ABOUT THIS EPISODE
When U.S. startups look to expand into EMEA, they often bring the same playbook that worked back home — and hit a wall fast.
Get the main episode https://youtu.be/5t8ZUiwbxvY?si=3UsxdHQi29bT6O5e
In this Best Bits episode, Kevin Shirley (former RVP EMEA at Udemy and senior sales leader at LinkedIn, Lattice, and more). Now leading Enterprise Sales and Partnerships for Goodwall.
In this conversation he shares the overlooked mistakes U.S. companies make when entering Europe — from underestimating cultural nuance to overpromising results without real local investment.
We unpack:
– Why strong brand presence in the U.S. means nothing in Europe
– The false confidence that kills runway in new markets
– How to align marketing, CS, and sales for true EMEA traction
– Why you must localize far beyond language
– And how international career moves can transform both your leadership and your life
Whether you're a founder thinking about global expansion or a go-to-market leader preparing to launch a new region, this conversation is packed with first-hand lessons you’ll want before making the leap.
Listen now. Learn from someone who’s actually done it.
Connect with Kevin on LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-shirley-37518b7/
Follow Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwash/
Read Richard’s Newsletter Growth Magnet: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7083793079794556928
Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond tactics — and into what makes the people who build startups tick.
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