The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Authentic Leadership in B2B Sales with John True

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by John True. They talk about the significance of emotional quotient (EQ) and authentic leadership in B2B sales. They discuss the critical skills required for reading the room, active listening, self-awareness, and authentic curiosity. John True shares insights on assessing EQ in sales leaders, the importance of vulnerability and genuine interest in helping others succeed, and the evolving landscape of private equity and AI in software companies. The conversation highlights the balance between science and art in sales leadership and the long-term impacts of being around great people and networks. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Learn more about John True: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-true-5b9653/ Watch Force Management’s Panel Discussion on AI in Sales Leadership: https://hubs.ly/Q03rlW4Z0 Download the CRO Strategy Checklist: https://hubs.li/Q03f8LmX0 Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0 HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT [00:02:20] The Importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ) in Sales Leadership [00:04:14] Challenges of Digital Interactions in Sales [00:05:41] Effective Interview Techniques for Sales Leaders [00:08:15] Reading the Room: Identifying Key Players in Sales Meetings [00:10:02] The Role of In-Person Meetings in Sales [00:12:23] Defining and Developing Emotional Quotient (EQ) [00:23:03] Authentic Curiosity: A Key Trait for Sales Success [00:31:05] Leadership and Emotional Intelligence [00:34:40] Identifying Authentic Leadership in Sales [00:36:57] The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership [00:38:25] Addressing Turnover and Accountability [00:40:09] Assessing Candidates' Authentic Curiosity [00:42:19] The Wana Factor in Leadership [00:43:11] Patriots vs. Mercenaries: Building Loyal Teams [00:45:53] Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership [00:46:51] Choosing Opportunities: Position vs. Growth [00:49:35] The Value of Great Networks and People [00:54:41] Trends in Private Equity and Software [01:00:10] The Impact of AI on Future Opportunities [01:05:27] The Intersection of Art and Science in Revenue Building HIGHLIGHT QUOTES [00:07:50] "Great salespeople are able to navigate and adjust their message to the right people at the right level over time." [00:09:26] "You have to be here and in the moment to truly listen and respond with intuition." [00:36:40] "Effective leaders genuinely enjoy helping others succeed in their own terms." [00:48:54] "Many people confuse position with opportunity. Long-term success comes from prioritizing quality of leadership and growth."