Zylo

For the vast majority, the Cloud is the way of the future. According to Byron Deeter, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, that march is well underway and inevitable. In this episode, we dive into the BVP State of the Cloud report to reflect on the criticality of SaaS to your business – from macroeconomic factors and shifting monetization approaches affecting adoption and SaaS spend, to Cloud marketplace procurement and the future of tooling. Plus, a peek at what Byron predicts for 2023. Key Takeaways:<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:46] Meet Byron Deeter</li><li>[03:15&nbsp;-&nbsp;04:12] Byron's State of the Cloud Report, insights and trends</li><li>[04:13&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:55] SaaS companies evolving in phases alongside sibling technologies like connectivity and AI</li><li>[05:57&nbsp;-&nbsp;08:18] How macroeconomic conditions like COVID affect opportunities for cloud software and SaaS companies today</li><li>[08:19&nbsp;-&nbsp;09:48] Understanding software cost savings and productivity levers in figuring SaaS into the budget</li><li>[09:52&nbsp;-&nbsp;12:08] Cloud is the new middleware layer, removing friction for enablement</li><li>[12:15&nbsp;-&nbsp;14:47] Cost optimization and product security</li><li>[14:48&nbsp;-&nbsp;17:37] 80% of companies will be actively selling in marketplaces in the next two years</li><li>[17:38&nbsp;-&nbsp;19:49] The Year of the Centaur, a shift from unicorn status to something more stable</li><li>[19:50&nbsp;-&nbsp;21:47] A thriving cloud economy ahead, with more realistic valuations</li><li>[21:51&nbsp;-&nbsp;24:34] How some of the predictions in The State of the Cloud Report hold up six months later</li><li>[24:37&nbsp;-&nbsp;25:55] Trading growth for profitability and the impact on innovation</li><li>[26:01&nbsp;-&nbsp;29:11] Rapid fire</li></ul>

Byron Deeter is a leading investor in Cloud and the Internet. He co-authors Bessemer’s iconic 10 Laws of Cloud Computing and the annual State of the Cloud Report, and created the Bessemer Forbes Cloud 100 and BVP Nasdaq Emerging Cloud Index. To date, nineteen of Byron’s investments are valued above $1 billion, including ten IPOs and counting. He is also the host of Bessemer’s newest podcast, Cloud Giants. 

Byron Deeter

Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners

What’s the impact of Cloud on your business? In this episode, Byron Deeter shares why it’s the inevitable future with insights from the BVP State of the Cloud report. 


Byron Deeter: The March toward Cloud and Its Unavoidable Impact on Your Business

Cloud Impact: Byron Deeter Dishes on the Inevitable Future for Your Business

For the vast majority, the Cloud is the way of the future. According to Byron Deeter, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, that march is well underway and inevitable. In this episode, we dive into the BVP State of the Cloud report to reflect on the criticality of SaaS to your business – from macroeconomic factors and shifting monetization approaches affecting adoption and SaaS spend, to Cloud marketplace procurement and the future of tooling. Plus, a peek at what Byron predicts for 2023.


For the vast majority, the Cloud is the way of the future. According to Byron Deeter, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, that march is well underway and inevitable. In this episode, we dive into the BVP State of the Cloud report to reflect on the criticality of SaaS to your business – from macroeconomic factors and shifting monetization approaches affecting adoption and SaaS spend, to Cloud marketplace procurement and the future of tooling. Plus, a peek at what Byron predicts for 2023.

Why Zylo

Solutions

Customers

Resources

SaaS has taken over the world – and your organization. Skyrocketing innovation. Empowering workforces. Embracing flexibility. The future of software is here. But with it comes new challenges.SaaSMe Unfiltered brings you uncensored, real-life advice on what it takes to conquer SaaS management and optimization. For the IT, software asset management, and procurement professionals knee-deep in SaaS every single day. SaaS superheroes just like you.Brought to you by Zylo, the industry leader in SaaS Management and experts that help organizations of all sizes organize, optimize, and orchestrate their SaaS.For free resources to help you on your SaaS management journey, visit <a href="zylo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zylo.com</a>.

