- 12
- Episodes
- 2025
- First episode
About LodeStar
Many of us strive to be the best version of ourselves in the workplace. We set seemingly impossible goals. Yet, we battle to achieve them. Often in that pursuit, we forget to take the same level of care and planning with ourselves and those we love the most. Lodestar is about those moments: the ones that shape go-to-market journeys and the humans behind them. We'll dive into the wins, the mistakes, and the lessons that don’t fit neatly into a playbook.
- Publisher
- Polaris Ops
- Category
- business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 10 Oct 2025
- Latest episode
- 27 Mar 2026
Latest episodes
12 episodes in the feed.
27 Mar 2026
"A Better Linkedin Sales Strategy" - LodeStar S1 E13 - Morgan Ingram
Cliff and Morgan talk through how to leverage LinkedIn to drive success in both business and life, entrepreneurship, and learning to think like an executive. About Morgan:Morgan J. Ingram is a leading voice in modern B2B sales and outbound strategy, known for turning underperforming teams into pipeline-generating machines. His career didn’t start at the top - he began as one of the lowest-performing SDRs on his team in 2016. That early struggle became the foundation for a repeatable system centered on three core drivers: intent, outbound execution, and content.Today, Morgan is a 4× LinkedIn Top Sales Voice and has trained high-growth and enterprise teams across companies like HubSpot, Snowflake, and Salesforce, as well as more than 100 SaaS organizations. His frameworks have helped generate millions in pipeline by aligning signal-based prospecting with disciplined, multi-channel outreach.As the creator of Sales Team Six, Morgan leads intensive 45-day sprints designed to elevate top-performing reps into elite outbound operators. His approach emphasizes identifying buying intent, orchestrating high-conversion touch patterns, and building trust through content before the first meeting.Morgan’s philosophy is simple: most teams don’t fail from lack of tools - they fail from lack of fundamentals. In a world saturated with automation, he helps teams refocus on what actually drives revenue.About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines.The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
27 Feb 2026
"You're Doing Sales Wrong" - Lodestar S1E11 Joe Fontana
Joe Fontana has been in sales since 1993.He got his start in Wall Street boiler rooms, teaching stockbrokers how to talk like actual human beings. At the time, the seller had the power. Scripts. Rebuttal binders. Pressure. Now? The buyer owns the data. They’ve read the reviews and compared the vendors. They don’t need you for information.Joe says the shift is simple: We moved from “always be closing” to “always bring clarity.”Charm doesn’t win anymore. Competence and trust do. You have to make the buyer the hero.He’ll tell you:You don’t need to be liked to win business. You need to be trusted.If you can’t solve the problem, introduce someone who can.In SaaS, if you’re shady, the market will know by Friday.Joe’s advice is simple: Treat your buyer the way you want to be treated.It sounds obvious, but it’s not common. This one’s a good one. Give it a listen.About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines.The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
24 Feb 2026
"My Biggest Wake-Up Call" - LodeStar S1 Ep10: Jayme Smithers
Cliff and Jayme Smithers (CRO of Traction Complete) talk through Sales Culture, what it means to use storytelling as a medium, and the importance of being intentional as a spouse and a parent. About Jayme: Proven sales executive with world class experience building, operating, scaling teams in both start ups and large enterprise companies. Successfully led teams across various revenue growth bands ($3M to 100M ++) for Direct / Indirect models in both the Mid Market and Large Enterprise markets. Brings a data first mindset coupled with big / bold thinking to drive outstanding accomplishments for the customers and employees as they achieve above what they thought was possible. Builder of inclusive and transparent culture which has resulted dozens of promotions for staff. About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines.The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
29 Jan 2026
"The Secrets to Scaling" LodeStar S1 EP9- Phil Burrows
Cliff and Phil (Founder of Burrows and Co Digital Advisory) share a core philosophy for modern business: AI wins when it solves real problems. He discusses how companies must not run away from their strengths, but instead leverage them as fuel. Tune in to learn Phil's robust framework for effectively structuring and fueling your business for sustainable, data-driven growth in the complex digital landscape. About Phil: Phil Burrows is the founder of Burrows and Co Digital, a specialist consultancy focused on digital commerce, AI-driven growth, and commercial transformation. With a background as a Senior Director at Verizon where he led digital sales organizations generating $25 billion in annual revenue. Phil helps brands navigate the complexities of the digital landscape through data-driven insights and innovative growth strategies. About Cliff: With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to Watch. Cliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities. About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines. The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
