Zylo

Every company today is using SaaS. And with it comes uncontrolled sprawl, risk, and spend. Yet, many IT, SAM, finance, and procurement leaders are just now having their Eureka moment, recognizing the need to manage it.&nbsp; How is managing SaaS different from on-premise software? Where do you get started? What’s going to move the needle?&nbsp;In Season Three, we introduce an exciting new series that brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS – SaaSMe Anything! Have questions about SaaS? Ben Pippenger’s your guy. Your resident SaaS expert, providing answers to questions that, frankly, aren’t always easy to find. You can also expect to hear all-new interviews from the experts knee-deep in SaaS – from their fantastically terrible Oh Shit Moments to wildly successful SaaS management programs. Plus, get to know a new face on the show, Zylo Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Host Meredith Albertson!

Expect to hear all-new interviews from the experts knee-deep in SaaS – from their fantastically terrible Oh Shit Moments to wildly successful SaaS management programs. Plus, get to know a new face on the show, Zylo Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Host Meredith Albertson!



Introducing SaaSMe Anything

Introducing SaaSMe Anything, a new show from Zylo and SaaSMe Unfiltered

How is managing SaaS different from on-premise software? Where do you get started? What’s going to move the needle? You can expect to hear all-new interviews from the experts knee-deep in SaaS – from their fantastically terrible Oh Shit Moments to wildly successful SaaS management programs.


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.SaaSMe Anything brings clarity to the chaos of SaaS, where Zylo Co-founder Ben Pippenger breaks down your burning questions about SaaS and how to manage it.Brought to you weekly by Zylo, the industry leader in SaaS Management and experts that help organizations of all sizes manage, measure, and maximize the value of their SaaS.For free resources to help you on your SaaS management journey, visit <a href="https://zylo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zylo.com</a>.

SaaSMe Unfiltered: The SaaS Management Podcast

Growth at all costs. Sounded great at the time, right? Now that we’re staring down economic uncertainty, we’re seeing companies go back to business fundamentals. Grow smart, accomplish more with less.At Zylo, we’ve long known that SaaS management is paramount to enabling this mindset. And will be even more crucial to driving business impact in 2023. From doubling down on cost-saving initiatives to helping employees be more efficient with the tools they use.To understand why, we examined trends in our 2023 SaaS Management Index – sourced from more than $30B in SaaS spend under management. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains what it all means for your business and SaaS management journey. Key Takeaways:<ul><li>[00:05&nbsp;-&nbsp;01:59] Cory introduces Meredith Albertson, your new co-host!</li><li>[02:45&nbsp;-&nbsp;03:33] Zylo's 2023 SaaS Management Index Report</li><li>[03:43&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:24] Talking SMI highlights and insights from Ben Pippenger</li><li>[05:29&nbsp;-&nbsp;07:25] SaaS growth trajectory and trends in buying habits in the current world environment</li><li>[07:31&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:26] Unmonitored SaaS spend can become a huge problem, even with the best intentions</li><li>[11:28&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:27] Visibility and the optimization engine</li><li>[13:30&nbsp;-&nbsp;14:30] A reckoning in post-pandemic SaaS spending and uncertainty?</li><li>[14:35&nbsp;-&nbsp;16:44] Ben's "oh shit" moment with Salesforce and tools for editing cat content</li><li>[16:47&nbsp;-&nbsp;19:33] Optimization opportunities, and what the average companies SaaS stack looks like?</li><li>[19:39&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:14] Without an SMP companies are overspending on SaaS by 25%, and how to find those optimization opportunities through licenses and cost-savings</li><li>[23:19&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:09] Making insights actionable, and what the SMI data says about renewals</li><li>[26:10&nbsp;-&nbsp;29:23] Renewals are an opportunity to impact the business' bottom line, and common mistakes in the process</li><li>[29:26&nbsp;-&nbsp;32:12] SaaS Management is a team sport, and how a SaaS management problem puts you in the driver's seat</li><li>[32:13&nbsp;-&nbsp;34:56] Freedom of a framework concept, aka dealing with Shadow IT</li><li>[34:59&nbsp;-&nbsp;36:04] Why aren't leaders prioritizing the risks associated with shadow IT?</li><li>[36:06&nbsp;-&nbsp;40:04] Providing a great experience as part of the overall IT governance strategy</li><li>[40:05&nbsp;-&nbsp;42:55] This is your opportunity to save millions of dollars</li><li>[42:57&nbsp;-&nbsp;46:14] Rapid Fire</li></ul>

Product leader with a passion for driving innovation and delivering a whole bunch of value. I believe that transparency, visibility and clear communication allow you to solve the most complex challenges. Constantly working on each of those skills and addressing the world with more empathy & compassion.

