E35: Building a Multi-Product Platform with Seismic’s CRO, Hayden Stafford

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This is a podcast episode titled, E35: Building a Multi-Product Platform with Seismic’s CRO, Hayden Stafford. The summary for this episode is: <p>In this episode, Kyle Norton sits down with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenestafford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hayden Stafford</a>, President and CRO at Seismic, to unpack what it really takes to transform a company from a single-product business into a true multi-product platform. Drawing from his experience leading global teams at Microsoft and now steering Seismic toward half a billion in ARR, Hayden shares the go-to-market, organizational, and cultural changes required to make the shift. From overhauling sales motions and enablement to building a value consulting function and rethinking partnerships, Hayden offers a candid look at the challenges and breakthroughs behind Seismic’s platform evolution.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Thanks for tuning in! New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast drop every Wednesday.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Don’t miss GTM2025 — the only B2B tech conference exclusively for GTM executives. Elevate your 2026 strategy and join us from September 23 to 25 in Washington, D.C. <a href="https://attendgtm.com/register?promo=TOPLINE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Use code TOPLINE for 10% off your GA ticket.</a></p><p><br></p><p>Stay ahead with the latest industry developments and emerging go-to-market trends with Topline Newsletter by Asad Zaman. <a href="https://www.joinpavilion.com/topline-newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe today</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.joinpavilion.com/topline-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tune into Topline Podcast</a>, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech hosted by Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.</p><p><br></p><p>You’re invited!<a href="https://www.joinpavilion.com/topline-slack" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Join the free Topline Slack channel</a> to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Moments:</strong></p><p>(00:00) Introduction</p><p>(03:06) Understanding the Transition from Product to Platform</p><p>(05:47) Seismic's Evolution: From Content Automation to Comprehensive Platform</p><p>(09:03) The Role of Enablement in Sales Success</p><p>(11:55) Strategic Decisions: Joining Seismic and Transforming the Company</p><p>(14:53) Navigating the Go-to-Market Strategy for Multi-Product Companies</p><p>(17:55) Building a Strong Ecosystem for Platform Success</p><p>(20:59) Partner Selection and Metrics for Success</p><p>(23:56) Final Thoughts on Platform Strategy and Future Directions</p><p>(40:20) Navigating Pricing and Business Value</p><p>(45:04) The Importance of Value Continuum</p><p>(47:55) Transitioning to Platform Positioning</p><p>(55:01) Engaging with CROs and Sales Leaders</p><p>(01:00:57) Common Pitfalls in Platform Transformation</p><p>(01:08:47) Lessons from Past Experiences</p>

DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Kyle Norton sits down with Hayden Stafford, President and CRO at Seismic, to unpack what it really takes to transform a company from a single-product business into a true multi-product platform. Drawing from his experience leading global teams at Microsoft and now steering Seismic toward half a billion in ARR, Hayden shares the go-to-market, organizational, and cultural changes required to make the shift. From overhauling sales motions and enablement to building a value consulting function and rethinking partnerships, Hayden offers a candid look at the challenges and breakthroughs behind Seismic’s platform evolution. 


Thanks for tuning in! New episodes of The Revenue Leadership Podcast drop every Wednesday. 


Don’t miss GTM2025 — the only B2B tech conference exclusively for GTM executives. Elevate your 2026 strategy and join us from September 23 to 25 in Washington, D.C. Use code TOPLINE for 10% off your GA ticket.


Stay ahead with the latest industry developments and emerging go-to-market trends with Topline Newsletter by Asad Zaman. Subscribe today.


Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech hosted by Sam Jacobs, AJ Bruno, and Asad Zaman.


You’re invited! Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast!


Key Moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:06) Understanding the Transition from Product to Platform

(05:47) Seismic's Evolution: From Content Automation to Comprehensive Platform

(09:03) The Role of Enablement in Sales Success

(11:55) Strategic Decisions: Joining Seismic and Transforming the Company

(14:53) Navigating the Go-to-Market Strategy for Multi-Product Companies

(17:55) Building a Strong Ecosystem for Platform Success

(20:59) Partner Selection and Metrics for Success

(23:56) Final Thoughts on Platform Strategy and Future Directions

(40:20) Navigating Pricing and Business Value

(45:04) The Importance of Value Continuum

(47:55) Transitioning to Platform Positioning

(55:01) Engaging with CROs and Sales Leaders

(01:00:57) Common Pitfalls in Platform Transformation

(01:08:47) Lessons from Past Experiences