Strategic Growth in Tech with Jared Barol

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Inside Scoop, Jared Barol, an accomplished go-to-market (GTM) operations leader, dives into the strategies and lessons behind his 15+ years of experience helping SaaS companies scale and grow internationally. With expertise in revenue operations, sales strategy, and business transformation, Jared reflects on his career journey, offering listeners actionable insights on everything from mastering key metrics to thriving amid global challenges.

Jared explains how metrics like win rates and CAC-to-LTV ratios guide businesses through different growth stages, how AI is shaping GTM operations, and why aligning RevOps with sales is critical for success. He also shares candid reflections on balancing a demanding career with fatherhood, providing a fresh perspective on risk-taking and building a legacy.

Whether you're scaling a SaaS startup or navigating a career in tech, this episode is packed with strategies and inspiration to help you succeed.

About Jared Barol

Jared Barol is a seasoned go-to-market operations leader with over 15 years of experience helping SaaS companies scale globally. As the former VP of GTM Strategy & Operations at Salesforce and a three-time turnaround leader, Jared is renowned for driving growth through performance management, operational improvements, and strategic planning.

Jared's career highlights include:

• Doubling international revenue through strategy execution.
• Decreasing planning and strategy costs by 65% with streamlined processes.
• Reducing time to sell by 20%, accelerating deal velocity.
• Achieving 29% YoY NewCo growth through innovative performance management.

His mission is to empower sales, marketing, and product teams to deliver customer value and drive sustained revenue growth. Jared's expertise spans revenue operations, international expansion, and business transformation, making him a trusted voice in the tech and SaaS industries.

Key Takeaways

1. Metrics Tailored for Success
   Jared shares how metrics evolve based on company size and objectives, highlighting why win rates and customer acquisition cost (CAC) remain critical for driving growth.
2. The Intersection of Sales and RevOps
   Drawing from his dual experience in sales and operations, Jared explains why RevOps leaders should sell to better understand the challenges their sales teams face.
3. Scaling Globally in a Changing Market
   Jared reflects on how international expansion strategies have evolved, influenced by AI, rising costs, and nearshoring trends.
4. AI and the Future of Work
   Jared offers a balanced view of AI, emphasizing its potential to augment human roles while underscoring the irreplaceable value of human connection.
5. Balancing Career and Fatherhood
   With candid anecdotes, Jared reveals how fatherhood reshaped his priorities and improved his ability to focus on what truly matters.

Episode Highlights

• Why Metrics Matter:
  Jared emphasizes the importance of metrics like win rates and explains how they reveal deeper insights into customer targeting and sales effectiveness.
• AI’s Role in GTM Operations:
  A discussion on how AI is reshaping sales and RevOps, balancing automation with the need for human expertise.
• Lessons from International Expansion:
  Jared provides a first-hand account of navigating global growth, from cultural nuances to leveraging nearshoring for scalability.
• Balancing Ambition and Legacy:
  A heartfelt look at how Jared redefined his career priorities after becoming a father, shifting from growth-at-all-costs to creating a lasting impact.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a must-listen for leaders and aspiring professionals in SaaS, sales, and revenue operations. Jared’s unique blend of experience—spanning startups, large enterprises like Salesforce, and international markets—offers something for everyone. From aligning RevOps with sales to navigating AI's transformative potential, Jared shares practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives. Whether you're scaling a team, entering new markets, or rethinking your career priorities, this episode provides the inspiration and tools to succeed.