SaaSMe Unfiltered: The SaaS Management Podcast

IT and Finance leaders at today’s most progressive organizations get it. SaaS has permeated every part of the business and responsibility for managing it sits across a range of stakeholders. What makes their partnership a game-changer for SaaS Management? In this episode, recorded live at SaaSMe 2022, hear how leaders at LinkedIn, Salsify, and Fresh FP&amp;A are fostering alliances across the organization to drive maximum impact with SaaS. Key Takeaways:<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:12] Introduction to SaaSMe panel, LinkedIn, Salsify, Fresh FP&amp;A</li><li>[02:15&nbsp;-&nbsp;04:19] Get to know Chris Ortega, Shravya Ravi, and Gordon Atkin</li><li>[04:53&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:20] Gordon on his responsibilities and outcomes he is focused on</li><li>[06:20&nbsp;-&nbsp;07:55] How Shravya is growing a SAM strategy, and how she measures KPIs</li><li>[08:15&nbsp;-&nbsp;10:32] How most companies Chris works with address SaaS</li><li>[10:05&nbsp;-&nbsp;12:17] Why Chris cares about SaaS and OPEX</li><li>[12:16&nbsp;-&nbsp;12:44] Managing risk</li><li>[12:47&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:22] Budget season</li><li>[13:24&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:54] Shravya describes collaboration and critical connections that are part of the SaaS program at LinkedIn</li><li>[15:54&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:07] Who Gordon enlists as partners in crime to drive optimization and scale</li><li>[18:10&nbsp;-&nbsp;19:49] The partnership element</li><li>[19:48&nbsp;-&nbsp;21:21] The prepaid report and CFO visibility</li><li>[21:33&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:10] How did the business receive the SaaS initiative?</li><li>[23:12&nbsp;-&nbsp;25:17] Executive sponsorship, and a dedicated professional with experience</li><li>[25:22&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:25] Help people understand what is in it for them</li><li>[26:51&nbsp;-&nbsp;27:45] A prediction for SaaS and spend management in 2023</li><li>[28:19&nbsp;-&nbsp;29:53] What Gordon sees happening for SaaS management, and spend in 2023</li><li>[29:55&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:42] Procurement and IT</li><li>[30:42&nbsp;-&nbsp;31:42] Chris' 2023 predictions</li></ul>

As a globally experienced technology leader, I have a passion for creating and executing a technology strategy that’s aligned with business strategy while transforming how IT teams innovate, automate, create operational efficiency, accelerate revenue growth, and maximize profitability. 

Gordon Atkin

VP of Technology and Business Platform at Salsify

Shravya is an IT Asset Management Professional with over 10 years experience in Software compliance, Software Asset Management, Hardware Asset Management, Maintaining partner and customer relationships, Project management, Product strategy, Planning and budgeting, License compliance and Audit methodologies. Shravya is also an experienced people manager (5+ years).

Shravya Ravi 

Manager, Asset Management at LinkedIn

Dynamic, empathetic and servant financial leader with extensive experience in finance, accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), strategic planning and financial leadership. Expert in resolving problems, providing strategic options; detail-oriented self-starter with great analytical and leadership skills. Seasoned leader with proven track record building and shaping domestic, multinational and international matrix finance organizations. Wide ranging experiences in finance, accounting and FP&A with Big 4 accounting firm, entrepreneurial, and public & private companies. Committed to aligning passions, skills and talents to help others realize and achieve 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦! 


Chris Ortega

Chief Executive Officer at Fresh FP&A

In this episode, recorded live at SaaSMe 2022, hear how IT and Finance leaders at LinkedIn, Salsify, and Fresh FP&A are fostering alliances across the organization to drive maximum impact with SaaS.


IT & Finance: The MVPs of Your SaaS Management Program

IT and Finance leaders at today’s most progressive organizations get it. SaaS has permeated every part of the business and responsibility for managing it sits across a range of stakeholders. What makes their partnership a game-changer for SaaS Management? In this episode, recorded live at SaaSMe 2022, hear how leaders at LinkedIn, Salsify, and Fresh FP&A are fostering alliances across the organization to drive maximum impact with SaaS.


Gordon Atkin, VP of Technology and Business Platform at Salsify, believes that having a SaaS management program is an imperative business practice. And you need a dedicated tool to do it effectively. In this episode, Gordon divulges his secrets to a successful SaaS management practice, why traditional asset management solutions just don’t work for SaaS, and what to look for in your SaaS management tool. Key Takeaways:<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:22] Introduction to Gordon Atkin</li><li>[02:39&nbsp;-&nbsp;04:59] Hot Takes with Thom: Four reasons why you need to manage SaaS</li><li>[04:59&nbsp;-&nbsp;08:48] What needs to happen in an IT organization as a CIO for taking a company public</li><li>[08:50&nbsp;-&nbsp;10:03] Gordon's playbook for navigating IPOs and being an effective CIO</li><li>[10:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;12:38] Aligning the company with where you want to be, and how that affects tooling efforts and budget internally</li><li>[12:45&nbsp;-&nbsp;16:07] Establishing a complete inventory of SaaS</li><li>[16:08&nbsp;-&nbsp;17:10] Transparency in benchmarking and a more holistic view</li><li>[17:43&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:14] Renewal and intake, how Gordon assesses and defines SAM programs</li><li>[20:24&nbsp;-&nbsp;21:01] Off-boarding and deprecating apps</li><li>[21:05&nbsp;-&nbsp;22:23] SaaS Management is a must have</li><li>[22:48&nbsp;-&nbsp;27:59] Rapid Fire</li></ul>

As a globally experienced technology leader, I have a passion for creating and executing a technology strategy that’s aligned with business strategy while transforming how IT teams innovate, automate, create operational efficiency, accelerate revenue growth, and maximize profitability. 