Ben Pippenger

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

In this episode, Ben Pippenger shares insights from Zylo's 2023 SaaS Management Index. Learn how this critical business practice helps you grow smart and accomplish more with less.


Ben Pippenger: SaaS Management Insights to Drive Business Impact in 2023

2023 SaaS Management Insights with Zylo's Ben Pippenger

Growth at all costs. Sounded great at the time, right? Now that we’re staring down economic uncertainty, we’re seeing companies go back to business fundamentals. Grow smart, accomplish more with less.
At Zylo, we’ve long known that SaaS management is paramount to enabling this mindset. And will be even more crucial to driving business impact in 2023. From doubling down on cost-saving initiatives to helping employees be more efficient with the tools they use.
To understand why, we examined trends in our 2023 SaaS Management Index – sourced from more than $30B in SaaS spend under management. In this episode, Ben Pippenger explains what it all means for your business and SaaS management journey.


Digital transformation spread in waves over the last 20+ years for many areas of business – from marketing and sales to finance and HR. For procurement, that time is now. ProcureTech CEO and Founder Lance Younger believes digitalization is paramount for Procurement to realize their full potential. In this episode, Lance shares his philosophy on digital procurement – why it matters and how to be strategic about it. Episode Highlights<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;01:57] Introduction to Lance Younger</li><li>[01:58&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:21] Hot Takes with Thom: Responsible business growth vs responsible growth at all costs</li><li>[05:24&nbsp;-&nbsp;08:16] Lance talks about ProcureTech's vision and enabling the future of digital procurement</li><li>[08:23&nbsp;-&nbsp;10:31] How ProcureTech is changing how procurement is done digitally</li><li>[10:33&nbsp;-&nbsp;14:11] Operating at scale and still driving innovation</li><li>[14:13&nbsp;-&nbsp;17:16] How the procurement process has had to adapt for SaaS</li><li>[17:16&nbsp;-&nbsp;19:05] Completely democratized IT compared to the recent past</li><li>[19:09&nbsp;-&nbsp;21:50] Solutions exist, but people are not finding the right match</li><li>[21:51&nbsp;-&nbsp;22:40] Cohorts of digital solutions</li><li>[22:42&nbsp;-&nbsp;24:29] The current state of the economy and procurement strategies, and did Europe get a headstart?</li><li>[24:29&nbsp;-&nbsp;27:07] High-level predictions for the procurement space in 2023</li><li>[27:20&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:45] A fight for relevance in the procurement field</li><li>[30:59&nbsp;-&nbsp;34:02] Rapid fire</li></ul>

Lance is the CEO and Founder of ProcureTech, a digital platform focused on building the digital future of procurement. ProcureTech delivers digital procurement transformation through StrategyLAB, SCOUT and ACCELERATOR programmes, and is also home to the ProcureTech100, the definitive 100 pioneering digital procurement solutions. 

Lance Younger

CEO and Founder at ProcureTech

Digital procurement is transformative for your business. In this episode, ProcureTech CEO Lance Younger shares why it matters and how to be strategic about it.


Lance Younger: The Rise of Digital Procurement with ProcureTech

Digital Procurement and Why It Matters with Lance Younger of ProcureTech

Digital transformation spread in waves over the last 20+ years for many areas of business – from marketing and sales to finance and HR. For procurement, that time is now. ProcureTech CEO and Founder Lance Younger believes digitalization is paramount for Procurement to realize their full potential. In this episode, Lance shares his philosophy on digital procurement – why it matters and how to be strategic about it.


With Netflix’s mission to “entertain the world”, the company culture has a deep-rooted effect on how they manage SaaS. But how do you balance tool autonomy with cost-saving initiatives? In this episode, IT Asset Program Manager Lindsay Stokes sheds light on Netflix’s Freedom &amp; Responsibility approach and how they’re addressing the abundant cost-saving opportunities at their fingertips today – and long-term. Episode Highlights<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:07] Episode introduction</li><li>[02:43&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:16] Hot Takes with Thom: Why don't homegrown tools cut it for SaaS?</li><li>[06:20&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:25] Lindsay's journey building and leading SAM at Netflix</li><li>[11:40&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:54] Netflix employee enablement and reining in SaaS sprawl</li><li>[13:55&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:31] The intricacies of managing SaaS organizationally: waste and redundancies</li><li>[15:35&nbsp;-&nbsp;17:20] Netflix's process of getting actionable data with Zylo</li><li>[17:23&nbsp;-&nbsp;19:55] The fundamentals and priorities of SaaS management at Netflix</li><li>[19:57&nbsp;-&nbsp;22:29] Balancing cost optimization with freedom and responsibility</li><li>[22:30&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:51] A proactive versus reactive perspective</li><li>[23:55&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:13] Lindsay's role in helping application managers manage SaaS and spend</li><li>[26:17&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:02] Critical ingredients for success in SaaS</li><li>[28:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:43] Missteps and misadventures in addressing SaaS strategies</li><li>[30:52&nbsp;-&nbsp;32:36] Rapid Fire</li></ul>

