Emblazers show episode 1 with guest Dr. Leff Bonney

The Emblazers Podcast Episode 1: The AI Dust Has (Almost) Settled with Dr. Leff Bonney

Y’all, we just dropped our very first episode of The Emblazers podcast, and let me tell you—we came out swinging!

Tim and I sat down with the brilliant (and surprisingly funny) Dr. Leff Bonney, from FSU’s Sales Institute, to get real about what’s actually happening in sales in 2025.

Because we’re basic (Tim’s words, not mine), we had to start with the elephant in the room: AI.

Before you roll your eyes, stick with me here: Leff brought some seriously fresh perspectives on where we actually are with AI in sales. Spoiler alert: the dust is starting to settle. Well, sort of.

Here’s what you need to know.

AI Reality Check

  • The endless “what if” conversations of 2024 are giving way to actual implementation
  • Companies are finally picking their lanes: focusing on two to three specific AI use cases instead of trying to boil the ocean
  • The quick wins? Efficiency stuff like appointment setting and email mining (yawn, but necessary)
  • The exciting part? AI-assisted adaptability that helps average sellers think more like top performers

Plot Twist

Remember when companies thought AI was just their toy? Plot twist: buyers are getting just as savvy with it. They’re using AI to:

  • Evaluate current vendors
  • Scout new potential partners
  • Push “meh” sellers into digital-only interactions (while giving more face time to the good ones)

Different is the New Better

My favorite takeaway? Being good isn’t good enough anymore. When every seller in your space is “good,” you’ve got to be different.

(And yes, Leff’s bringing the goods on this to our upcoming Revenue Summit in Denver, April 15–17. Just sayin’.)

Watch the Episode

Keep the Fire Going

Want more sales nerdery with a side of sass? Like, subscribe, and leave us a review:

Oh, and if you’re thinking about the Revenue Summit in Denver this April, stop thinking and start registering! Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Until next week!

P.S. Tim wants everyone to know he’s starting a morning stretching routine to stay “agile” in 2025. The dedication, am I right?

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About the Author
Amanda DeVlugt

Amanda DeVlugt

A veteran of global learning and development, Amanda DeVlugt spent 15 years at Hilton crafting leadership programs and revenue growth strategies that transformed operations across international brands. Her expertise in delivering impactful training has reached over 5,000 professionals through 400+ workshops, while her innovative approach to learning has produced more than 200 educational videos on leadership, engagement, and technical processes. As a trusted advisor to top management companies and a skilled facilitator of agile methodologies, Amanda combines her passion for continuous improvement with a talent for creating transformative learning experiences that drive organizational excellence. Amanda is Director of Member Experience and Success at Emblaze, the revenue leaders’ community powered by Corporate Visions.

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