How do you grow like a VC-backed SAAS company without taking on investors? What are the secrets that SAAS CEOs have that the rest of us don't? Do you want to create a lifestyle business, a performance business, or an empire? How do you scale to an exit without losing your freedom?
Join the host Ryan Staley every Monday and Wednesday for conversations with the brightest and best SAAS Founders, CEOs, and Entrepreneurs to crack the code on repeatable revenue growth, leadership, lifestyle freedom and mindset.
This show has featured Startup and Billion Dollar Founders, Best Selling Authors, and the World’s Top Sales and Marketing Experts like Terry Jones (Founder of Travelocity and Chairman of Kayak), Gina Bianchini (Founder of Mighty Networks and prior Co-Founder with Marc Andreessen) and Harpaul Sambhi (Founder of Magical with a previous exit to Linkedin). This is where Scaling and Sales are made simple in 25 minutes or less.
Saas, Saas growth, Scale, Business Growth, B2b Saas, Saas Sales, Enterprise Saas, Sales, Business growth strategy, Founder, VP of Sales, CRO, Chief Revenue Officer, Technology, Leadership, CEO, Management, Hyper-Growth.
Advertise on The Scale Up Show
Advertise on The Scale Up Show to promote your brand to thousands of podcast listeners
Unlock The Scale Up Show podcast Email contact info, Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details
Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights
Audience details
Podcast Insights
Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from The Scale Up Show podcast
Google's Gemini 3 Just Prepped My $200K Sales Call in 15 Minutes
GPT-5.1's 3 Superpowers that No One Is Talking About
2025/11/17
**GPT-5.1 just changed the AI game with 3 superpowers most people are completely missing.** In this complete guide, I break down exactly how to use Speed + Warmth, Adaptive Reasoning, and Instruction-Following Precision to 10x your productivity in sales, marketing, and strategy.**What You'll Learn:**✅ How to choose between GPT-5.1 Instant and Thinking modes for maximum ROI✅ The secret adaptive reasoning feature that makes GPT-5.1 85% more accurate✅ Why speed + warmth eliminates endless revision cycles (and saves hours weekly)✅ The 4-part prompt framework for repeatable, reliable AI workflows✅ Real-world applications across sales, marketing, GTM, and executive decisions✅ 5 workflows you can implement TODAY to delegate entire projects to AI**Quick Answer: What is GPT-5.1?**GPT-5.1 is OpenAI's November 2025 release featuring two modes: Instant (prioritizes speed + warmth with adaptive reasoning) and Thinking (deep analysis for complex tasks). It scored 85% on AIME 2025 benchmarks and introduces 8 personality presets for tone control.**Quick Answer: What are GPT-5.1's 3 Superpowers?**1. Speed + Warmth - 2x faster on simple tasks with conversational, human-like tone2. Adaptive Reasoning - Automatically decides when to think deeper (85% AIME score)3. Instruction-Following Precision - Follows specifications exactly, enabling repeatable systems**Quick Answer: Should I use GPT-5.1 Instant or Thinking mode?**Use Instant for 80% of daily tasks (emails, content drafts, quick research). Instant now has adaptive reasoning that automatically engages deeper thinking when needed. Use Thinking mode only for complex strategic decisions, multi-step analysis, or long-context workflows requiring 196K token limit.**Q: What is GPT-5.1?**A: GPT-5.1 is OpenAI's November 2025 AI model release featuring adaptive reasoning, speed optimization, and improved instruction-following. It comes in two modes: Instant (default, fast, with adaptive reasoning) and Thinking (deep analysis for complex tasks).**Q: What are the 3 superpowers of GPT-5.1?**A: 1) Speed + Warmth - 2x faster responses with natural, conversational tone, 2) Adaptive Reasoning - automatically decides when to think deeper (85% AIME benchmark), 3) Instruction-Following Precision - executes exact specifications for repeatable workflows.**Q: Should I use GPT-5.1 Instant or Thinking?**A: Use Instant for 80% of tasks (emails, content, quick analysis). Instant has adaptive reasoning built-in. Use Thinking only for complex strategic decisions, multi-step reasoning, or tasks requiring the 196K token context window.**Q: How much does GPT-5.1 cost?**A: GPT-5.1 is available to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month), Pro ($200/month), Team, and Enterprise users. Free tier access rolled out after paid users. API pricing varies by mode (Instant vs Thinking).