Robert Herbst
Sales Force Development Expert | Author | Speaker
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Transform Your Sales Force from Good to Exceptional
Rob Herbst is the Founder and President of Progressive Achievement Associates Ltd., where he has driven transformative growth for over 34 years. As the creator of SpireSelling, Rob specializes in elevating traditional sales teams into high-performing sales practitioners equipped for the modern business landscape.
With a proven track record of achieving 4-10x sales growth for industry leaders including Cargill, Pattison Agriculture, DuPont, Corteva, and HJ Heinz, Rob brings unparalleled expertise in sales force development. He's guided hundreds of sales professionals from entry-level positions to executive leadership, fundamentally reshaping careers and lives.
Rob is the author of two influential books: Cheating Death and Spire Sales Culture: Your Guide to Developing a Thriving B2B Sales Force. His work addresses the critical shift in modern sales—from transactional selling to complex problem-solving and relationship building.
35+
Years of Experience
Leading sales transformation
3K+
Professionals Trained
Across multiple industries
2,920+
Social Media Reach
Growing community
Expert Topics & Speaking Opportunities
Robert is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest who delivers actionable insights on the evolution of sales in the modern era. His expertise spans critical industry challenges and future-focused strategies that resonate with sales leaders, practitioners, and organizational executives.
The Future of Sales in the Age of AI
How artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing sales, and what skills modern sales practitioners need to thrive in this new landscape.
From Salesperson to Sales Practitioner
The critical evolution of traditional sales roles into comprehensive practitioner positions that emphasize relational skills and complex problem-solving.
Building Thriving B2B Sales Forces
Proven strategies for developing high-performing sales teams, drawing on decades of experience achieving exponential growth across industries.
Mindset Management for Sales Success
Why managing mindset is more critical than ever for sustaining meaningful sales careers aligned with personal values and long-term goals.


Thought-Provoking Questions Robert Addresses
Which sales professionals are failing and which are thriving in today's market?
What exactly is a Sales Practitioner and why does this distinction matter?
How much profit are companies losing by not developing upper-end sales practitioners?
What are the real implications of AI and machine learning for sales professionals?
Will sales remain a meaningful profession in the future, and how must it evolve?
Why is the Adventurous Mindset essential for modern sales practitioners?
Ready to Book Robert for Your Show?
Availability & Contact
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Time Zone: Mountain Time (MTN)
Available Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM MTN
Professional Audio Quality Guaranteed
Robert uses professional Shure microphone equipment and premium earbuds for every podcast appearance, ensuring exceptional audio quality for your production.
SpireSelling Website - Online sales development platform
LinkedIn Profile - Professional network and insights
YouTube Channel - Sales training content

Perfect for: Sales podcasts, business leadership shows, career development programs, and industry conferences focused on the future of B2B sales and professional development.
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