What’s the secret to SaaS Management program success? Salsify’s Gordon Atkin shares his advice after years of developing strategies for and managing SaaS apps.Gordon Atkin, VP of Technology and Business Platform at Salsify, believes that having a SaaS management program is an imperative business practice. And you need a dedicated tool to do it effectively. In this episode, Gordon divulges his secrets to a successful SaaS management practice, why traditional asset management solutions just don’t work for SaaS, and what to look for in your SaaS management tool.


Gordon Atkin: Secrets to SaaS Management Program Success, Advice from a Seasoned Pro

SaaS Management Program Success: Secrets from a Season Pro

Gordon Atkin, VP of Technology and Business Platform at Salsify, believes that having a SaaS management program is an imperative business practice. And you need a dedicated tool to do it effectively. In this episode, Gordon divulges his secrets to a successful SaaS management practice, why traditional asset management solutions just don’t work for SaaS, and what to look for in your SaaS management tool.


There’s a growing and escalating issue around the increasing number of SaaS applications and spend at companies today. Much of that is attributed to hidden SaaS purchases – or shadow IT. In this episode, Zylo Co-founder Ben Pippenger sat down with our friends at the SAP Concur Conversations podcast to discuss how to uncover shadow IT and where to start addressing it. Episode Highlights<ul><li>[02:07] Zylo's history and product</li><li>[03:16] Employee initiated spend and SaaS purchasing</li><li>[06:55] Employee-led spend, and a single source of truth learning about SaaS spend</li><li>[09:11] Hidden spend and misclassification of costs</li><li>[10:15] Compliance, security, and the risks of not having a Software Asset Management plan</li><li>[13:25] Every company that uses software needs a SaaS management system</li><li>[16:53] Taking an expense perspective with SaaS Management</li><li>[20:31] Getting all the teams in an organization on board</li><li>[24:15] Misclassification and entertainment purchases</li><li>[26:01] Thoughts on growth and the need for SaaS management tools</li></ul>

Ben Pippenger

Co-founder & Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer at Zylo

Jeanne Dion

Vice President, Value Experience Group at SAP Concur

In this episode, Zylo Co-founder Ben Pippenger discusses with SAP concur how to uncover and address hidden SaaS purchases - or shadow IT.


Ben Pippenger: Uncovering & Addressing Hidden SaaS Purchases

There’s a growing and escalating issue around the increasing number of SaaS applications and spend at companies today. Much of that is attributed to hidden SaaS purchases – or shadow IT. In this episode, Zylo Co-founder Ben Pippenger sat down with our friends at the SAP Concur Conversations podcast to discuss how to uncover shadow IT and where to start addressing it.


Procurement is often considered a gatekeeper, making sure all the boxes get checked. But for Karen Hodson at CM Group, she’s made it her mission to give Procurement a better rep – one where relationships and collaboration are the prime focus. In this episode, Karen delves into her unique approach to Procurement, from the everyday focus of relationship building to her strategic thought process around M&amp;A. Episode Highlights<ul><li>[02:24] The Story of CM Group</li><li>[03:49] CM Grou's SaaS strategy and acquisitions</li><li>[05:20] What procurement looks like within CM Group</li><li>[07:35] Core components of CM Group's department strategy</li><li>[10:51] Looking at the bigger picture by utilizing Zylo</li><li>[15:29] Karen's procurement playbook</li><li>[21:12] Having relationships with vendors and having conversations</li><li>[24:24] The importance of a coherent and collaborative SaaS strategy</li><li>[28:51] What's next at CM Group</li><li>[31:50] Rapid fire</li></ul>

Office Operations professional with over 20 years’ experience in people, operations, procurement and facilities management. Offering expertise in organizational change, process development, system implementation, general administration, sales and vendor contract management, office operations, procurement, finance, HR, corporate real estate (source, buildout, planning), IT, working with C level executives and rapid company growth.

Karen Hodson

Global Procurement & Real Estate Officer at CM Group

Procurement is more than just checking boxes. In this episode, CM Group’s Karen Hodson shares her unique approach to Procurement with a focus on relationships.


