Solution Heroes

Solution Heroes: Hannah Bloking on Building AI-First Solutions Teams

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:24:11 +0000

In this episode of Solution Heroes, Chris Mabry sits down with Hannah Bloking, Senior Manager of Applied AI Acceleration SAs at AWS, to explore how AI is transforming the role of presales and Solutions Engineering. Hannah shares why every SE needs to become an AI practitioner, how teams can realistically integrate AI into daily workflows, and the biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AI at scale. This conversation is packed with practical insights for SE leaders navigating AI-driven change.

Solution Heroes: Michael Townsend on Building Great Presales Teams

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:15:29 +0000

In this Solution Heroes episode, Chris Mabry talks with Michael Townsend, Senior Director of Solution Engineering at Egnyte, about building high-performing pre-sales teams and adapting to an AI-driven future. Michael shares his “Four C’s” hiring framework and insights on aligning people, tools, and curiosity to meet modern buyer expectations.

Solution Heroes: Yuji Higashi on Navigating SE Careers

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 20:24:32 +0000

In this episode of Solution Heroes, Yuji Higashi (Co-Founder of Better Career and PreSales Collective) joins Chris Mabry to unpack what it takes to thrive in today’s SE job market. From breaking down trends across IC, leadership, and entry-level roles, to making AI fluency a career must-have, to the power of genuine networking, Yuji shares practical strategies for standing out, negotiating comp with confidence, and building a sustainable long-term career in Solutions Engineering.

Solution Heroes: Rachel Tilghman on The Future of Solutions Consulting

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:43:06 +0000

In this episode of Solution Heroes, Rachel Tilghman (Senior Area Vice President of Solutions Consulting, Americas at Braze) joins Chris Mabry to explore the future of Solutions Engineering. From navigating change management with empathy, to measuring success beyond revenue, to blending creativity with technical depth, Rachel shares how SEs can become true consensus-builders in today’s complex buying landscape.

Solution Heroes: Christina Trapolino on Why AI Won’t Replace Humans in Solutions Engineering

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 20:59:16 +0000

On this episode of the Solution Heroes series, Chris Mabry interviews Christina Trapolino, Director of Field Strategy at Lattice. They dig into the limitations of AI in presales, what the human side of being a Solutions Engineer actually looks like, and why SEs shouldn't be afraid of automation if they focus on what machines can't do.

Solution Heroes: Rachel Lo on Redefining the SE Role

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:47:40 +0000

In this episode of Solution Heroes, Rachel Lo (Head of Solutions, Americas at Shopify) sits down with Chris Mabry to challenge the status quo of Solutions Engineering. From individual compensation to redefining the SE role as a strategic advisor, Rachel shares bold insights on how to elevate your SE team into a true revenue-driving force.

Solution Heroes: Sara Jones on Why Human Connection Still Wins

Fri, 23 May 2025 20:50:25 +0000

In this episode of Solution Heroes, Chris Mabry sits down with Sara Jones, Global VP of Solutions at Sitecore, to explore how human connection still wins in Solutions Engineering. Sara shares how in-person moments build trust, why SEs must become business storytellers, and how shifting the SE role from support to strategy drives real customer impact.

Solution Heroes: Gregg Aldana on Ushering in a New Era of Solutions Consulting

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:06:13 +0000

In the second episode of the Solution Heroes series, Chris Mabry interviews Gregg Aldana, Vice President, Head of Global Solutions Consulting at Appian.

Solution Heroes: Ron Whitson on How SEs Can Influence Revenue

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:08:17 +0000

In the first episode of the Solution Heroes series, Chris Mabry interviews seasoned presales leader, author and speaker Ron Whitson.