On this episode of Noob School, I sit down with Jean-Michel Moreau — entrepreneur, growth strategist, and host of the Rapid Product Growth podcast — to talk about what actually helps businesses scale sustainably. Jean-Michel’s background is anything but typical. Starting in device physics and the Bay Area startup world, he eventually led global tech commercialization efforts for billion-dollar companies before shifting his focus to helping mid-market businesses grow through smarter sales systems, technology, and marketing strategy. In this conversation, we break down why so many businesses fail with paid ads, the massive difference between marketing and advertising, and why understanding real customer pain points matters more than building “brand awareness.” Jean-Michel also explains: Why “foot in the door” offers dramatically shorten sales cycles How SaaS and consulting businesses can scale more predictably Why Meta ads can outperform LinkedIn for B2B growth The metrics he looks for before taking on a client Why founder mindset is often the biggest growth bottleneck How companies can identify the fastest path to sustainable growth This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs, founders, consultants, and business owners who want to grow intelligently instead of just spending more money on marketing. Subscribe to Noob School for conversations with entrepreneurs, operators, athletes, and leaders who’ve learned what works through real experience.

In this episode of Noob School, I sit down with Jay Jackson—a former Major League pitcher who spent nearly two decades grinding it out across the MLB, minor leagues, and international baseball circuits. Jay’s story isn’t just about baseball—it’s about resilience. From getting drafted later than expected to navigating the ups and downs of a global career that took him from the U.S. to Japan, Mexico, and beyond, he learned how to stay grounded, positive, and focused when most people would’ve quit. Over a 17+ year professional career, he played for multiple MLB organizations and built a reputation not just for performance—but for mindset. We talk about what it really takes to last that long in a high-pressure environment—and why success has less to do with talent and more to do with discipline, intentionality, and the people you surround yourself with. Jay also shares the philosophy behind his book, 9 Innings to Living Your Best Life—a framework for living with purpose, maintaining a positive mindset, and leading both on and off the field. The book breaks life into “innings,” each focused on habits like gratitude, accountability, and mental toughness. We get into: Why adversity is your biggest advantage (if you let it be) The power of starting your day with intention How elite performers stay mentally locked in Why “being where your feet are” might be the most important skill you can build The role of mentorship in long-term success Jay is now transitioning into his next chapter—focusing on coaching, mentorship, and helping the next generation develop both as athletes and as people. If you’re trying to build something, lead a team, or just get better every day, this conversation will hit home.

Welcome back to Noob School! Today, I’m joined by a very special guest and a longtime friend of the show, Amy Brusky. Amy is the President of Kolbe Corp, and the work her company does is a huge reason reason I was able to grow a tiny company into a massive success.

Years ago, I was a young sales manager struggling to get my team to make cold calls. A consultant named Bill Lee introduced me to the Kolbe Index, and it completely changed my life. It taught me how to stop whining about my team’s performance and start hiring the right kind of people for the job.

In this episode, Amy and I dive deep into why understanding your "doing" mind—your instinctive strengths—is the secret to finding what her stepmother and Kolbe founder Kathy Kolbe called "the freedom to be yourself".

What we’re talking about in this episode:

The Three Parts of the Mind: Why your personality and intelligence only tell half the story, and why your instinctive way of taking action is the missing piece to your success.

Building Your Hiring Avatar: I share my personal "recipe" for hiring, from the local "beer test" to making sure their Kolbe numbers match the role before I even meet them.

Sales Strengths vs. Role Requirements: We discuss why some people are built for high-pressure cold calling while others, like a guy I once hired with high Factfinder numbers, are the only ones who can close a $25 million government deal that takes two years to finish.

Permission to "Procrastinate": If you’re like me and do your best work at the eleventh hour, Amy explains why that’s actually "active procrastination" and how to work with that energy instead of feeling guilty.

Career Wisdom for Your 20s: My advice to young professionals: stop trying to just "get a job" and start figuring out where you add the most value with the least amount of friction.

If you’re a leader trying to get your team right, or if you’re just starting out and want to find a career where the day "flies by," you don't want to miss this conversation.

Take the Kolbe A Index: kolbe.com

Connect with Noob School: Don’t forget to Like and Subscribe so we can keep bringing you these insights to help you reach your full potential!

