246: What Elite Sales Reps Do That AI Can Never Replace | John Barrows
John Barrows, globally renowned B2B sales leader, CEO of JB Sales, and host of Make It Happen Mondays, joins Damon Lembi for an unfiltered, high-energy conversation on what separates top-performing sales reps from everyone else—especially in an AI-powered world. With more than 25 years at the forefront of sales innovation, John shares what AI will automate, what it can’t replace, and why skills like curiosity, business acumen, and empathy matter now more than ever. From full-cycle selling to personal branding, point-of-view prospecting, and mastering the fundamentals, this episode delivers a roadmap for staying relevant, indispensable, and deeply human in the future of sales.
Read the full breakdown of John Barrows’ episode on Learnit.
Key Leadership Lessons from John Barrows’ Journey:
AI exposes average reps: The top 20% stand out through business acumen, curiosity, and genuine human connection.
Full-cycle selling is the future: Modern reps must master the entire sales process—not just one slice.
Authenticity wins: Scripts don’t sell—real, thoughtful, researched conversations do.
Build your personal brand: In today’s crowded landscape, visibility and credibility are non-negotiable.
AI is a superpower, not a threat: Use it for research, prep, and insight—but let human judgment lead the deal.
Connect with John Barrows:
Website: JB Sales
LinkedIn: John Barrows
Podcast: Make It Happen Mondays
YouTube: John Barrows Channel
John is one of the world’s foremost B2B sales trainers, having coached thousands of sales leaders from companies like Salesforce, Google, and LinkedIn. With 400,000+ LinkedIn followers and decades of hands-on experience, he’s known for practical, no-BS advice rooted in real-world selling.
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