Experienced Information Technology leader with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software, ecommerce, and entertainment industries. Certified in Software Asset Management. Skilled in leadership, program management, process improvement, vendor management, and contract negotiation. I love dogs, craft beer, and the great outdoors!

Lindsay Stokes

IT Asset Program Manager at Netflix

Netflix takes an unconventional approach to SaaS Management. Hear how ITAM leader Lindsay Stokes is leading the charge and furthering the company mission.


Lindsay Stokes: Netflix’s Unconventional Approach to Tooling and SaaS Management

Netflix’s Unconventional Approach to Tooling and SaaS Management with Lindsay Stokes

With Netflix’s mission to “entertain the world”, the company culture has a deep-rooted effect on how they manage SaaS. But how do you balance tool autonomy with cost-saving initiatives? In this episode, IT Asset Program Manager Lindsay Stokes sheds light on Netflix’s Freedom & Responsibility approach and how they’re addressing the abundant cost-saving opportunities at their fingertips today – and long-term.


Sprawl. Unchecked spend. Surprise renewals. Procurement is well-positioned to manage the chaos that comes with SaaS. In fact, Brett Bartolai, the Head of Procurement at GrubHub, equates the role to air traffic controller. In this episode, Brett shares how increased scrutiny over their software stack and spend has helped GrubHub surface shadow IT, reduce costs, and stay ahead of renewals.Key Takeaways<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:26] Introduction to Brett Bartolai</li><li>[02:33&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:18] Hot Takes with Thom: Businesses aren't taking full advantage of procurement</li><li>[05:16&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:57] Procurement as the connective tissue that unites organizations and SaaS</li><li>[05:57&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:59] Brett's procurement journey</li><li>[06:59&nbsp;-&nbsp;08:43] Procurement finds you</li><li>[08:43&nbsp;-&nbsp;10:27] What drives Brett is team building and making an impact every day</li><li>[10:27&nbsp;-&nbsp;12:58] Differences in procurement at a Fortune 100 company versus a startup</li><li>[12:59&nbsp;-&nbsp;14:54] Procurement's role in facilitating software purchases for the company, groups, and individuals</li><li>[14:55&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:28] How GrubHub is positioning cost containment and value in 2023 and beyond</li><li>[18:15&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:45] A shift to a more pragmatic approach to a software review board</li><li>[20:45&nbsp;-&nbsp;22:22] And oh shit moment with freemium models</li><li>[22:22&nbsp;-&nbsp;23:26] Who all is involved in SaaS management at GrubHub?</li><li>[23:27&nbsp;-&nbsp;24:05] Good things discussed and moving as quickly as possible</li><li>[24:07&nbsp;-&nbsp;26:14] How does Brett look at program success internally at GrubHub</li><li>[26:16&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:08] Rapid fire</li></ul>

Leading Enterprise Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Risk, and Real Estate Strategy for Grubhub. Experienced Procurement Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting and technology spaces. Skilled in Negotiation, Strategic Sourcing, Business Process Improvement, Spend Optimization, and Procurement.

Brett Bartolai

Head of Procurement at Grubhub

In this episode, head of procurement Brett Bartolai shares how increased scrutiny over SaaS helps GrubHub find shadow IT, reduce costs, and stay ahead of renewals.


Brett Bartolai: Driving SaaS Cost Savings through Procurement at GrubHub

GrubHub's Procurement Team Drives SaaS Cost Savings

Sprawl. Unchecked spend. Surprise renewals. Procurement is well-positioned to manage the chaos that comes with SaaS. In fact, Brett Bartolai, the procurement director at GrubHub, equates the role to air traffic controller. In this episode, Brett shares how increased scrutiny over their software stack and spend has helped GrubHub surface shadow IT, reduce costs, and stay ahead of renewals.


