Yes, and Marketing

In this episode of Practical Pivots, Mick Freeman, CEO of BEN Colorado, unveils the hidden challenges and untapped potential of startup ecosystems. Drawing from his diverse entrepreneurial background, Freeman candidly discusses the critical importance of bootstrapping until achieving true product market fit - which he defines simply as "somebody bought it twice" - and warns against premature fundraising that can dilute founders' equity. He reveals surprising insights about Colorado's unique collaborative startup culture, where entrepreneurs view the business landscape as an expandable pie rather than a zero-sum game. Freeman passionately advocates for entrepreneurs to break down their ego barriers and actively seek help, highlighting the mental health challenges in startup life and the transformative power of vulnerability. With provocative observations about leadership, financing strategies, and the psychological hurdles of scaling businesses, Freeman offers a raw, unfiltered look into the entrepreneurial journey that will resonate with founders navigating the treacherous waters of startup growth.About Mick Freeman, CEO & Executive Director, BEN ColoradoMick Freeman is a seasoned business leader, social entrepreneur, and strategic advisor with over six years of experience as a BEN volunteer across multiple programs. His experience spans the nonprofit, private, and public sectors, including startup, scale-up, turnaround, Fortune 500, nonprofits, and for-profit social enterprises.https://www.bencolorado.org/mick-freeman

In this episode of Practical Pivots, host Steve Pockross sits down with Harry Kraemer, Kellogg Professor at Northwestern University and former Baxter International CEO, to explore the critical importance of values-based leadership; especially in turbulent times like these. Kraemer shares his transformative approach to leadership, emphasizing four key principles: self-reflection, balanced perspective, true self-confidence, and genuine humility. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, he guides listeners on how to navigate complex business environments by staying true to core values, making difficult decisions with integrity, and understanding that leadership is less about technical skills and more about emotional intelligence, team building, and personal growth. This episode offers a compelling roadmap for leaders at any stage who want to lead with purpose and authenticity in today's challenging marketplace.About Harry Kraemer Harry Kraemer is a Professor of Leadership at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He's been named Professor of the Year multiple times, is the author of four best-selling leadership books, and is one of the most sought-after leaders in his field. He is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baxter International Inc., a $12 billion global healthcare company.From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadershiphttps://harrykraemer.org

In this episode, we talk with Mark Organ, who created not one, but two software categories: marketing automation at Eloqua and advocate marketing at Influitive. These days, he coaches founders through the highs and lows of category creation at Categorynauts — and he specializes in deeply insightful and contrarian takes. Mark explores the evolving landscape of AI and its potential impact on business and technology. Organ projects how AI will further transform software development, scientific research, and industry strategies. He offers a nuanced perspective on technological innovation, highlighting the importance of human insight alongside machine capabilities. With a focus on practical applications and future trends, Organ provides listeners with a strategic view of how AI could reshape product development, market creation, and professional skills. His key quote, "I'm excited about the next wave of software that really could not exist without AI," encapsulates the episode's forward-looking approach to technological innovation.About Mark Mark OrganCEO Coach at Categorynauts, Founding CEO of Influitive and Eloqua. Author of WSJ and Amazon best-seller The Messenger is the Message, and Co-Host of The Best Half Showhttps://www.categorynauts.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markorgan

Bob Wold, a first-time founder in his 40s, demystifies quantum computing and shares his unexpected journey from corporate retirement to tech innovation. Diving deep into the world of quantum technology, Bob explains how his company, Quantum Rings, is developing tools to make complex computing more accessible, while revealing the potential to revolutionize industries from healthcare to cybersecurity. Beyond the technical insights, Bob candidly discusses the challenges of startup life, the importance of personal fortitude, and how meditation helped him navigate the unpredictable entrepreneurial landscape. Join us for an inspiring conversation that proves it's never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue groundbreaking technological frontiers.https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealbobwoldhttps://www.quantumrings.com

In this episode of "Yes in Marketing," Steve sits down with Brook Critchfield from Plymouth Growth to explore the nuanced world of growth equity investing. Brooke reveals how his firm uniquely serves founder-led B2B software companies stuck between venture capital and private equity, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional funding models. With engaging sports metaphors and insights from her Midwestern roots, she shares her approach to identifying promising companies, supporting founders through growth challenges, and creating sustainable business strategies. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on startup scaling, the importance of mentorship, and how innovative investment firms are reimagining support for emerging tech companies.Brook Critchfield Linkedinplymouthgp.com

Joe Eandi, a partner at the Cyber Mentor Fund, shares invaluable insights with Steve on building successful startups. He emphasizes the often under-the-radar traits for building he sees as keys to success, like the importance of "market permission" and niche expertise, as well as strategies for cultivating high-performing founding teams. Eandi's seasoned perspective as a venture capitalist, former CEO and tech executive, and attorney combine with his uniquely thoughtful perspective to create a roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the dynamic and profitable startup landscape.