Karen Hodson: Why Procurement Is More Than Just Checking Boxes

Check. Check. Check. Procurement is often considered a gatekeeper, making sure all the boxes get checked. But for Karen Hodson at CM Group, she’s made it her mission to give Procurement a better rep – one where relationships and collaboration are the prime focus. In this episode, learn about Karen’s unique approach to Procurement.


Software Asset Management rose with the need to manage on-premise software. However, the birth of SaaS and cloud-based applications has changed the game. In this episode, former Nike SAM pro and Zylo SAM evangelist, Lance Giles, shares what a golden opportunity software asset managers have in front of them and the lessons he’s learned diving head-first into SaaS management. Episode Highlights<ul><li>[01:55] Lance Giles reflecting on shifts in his software asset management experience</li><li>[05:20] Building and running a global SAM project at Nike</li><li>[08:31] Visibility and support from leadership for SAM goals after an external audit at Nike</li><li>[10:42] A process of elimination in deploying a SAM strategy and effort</li><li>[13:02] Centralize and bring data together, bring decision-making together</li><li>[15:14] Everybody in the company was a software asset manager</li><li>[17:34] Classic missteps Lance has seen in rolling out a SAM strategy, and lessons learned</li><li>[19:37] Pay reasonable attention to what is happening at the software market</li><li>[22:28] On SaaS products shifts and the opportunity in SaaS</li></ul>

Lance Giles

SAM Evangelist at Zylo

With the birth of SaaS, Software Asset Management has entered a new era. In this episode, discover the golden opportunity SAM pros have with SaaS management.


Lance Giles: The New Era of Software Asset Management

The birth of SaaS and cloud-based applications has changed the game for software asset managers. In this episode, former Nike SAM pro and Zylo SAM evangelist, Lance Giles, shares what opportunities this presents and the lessons he’s learned diving head-first into SaaS management.


Starting a career in sports sales, Aaqil Kassamali never imagined his journey would take him to building and leading a Procurement team at Hootsuite. From creating broader visibility to turnkey internal processes, it’s become the heart of their SaaS management program. In this episode, discover the lessons Aaqil and his team have learned and his advice for positioning Procurement as a valuable business partner. Episode Highlights: <ul><li>[02:14] Aaqil's background experience in sales</li><li>[04:56] Being in sales and building empathy</li><li>[06:39] The moment Hootsuite realized it needed to cenralize IT and SaaS efforts</li><li>[08:28] Building out purchase orders</li><li>[11:04] The branding of procurement and showing value to hesitant minds</li><li>[12:52] What SAM and SaaS ownership looks like at Hootsuite</li><li>[14:03] Software sits in legal at Hootsuite, how to balance function and needs?</li><li>[]15:56 Metrics and KPIs Aaqil reports to his boss</li><li>[18:17] The process and people being fearful for time</li><li>[21:30] Important areas of focus for a sound SaaS management strategy internally</li><li>[23:29] The rise of SaaS and distribution</li><li>[25:47] Tackling the transformation</li><li>[26:13] Discussing renewal fatigue and downstream effects</li><li>[27:33] Aaqil's thoughts on budgeting around SaaS for fast growing organizations</li><li>[31:53&nbsp;] The next evolution of procurement at Hootsuite</li><li>[32:52] Data and insights</li></ul>

Aaqil Kassamali

Senior Manager, Procurement at Hootsuite

At Hootsuite, Procurement is central to effective SaaS management. In this episode, Aaqil Kassamali shares advice for becoming a valuable business partner.


Aaqil Kassamali: Procurement, the Heart of SaaS Management at Hootsuite

Starting a career in sports sales, Aaqil Kassamali never imagined his journey would take him to building and leading a Procurement team at Hootsuite. From creating broader visibility to turnkey internal processes, it’s become the heart of their SaaS management program. Tune in to this episode for Aaqil’s biggest lessons learned and advice.



Recent Episodes

SEASON 2

IT & Finance: The MVPs of Your SaaS Management Program

Gordon Atkin: Secrets to SaaS Management Program Success, Advice from a Seasoned Pro

SEASON 1

Ben Pippenger: Uncovering & Addressing Hidden SaaS Purchases

Karen Hodson: Why Procurement Is More Than Just Checking Boxes

Lance Giles: The New Era of Software Asset Management

Aaqil Kassamali: Procurement, the Heart of SaaS Management at Hootsuite

About The Show

SaaSMe Unfiltered: The SaaS Management Podcast

Cory Wheeler

Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer

Ashley Hickman

Manager, Customer Success