The Wandering Tech Podcast

Hosted by Paul Harris and Lidia Vasileva

Technology Business Careers Education

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Mar 2025

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About the show

A fortnightly podcast with hosts Paul Harris and Lidia Vasileva as they navigate their way through the increasingly confusing and turbulent spaces of technology, creativity, the intersection between these in go-to-market strategies and what it's like being in the "best role which no one has ever heard of". Every two weeks Paul and Lidia come together to take a wander through the maze of the tech world - leaving no tangent untapped.

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26 recent

March 19, 20251 hr 6 min

EP2S2 - "The Complex, the Complicated and the Controversial" with Amanda Bertucci

In this episode two-part episode, Lidia Vasileva and Amanda Bertucci explore the nuances of pre-sales in the infrastructure sector, the importance of technical knowledge, and the shift from being an expert to becoming a customer advocate. They share personal experiences, insights on collaboration with technical experts, and strategies for managing proof of concepts (POCs) effectively. The discussion emphasizes the need for a balance between technical expertise and understanding customer needs, highlighting the evolving role of pre-sales professionals in today's dynamic environment. They discuss the nuances of pre-sales, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs, building trust, and the role of diversity and authenticity in the workplace. They share insights on how to effectively communicate value in technical conversations, the significance of hands-on experience, and the challenges of navigating biases in a predominantly male-dominated field. The discussion highlights the need for genuine allyship and the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.Connect with:Amanda Bertucci on LinkedInConnect with the hosts:Lidia on LinkedInPaul on LinkedInWebsite: solutionspathfinders.comMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

March 6, 202549 min

EP1S2 - "Engagement and Evolution" with Rew Dickinson

WE ARE BACK.And starting off with a bang, with an interview with the amazing Rew Dickinson. In this conversation, Paul and Rew discuss the nuances of engaging presentations, the transition from sales engineering to sales, and the importance of leadership in sales roles. Rew shares insights from his experience at DemoFestX, emphasizing the need to create networking opportunities and memorable experiences for attendees. They also explore the differences between sales engineering and sales, highlighting the skills required for each role and the motivations behind career transitions. In this conversation, Rew Dickinson shares insights on the importance of personal accountability in sales, the strategic planning necessary for career growth, and the evolving roles of sales engineers and account executives. He emphasizes the significance of discovery in the sales process and how enabling success for others is a key responsibility of sales professionals. The discussion also touches on the impact of consumption-based selling on sales roles and the complexities of navigating these changes in the industry.Connect with:Rew Dickinson on LinkedInAlphaPresales Connect with the hosts:Lidia on LinkedInPaul on LinkedInWebsite: solutionspathfinders.comMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

December 11, 20241 hr 4 min

Episode 24 - "Presales as Buyers" with Brian Lewis

In this episode of the podcast, Paul interviews Brian Lewis, Co-Founder and CRO of Homerun Presales, about the evolution of pre-sales and the emerging technology landscape supporting the function. Brian shares insights from his nearly two decades of experience building and leading pre-sales teams, and now developing purpose-built tools for the pre-sales community.Also, Lidia is feeling guilty about making numbers up on the episode itself, so here are some of the metrics that Homerun Presales share on their website: Revenue: 15% increase in deal win ratesVelocity: 16% decrease in sales cycle durationsProductivity: 8 hours saved per SE/SC/SA per weekRamp: 4 weeks saved onboarding new team membersConnect with:Brian Lewis on LinkedInHomerun Presales on LinkedInHomerun YouTube channelHomerun website content libraryConnect with the hosts:Lidia on LinkedInPaul on LinkedInWebsite: solutionspathfinders.comNotable quotes: "If you're going to assign me and say, hey, if you close this customer, as the solutions consultant, you are going to stay with them throughout the entire customer journey... eventually all of your time is spent supporting your current customers, which means you have zero time to go out and find new ones.""Pre-sales teams, we are really good at selling our own stuff. And then we're horrible at buying stuff. We know all the rules. We know all the processes. We know the tips and tricks and best practices when it comes to enabling our own buying teams. And then you turn the mirror on yourself and you don't know what to do."Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

November 26, 202444 min

Episode 23 - "Masters of the Mid-Funnel" With Rob Dean

In this episode of The Wandering Tech Podcast, Lidia interviews Rob Dean, Head of Presales at the Access Group, about the changing landscape of pre-sales and technical sales roles. Rob shares valuable insights from his extensive experience leading world-class solution consultant teams.Key discussion points:The shift from "masters of the mid-funnel" to a more central role in the sales circleHow the consumerization of B2B behaviour is changing buyer expectationsCreating inclusive environments for neurodivergent professionals in pre-salesThe importance of authentic leadership and building genuine professional networksCareer development inflection points at 12 and 24 monthsAdapting to evolving buyer journeys and digital transformationFeatured guest:Rob Dean - Head of Presales at the Access GroupConnect with the hosts:Lidia on LinkedInPaul on LinkedInWebsite: solutionspathfinders.comMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

November 5, 202441 min

Episode 22 - "A Nice to Have or a Must Have?" - The Chief Solutions Officer Role

In this episode of The Wandering Tech Podcast, Lidia and Paul dive deep into the ongoing debate about the Chief Solutions Officer (CSO) role and its place in modern organizations. Drawing from their experiences at companies like VMware and various SaaS organizations, they explore whether this emerging C-suite position is truly necessary or just a 'nice to have'.Key discussion points:The challenges of measuring trust and other proposed CSO metricsHow organizational structure influences pre-sales priorities and valuesThe evolution from traditional pre-sales to broader solution rolesWhy infrastructure companies might approach technical sales differentlyThe balance between revenue focus and technical expertiseCompensation models and risk-taking in pre-sales rolesFeatured links & references:James Kaikis' blog post on Test Box about CSO role: https://www.testbox.com/post/chief-solutions-officerCustomer Success book mentioned in the episode: Customer Success: How Innovative Companies Are Reducing Churn and Growing Recurring RevenueConnect with the hosts:Lidia on LinkedInPaul on LinkedInWebsite: solutionspathfinders.comThink the Chief Solutions Officer role is the future or are we barking up the wrong tree? Connect with us on LinkedIn and share your thoughts!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

