How to Stay Ahead in 2026 | Jacquelyn Goldberg

In Episode 190, Drewbie sits down with Jacquelyn Goldberg to unpack the power of persistence, self-awareness, and the evolving role of AI in sales.

Jacquelyn shares a powerful story of flying to Miami knowing she lost the deal—only to win it back through presence, curiosity, and strategic questioning. From navigating self-doubt to building authentic relationships, this episode is packed with real-world insights for sales professionals at every level.

They also dive deep into AI's impact on the industry, why it won't replace great salespeople, and how top performers can leverage it to gain an edge.

If you've ever struggled with confidence, balance, or adapting to change in sales—this one's for you.

 


 

What You'll Learn

  • Why showing up (even after a "no") can completely change the outcome

  • How asking the right questions beats pitching every time

  • The real reason most salespeople hold themselves back

  • Simple practices to get out of your own head and perform better

  • Why sales success is more like farming than hunting

  • How AI is changing the game—and how to stay ahead

  • Why human connection will always win in sales

 


 

Key Takeaways

  • You have nothing to lose when a deal is already gone—so go all in

  • Self-awareness is your biggest advantage (or your biggest obstacle)

  • Journaling + coaching = clarity and growth

  • Balance isn't perfect—it's intentional

  • AI won't replace salespeople—but it will expose bad ones

  • The best salespeople use AI as a tool, not a crutch

 

Memorable Moments

  • Turning a lost deal into a win by showing up in person

  • Cold calling at 15 years old and closing high-ticket retail sales

  • Realizing sales wasn't a choice—it was a calling

  • Admitting that being your own worst critic can hold you back

  • Breaking down the reality of "balance" in a high-performance career

  • The truth about AI and why human connection still dominates

 


 

Connect with Jacquelyn

 

 


 

Call The Damn Leads

"By sales professionals, for sales professionals — Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries."

Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey.

Your weekly dose of:
🔥 Wild Sales Stories
📈 Proven Tactics
😂 Humor
🧠 Expert Insights

If you'd like to be a guest on the show, apply here:
https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

More on this: Jorge Chavez on why closing shouldn't be the goal. New here? Start with what Call The Damn Leads is.


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth showing up after you've already lost the deal?

Jacquelyn flew to Miami knowing the deal was gone, and won it back. Her logic: you have nothing to lose when it's already lost, so go all in. Show up, ask better questions, be present in the room. Most people quietly disappear after a no, which is exactly why showing up anyway lands so hard.

Is AI going to replace salespeople?

No, and Jacquelyn is blunt about why. AI is good at the work around the sale: research, notes, follow-up drafts, prep. It is not good at sitting across from someone who is nervous about spending money. The reps who win are the ones using it to buy back time, then spending that time on human contact.

Why is sales more like farming than hunting?

Because the deals worth having take seasons, not afternoons. Hunting is one kill and back to zero. Farming is planting, tending, and harvesting on a cycle you trust. Her point is that consistency beats intensity, and the reps who stay in touch through the quiet months are the ones with a pipeline when everyone else is starting from scratch.