Advisory and coaching
Go-to-market and sales strategy, market penetration, deal and conference prep, and weekly coaching for founders and sales teams.
Monthly retainerLet’s build revenue that lasts.
I help education, technology, and services companies find new paths to growth, turn them into revenue, and build the systems to scale.
Hi, I’m Clayton
I’ve spent 17 years on every side of revenue: founder, operator and the person in the room closing the deal. I build the system, then help you win the deals that matter.
17Years building + scaling high-growth organizations
$10MBuilt Circa from $0 to $10M ARR, exited in 2020
$0–50MExperience as founder and operator
Work
How we can work together
Fractional revenue leadership
I design the revenue engine and lead it part time: ICP, sales motion, qualification, forecasting, and the foundation your first full-time revenue hire walks into.
Monthly retainerGrowth pod
When the goal needs more capacity than my hours, I assemble and run a small team: revenue strategy, brand and demand, and a BD operator who owns outreach and discovery.
Quarterly · retainer plus performanceCustom engagement
Every business is at a different stage. I’m flexible in how I work, and we can shape the scope, time commitment, and retainer around what your growth actually needs.
Custom scopeHow I work
What you get when you work with me.
Complex sales are my home field.
17 years of university committees, procurement reviews and fiscal-year calendars. I know how to find the people who actually decide and get them in the room.
I’ve done the job myself.
I built Circa from $0 to $10M with no outside money. I know what it’s like when payroll depends on this quarter’s deals, and I advise with that in mind.
I only say yes when I can see the value.
If I don’t see where I can make a real difference, I’ll tell you on the first call. I’d rather pass than take a project I can’t move.
I’ll push back, respectfully.
Good advice sometimes means questioning the plan. I do it directly and with respect. It’s the same way I sell: challenge the thinking, earn the trust, get the deal done.
Organized, and measured on results.
Every engagement starts with a written scope, clear owners and a scoreboard. Then I look for the extra things that move it further.
AI where it earns its place.
I use AI every day to prepare better and work faster. I’m careful about where it goes.
Experience
Full time
- CurrentZiplines EducationVP, Partnerships + Growth
- PreviousArcher EducationEVP, University Partnerships + Board Observer
- PreviousCirca InteractiveCo-founder and CRO, acquired 2020
Consulting practice
- Cabrillo Growth StudioFounder, advisory
- Firstlight VenturesAI Consultant
Next step
Have something you’re trying to figure out?
I’m always happy to compare notes. Tell me what you’re working on, and we’ll see if there’s an opportunity to work together.