September 17, 2025 | Written by Steve Whittington

Podcast Episode 14: Scaling Startups with Systems and Authentic Leadership Featuring Shannon Havard 

Shannon Havard, COO at Overstory Media Group, joins host Steve Whittington to discuss what it takes to build a go-to-market system from the ground up.

Shannon shares lessons from her corporate media background and how she applied them in the startup world, from establishing KPIs and sales infrastructure to navigating crises with resilience. She also dives into the importance of authentic leadership, empowering teams in hybrid environments, and using transparent data systems to drive alignment and growth. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone scaling a startup or leading sales through change.

Episode Takeaways:

  • Startups need systems to scale. 
    Shannon emphasized that building KPIs, processes, and sales infrastructure early creates the foundation for predictable growth. 
  • Authenticity is a leadership superpower. 
    By showing up as yourself and empowering people to do the same, you create trust and resilience within your team. 
  • Hybrid and remote environments require intentional connection. 
    Leaders must be deliberate about communication and transparency so teams feel aligned, supported, and motivated. 
  • Data is only useful if it’s visible and trusted. 
    Transparent reporting systems keep everyone on the same page and help leaders make faster, smarter decisions. 

Download the Revenue Factory Toolkit and start turning your forecasts into predictable growth!

Get the Toolkit

If you found this valuable, make sure to subscribe to Driving Growth wherever you get your podcasts for more strategies on building a scalable revenue engine. New episodes are available on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Follow Roadmap on social media for more great content!

Let's Talk

Would you like us to implement a similar strategy for you?

Book a Discovery Call

Mastering Discovery Calls: The Essential Step to Predictable Sales Growth 
September 23, 2025

Previous

What I’d Do in My First 90 Days as VP of Sales for a Mid-Sized Manufacturer 
September 16, 2025

Next