**Q: Is GPT-5.1 better than GPT-5?**A: Yes. GPT-5.1 scored 85% on AIME 2025 (vs GPT-5's 75%), responds 2x faster on simple tasks, follows instructions more precisely, and includes adaptive reasoning which GPT-5 lacked. Users describe it as "what GPT-5 should have been."----------------Your competitors are already using AI. Don't get left behind. Weekly strategies used by PE Backed and Publicly Traded Companies → https://www.aiforrevenue.com/superhumanrevenue-newsletterRyan Staley - https://ryanstaley.io/podcast/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-staley/Explore the latest advancements in **artificial intelligence** with GPT-5! This video explores how to leverage **chatgpt** and other **ai tools** to create powerful **ai productivity tools**. Discover the potential of **generative ai** and create your own **ai teammate** with the newest **gpt5** features.
This CEO Built a Daily AI Agent That Searches the Web While He Sleeps
2025/11/07
Summary
In this conversation, Chris Savage discusses the evolving landscape of entertainment and the importance of trust in video content. He highlights the current phase of shock and awe in video production, driven by advancements in technology that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Savage emphasizes that as audiences become accustomed to these changes, the focus will shift towards the quality of storytelling, where compelling narratives will ultimately prevail.
Takeaways
Trust matters more in the video.
We're in a phase of shock and awe.
Technology is crossing the uncanny valley.
The feeling of disbelief in realism is common.
Interesting stories will dominate the future.
Quality storytelling will always win.
The evolution of entertainment is ongoing.
Audiences will adapt to new video technologies.
The narrative will be key in video content.
Business and entertainment will intertwine more.
How I Used Claude Code to 100x My Marketing in 15 Minutes
2025/11/03
Keywords
content creation, SEO, automation, personal branding, audience engagement
Summary
In this conversation, Ryan Staley discusses the importance of maximizing content creation efficiency through automation and SEO strategies. He shares his experience of generating a significant amount of content in a short time and emphasizes the role of personal branding and audience engagement in achieving success on social media platforms.
Takeaways
Maximizing content creation efficiency is crucial.
Automation can drastically reduce the time spent on tasks.
SEO research is essential for visibility.
Building a personal brand enhances credibility.
Engagement strategies are vital for audience growth.
Leveraging tools can streamline content production.
Quality content can be produced quickly with the right approach.
Social media presence is important for business success.
Understanding your audience drives better engagement.
Consistency in content creation leads to better results.
Takeaways
Maximizing content creation efficiency is crucial.
Automation can drastically reduce the time spent on tasks.
SEO research is essential for visibility.
Building a personal brand enhances credibility.
Engagement strategies are vital for audience growth.
Leveraging tools can streamline content production.
Quality content can be produced quickly with the right approach.
Social media presence is important for business success.
Understanding your audience drives better engagement.
Consistency in content creation leads to better results.
Claude Skills- Customize AI for YOUR business in 5 minutes. Here's what no one's telling you.
2025/10/27
Get the 30 Sales and Marketing Agentic Prompts-https://www.aiforrevenue.com/whale-boss-gpt5-revenue-framework-examples
Summary
In this conversation, Ryan Staley introduces Claude Skills, a groundbreaking feature that allows users to customize AI for their businesses without any coding. He discusses the significance of this feature in transforming AI workflows and enhancing the capabilities of AI agents. Throughout the conversation, Ryan provides practical examples of creating custom skills, including a data journalism skill and a sales qualification skill using the Medic framework. He emphasizes the efficiency and impact of these skills in various business contexts, highlighting the potential for significant advancements in AI applications.