15 Jan 2026
"A Better Way of Learning" - LodeStar S1 EP 8: Jen Allen-Knuth Part 2
Cliff and Jen (Founder of DemandJen) discuss their philosophy on how to run a business while keeping it simple and small ensuring success without the noise. They also take a deep dive into how to be a practical learner in business. About Jen: Jen Allen-Knuth (aka DemandJen) is a B2B sales expert and founder of the training firm DemandJen. A former Enterprise seller with 18 years of experience closing seven-figure deals with Fortune 500 brands, she now helps revenue teams at companies like Autodesk, GE, G2, IBM, Bloomberg, Instructure, Sprout Social, and more.Known for her direct and humorous delivery, Jen specializes in buyer-centric frameworks focused on the "Cost of Inaction" (COI) and story-first messaging. Featured in Forbes and over 200 podcasts, she translates deep sales data into practical playbooks for outbound generation and executive discovery. When not on stage, she lives in the Chicago suburbs with her four step-kids and four rescue dogs. About Cliff: With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to Watch.Cliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities. About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines. The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
6 Jan 2026
"Finding Real Success" - LodeStar S1 EP 7: Jen Allen-Knuth
Cliff and Jen (Founder of DemandJen) discuss their philosophy on navigating the demands of high-stakes entrepreneurship while prioritizing personal well-being, family presence, and the crucial skill of knowing when and how to effectively "turn-off" as an entrepreneur. About Jen: Jen Allen-Knuth (aka DemandJen) is a B2B sales expert and founder of the training firm DemandJen. A former Enterprise seller with 18 years of experience closing seven-figure deals with Fortune 500 brands, she now helps revenue teams at companies like Autodesk, GE, G2, IBM, Bloomberg, Instructure, Sprout Social, and more. Known for her direct and humorous delivery, Jen specializes in buyer-centric frameworks focused on the "Cost of Inaction" (COI) and story-first messaging. Featured in Forbes and over 200 podcasts, she translates deep sales data into practical playbooks for outbound generation and executive discovery. When not on stage, she lives in the Chicago suburbs with her four step-kids and four rescue dogs. About Cliff: With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to Watch. Cliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities. About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines. The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
19 Dec 2025
"Work-Life Balance is a Myth" - LodeStar S1 EP6: Eric Gilpin
Cliff and Eric (President, GTM at G2) discuss the progression of his career, how to build a cohesive team that shows up prepared, the challenges of life on the road, and the importance of empathy both at home and in the workplace.About Eric:Experienced executive, Investor and GTM leader with 20+ years of demonstrated success in building and scaling large businesses in the technology space. Specialty areas include B2b SaaS, HR Tech, Marketplaces and International. Company stages have included start up, growth and IPO (UPWK). Passionate about building world-class customer solutions and teams, emerging technology, and global hiring trends. In 2017 and 2018 he was honored to be recognized as one of the Industry's top "40 under 40" by SIA and included in the 2020 Top 100 Global Sales Leaders list by The Modern Sale.About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to Watch.Cliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines.The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
3 Dec 2025
LodeStar S1 EP 5: Sophie Buonassisi
Cliff and Sophie talk through GTMfund's strategy in venture, how to break through as a founder into brand, and what it means to leverage AI to drive efficiency. About Sophie:Through GTMnow (the media brand of VC firm, GTMfund), she helps share content to help companies grow revenue and individuals scale their careers. Subscribe to build, scale, and invest with the best minds in tech.She hosts The GTMnow Podcast (top 1% global podcast) and writes The GTMnow Newsletter (read by 50k+ operators, founders, and investors). Tech moats are declining; distribution is the final remaining moat. Your go-to-market strategy and execution determine your outcome. About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.About Polaris: Polaris Ops is an AI-native RevOps consultancy helping growth-stage companies align strategy, systems, and data to drive predictable revenue. We build scalable, automated GTM architectures powered by AI, turning fragmented operations into intelligent, connected growth engines.The LodeStar Podcast by Polaris Ops explores the human stories behind modern growth, real conversations with leaders navigating change, alignment, and what it means to be human through the rise of AI in business.
