topic of AI governance. As businesses increasingly rely on AI, understanding and managing its impact is vital. We explore why AI governance matters for commercial teams, the potential pitfalls of relying solely on platform controls, and the risks of shadow AI. Sam shares insights into a practical governance framework designed for marketing, sales, and operations professionals. We also delve into real-world case studies, such as the Air Canada tribunal ruling, to highlight the importance of AI oversight. Join us as we navigate the complexities of AI governance and offer actionable steps to ensure compliance and safeguard your business's reputation.

April 20, 202611 min

Ep 30: What’s New in HubSpot and What It Means for Pipeline Growth

In this episode, Bart talks about HubSpot’s latest updates for 2026 and how the company is using AI to help businesses grow in real ways. Bart explains why context and value matter so much when using AI. They also look at new HubSpot features designed to improve customer engagement and make sales work easier. This includes Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), updates to Breeze Assistant, and the new prospecting agent. Throughout the episode, Bart shares practical ideas on how these tools can help businesses personalise their outreach, qualify leads more effectively, and build a more human approach to sales in a digital world. Connect with Bart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-kowalczyk/ Sign up for the webinar: https://luma.com/g5f3cmfn

March 3, 202616 min

Ep 29 - Why Is My Sales Team Busy But Not Hitting Targets?

What do you learn when you take two days in London, attend events with founders and senior leaders, and simply listen? In this episode, Bart Kowalczyk is joined by Russell Dalgleish — serial Scottish entrepreneur and cross-border growth expert — to reflect on what they heard from business leaders across professional services, technology, and finance.The conversation covers why sales teams are busy but not hitting targets, why go-to-market strategy should never start with a technology question, and why the businesses that win are still the ones that know how to have a proper conversation.If your growth feels harder than it should, this episode is worth 30 minutes of your time.Topics covered: Why most B2B growth challenges are clarity problems, not sales problems The 80/20 reality of where your best clients actually come from What human-led sales looks like in a world full of automation How to approach a new market without making expensive assumptions Why trust is still the single most important currency in business

January 15, 202616 min

Ep 28 - How HubSpot Agencies Are Preparing for 2026

In this episode of the H2H Sales Automation Podcast, I delve into how HubSpot agencies are gearing up for 2026. Broadcasting from the Grow Europe event in London, I engage with industry experts like Brian Mackey from Baskey Digital and Steven Marshall from Automate Now! to explore the evolving landscape of AI in sales and marketing. We discuss the hurdles businesses face with AI integration and the importance of maintaining a human touch in automation. Our conversation highlights AI as a powerful tool for brainstorming and learning, while emphasizing the need for human creativity and ethics in its application. Join us as we explore strategies for leveraging AI to enhance human-to-human interactions and prepare for future challenges. Connect with Podcast Host via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-kowalczyk/

January 15, 20266 min

Ep 27 - Ricardo Molina: The New HubSpot Agency Playbook: Experiment, Adapt and Grow

In Episode 27 of the H2H Sales Automation Podcast, I dive into an insightful discussion with Ricardo Molina from Brightbull, led by Anna Drogon from our team. We explore the transformative power of a human-to-human approach in sales and marketing automation within the HubSpot ecosystem. Ricardo and I share our experiences as agency owners, discussing challenges like unpaid invoices and recruitment headaches, and the importance of experimentation and adaptation. We emphasize the need for maintaining human connections, even in a digital world, and the value of leading by example. Listen in as we uncover strategies for growth, the significance of community engagement, and the art of balancing digital and face-to-face interactions. Join us as we build businesses that thrive on human connections.

December 11, 202519 min

Ep 26 - Marta El Bay: Stop Spamming, Start Selling: Redefining Leads with Surfe

In this episode, Bart Kowalczyk chats with Marta Elbey, Head of Partnerships at SaaRF, about why leads alone won’t drive growth. Discover how SaaRF’s data-driven enrichment, intent signals, and HubSpot automation can help you focus on qualified conversations that actually convert. Connect with Marta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-el-bay/ Connect with Bart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-kowalczyk/ Book HubSpot Consultation Call: https://hubspot.automatenow.uk/call

November 17, 202522 min

Ep 25 - Sarah McDevitt: What if Your Best Sales Tool Isn’t AI?

In Episode 25 of the H2H Sales Automation Podcast, I sit down with Sarah McDevitt from HubSpot to explore a thought-provoking question: What if your best sales tool isn’t AI? As we navigate the evolving landscape of sales, Sarah emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human touch amidst the rise of automation. We discuss empathetic structuring, relational intelligence, and how to balance AI with genuine human connections. Sarah shares insights on pipeline planning and the significance of creating space for meaningful interactions. We also delve into the concept of loop marketing and how it redefines sales strategies. Tune in to discover why the future of sales might rely more on human uniqueness than ever before and how leaders can pivot to embrace this change. Connect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcdevittsarah/ Connect with Bart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-kowalczyk/ Book Interview: https://www.automatenow.uk/podcast

November 4, 202522 min

Ep 24 - From Quote to Close: Inside HubSpot’s CPQ Engine - Ethan Kopit

In this episode, Bart welcomes Ethan Coppit, Group Product Manager for HubSpot CPQ, to unpack how HubSpot is modernizing quoting for SaaS and services teams. You’ll hear how Closing Agent answers buyer questions on the quote, why Copilot makes mobile quoting practical, and what’s next: price books, smarter approvals, buyer self-serve changes, and deeper CRM integration. If your deals stall on micro-questions or approvals, this one’s for you. Connect with Bart Kowalczyk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-kowalczyk/ to explore your CPQ roadmap and with Ethan Kopit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-kopit/

October 18, 202515 min

Ep 23 - Anastasiia Kovtunenko - Stop Selling, Start Disqualifying

In this episode of the H2H Sales Automation Podcast, we sit down with Anastasiia Kovtunenko, Principal Account Executive at HubSpot, to explore a transformative approach to sales: "Stop Selling, Start Disqualifying." Recorded live from Inbound in San Francisco, Anastasiia shares her journey from Ukraine to leading sales teams in EMEA and how embracing a human-to-human (H2H) philosophy is reshaping the sales landscape. We discuss the significance of AI in optimizing sales processes, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the shift from transactional selling to relationship building. Tune in to discover actionable insights on leveraging technology while maintaining a personal touch in your sales strategy, all aimed at creating meaningful connections and driving sustainable growth.

September 18, 202511 min

Ep 22 - Being Human in the Age of AI: A Conversation with Kyle Jepson

In this episode of H2H Sales Automation, Bart Kowalczyk sits down with Kyle Jepson, HubSpot’s Principal Evangelist, fresh from INBOUND 2025. Kyle shares why traditional inbound marketing isn’t enough in the AI-driven world, and why authority and trust are now the key currencies in sales and marketing. He explains how prospects learn differently today—often skipping websites entirely and relying on AI tools for answers—and what businesses must do to stay relevant. From diversifying your content channels to using AI the right way, Kyle provides practical advice for sales and marketing leaders who want to stay ahead. He also talks about HubSpot Academy’s brand new course, Building an AI-Led Organization, designed to help companies decide what to automate and what to keep deeply human. Whether you’re a sales leader tired of the old cold-calling grind or a marketer looking to stand out in a world full of AI-generated noise, Kyle’s insights will inspire you to rethink your approach and double down on the one thing machines can’t replicate: your human story. Connect with Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleanthonyjepson/ Connect with Bart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-kowalczyk/ Building an AI-Leading Organization Course: https://academy.hubspot.com/courses/building-an-ai-leading-organization