From Rejection to Connection: How AI Is Changing Sales for Good [Podcast]

When I spoke with Carole Mahoney on the Prompted: Builder Stories podcast, I was struck by her transformative journey from a sales skeptic to a passionate advocate. Her story is not just about sales; it's about redefining what it means to connect with others, solve problems, and use AI to enhance human potential.

Carole’s journey began during the 2007 recession. Laid off from her corporate job, she faced a crossroads. “I believed marketing would replace sales. I hated the idea of sales,” she confessed. This sentiment is relatable to many who view sales as a necessary evil rather than a noble pursuit. Yet necessity drove her to confront her aversion. As her marketing agency struggled, she realized that mastering sales was essential for survival.

Her breakthrough came during a pivotal job interview. Faced with a choice between self-interest and honesty, Carole chose the latter. She advised the interviewer to hire someone else better suited for the role. This act of integrity led to referrals that saved her business. It was a revelation: “It’s about how do I help you solve a problem? And if I’m not the right fit, then I refer you to someone else who I know can.”

Redefining the Meaning of Sales

That experience became the foundation of her philosophy. Carole’s realization that “sales skills are life skills” transformed her perspective. Sales became a means to foster genuine connections and facilitate change. Her book, Buyer First, encapsulates this philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding behavior change in both salespeople and buyers.

Carole believes that effective sales is about empathy, curiosity, and helping others make confident decisions. She often says that good salespeople are good humans first. This mindset shift, seeing sales as a form of service, has shaped everything she has built since founding Unbound Growth.

Using AI to Humanize Sales

Carole has harnessed AI to scale her sales methodology, creating tools that help salespeople prepare for conversations by generating tailored questions and strategies. “Do they know what to do? Can they do it? And then will they do it in the moment?” she explained, highlighting the essential components of effective training.

She built an AI agent designed to streamline preparation, integrating with platforms like HubSpot to provide seamless support. This tool empowers salespeople to engage more meaningfully with clients, freeing them from repetitive administrative tasks. It's a clear example of how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human capabilities.

A Vision for Technology and Humanity

Reflecting on the broader implications of AI, Carole envisions a future where technology supports mental and emotional wellbeing. “AI is allowing us to really go back to our roots of what made humanity, humanity,” she said. By automating mundane tasks, AI can give people the freedom to focus on what truly matters, human connection and self care.

She believes that as AI takes over administrative work, emotional intelligence and presence will become even more valuable. Her mission is to create tools that give people time back to think, connect, and live better lives, both personally and professionally.

Empowering Through Connection

Carole Mahoney’s journey is a powerful reminder that sales, at its core, is about empathy and problem solving. Her mission to change the perception of sales is driven by a desire to empower individuals with the skills to design their own lives. “Nothing comes into the world, nothing happens into the world until someone makes a sale,” she asserted, underscoring the fundamental role of sales in driving progress.

As she continues her work, Carole aims to extend her training to women and individuals in challenging situations, giving them the tools to achieve financial independence and personal growth. Her story illustrates the potential of sales, and AI, to enrich lives, foster meaningful connections, and create a future where technology and humanity thrive together.