October 22, 202443 min

Episode 21 - DEMOFESTxLondon 2024 Rundown

In this episode of the Wandering Tech Podcast, Lidia and Paul chat about DEMOFESTxLondon 2024 with Lidia going through the event in rapid-fire action. She shares highlights from the event, including the keynote by Consensus' new CEO, insights on demo automation, and strategies for scaling pre-sales impact.They discuss the evolving role of pre-sales, the growing importance of asynchronous buyer journeys, and key takeaways from presenters like Nikhil, Natasja, and Max. Lidia also covers the Women in Tech session and Rew's energetic closing talk.Please connect with us and leave us a review on your platform of choice.Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://thediscoverydigest.substack.comLinks:Want to connect with us? Find us on LinkedIn:Lidia & PaulMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

October 7, 202448 min

Episode 20 - DEMOFESTxLondon 2023 Recap

In this special 20th episode of The Wandering Tech Podcast, Lidia and Paul chat about DEMOFESTxLondon 2023, followed by the usual AI Therapy conversation and accompanied by a very quiet Danish cat.The duo dives into their memories from last year’s DEMOFEST in London. From Garen Hess’s keynote on guided tours to Lidia’s jam-packed session, they highlight the energy and insights that made the event unforgettable. Adam Freeman’s talk on extreme ownership also gets a shout-out, along with the evolution of AI in pre-sales from last year’s whispers to this year’s hot topic.Please connect with us and leave us a review on your platform of choice.Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://thediscoverydigest.substack.comChapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:38 - Recap from DEMOFESTxLondon 202300:39:40 - AI TherapyLinks:Folks mentioned on the podcast:Garin HessAdam FreemanRob DeanElisa SeghettiLink to the infamous first time Lidia and Paul metWant to connect with us? Find us on LinkedIn:Lidia & PaulMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

September 24, 202447 min

Episode 19 - There is balance between the hosts - one is necking cough syrup, the other doesn't sleep

The episode kicks off with one of life’s most important questions: How much cough syrup can one drink before you cannot legally drive a car anymore?Lidia and Paul dive into a usually serious topic around tech giants' and CEOs' stances on responsibility and the power we may or may not have to content moderation. Plus Lidia finally has the chance to crack open the can of Tech Obfuscation.Then they discuss the very timely topic of Consensus acquiring ReachSuite and what their opinions are on where POC fits in the Solution Consulting track. (Spoiler: it’s a waste of time.)They wrap up with a conversation around Google Gemini's new feature that generates AI-hosted podcasts from notes and yet again dream of the day J.A.R.V.I.S. will be a real thing.Please connect with us and leave us a review on your platform of choice.Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://thediscoverydigest.substack.comChapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:04:05 - Tech companies take 0 responsibilities00:19:14 - Consensus and ReachSuite and POCs00:29:24 - AI Therapy: No more need for podcast hostsLinks:Casey Newton’s Platformer newsletterVideo to convince you to never post a picture of a child ever againGoogle Gemini and Notebook LMWant to connect with us? Find us on LinkedIn:Lidia & PaulMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3

September 9, 202448 min

Episode 18 - "You say AT&T is suing Broadcom, and I just think Alien vs Predator— whoever wins, we lose."

In this new, refreshed and totally revamped (ok.. it’s still a work in progress) edition of The Wandering Tech Podcast… Lidia and Paul dive into a couple of different topics. Is the era of public cloud infrastructure over? It depends. If you ask the CEO of Broadcom you’ll get one answer, but Paul and Lidia discuss why it may not be quite so simple. And why when two big companies fight - we all lose…Then the question of whether or not there is yet ANOTHER hat that Presales and Solution teams should wear. The nature of the relationship between product and sales, and how to impact it practically yourself.Finally, in AI therapy, did you really write a book if ChatGPT helped? That’s the dilemma for the largest global writing challenge as Paul brings an example of how bad PR can go really, really bad.Links from the show:VMware article: https://www.theregister.com/2024/08/29/hock_tan_vmware_private_cloud/Vivun article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-presales-must-own-sales-product-relationship-vivun-imsme/?trackingId=AI/Dh8iwT/OR9xPjur5nQQ==NaNoWriMo article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/09/04/nanowrimo-ai-writing-controversy-explainer/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 27, 20241 hr 4 min

Episode 17 - “Hello Presales bot… in this case I’ve not even going to speak to a real person”

In this episode… recorded IN PERSON in Paul’s studio* (*dining room with a mic balanced on some books) Lidia and Paul discuss the differences of being in person to remote when it comes to getting stuff done… and what we’d do if sleep wasn’t necessary.Paul shares how his desire to be more intentional with technology led him to adopt something he had previously shirked, they wonder if they’ve quit social media or are just getting old and revisit the topic of a shrinking internet.There is also a DEEP dive in this episode of the topic of YouTube content, it’s increased diversification and whether there is an answer to the proliferation of AI-generated content.We have some BIG (all caps) plans for The Wandering Tech and would love it if you could share with just one person who you think would like it.Want to connect with us? Find us on LinkedIn:Lidia & PaulWant to hear more from us? Subscribe to our Newsletters:Paul - TechSalesUnpluggedLidia - PacketMageMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/milky-wayLicense code: GD2AS1RU1MVSELY3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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