In this solo episode of C-Suite Strategies, Stacie Sussman breaks down the five biggest trends she’s seeing as we head into 2026—starting with a surprising pattern: CMOs at $30M companies quietly fearing their next board meeting.

Stacie shares why brilliant marketing leaders are losing confidence in the C-suite, what’s driving the rising demand for clean attribution, and why most companies are wildly overestimating their AI maturity. She also unpacks how leaner teams will depend on stronger processes, and how consulting roles will evolve as AI becomes a core operating system rather than a shiny add-on.

If you’re a CMO, CRO, founder, or executive trying to scale without chaos, this episode offers a sharp, unfiltered look at what’s coming—and what it will take to stay ahead.

You’ll learn:
• Why the CMO confidence gap is widening
• The revenue language every marketing leader must master
• Why attribution is no longer optional
• The coming AI reality check for mid-market companies
• How lean operations and process excellence will drive growth
• The new consulting model: human expertise powered by AI

If you’re ready to build real capabilities instead of patching cracks, this episode is your roadmap for 2026.

Connect with Stacie:
Book a free growth consult
LinkedIn
Website

Networking isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a leadership strategy.

In this episode, Stacie Sussman sits down with Rachel Rozen, a former hospitality executive turned connection strategist, to break down how high-performing leaders can turn authentic relationships into career-defining opportunities before they ever start job-hunting.

Rachel shares how meeting 300 people in one year reshaped her career and how you can apply the same mindset to build a future-proof professional network.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to reframe networking from transactional to transformational
• The Three I’s Framework — Introduction, Invitation, Information — that keeps your network alive
• Why your dormant connections might open your next door
• How CMOs, CROs, and Founders can strengthen internal trust across teams
• The right time to leave professional communities that no longer serve you
• Practical outreach scripts to reconnect without the awkwardness

This conversation is a masterclass in turning “icky” networking into sticky, strategic relationship-building. The kind that gets you the meeting, the opportunity, or even the next C-Suite role.

Guest Links:

• LinkedIn: Rachel Rozen
• Website: Connection Catalyst
• Apply to attend her NYC Executive & Entrepreneur Dinners

Connect with Stacie:
Book a free growth consult
LinkedIn
Website

In this episode of C-Suite Strategies, host Stacie Sussman sits down with Matt Austin, a seasoned sales leader with deep expertise in B2B growth and operational excellence. Together, they unpack what it truly takes to scale a business—from navigating the transition to a recurring revenue model to ensuring alignment across leadership and sales teams.

Matt shares lessons learned from years of leading global sales organizations, highlighting the importance of validating product-market fit, implementing structured sales processes, and embedding sales training into company culture. The conversation also explores team dynamics, leadership alignment, and how understanding the context behind every sales strategy can make or break growth efforts.

Whether you’re a CRO, CMO, or founder seeking clarity on how to scale sustainably, this episode delivers practical, grounded insights for driving consistent revenue and organizational alignment.

Key Takeaways
→ B2B leaders often feel stuck in their growth journey.
→ Scaling requires a deep understanding of team dynamics.
→ Validating product-market fit is crucial before scaling.
→ Implementing structured processes enhances sales effectiveness.
→ Sales training matters—for both new and experienced sellers.
→ Context behind sales strategies drives better execution.
→ Operational challenges can hinder growth if not addressed early.
→ Leadership alignment is the backbone of successful scaling.
→ Customer feedback should guide product development.
→ Revenue goals must be grounded in realistic math.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to C-Suite Strategies
02:16 Meet Matt Austin: A Sales Leader’s Journey
04:58 Scaling a Global Company: Insights from Experience
10:09 Understanding Team Dynamics and Initial Steps
12:03 Validating Product-Market Fit
17:15 Implementing Structure and Processes
21:11 Teaching Sales Methodologies: The Importance of Training
26:03 The Context of Sales Strategies
30:51 Navigating Operational Challenges
36:07 Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned

Connect with Stacie:
Book a free growth consult
LinkedIn
Website