20 Nov 2025
LodeStar S1 EP4: James Kaikis
Join Cliff & James Kaikis as they explore what leadership in GTM looks like in both the workplace and at home.About James:James is an AI-savvy Chief Revenue Officer with deep experience across the full GTM spectrum—Sales, Marketing, Solutions, and Customer Experience. An exited founder, operator, and thought leader, James brings a unique blend of technical depth and GTM execution that drives tangible business outcomes.About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.
6 Nov 2025
LodeStar S1 EP3: Jenny Dingus
Join Cliff & Jenny Dingus as they explore what leadership in GTM looks like in both the workplace and at home.About Jenny:Jenny Dingus is a seasoned sales executive and organizational leader with a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing teams in fast-paced SaaS environments. As Head of Sales at Clio, she leads a diverse and evolving go-to-market organization with a focus on optimizing pipeline performance, establishing high-impact operating rhythms, and integrating AI and automation to drive smarter, more efficient growth.Prior to joining Clio, Jenny spent over a decade at RingCentral, where she held multiple senior leadership roles, including Vice President of SMB Sales. There, she was instrumental in scaling revenue operations, launching new sales motions, and driving growth across small and mid-sized business segments. With extensive experience managing multi-product sales teams, Jenny is recognized for her strategic clarity, operational rigor, and talent for developing leaders at every level. She is a sought-after speaker and facilitator on topics including authentic leadership, sales enablement, and the future of sales management in a tech-driven landscape.Based in Denver, Jenny is a proud mom of two, a committed community builder, and a firm believer that peak performance starts with people who feel seen, supported, and continually challenged to grow.About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.
24 Oct 2025
LodeStar S1 EP 2: MJ Patent
Join Cliff & MJ Patent as they explore what leadership in GTM looks like in both the workplace and at home.About MJ:Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, MJ is a candid, down-to-earth marketing leader with over a decade of experience driving growth, alignment, and transformation. She brings a proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams, influencing senior leaders, and steering organizations through fast-paced change. Guided by the belief that sales and marketing must work as one, culture and communication are key, and strategy drives success, she blends executive presence with a healthy sense of humor (and a love of puns). When not leading in the business world, she enjoys traveling, exploring new foods, and time with her husband, young son, and two very fluffy cats.About Cliff:With nearly two decades of experience building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is currently the CEO of Polaris, an AI Focused RevOps firm, an advisor, investor (GTM Fund), and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups, where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.
10 Oct 2025
LODESTAR S1 Ep1: Kyle Norton
Join Cliff & Kyle as they explore what leadership in GTM looks like in both the workplace and at home.About Kyle:As CRO for Owner.com, Kyle leads a team of world class go to market professionals who help independent restaurants grow their direct, online takeout and delivery channels. He currently owns the sales, partnerships, onboarding, demand gen, revenue operations and enablement portfolios.Kyle is also a Limited Partner (GTM Fund, Stage 2 Capital), Advisor, and Angel Investor for several SaaS-focused funds and startups, where he shares his insights and expertise on scaling, selling and servicing SaaS products.Additionally, Kyle is a founding member and Co-Chapter Head of the Toronto chapter of Pavilion, a global community of revenue leaders and operators and host of the Revenue Leadership Podcast.About Cliff:With nearly two decades building revenue engines across Fortune 20 companies and high-growth startups. Cliff specializes in GTM strategy and fractional leadership for SaaS companies navigating rapid scale. HubSpot recognized him as a 2024 Modern Sales Leader, and Pavilion named him a Top 50 CRO to WatchCliff is an advisor, investor (GTM Fund) and fractional executive for several high-growth start-ups where he utilizes his expertise in all things GTM and RevOps and is an active leader of GTM in multiple communities.Cliff is the Pavilion Philadelphia Chapter head and the host of the LODESTAR Podcast.
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