2026 Mood of the Sales Leader
What’s really happening in the New Zealand sales landscape right now? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Stokes, CEO and founder of Indicator, to unpack the latest insights from his research into sales leaders across New Zealand and Australia. Mike shares what the data is revealing about growth, performance, and the challenges businesses are facing in a tougher economic environment.
We explore why the past year has been one of the most difficult in nearly a decade, what’s driving longer sales cycles and increased competition, and why price has emerged as a critical factor in winning and losing deals. Mike also dives into the impact of reduced investment in sales, marketing, and technology, alongside the growing use of AI and what it is (and isn’t) delivering for sales teams. Whether you're in sales, marketing, or leadership, this conversation offers practical insights to help you adapt, stay competitive, and navigate an uncertain year ahead.
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
Connect with BlueOcean on LinkedIn














