Takeaways
-Claude Skills allows customization of AI without coding.
-Creating custom skills can enhance AI workflows.
-Data journalism skills can analyze trends effectively.
-Sales qualification skills provide impactful data for deals.
-The process of creating skills is straightforward and efficient.
-AI skills can be used across various business functions.
-The future of AI skills is promising and transformative.
-MCP servers are less efficient compared to Claude Skills.
-Visualizations and reports can be generated automatically.
-Resources for further learning will be provided.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Claude Skills
02:57 Exploring Claude Skills and Their Applications
06:01 Creating Custom Skills with Claude
09:01 Advanced Use Cases and Visualizations
11:54 Implementing Sales Skills and Strategies
14:43 Conclusion and Future of AI Skills
OpenAI AgentKit Tutorial: Build Your First AI Agent in 8 Minutes
2025/10/17
In this conversation, Ryan Staley discusses the newly launched Agent Builder by OpenAI, highlighting its features, practical applications, and future implications for AI development. He emphasizes the ease of building functional agents without coding and explores the potential impact on startups and enterprise solutions. Staley also addresses misconceptions about the tool's competition in the market, providing insights into its capabilities and the technical requirements for effective use.
Built a fully functional agent in under eight minutes.Agent Builder is a significant developer announcement from OpenAI.The tool is designed for both internal and external use cases.It simplifies the process of creating AI agents with templates.The platform is currently in beta and requires API access.Agent Builder is more developer-focused, but accessible to startups.It can automate various business processes and enhance productivity.The future of AI tools will involve closer integration of technical and business logic.There is competition in the market, but Agent Builder has unique features.Misinformation exists about the tool's capabilities and market impact.
Keywords
agent builder, agent builder openai, agent, agent builder tutorial, agent sdk
Claude's 30-Hour Autonomous Work Revolution
2025/10/06
In this conversation, Ryan Staley discusses the transformative potential of Claude 4.5, focusing on its 30-hour autonomous work capabilities across marketing, sales, leadership, and personal productivity. He provides practical workflows and examples to illustrate how businesses can leverage AI to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The discussion also covers new features of Claude 4.5 that can further aid in various business functions.
Claude 4.5 can autonomously work for 30 hours on complex tasks.AI can significantly enhance marketing through content creation and competitor analysis.Sales processes can be revolutionized with AI-driven prospecting and personalized outreach.Leadership can benefit from AI by receiving strategic decision support and executive briefings.Personal productivity can be improved by automating life organization and skill development.AI can generate detailed reports and insights that save time and resources.Implementing AI requires starting with one high-impact use case.The new features of Claude 4.5 offer exciting opportunities for businesses.AI can operate like a personal assistant, managing tasks and schedules.Businesses that adopt AI early can gain a significant competitive advantage.
Keywords
AI, Claude 4.5, marketing automation, sales optimization, leadership tools, personal productivity, skill development, autonomous work, AI transformation, business growth
Beyond the Demo: Why Most AI Implementations Fail and How to Build Ones That Actually Work
2025/09/21
Ryan Staley Featured on the CRO Spotlight Podcast
Ryan joins Warren Zenna for an in-depth conversation on the state of AI today—separating the hype from the real-world applications.They explore the various stages of AI integration in business, including augmentation, automation, and orchestration, and how these can transform roles, particularly for Chief Revenue Officers (CROs). Staley shares insights from his journey into AI consulting, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technologies and the skills necessary for success in the evolving job market.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Its Hype
02:07 The Reality of AI Tools and Their Use Cases
04:56 Challenges in AI Product Development
07:48 The Future Landscape of AI Solutions
10:48 Understanding AI Workflows: Augmentation, Automation, and Orchestration
13:34 The Evolution Towards Autonomous Organizations
16:18 Impact of AI on Employment and Job Roles
21:50 The Evolution of AI Communication
23:48 The Importance of Prompting Skills
27:35 The Changing Role of Chief Revenue Officers
29:36 Implementing AI Across Organizations
32:58 Ryan Staley's Journey into AI
Stop Using GPT-5 Like GPT-4 — Do This Instead
2025/09/14
In this conversation, I dive into the transformative capabilities of GPT-5, highlighting its advanced reasoning and prompt engineering techniques. I share how I’ve been leveraging these features to unlock new possibilities in business, from using connectors to tap into data to analyzing decisions from multiple perspectives. Along the way, I provide practical examples and encourage listeners to put these techniques into action so they can boost their productivity and effectiveness with AI.