Do you know where your data is going? If there’s one thing that David Stoicescu believes, it’s that SaaS security begins with visibility. In this episode, David shares how he takes a risk based approach to managing software at Deepwatch and addresses the pitfalls he sees companies succumbing to when it comes to SaaS. Key Takeaways<ul><li>[00:00&nbsp;-&nbsp;01:31] Introduction</li><li>[01:31&nbsp;-&nbsp;03:52] Gauging the levels of risk some apps and their security practices pose to customers</li><li>[03:52&nbsp;-&nbsp;06:14] Mechanisms to identify shadow IT spend</li><li>[06:16&nbsp;-&nbsp;08:09] Compliance and governance at Deep Watch</li><li>[08:09&nbsp;-&nbsp;09:58] Delivering at scale</li><li>[09:58&nbsp;-&nbsp;12:05] A team sport scenario for IT and skill sets</li><li>[12:07&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:47] The biggest mistake David sees is companies not paying attention to SaaS at all</li><li>[13:50&nbsp;-&nbsp;17:54] Determining responsibility and ownership, disciples of data</li><li>[17:58&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:30] A look into next year's goals and KPIs</li><li>[20:31&nbsp;-&nbsp;22:04] Rapid Fire</li></ul>

Deepwatch is provider of intelligence driven Managed Detection and Response services (MDR), we aim to minimize, detect and rapidly respond to perpetually evolving cyber attacks and threats against organizations. I joined in early 2022 and have since led the building and scaling of the Information Security program, including Product and Application Security, Incident Response, Security Operations and Engineering, GRC and Privacy. I bring more than 17 years of experience, with expertise in establishing programs that scale for high growth, leading and executing strategies that strengthen security, reduce risk, yet enabling the business to operate efficiently without friction. My approach to effective security starts with building people, staying true to the foundations of security and risk, and implementing pragmatic approaches that adapt to business needs.

David Stoicescu

Chief Information Security Officer at Deepwatch

In this episode, Deepwatch CISO David Stoicescu shares how he takes a risk based approach to SaaS security and common pitfalls companies often succumb to.


David Stoicescu (Part 2): How Deepwatch Takes a Risk Based Approach to Managing Software

Risk Based Approach to Managing Software at Deepwatch

Do you know where your data is going? If there’s one thing that David Stoicescu believes, it’s that SaaS security begins with visibility. In this episode, David shares how he takes a risk based approach to managing software at Deepwatch and addresses the pitfalls he sees companies succumbing to when it comes to SaaS.


The more SaaS applications you have, the more information security problems you’re likely to face. From unsecure information and data leaks to risk of a data breach, to name a few. At Deepwatch, CISO David Stoicescu looks at everything from a risk lens. In this episode, David shares why InfoSec is a critical business function, how to lead a high-performing team, and why visibility is key to avoiding damaging and embarrassing security mishaps.Key takeaways:<ul><li>[03:01&nbsp;-&nbsp;05:07] Hot Takes with Tom: InfoSec</li><li>[05:10&nbsp;-&nbsp;07:45] How David got into InfoSec, and what drove him?</li><li>[07:46&nbsp;-&nbsp;09:24] New methodologies and baking security into the lifecycle</li><li>[09:27&nbsp;-&nbsp;11:15] Deepwatch and SOC</li><li>[11:17&nbsp;-&nbsp;13:33] David enjoys the journey</li><li>[13:43&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:58] What made David strengthen a SaaS program early on</li><li>[16:02&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:42] How a lack of SaaS management could go off the rails, and the kind of problems it causes</li></ul>

In this episode, David Stoicescu shares why Information Security is critical, how to lead a rockstar team, and how visibility is imperative to avoid risk.


David Stoicescu (Part 1): More SaaS, More Information Security Problems

The more SaaS applications you have, the more information security problems you’re likely to face. At Deepwatch, CISO David Stoicescu looks at everything from a risk lens. In this episode, David shares why InfoSec is a critical business function, how to lead a high-performing team, and why visibility is key to avoiding damaging and embarrassing security mishaps.


Recent Episodes

SEASON 2

Ben Pippenger: SaaS Management Insights to Drive Business Impact in 2023

Lance Younger: The Rise of Digital Procurement with ProcureTech

Lindsay Stokes: Netflix’s Unconventional Approach to Tooling and SaaS Management

Brett Bartolai: Driving SaaS Cost Savings through Procurement at GrubHub

David Stoicescu (Part 2): How Deepwatch Takes a Risk Based Approach to Managing Software

David Stoicescu (Part 1): More SaaS, More Information Security Problems

About The Show

SaaSMe Unfiltered: The SaaS Management Podcast

Ben Pippenger

Co-Founder, Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer

Cory Wheeler

Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer

Meredith Albertson

Chief Marketing Officer