From Chaos to Collaboration: Implementing Cross-Functional Pods That Actually Work - EP 103 | Koen Stam & André Bressel

In this episode, I speak with Koen Stam and
André Bressel about Cross-Functional Pods – an
organisational structure that breaks down silos and creates
customer-centric teams.


What you can expect:


How Cross-Functional Pods improve communication and
collaboration between Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success

The right timing and ideal size for implementing Pods (4-6
people per Pod)

Why Leadership Alignment is the critical success factor for
functioning Pods

Different approaches to Pod structuring: by verticals, ACV,
or geographic regions

Practical experiences with Pod structures across companies of
different sizes






My highlights:


The tension between functional expertise and cross-functional
teamwork

Balancing functional specialisation and holistic GTM steering

The challenges of incentives and compensation in Pod
structures






About the guests:


Koen Stam leads Benelux operations as Country Manager at Personio
and has extensive experience implementing Pod structures. In
2019, he successfully introduced Pods at Team Leader and
understands both the benefits and risks of this organisational
model.


André Bressel works as an operational consultant with SaaS
companies between $5-50 million ARR, helping founders develop
effective go-to-market strategies. He brings practical experience
implementing Pods in various contexts and advocates for a
customer-centric approach.





Who should definitely listen to this episode:


Go-to-Market leaders looking to break down silos in their
organisations

Executives in growing SaaS companies with complex sales
processes

Team and department leaders aiming for stronger customer
orientation

Change managers seeking ways to promote cross-functional
collaboration






The recipe for success? 


Leadership alignment, customer-oriented thinking, and a pragmatic
approach to implementing Pod structures, without making drastic
changes all at once.


Song by StockTune


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