The Ultimate GPT-5 Go-To-Market Prompting Toolkit: https://www.aiforrevenue.com/ultimate-gpt-5-go-to-market-prompting-toolkit
Chapters
00:00 Unlocking the Power of GPT-5
02:43 Advanced Prompt Engineering Techniques
03:52 Leveraging Connectors for Enhanced Insights
06:02 Agentic Workflow Prompting: Unleashing AI Potential
08:26 Practical Applications of AI in Marketing Strategies
How a $100M+ Company Deploys AI Agents for Real Business Impact
2025/09/07
In this conversation, Ryan Staley and Jonathan Moss delve into the intersection of AI and business strategy, particularly in healthcare and go-to-market approaches. Jonathan shares his experiences with AI applications in his role at Expirity, discussing innovations in patient care and the importance of reimagining go-to-market strategies. They explore practical use cases of AI, including market analysis and candidate sourcing, while emphasizing the need for precise prompts to achieve optimal results. The discussion concludes with insights on evaluating vendors using AI and the importance of sharing knowledge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
00:00 Introduction to AI Nerdery
01:52 Exciting AI Innovations in Healthcare
04:09 Reimagining Go-to-Market Strategies with AI
06:16 Utilizing AI for Market Analysis
09:29 Sourcing Candidates with AI
13:49 Evaluating AI Results and Future Use Cases
Your competitors are already using AI. Don't get left behind.
Weekly AI strategies used by PE Backed and Publicly Traded Companies→https://hi.switchy.io/ggi6
The Four-Stage AI Implementation Framework: Taskmaster to Orchestration for Revenue Teams
2025/09/01
In this special short episode, Ryan Staley shares insights from a private presentation he delivered to Chief Revenue Officers at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. This "fly on the wall" style episode provides a laid-back conversation covering core AI implementation concepts, frameworks, and practical strategies for revenue leaders.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI Implementation for Revenue Officers
00:56 Step-by-Step AI Adoption Framework
01:53 Building a Specialized AI Team and Momentum
Your competitors are already using AI. Don't get left behind.
Weekly AI strategies used by PE Backed and Publicly Traded Companies→https://hi.switchy.io/ggi6
The Super Agent: One AI Tool to Rule Them All?
2025/08/25
In this conversation, Ryan Staley and Wen Sang discuss the innovative capabilities of Genspark's AI agents, exploring how they can assist knowledge workers in various tasks, including building websites and conducting research. Wen shares insights into the functionalities of GenSpark's Super Agents, their real-world applications, and the future of AI development, emphasizing the importance of articulating intentions when using AI tools.
Try Genspark Free — The All-in-One AI Workspace: http://genspark.ai/?via=jyezuj
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Genspark and AI Agents02:29 Exploring Genspark's Super Agents05:24 Real-World Applications of AI Agents08:17 Building a Website with AI11:06 Demonstrating AI Capabilities13:43 Conclusion and Future Prospects
Your competitors are already using AI. Don't get left behind.
Weekly AI strategies used by PE Backed and Publicly Traded Companies→https://hi.switchy.io/ggi6
Agentic Prompting in GPT‑5: The Top 1% Single‑Pass Prompt (3 Real Demos)
2025/08/18
In this video, we will explore how to effectively utilize GPT-5 as an agent for various tasks, including project management, automation, and coding. I will provide insights into crafting effective prompts, leveraging the model's capabilities, and enhancing productivity through AI. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using specific language and structures to achieve optimal results with GPT-5.