In this episode, Kyle Shannon, a leading expert on AI and creativity, discusses the transformative impact of AI on storytelling and the creative process. He shares his "holy crapification" moments with AI and explains why embracing these tools can actually enhance creativity rather than replace it.Kyle ShannonFounder & CEO: StoryvineCo-Founder & President: AI SalonCreator & Host: AI Learning Lab (TikTok)Author: Collective Intelligence in the Age of AI & AI Futures: An AnthologyQuantum CipherSydney, An Artificial Love Story PodcastSydney Soundtrack Preview

In the first episode of the rebooted podcast, business coach Eric Marcoullier shares his expertise on innovation and startup growth. He discusses navigating funding cycles, the significance of curiosity, and his coaching methods for CEOs facing economic challenges. www.marcoullier.comwww.linkedin.com/in/obviousstartupadvice

Devin Bramhall and Margaret Kelsey, the co-hosts of Don't Say Content, bring their frank perspectives to bear on everything from how we should be measuring brand marketing, to the uncanny valleys of AI, to why marketers need to stop blaming their orgs.

Suneet is an industry veteran who has led marketing teams, successfully earned B Corp certifications, and dabbled in venture capital.  This conversation is a masterclass on what positive, effective leadership looks like in the current age. 

4x CMO and current Chief Marketing Officer at Rembrand, Cory Treffiletti joined Yes, and Marketing for a deep dive into the ways AI is influencing his data-driven storytelling approach. (Plus, some tough love for execs, a look at his must-try AI tools, and a few life lessons we can all learn from.)

As CEO of Volume 9, a Denver-based marketing agency, Natalie Henley stays on the ball when it comes to marketing trends to follow (and which ones are just passing fads.) Tune in to hear how her agency approaches the AI revolution and prioritizes winning organic traffic for their clients in an ever-evolving landscape by keeping it old-school.

Ty Magnin, CEO of Animalz, isn't interested in pretending to be Nostradamus. The marketing world is constantly evolving, so rather than try to predict the future, he's changing with it. Hear how he and the Animalz team are adjusting their strategies for success, finding inventive ways to incorporate AI into their workflows, and exploring distribution channels beyond SEO to cultivate results for their clients. 

Co-founder of the Content Marketing Institute, current Chief Troublemaker at The Content Advisory, and author of Content Marketing Strategy: Harness the Power of Your Brand's Voice, Robert Rose is a marketing powerhouse. This bona fide industry legend digs into how we should be using AI to create profitable workflows, the impact of AI on search and SEO, and how brand influences our content strategies. 

CEO of Agency Management Institute Drew McLellan brings over thirty years of expertise to dive deep into how agencies are finding success in the current economic climate by deploying AI in inventive ways. 

Leading AI ethicist Olivia Gambelin shares insights on the adoption of generative AI, how synthetic data preserves the privacy of the public, and the strategic development and implementation of AI as it impacts marketers. 

Greg Head, who has spent the past 30 years leading, growing, and advising software companies, shares why VC funding is misunderstood and over-prescribed, how AI will change the future of marketing, and explains the world of practical founders.

Caitlin Bartley, CEO of female-only marketing agency cred, shares her approach to digging deep with clients, the importance of staying flexible, and how to find creative solutions in the wild world of PR and event marketing.

Ken "Magma" Marshall, Chief Growth Officer at RevenueZen, explains the secret sauce of B2B growth, how he transitioned from entrepreneur to agency owner to agency seller, and how to achieve legitimate fame on LinkedIn.

Gordon Boyes, CEO of Concept3D, shares learnings from his "three and several halves" CEO gigs, including how to choose career opportunities that play to your strengths and how to manage long sales cycles.

As host of the Marketing Book Podcast, Doug shares his picks for the best marketing books of 2022, including the best books to read during a recession and some classics we can all read again.

Lily explains how brands of different sizes should be thinking about EAT, what SEOs have deciphered from Google patents, and the new search technologies she's most excited about.

Pearl discusses the current state and future of content marketing, the challenges of building YMYL content at scale, how CEOs can prioritize tasks to better achieve growth, and offers advice for aspiring leaders.

