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Embedded Influence: Redefining the Role of the Partner Leader | Will Taylor | S4:E12
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Here are the core areas we discuss in today's episode:
1: The Real Job of a Partner Leader? Influence Without Authority
Will opens the conversation with a truth many avoid: partnership leaders often lack direct power, but are still expected to drive revenue. That makes influence your #1 skill.
“You’re influencing across all departments, but none of those people report to you.”
He shares how he’s learned to build cross-functional trust, educating teams about partner value without becoming “just another ask.”
2: Partnerships Aren’t Handoffs. They’re Embedded
Too many orgs treat partnerships as one-off handoffs or referral moments. Will makes the case for embedded partnerships, where product, content, enablement, and sales are all part of the design.
“It’s not about throwing a deal over the fence. It’s: how do we build this together?”
He challenges partner pros to think end-to-end, not just where the partner comes in, but how the entire buyer and user experience is shaped by the partnership.
3: Kill the Funnel. Think in Loops.
One of the biggest mindset shifts Will pushes is moving from linear funnel thinking to flywheel and loop thinking. A partner might first come in through content, then influence a customer renewal, then become a co-marketing advocate.
“You can’t measure that in a traditional CRM. But it’s driving value across the lifecycle.”
This is where partnerships shift from being a side channel to being a strategic multiplier across marketing, sales, and success.
4: The Power of Showing Up Authentically
Will also shares why authentic visibility matters more than polished content or automation hacks. His presence on LinkedIn wasn’t planned—it grew from being real, consistent, and helpful.
“I just started showing up consistently, sharing the things I was learning… and that built trust.”
He encourages partner leaders to stop worrying about perfect positioning and start building presence by being useful in public.
5: Strategic Partner Enablement: Beyond Toolkits
Will outlines why partner enablement is not about decks and battlecards—it’s about alignment, feedback, and iterative motion design.
“Enablement is a two-way street. If partners aren’t using what you give them, it’s your fault, not theirs.”
He suggests thinking of enablement like product development: validate the need, build small, and improve with partner feedback.
Final Thoughts:Will Taylor delivers a fresh take on partnerships—one rooted in empathy, strategy, and influence.
For any GTM or RevOps leader building an ecosystem motion, this episode is a reminder to slow down, go deeper, and architect partnerships into the core of your customer journey.
Learn more at www.forceandfrictionpodcast.com
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