The Ultimate GPT-5 Go-To-Market Prompting Toolkit: https://www.aiforrevenue.com/ultimate-gpt-5-go-to-market-prompting-toolkit
Chapters
00:00 Unlocking GPT-5's Potential
03:56 Mastering Project Prompts
08:16 Automation and Capability Enhancement
11:54 Coding with GPT-5
15:34 Final Thoughts and Bonus Features
Your competitors are already using AI. Don't get left behind.
Weekly AI strategies used by PE Backed and Publicly Traded Companies→https://hi.switchy.io/ggi6
Zero to 36 Million in 45 Days: The AI Agent Revolution
2025/08/11
In this conversation, Ryan Staley interviews Wen Sang, co-founder of Genspark AI, discussing the innovative features and vision behind Genspark AI. They explore the capabilities of the AI tool, including its ability to create presentations, take meeting notes, and assist knowledge workers in their daily tasks. Wen shares insights into the technology's architecture and demonstrates its functionality live, showcasing how it can streamline the presentation creation process. The discussion concludes with tips for effectively utilizing Genspark AI to enhance productivity and creativity.
Try Genspark Free — The All-in-One AI Workspace: http://genspark.ai/?via=jyezuj
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Genspark AI02:35 Innovative Features of Genspark AI04:33 The Vision Behind Genspark AI07:28 Live Demonstration of Genspark AI19:48 Tips for Effective Presentation Creation
-----
100k AI Ads Using Google VEO 3 JSON Prompting - Complete Tutorial
2025/08/04
In this episode, I share how I'm using JSON prompting with Veo3 to create high-quality videos quickly and efficiently. I walk through my three-step process: starting with content curation using Grok 4, then refining prompts to fit my voice and goals, and finally generating the video content itself. I highlight how powerful JSON prompting can be for dialing in both specificity and engagement. I also share some sample outputs and encourage you to explore these tools if you're looking to level up your content creation workflow.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to JSON Prompting with Veo3
02:45 Step 1: Curation with Grok 4
04:49 Step 2: Customizing JSON Prompts
06:13 Step 3: Creating Videos with Veo3
Your competitors are already using AI. Don't get left behind.
Weekly AI strategies used by PE Backed and Publicly Traded Companies→https://hi.switchy.io/ggi6
Podcast reviews
Read The Scale Up Show podcast reviews
4.9 out of 5
56 reviews
★★★★★
Ricola22 2024/05/08
Amazing and Actionable Tips
A fantastic show. Ryan does a great job of breaking down complex subjects and making them easy to understand and digest so you can implement simply an...
★★★★★
PeteSteg 2024/01/24
CRO gold
Another stellar episode from Ryan Staley. I especially valued the ideas about treating Rev Ops as an investment and not a cost center.
I can count on...
★★★★★
HillGamingCompany 2023/09/20
Loved the episode with Shay from ActiveCampaign
This show continues to be a leading resource for growing SaaS. I loved the deep dive into where we are headed as an industry and the future of AI. Loo...
★★★★★
Dave1060 2023/02/06
Solid practical advice
This guy has good energy, appreciate his perspective and advice 10/10 would listen again
★★★★★
Doodadee 2023/01/24
Great show
Awesome show I always learn something new when I tune in
★★★★★
ErmaTheLurker 2022/07/12
A Must Listen!
Growth is a fascinating and difficult topic. This podcast breaks everything down through fascinating conversations with a wide variety of guests.
★★★★★
malloryck 2022/07/08
One of the best!
Anyone in business can learn something in this show :)
★★★★★
WileyThePodcaster 2022/07/01
Awesome
very engaging!!
★★★★★
SavPoi 2022/07/01
Awesome show
Ryan is great and has awesome interviews! I learn something everytime I listen!!
★★★★★
MannyB12345 2022/07/01
Incredible!!! - KitC
Ryan, love the background & perspective you bring to every episode! Please keep producting great content!