Rachel discusses leading tech startups, investing strategies, writing her memoir, the importance of process, and how lessons from all these activities have made her a better marketer.

Ashley shares what it took to turn Cuties into a lunchbox phenomenon, plus other strategies for marketing commodities from her experience heading marketing at brands like The Wonderful Company and SunFed Ranch.

The president of Applied Brand Science shares what every brand's buyer distribution looks like and most common mistakes we make with consumer research.

Hope shares what marketing teams are getting wrong with video marketing today, how to prepare for the future of video marketing, and the best part of having a co-founder at video marketing firm Lemonlight.

Andrea explains the seven values of agile marketing and the philosophy behind AgileSherpas. She also shares how Eminem helped her become an entrepreneur.

Paddy shares the biggest trends in link-building today, what agencies need to be doing differently, and what he's learned as the co-founder of superstar agency Aira.

David Cancel of Drift, Peep Laja of Wynter, Chris Savage of Wistia, Niel Robertson of Influence.co, Stephen Lease of Goodr, Gary Swart, formerly of Upwork, Shafqat Islam of NewsCred, Sean Griffey of Industry Dive, Vaibhav Jain of Hublio, Rand Fishkin of Sparktoro, Jimmy Daly of Superpath, and Eric Remer of EverCommerce share wisdom of all sorts based on their experiences as founders and CEOs.

As a DEI+ expert, Ashley shares what she's seeing companies get right (and wrong) with equity and inclusion initiatives. She also explains why perfectionism is a product of white supremacy culture.

The co-founder of Impact Museums explains how Ticketmaster's best-selling event of 2021 came to be and forecasts future trends in immersive entertainment.

The founder of EverCommerce shares his lessons from various stages of startup growth, how he knew it was time to start acquiring other businesses, and what it takes to market to SMBs.

As the founder of CMO Huddles and award-winning agency Renegade, Drew shares the four characteristics of successful CMOs, the conversation to have with your CFO, and how to make a rebrand stick.

Amanda explains how to create newsworthy content and breaks down the role of earned media and PR, based on her experience as a journalist and as head of marketing at Stacker.

Author and professor Nancy Lee shares what social marketing is, how most government agencies could be doing it better, and some of the toughest campaigns she's worked on to influence public behavior.

Hawke Media founder Erik talks TikTok over Facebook, explains the key to marketing to Gen Z, and gives advice for wannabe agency owners.

Evelyn explains what brand adolescence is, how to identify the symptoms, and how to navigate it successfully.

Andy Crestodina, Tim Riesterer, Ashley Faus, Dave Kellogg, Cassidy Shield, Rand Fishkin, Ritesh Patel, Sean Griffey, Denise and Jim Franklin, Doug Kessler, Kait Creamer, and Melanie Deziel take down some of marketing's most accepted wisdom.

The Franklins explain what they look for when investing in a startup. They also share the structure for their own marriage OS and why marriage offsites should be a thing.

Dan talks growth strategies, innovation, and why most brands aren't as special as they think. He also shares the most important job a marketer has.

Lee explains why prospecting isn't dead and shares the one opportunity 99.99% of salespeople miss, with insights from his bestselling book, Sell Different!

Doug explains why the stakeholder problem isn't real and why vanity metrics are good. He also talks ecosystem marketing, agency accountability, and the rise of sessionized content.

Author Christina del Villar explains how to have a more effective and influential marketing career through her G.R.I.T. methodology.

Joe shares the most successful piece of content he created at Contently, how he's approaching a new space in his role at A.Team, and the number one ingredient for effective content.

Dan shares examples of customer experience done right, how to approach CX, and how it's tied to employee experience with insights from his bestselling book, The Experience Maker.

Vaibhav explains the story behind Hubilo's event management platform, what the future of virtual events looks like, and how event marketing is shifting from branding to demand gen.

Atul breaks down the most common lie marketers tell and explains the role of both emotions and reason in marketing, with insights from his book "Lies, Damned Lies, and Marketing."

Industry Dive co-founder and CEO Sean breaks down marketing lessons from a media company, the problem with precision marketing, and the blessing (and curse) of bootstrapping.

Former oDesk (now Upwork) CEO Gary Swart explains the formula for a successful marketplace, predicts the future of workplaces, and shares his approach to investing.

Rachael Shayne, Chris Savage, Steve Pockross, Liz Giorgi, Jamie Bennett, Justine Jordan, Devin Bramhall, and Stephen Lease share insights on how to turn your people and culture into your greatest asset.