AI's Next Leap: From Build to Service Mentality

Oct 11, 2026 · Topline
🎧 PodShort 33 min squeezed to 2 AI SprinklerAS Sales Tech New
Episode artwork
Amy Connery
SVP of Customer Innovation at Zora
Sam Jacobs
Host at Topline
Topline
33 min squeezed to 2
Full episode from Topline
Quotable Moments

For those of us who've been around for a while, you can see that this is potentially a house of cards that is going to fall.

Amy ConnerySVP of Customer Innovation at Zora
00:02

I'm a tech optimist, uh, today we're gonna be looking at, uh, you know, the future of SaaS and, uh, I think that it's gonna be awesome, but I think that it is also going to destroy humanity.

Amy ConnerySVP of Customer Innovation at Zora
10:59
Key Insights
  • The early SaaS model, with upfront perpetual licenses and annual maintenance fees, was extractiv e because companies often struggled to derive value from the software.
  • The term 'SaaS' (Software as a Service) was coined by identifying companies that delivered software over the cloud, paid for over time, with revenue recognized over time, distinguishing it from the traditional license model.
  • The shift to SaaS was driven by the need for a more flexible and scalable business model for both customers and providers, moving away from the costly and often ineffective perpetual license model.
  • The current AI era requires a shift from a 'build' mentality to a 'service' mentality, where businesses focus on customer outcomes and adaptability rather than rigid, upfront solutions.
  • While AI offers immense potential, its development and adoption must be guided by ethical considerations and a focus on human-centric outcomes to avoid negative societal impacts.
  • The distinction between 'activity' and 'leverage' is crucial for businesses in the AI era, as true value comes from effectively using AI to achieve desired outcomes, not just engaging with the technology.
  • The growth of AI is rapid and unpredictable, making it essential for businesses to remain agile and adaptable, focusing on flexibility and customer-centricity rather than rigid, long-term plans.
  • Future AI leaders will need to be proficient in AI, possess strong communication skills, be adaptable, and understand how to build sustainable businesses that balance revenue generation with customer value.
Metrics Mentioned
  • $40 million (Estimated revenue for the first SaaS forecast discussed by Amy Connery.)

RevBots.ai View:

  • AI Sprinkler stage often bolts AI onto existing workflows without transformation.
  • Moving to ARM requires AI orchestration focused on customer outcomes.
  • Ethical AI adoption is crucial for long-term ARM maturity.
  • Flexibility and adaptability are hallmarks of ARM-ready businesses.
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