Capers Easterby has spent his career building teams, businesses, and relationships that actually last — the kind that aren’t driven by hype, but by doing the right things the right way, over time. He’s one of those people who naturally blends sales sense with leadership instincts, and that combination has made him successful across every chapter of his career. More than that, he’s a longtime friend who understands what Noob School is all about — learning the business of sales from people who’ve lived it. This episode is packed with perspective from someone who’s seen both sides of growth: winning new business and leading it once it scales. If you’re serious about building a career or company that lasts, you’ll want to hear this one. Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL #SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

My son Jack Sterling returns to Noob School for his fourth appearance — officially becoming the most frequent guest on the show. This one dives deep into what Jack’s been up to lately — from his growing business, Cloud Hound, to his work with Upstate Warrior Solution helping veterans transition into entrepreneurship. We start off trading thoughts on our favorite podcasts and how shows like Lions Led by Donkeys and My First Million have influenced the way Jack thinks about leadership, learning, and risk-taking. Jack shares how fantasy football and analytics sparked his fascination with data — eventually leading him to pursue a master’s degree in data analytics at Clemson. But the heart of the episode is about purpose — how veterans can rediscover team, mission, and structure through entrepreneurship. Jack breaks down how his program at the Rupert Hughes Veteran Center supports veterans, first responders, and their families across the Upstate by helping them navigate healthcare, education, and business ownership. He shares inspiring success stories from entrepreneurs who’ve come through the program — from a veteran-run medical training company using human remains for realistic field instruction, to another launching Upstate South Carolina’s first paddle tennis facility. We also dig into the lessons he’s learned running Cloud Hound — from ditching international business to focusing on “cyber and fiber” solutions for local clients, and why most security breaches start with people, not technology. Jack explains his live training on social engineering, phishing, and why emotional manipulation is hackers’ easiest path in. To wrap it up, he shares the book that’s had the biggest impact on him — “Tribe” by Sebastian Junger — and why it reframed his entire view of community, fulfillment, and the difference between the military and civilian worlds. If you’ve ever wondered how to find purpose after leaving a structured environment, or how to turn your skills into impact, this one’s for you. Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL #SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

In this episode of Noob School, we sit down with Jake Bennett (via Zoom), cofounder and Principal of Well Street Partners. You can find him on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/jake-bennett314

Jake is a Virginia native whose journey spans systems engineering at West Point, five years of active duty in the U.S. Army (with assignments in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Afghanistan), and an MBA from Michigan Ross. After his service, he joined McKinsey’s Chicago office—leading operational transformations for lower/middle-market industrial firms and executing procurement strategies across industries.

Today, Jake and his cofounder are focused on acquiring, operating, and growing small and mid-market businesses through Well Street Partners. In this episode, we dig into:

How his systems engineering and military background shaped his leadership and operational mindset

What he learned at McKinsey and how that informs his approach to transformation and execution

The “what, why, and how” behind Well Street Partners – investment criteria, operations playbooks, and value creation Sales, execution, and building credibility in small / middle market businesses

Career transitions: how to lean into your strengths, navigate uncertainty, and build upward momentum

Whether you’re early in your career or plotting your next pivot, Jake offers a compelling blueprint at the intersection of operations, strategy, and mission-driven investing.

Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co

I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL

Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL

#SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

When I sat down with Lamar Flatt — former Harvard basketball player, USC law graduate, and now partner at Best & Flatt, P.A. — I knew we’d cover a lot of ground. Lamar’s story takes him from the court to the courtroom, starting his law career in Savannah, GA, before returning to South Carolina, and he’s built a reputation as both a sharp attorney and a lifelong learner.

In our conversation, we talk about why curiosity matters, the importance of always seeking knowledge, and a perspective we discuss called “ant theory.” Imagine a closet that, to a colony of ants, is their entire world. They don’t realize there’s an entire house beyond it, or even more beyond the house. The same goes for us as humans: there’s always more to discover if we keep looking and keep learning.

Along the way, Lamar shares stories from his own path in law, how he approaches cases, and the mindset that’s carried him through challenges and opportunities. If you’re serious about growth, staying curious, and seeing the bigger picture in your own life and career, this episode will resonate.

Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co

I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL

Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL

#SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends