Podcasts about growth engine

How do you move from shipping features to building a product vision that actually drives growth? In this podcast hosted by Huntress Director of Product Nisarg Desai, American Express Vice President of Product Management Jose Quesada shares how he approaches product vision and strategy for one of the world's most scaled B2C platforms. Jose breaks down the difference between vision and strategy, how to ground ambitious north stars in execution, and what it takes to turn product thinking into a durable growth engine.

Why Customer Experience Is Your Hidden Profit Center  Shep interviews Ty Givens, Founder of CX Collective. She talks about how contact centers can be transformed into growth engines by proactively addressing customer needs and empowering employees through training.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can frontline customer service representatives be empowered to act as the face of a brand?  How does training impact the effectiveness and efficiency of customer support teams?  What are the main benefits of proactive customer experience versus reactive customer service?  How can technology, such as AI, improve resolution times for common customer issues?  How can businesses educate customers to use digital support channels for faster issue resolution?  Top Takeaways:    Every employee interacting with a customer becomes the face of the company. Train employees on their role to represent and support the brand. When someone calls with a problem, regardless of who is at fault,  it is their responsibility to make things right and create a positive experience for the customer.   When you start using customer service as a listening tool, it stops being a cost and becomes a way to improve processes for employees and experiences for customers.   Feedback can be silent. Pay attention to what your customers are saying and what they are not saying. Sometimes, customers hint at underlying problems without saying it. Picking up on context and clues can help solve issues faster and even improve services in the future.   Customer service becomes proactive by paying attention to feedback and patterns that allow you can fix issues before the next customer gets upset. Pay attention to what features or products your customers love to use. Identify the features customers don't interact with so you can either improve them or focus your resources elsewhere.  A simple mistake, such as leaving an item out of an order, can lead to angry calls, extra costs to fix the problem, and even lost customers. Training employees to understand how their actions affect the entire customer journey helps reduce errors. Even small improvements can save costs and keep customers and employees happier.  Investing in your employees expands their capabilities in helping customers. Even thirty minutes spent learning a new skill or understanding a customer's needs, once every month or two, can save time and money in the long run.   Plus, Shep and Ty discuss more ways a call center can drive growth and revenue. Tune in!  Quote:   "In most companies, the customer service team is the only function that has direct, one-to-one conversations with customers. This makes them a powerful source of insight, not just from what customers say, but from what they don't say. Teach your team to actively listen, read between the lines, and recognize opportunities to improve the customer experience."  About:    Ty Givens is the founder of CX Collective. She helps leaders turn inefficient processes into reliable, human-centered systems that boost team productivity and customer loyalty.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Referrals are still the #1 growth channel in home services — but most contractors treat it like hope marketing.In this episode, John Wilson sits down with Murphy Nadauld (ReferPro) to break down how the best operators turn word-of-mouth into a systematic, trackable, ROI-positive referral engine.They unpack why 83% of customers are willing to refer, yet only 29% actually do — and the three levers that close the gap: awareness, attribution, and automated rewards.You'll learn how top HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and restoration companies:Activate referrals directly through technicians in the homeBuild a B2B “affiliate army” (realtors, plumbers, inspectors, restoration partners)Tier incentives by job value so referrals scale without blowing up CACUse attribution and automation to make referrals predictable — not randomIf you're a contractor owner who wants referrals on demand, not vibes, this episode is your blueprint.In This Episode, We Cover:The referral gap: why customers want to refer but don'tThe 3-part referral system: Awareness → Attribution → RewardsHow “power referrers” actually emerge (and why spend ≠ referrals)Technician-driven referrals: QR codes, NFC, truck signage, leave-behinds

Erika Flowers and Walt Shill sit down with Bill Green, former CEO and Chairman of Accenture, for a sharp, insight‑packed conversation on what truly drives growth in professional services. Bill shares lessons from leading Accenture through major expansion and crisis - revealing why relevance, top talent, and genuine ownership are the foundations of great firms. Together, they explore how to stay relentlessly client‑focused, avoid inward‑looking leadership, and master the art of “selling without selling.” A distilled dose of timeless guidance for leaders building durable, client‑centric organizations.

What if the platform you've been using casually is actually your most powerful growth engine?  In this episode, Mike sits down with Eli Igra Serfaty, co-founder and CEO of MAIA Digital, one of the world's leading LinkedIn growth agencies. MAIA helps B2B founders and executives turn visibility into real trust, relationships, and revenue. With a background in venture capital and deep roots in Israel's startup ecosystem, Eli brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how influence is actually built in today's professional world. Eli walks through his journey from venture capital at iAngels to founding MAIA Digital after spotting a critical gap: brilliant founders and executives were on LinkedIn, but they weren't truly using it. What began as a job-hunting platform has quietly evolved into one of the most powerful tools for credibility, connection, and long-term business growth, especially following Microsoft's acquisition, which fundamentally reshaped the ecosystem. This conversation goes far beyond tactics. Eli breaks down why visibility matters, why most people overthink posting, and how consistent, authentic engagement turns cold audiences into warm conversations. He explains what actually works on LinkedIn today, from content formats and storytelling to outreach strategies that build trust rather than burn bridges. You'll also hear practical guidance on using LinkedIn without letting it consume your life: what to do daily, weekly, and monthly to generate real returns. Eli shares why authenticity beats automation, why vulnerability builds stronger communities, and why playing the long game on LinkedIn pays off in ways most people underestimate.   IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️LINKEDIN REIMAGINED: How the platform evolved from job board to trust-building growth engine ➡️VISIBILITY WITHOUT PERFECTION: Why consistency beats overthinking and polished personas ➡️OUTREACH THAT ACTUALLY WORKS: Turning cold connections into warm, human conversations ➡️AUTHENTICITY THAT COMPOUNDS: Building long-term influence through real engagement and community  

Luke Harries is Head of Growth at ElevenLabs, where he leads marketing, product, engineering, and developer experience. ElevenLabs has raised $281M with the latest round pricing the company at a $6.6B valuation. Previously, Luke held roles at PostHog and Microsoft, and is also an angel investor supporting startups like Lovable and Runna. AGENDA:  The $6.6B Growth Engine Behind ElevenLabs Why Luke Said "No" to Investing in ElevenLabs (and Why He Was Wrong) How ElevenLabs Makes a Horizontal Product Strategy Work How to Build Sharded Growth Teams That Actually Scale The 7-Part Launch Playbook That Gets 700K+ Views Per Product The Truth About CAC, Payback, and Performance Marketing in AI SEO Isn't Dead: The Mini-Tool Strategy You Should Steal Kill Your Inbound SDRs—The Case for Voice AI in Sales Why You Don't Need PMs and the Rise of Growth-Led Product Teams    

Send us a textGrowth doesn't come from stacking more sheds on the lot; it comes from choosing the right model and building systems that make it work. We sat down to map how a shed business can hit a true 20% lift by aligning strategy with execution, from boutique marketing builds to smart, segmented lead funnels that guide buyers from curiosity to contract. Along the way, we break down why vertical, short‑form video wins on Reels, Shorts, and TikTok, and show how interest‑based algorithms reward clear hooks, tight loops, and real proof.We compare paths that both work: a display‑first, digital‑heavy approach using configurators, live video consultations, and fast scheduling versus a true super-lot model with deep selection and rapid delivery. The takeaway isn't either/or; it's fit and focus. Independent dealers can diversify with logical add‑ons to cover lot costs without muddying the brand, while manufacturers can back dealers with better creative, smarter funnels, and clean attribution. If you're wrestling with the dealer network question or wondering how much inventory you really need, you'll find practical ways to reduce risk and increase throughput.AI has a real role here. We share where it shines today—copy iterations, data analysis, and workflow automation—and where to keep a human hand on the wheel. Weekly consulting sprints on funnel design, monthly oversight, and a trusted partner bench help you launch systems that work on day one. Expect concrete moves: segment by use case, embed social proof, route leads intelligently, and track CPC, CPL, and CPA in one place. If your homepage is doing all the heavy lifting, it's time to evolve.Ready to build a system that matches your model? Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review with one question you want answered next. Then reach out at info@shedgeek.com to book a discovery call and start turning clicks into scheduled deliveries.For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Would you like to receive our weekly newsletter?  Sign up here.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.This episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Shed ProIdentigrowCardinal LeasingSolar Blaster

This week, we're joined by Liz Anthony, Chief of Staff at Halfdays, the fast-growing women's outdoor apparel brand redefining performance skiwear. Liz breaks down how Halfdays balances brand and performance marketing to scale a highly seasonal DTC business, including the role of founder-led content, creative diversity, and standout collaborations like HOKA in driving Q4 momentum.From there, the group digs into how the Chief of Staff role acts as a force multiplier across marketing, product, and strategy - pulling from Liz's consulting background to explore how strong operators create leverage in fast-moving brands.We wrap with a collaborative discussion on KPI ownership, dashboards, and forecasting, covering how teams use simple tools like Google Sheets to track leading indicators, align cross-functional teams, and connect marketing execution to real business outcomes.If you're scaling a seasonal brand, building cross-functional clarity, or trying to connect brand moments to measurable growth, this episode is packed with practical insight.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Find out more about the Halfdays brand in another MOperators Episode: How Halfdays Turned Community into a Growth Engine - with CEO Ariana FerwerdaChapters:00:00:00 – Introducing Liz and Halfdays' Brand Story00:03:10 – Finding Product-Market Fit in Women's Ski Wear00:08:00 – Expanding Beyond Ski: Year-Round and Omnichannel Growth00:13:30 – Defining “Her”: Core Customer, Persona, and Positioning00:19:00 – Chief of Staff Role: KPIs, Strategy, and Cross-Functional Glue00:24:10 – Liz's Operator Background and Translating Consulting Skills to DTC00:30:20 – Building the Team, Ownership Culture, and Management Style00:36:20 – Q4 and Black Friday: Hoka Collab, List Growth, and Demand00:44:30 – Content Engine, Community, and Always-On Brand Marketing00:52:30 – Channel Mix, Out-of-Home Bets, and Retargeting Strategy01:01:00 – 2026 Roadmap: New Franchises, Launch “Moments,” and Playbooks01:11:30 – Data Stack, KPIs, and Using Analytics to Drive DecisionsPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Send us a textThe shed business isn't simple anymore—and that's a good thing if you know how to harness it. We take you behind the scenes of our five-year arc, share the wins and stumbles that pushed us to relaunch Shed Geek Marketing, and get practical about what actually moves revenue when buyers start online and finish on their terms.We dig into a hard question that reshapes everything: what is a lead for your model? If you run a high-volume, SEO-driven engine, a name and phone number can be enough when you have a team ready to engage within minutes. If you're a lot-based closer handling walk-ins and custom builds, you need richer context at the first touch—budget, timeline, use, and site constraints. Either way, speed-to-lead matters, but so does tone. Reaching out in thirty seconds can feel helpful or pushy, and the difference is your script, your offer, and whether the buyer asked for that help.You'll hear how we're aligning marketing and sales in a 2025 reality: clean websites with analytics, 3D configurators that convert, buyer guides that educate without pressure, and CRMs that automate qualification while keeping humans available when stakes rise. We talk partner tools that make proof visible—local delivery maps, photo galleries, and reviews tied to neighborhoods—because credibility is a growth multiplier. We also get honest about dealer economics: margin is thin, so disconnected tools are expensive. That's why we moved away from a pure white-label model to manage the customer experience in-house, coordinate specialists, and make sure ads, pages, and follow-up all point to the same goal.If you sell sheds, you're guiding one of the biggest purchases your customer will make. Clarity wins: pricing that makes sense, financing and RTO explained in plain English, timelines you can keep, and support that's one click away by phone, text, or live video. Ready to rethink your funnel, define your lead, and build a system that closes more of the right buyers? Follow the show, share this with your team, and leave a review with the one change you'll make this week.For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Would you like to receive our weekly newsletter?  Sign up here.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.This episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Shed ProThree Oaks Trading CoShed ChallengerLuxGuard

“You make your money on the customer, not the acquisition.” In this episode, Sean sits down with Jordan, the media-buyer-turned-founder behind Instant Hydration, to unpack how he went from affiliate marketer—only eating what he killed—to helping scale multiple 8‑figure CPG brands into 9‑figure powerhouses using Meta ads, tight payback models, and a true growth engine mindset. They talk about why red‑ocean markets like electrolytes are actually a signal of demand, how to think about LTV, subscriptions and time-to-second-purchase, what really happens when a founder tries to steal your team, and the wild IP and trademark journey that led to the Instant Hydration brand.Chapters:00:00 – Cold open: “You make your money on the customer, not the acquisition”02:40 – Jordan's story: from almost-lawyer to Facebook affiliate marketer15:30 – Scaling 8‑figure CPG brands to 9‑figures with Meta ads28:10 – Why consumables, LTV and payback periods win over “one-and-done” products41:45 – The Instant Hydration origin story and trademark/IP battle55:20 – Building a true growth engine: subscriptions, email/SMS, and sending it on ad spendPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://bit.ly/9OP-YtdescRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

How can credit unions use CUSOs (credit union service organizations) and FinTech partnerships as intentional tools for growth instead of one-off “shiny object” deals? In this episode of C.U. On The Show, host Doug English talks with Capstone Strategic's John Dearing about approaching CUSOs and FinTechs with a proactive external growth strategy, deciding when to build, buy, or partner, and how collaboration can help credit unions pursue new opportunities.Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0ssPw7LmS-0Read the episode summary on the ACT Advisors Blog: How CUSOs and FinTech Partnerships Can Become a Powerful Growth Engine for Credit Unions | ACT Advisors

Home service owners are pouring money into marketing and still watching the call board swing from "overbooked" to "crickets." In this special Around the CAMPfire takeover on Can't Stop the Growth, CAMP Digital founder Katie Donovan sits down with Matt Murray, CMO and Head of Innovation at Peterman Brothers, to unpack how Peterman built a growth engine that actually matches demand to capacity. Matt shares how Peterman uses real-time data, capacity-aligned marketing, and tight alignment between operations and marketing to keep techs busy, CSRs confident, and ad spend pointed at the right services in the right markets. The conversation digs into brand, trust, community presence, and what it really looks like to scale from "just keep the board full" to a disciplined, repeatable growth system. For HVAC, plumbing, and trade leaders, this is a playbook for turning chaos into control: how to use capacity dashboards, speed-to-lead, and transparent scoreboards so the entire team knows the score and how to win. Matt also talks about shop tours, learning from other contractors, and why calm, clear leadership matters more as the business grows. Additional Resources: Connect with Matt Murray on LinkedIn  Learn more about the Peterman Brothers Connect with Katie Donovan on LinkedIn Follow Camp Digital on LinkedIn Learn more about Camp Digital Join The ARENA - a CSTG Community (powered by our media partner, PeopleForward Network) Subscribe to CSTG on YouTube! Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Marketing must match your actual capacity. Simple, visible data drives better daily decisions. Protect your speed-to-lead if you want to win more jobs. Brand is built through trust and community presence. Calm, clear leadership cuts through growth chaos. Learning from other shops shortens your path to scale.  

What does it take to scale a consulting firm internationally without external capital? In this episode, Joe O'Mahoney speaks with Olly Purnell, Managing Partner and co-founder of Q5, about how the firm grew from a five-person partnership to a global consultancy. With nearly 30 years of consulting experience, he leads client engagements across sectors while also focusing on attracting top talent to support Q5's growth in the UK, US, and Australia.Olly explains why Q5 moved away from an associate-heavy model, how they built a culture around organisational health, and how their internal tool—Org Maps—supports operating model work by analysing spans, layers, and resource allocation directly from client ERP data.They also discuss Q5's shift from a traditional partnership to a broader shareholder structure, the targeted mergers that helped them enter new markets, and the leadership decisions that preserved the team during COVID-19.Olly closes with insights into the future of consulting, the impact of AI, and Q5's focus on strengthening their tools and international footprint. In this episode, you will learn: How Q5 scaled from a small founding team to an international consultancyWhy the firm shifted from an associate-led model to full-time hiringWhat “organisational health” means in practice and how Q5 delivers itHow Org Maps supports operating model and workforce decisionsWhy Q5 moved from a partnership to a broader shareholder structureThe leadership decision that protected the firm during COVID-19How Q5 approaches growth, culture, and the future of consulting in an AI-driven eraThis conversation offers a clear look into how Q5 has grown, adapted, and defined its approach to organisational health. Olly's reflections on culture, structure, and leadership provide practical insights for any consultancy thinking about scale. We hope you found the discussion valuable and thought-provoking.Connect with Olly:Website: q5partners.comLinkedIn: Olly Purnell Send us a textProf. Joe O'Mahoney helps boutique consultancies scale and exit. Joe's research, writing, speaking and insights can be found at https://equitysherpa.com.

In part two of this powerful conversation, I'm back with Armon Aghaie as we shift the focus toward entrepreneurial growth, personal evolution, and purposeful work. Armon shares what it really takes to grow across different seasons—especially when that growth means changing industries, shedding old identities, and redefining success along the way. We explore the mindset shifts required to keep building while staying aligned, and how clarity, intention, and purpose have guided his journey through his 20s and 30s. If you're navigating a transition, questioning your next move, or feeling called to grow differently, this episode will speak directly to you.

On this week's episode, host Jess Gaedeke is joined by Brian Lechner, Senior Director of Category Leadership at Premier Nutrition, to unpack how the protein category defied traditional CPG rules to become a mass-market force, why retailers who “build it” are winning big, how innovation is shifting toward new formats and demand moments, and what GLP-1–driven behavior changes mean for the future of nutrition.

Andy Baldwin and Erika Flowers sit down with Lori Langholz, Partner and Chief Business Development Officer at BDO, to explore what drives growth in professional services. Lori shares her journey from teaching to leading business development, highlighting the qualities that set top performers apart and the importance of building trust—both internally and externally. She discusses the evolution of sales teams, the value of genuine curiosity, and lessons learned from scaling growth operations. Lori also reflects on how collaboration, adaptability, and clear leadership mandates shape success in complex organizations.

This episode introduces a groundbreaking theory on healthy friction and how controlled conflict strengthens teams, brains and culture. It lays out the exact steps leaders can take today to turn tension into innovation instead of fallout.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Are you looking for a way to tap into a whole new level of business momentum by leveraging the collective brainpower of other high-level entrepreneurs? Imagine unlocking a setup where you don't just grow your own business—you multiply wins by combining expertise, resources, and purpose with a squad of world-class players. Stick around, because I'm about to break down exactly how a syndicate mastermind model works, and how you can use it to make smarter decisions, expand your impact, and experience next-level business growth—without flying solo or settling for the usual mastermind routine.If you want to change the world, you're not going to do it going alone—find the right people and do it together.—Pedro JerezConversation Highlights:Discover how building a successful group coaching program can transform your business growth and client engagement.Unpack the syndicate mastermind model to unlock powerful collaborative decision-making and expand your network.Master strategies for filling marketing events that drive attendance and boost your brand visibility.Explore how creating shared infrastructure in business can streamline operations and multiply efficiency.Integrate charity into your business model to create meaningful impact while strengthening your brand's purpose.Resources:Connect with Pedro through LinkedIn to learn more about his work and the syndicate model.Reach out to Pedro at hello@madeventsmedia.com if you have questions about what he's doing or if he can help you.Watch more of Pedro's content to learn about his syndicate model and approach to masterminds.Attend events or masterminds where Pedro is featured to connect and learn from his expertise in the field.Unlocking syndicate mastermind power means harnessing collective intelligence for better decision-making and growth. This model brings together diverse entrepreneurs who collaborate, share insights, and challenge each other's thinking. As a result, participants can solve problems faster and access new opportunities through strong peer support. – – – – – – – – – – – – –

What does it take to transform IT from a bottleneck into a business accelerator? In this episode, Waco Bankston, Chief Information Officer at NiSource, shares how he's repositioning the IT organization to support growth, enable speed, and shift decades of technical and cultural inertia. Leading a 6.5-year enterprise transformation effort, Waco discusses the discipline required to modernize legacy systems while instilling a new execution culture. Key insights from the episode include: Building a modern tech foundation to support future acquisitions Restructuring outsourced/insourced IT mix through platform consolidation Shaping team behavior through leadership-by-experience Establishing unified governance across AI, cybersecurity, and innovation Leading with operational safety and customer-back design

Wil and Nicholas open by talking about “flowing like water” and how that mindset shows up in hospitality: staying adaptable, humble, and open. Nicholas traces his path from teaching skiing to unexpectedly building a career in enterprise software and QA with major pharma and tech companies, then starting a nonprofit, and finally helping open Feast Bistro in Bozeman. He describes the harsh reality of the first two years at Feast: the gap between fantasy and the P&L, mispriced menus, long hours, financial strain, and the grit required to survive COVID. What kept them afloat was humility, constant feedback from guests, and a deep belief that hospitality is about service, not ego.Those struggles led him to create Check This Out, a simple SMS-driven retention and word-of-mouth platform built first for Feast. Traditional marketing (direct mail, email, social) felt like guesswork because he couldn't track what actually drove revenue or distinguish new from returning guests. By counting every mailer and transcribing every comment card, he discovered that over 80% of guests came because someone they knew recommended Feast. That insight became the backbone of Check This Out: use SMS to bring guests back more often and amplify referrals with trackable, time-bound offers that clearly show who is driving traffic and sales. Throughout the episode, Nicholas emphasizes the same core ideas he's lived by: hospitality as service, learning over knowing, capital-efficient building, and using simple tools that actually work.10 Key Takeaways Hospitality is a gateway industry.Nicholas entered it through ski instruction and serving tables, learning empathy and customer focus, skills that shaped everything he's done since. Boredom fuels creativity.Long, quiet Vermont summers sparked the imagination that later helped him pivot careers and eventually become an entrepreneur. An unlikely path to restaurateur.Years in software QA taught him how to build systems that solve real user problems, experience that later informed Feast and Check This Out. Most pro formas are fantasy.Reality hits fast in restaurants: labor, food cost, pricing, and traffic rarely match projections, and the P&L forces honesty. Underpricing is a common early mistake.Feast discovered they were charging too little and had to adjust based on real customer behavior and feedback. Equity builds commitment.Giving chefs, GMs, and key partners skin in the game helped Feast survive the hardest stretches and come out stronger. Listening is everything.Nicholas embraces Kaizen and Deming's cycle: feedback from guests and staff only matters if you act on it without ego. Word-of-mouth is the true growth engine.His analysis showed 80%+ of guests came through personal recommendations, far more than any ad channel. SMS outperforms email and social.Near-100% open rates and fast response times mean campaigns drive real, trackable revenue, something other channels can't match. Check This Out delivers “butts in seats.”Restaurants use it to send compelling texts and let guests forward offers to friends, giving operators clear attribution and measurable ROI instead of guesswork.

Head of Global ABM & Campaigns at Datadog, Kevin Driscoll leads a global team driving pipeline through integrated, data-led programs. With experience at IBM and Anaplan, he blends demand generation, growth marketing, and competitive strategy to unite sales and marketing around impact. His focus on scalable personalization, creative testing, and bridging PLG and SLG motions has made him a leading voice in account-based growth.Watch this episode and learn:How Datadog evolved from PLG to a focused, account-based growth model.Why a “two-hat” ABM structure strengthens GTM alignment.What B2C-style creativity can teach B2B marketers about engagement.How AI enhances research and personalization while keeping ABM human-led.

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Jacob Parks, President of Profitable Ideas Exchange and author of The Growth Engine, about how professional services firms can drive sustained growth through structured client feedback systems. Jacob reveals that most firms miss huge opportunities by treating client feedback as a formality rather than a core business strategy. He explains that when firms pursue feedback to genuinely learn—not just to increase revenue—they inevitably uncover insights that lead to deeper relationships, new opportunities, and stronger retention. Jacob introduces the concept of client advisory boards—groups of top clients who meet regularly to offer candid feedback, co-create solutions, and shape a firm's direction. He outlines the steps to implement a client feedback system: identify ideal clients, engage them in ongoing two-way conversations, and, most importantly, follow through on the insights gathered. Jacob emphasizes that curiosity, collaboration, and action are the hallmarks of firms that sustain growth over time. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/9AV80rUHyUo ----------------------------------------

Looking for a reliable Facebook Ads Agency in London that can actually deliver results? Join me live as I reveal our brand new Growth Engine offer, designed for businesses that want more leads and sales without the stress of managing ads themselves.   For just £300 (50% off the usual price), you'll get: • A full Facebook Ads setup tailored to your business • 30 days of hands-on management from a dedicated Facebook Ads Agency London team • Funnel strategy, ad creatives, compliance checks and ongoing optimisation • Protection for your ad account with our Policy Shield system • Creative refreshes to keep your campaigns performing • Real campaign examples so you can see proof that it works   During this livestream you'll discover: • How fast we can get your ads live, sometimes in as little as 14 days • Why London businesses choose us as their Facebook Ads Agency • How our clients turn ad spend into consistent revenue • Your chance to ask questions live and see if this package is right for you   We only take on a limited number of clients each month to keep quality high. If you're based in London and tired of ads that don't convert, this livestream is your chance to see how we run winning campaigns.  

Karly Scott, Manager of Client Services at Logical Position, leads an enterprise-level PPC strategy focused on sustained growth, experimentation, and brand impact. In this episode, she explains how Logical Position supports brands from small startups to those generating over $50 million by managing PPC, Amazon, email, and social media campaigns. The agency's success comes from its strong relationships with partners like Google and Meta, its people-first culture, and its focus on data-driven marketing that adapts to the fast-changing AI-driven landscape. Karly highlights that effective digital marketing requires patience, testing, and diversification across multiple platforms. She shares how one client, Cushion Lab, scaled from $15,000 in ad spend to millions in sales through experimentation and a multichannel strategy. She also urges businesses to invest in creative content and video, emphasizing that consumers now trust YouTube and visual media during research. Her message is clear: if your digital presence isn't optimized across AI, SEO, and paid media, you're missing opportunities to be seen when it matters most. Quotes: “Marketing is so centered in math and data and numbers. I went into that industry thinking one thing and came out very, very different.” “If you're unwilling to take some risks when it comes to digital advertising, you're going to quickly fall behind.” “If you aren't there during the research phase, you sure as heck are not going to be there during the purchasing phase.” Resources: Connect with Karly Scott on LinkedIn Explore Karly Scott's expertise and professional insights

Most construction companies treat their website like a digital brochure. Big mistake. Rob Murray from Intrigue Media joins Eric to explain why even $50M buyers do Google contractors—and how a smart, strategic website builds trust and drives real opportunities. You'll learn how to position your company vertically or horizontally, speak to multiple buyer types, and use short, authentic testimonials that convert. Rob also shares a simple spreadsheet exercise that exposes your most profitable niche—and how to use client interviews to rewrite your homepage in their words. Turn your website into a growth engine today. Visit intriguemedia.com Learn more at constructiongenius.comToronto tip from Rob: grab dinner at the CN Tower—the view's unbeatable.   90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction

Andy Wang says Amazon (AMZN) sent a clear message with its earnings: its A.I. investments are paying off. He calls the report a "credibility win" which shows AWS stands as a revenue stronghold for the ecommerce giant. Andy talks about how competitors from Microsoft (MSFT) to Anthropic stand against AWS's continuing momentum. He adds that Amazon's A.I. venture benefits its online retail business as well.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this episode, we discuss how China's growth model is being tested by weakening domestic demand and rising global trade barriers. The discussion and content provided within this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate for all investors. Reliance upon information provided in a podcast is at the sole responsibility of the listener. The information included herein is not based on any particularized financial situation, or need, and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, a forecast, research, investment advice or a recommendation for any specific PIMCO or other security, strategy, product or service. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. All investments contain risk and may lose value. Investors should speak to their financial advisors regarding the investment mix that may be right for them based on their financial situation and investment objective. Podcasts may involve discussions with non-PIMCO personnel and such content contain the current opinions of the speaker but not necessarily those of PIMCO. Other podcasts may consist of audio recording of an existing PIMCO article and such material contains the current opinions of the manager. The opinions expressed in all podcasts are subject to change without notice. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries and institutional investors. This is not an offer to any person in any jurisdiction where unlawful or unauthorized. For additional important information go to www.pimco.com/gbl/en/general/legal-pages/podcast-disclosures

What You'll Learn:The enduring priorities in fulfillment despite two decades of industry change: focus on the end-consumer experience and aligned people/processThe definition and strategic value of connected commerce as a frictionless end-to-end ecosystem across sales channels and fulfillmentWhy tech integration across OMS, WMS, TMS and digital marketplaces remains the biggest hurdle to unified fulfillmentHow Essendant repositions fulfillment from cost center to growth enabler, leveraging digital teams and marketplace expertiseWhen to accelerate 3PL expansion versus stabilize and optimize existing operations, anchored on clear value and identity assessmentThe realities and opportunities around Seller Fulfilled Prime, including network scale, inventory optimization, and performance requirementsKey operational metrics beyond OTIF, including inventory health and profitability by channel, critical in managing complexityPeak season outlook: early marketplace promotions, supply chain stability, and the goal to flatten the demand curve for better operational controlHighlights00:00 – Guest Introduction & Industry Background01:00 – Consistencies & Changes Over Two Decades in Fulfillment03:00 – Defining Connected Commerce & Its Strategic Objectives 05:00 – Common Fulfillment-Tech Challenges & Silo Breakdown07:00 – Unlocking Fulfillment as a Revenue Lever, Not Just Cost Center 10:00 – When to Accelerate vs. Stabilize 3PL Operations14:00 – Procurement & Evaluation Dynamics in Mid-Market Deals17:00 – Seller Fulfilled Prime: Market Demand & Execution Challenges22:00 – Focused Operational Metrics to Drive Business Outcomes28:00 – Peak Season Predictions & Advice 30:30 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Info  Quotes:[00:02:00]: “The things that remain consistent would certainly be focusing on the end consumer... building the right team around us to align with that strategy and then making sure that we had the right processes.” - Patrick Allard [00:04:00]: “Connected commerce to us is really about creating that frictionless end-to-end ecosystem... from product discovery through the purchase cycle, all the way through fulfillment, delivery, final mile returns.” - Patrick Allard [00:10:00]: “How do we know when to pour gas on the fire and really go for expansion, and when is it time to maybe take a step back, pause, and get the house in order?” - Dan [00:19:00]: “There's still quite a bit of pain for the larger brand retailers that might have a really good dominant market and brand recognition, but where they want the prime badge, but having that inventory all locked up in Amazon...puts them in a financial challenge.”- Patrick Allard [00:23:00]: “There's a million things you can track and it is data overload... but the key is focusing on promise metrics, inventory health, and profitability by channel.”- Patrick Allard About the Guest:Patrick Allard is President of Fulfillment Services at Essendant, driving the transformation of a traditional B2B distributor into a connected commerce powerhouse. With over 20 years in e-commerce and logistics, Patrick has held leadership roles at Newgistics, Pitney Bowes, and Radial. His expertise spans M&A integrations, fulfillment scalability, multi-channel retail logistics, and leveraging fulfillment as a revenue growth lever rather than simply a cost center.Links Mentioned:Essendant Fulfillment Services: https://www.essendant.com/ Patrick Allard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-allard-04657111/ Subscribe and Keep Learning!If you're a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don't miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube

What if your cybersecurity strategy could become your biggest sales advantage? In this episode, I sit down with Taylor Hersom, Founder and CEO of Eden Data, to explore how startups can transform compliance from a box-ticking exercise into a true growth engine. Taylor's journey is remarkable: a former Deloitte executive who quit his job the week before the world shut down, launched Eden Data on Upwork with just $16, and went on to build one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity advisory firms, now recently acquired by Riveron. His story blends grit, reinvention, and a deep understanding of how trust has become the real currency of modern business. We talk about how to safeguard customer data in an AI-first world and why shadow AI has become the new shadow IT problem for many companies. Taylor explains why cybersecurity can no longer sit in the IT department alone, sharing examples of how marketing and customer experience leaders are now leveraging security as a differentiator to win contracts and customer loyalty. He also opens up about the human side of cyber risk, why most breaches stem from simple mistakes, and how gamifying awareness training can be more effective than annual compliance videos no one remembers. As AI rapidly reshapes the digital landscape, Taylor shares his perspective on what future global standards for AI security could look like and how leaders can bake compliance and security into their products from day one. His view is clear: the next generation of successful startups will treat cybersecurity as both a foundation and a brand promise. How ready are you to make trust part of your growth strategy? And how will your business adapt as cybersecurity becomes not just a requirement, but a competitive edge? Share your thoughts after listening.

Tom McMakin sits down with Walt Shill, former global strategy lead at Accenture and co-author of The Growth Engine, to unpack what really drives growth in professional services firms.Walt shares hard-earned lessons from decades in consulting, including why most firms struggle with business development, how to build a scalable growth system, and the five dimensions that separate good from great.

Centralized platforms cheat creators and fans with unfair cuts and hidden talent. YouBallin, on Solana, is a mobile-first platform where Talent participates in competitive events earning from NFTs and brand deals. Fans vote with $YBL tokens and Brands gain authentic engagement with target audiences. Native web2 onboarding and web3 account abstraction ensures mass appeal, targeting the creator economy's growth.Chris Arakelian is the CEO of YouBallin. She recently joined the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to talk about the platform.In this episode, Chris Arakelian introduced YouBallin as a decentralized, event-driven creator economy built on Solana, aiming to revolutionize the current centralized creator economy. She highlighted the problems with the existing model, including unfair monetization where creators receive very little revenue, algorithmic gatekeeping that prioritizes engagement over genuine talent, and an incentive structure that leaves fans as passive consumers. YouBallin's solution involves a philosophical shift, transforming fans into active owners and stakeholders through a transparent token economy.Arakelian detailed YouBallin's two-phase competitive event model for talent discovery and ownership. In phase one, emerging talents compete to be noticed by established creators ("legends") who vote for free, while fans use YBL tokens to advance wildcard talents. Phase two involves finalists receiving fractionalized NFTs, allowing fans to invest directly in a creator's journey and benefit from her popularity. She emphasized that YouBallin is a multi-sided marketplace targeting emerging talents, engaged fans, mentoring legends, and brands looking for authentic communities, creating a circular rather than extractive economy.She further explained that YouBallin differentiates itself in the Web3 landscape through its core utility, interactive event model, and domain-agnostic approach, supporting various categories beyond just music. Arakelian also introduced "TalentFi," a term for talent finance, which places ownership, instead of algorithms, at the center of discovery, aligning with the crypto ethos of empowering individuals through open and permissionless systems. The YBL token powers all transactions within the platform, fueling scarcity and strengthening participation in this closed-loop economy.About Our GuestChris brings 30 years of agency leadership and marketing communications excellence to YouBallin. Educated as a designer and trained as a client advocate, she's a Growth Engine dedicated to building brands and driving business outcomes. Prior to her appointment as CEO of YouBallin, Chris led Growth for Omnicom's most creative Brand Design Consultancy, Wolff Olins, where she ushered in net new client relationships for both established and emerging brands across a vast Web2 and Web3 landscape including ConcenSys/Metamask, Uber, Instacart, Arbitrum, Robinhood, Bloomberg, Kenvue, BMG, and more.Prior to Omnicom. Chris held senior positions at Consumer centric consultancies where she launched new as well as legacy brands into the world including Wild Turkey, Acuvue, Gillette Venus, and U By Kotex. Building futureproof brands that connect to audiences in an ever changing market is what fuels her passion and drives brand success across categories and geographies.To learn more about the project visit YouBallin.com, and follow the team on X.

Most marketing books promise tips. Scalable Acts of Marketing shows you how to build a system that scales.  Written after thirteen years of helping grow Service Express from $30 million to $350 million in ARR, Joshua Leatherman's field-tested guide blends a business fable with a hands-on playbook. In this episode, Joshua Leatherman (Cyderes) joins Drew to walk through how durable growth happens when marketing speaks in outcomes, earns executive trust, and runs one motion across brand, demand, sales, and success. He connects the fable's lessons to real-world moves inside growth-stage companies, laying out a playbook any marketing leader can use to build momentum that lasts. In this episode:  How to shift from activities to outcomes that a CFO and CRO will back  How to own pipeline with clear SQO definitions, shared attribution, and consistent follow-up  How to stand up RevOps as “Switzerland,” with shared KPIs, fast handoffs, and five-minute speed-to-lead targets Plus:  Why marketing must stay on the field after the first meeting  How to use R&D (“rip off and duplicate”) to accelerate playbooks  What to hire for right now: Curiosity, learning velocity, and accountability  How authoritative content fuels discovery in an AI-led world If you're ready to build a marketing system that earns trust, investment, and results, this episode shows where to start!  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

Marketers are hooked on attribution perfection. Meanwhile, your buyers are ghosting and your “AI-powered” campaigns sound like everyone else's. What if the edge isn't more dashboards but it's better judgment?In this episode, Nicole Gates, VP Growth Marketing at Varonis tears up the playbook B2B keeps clinging to. She shows how a “process person” builds a launch machine that actually ships, why tiering by customer impact (not internal hype) changes everything, and how moving SDRs under marketing with real SLAs turns MQL theater into pipeline. We dig into the noisy AI arms race (robots fighting robots), shifting budget from paid-to-play to earned trust via thought leadership, and using AI where it improves outcomes (routing, enrichment, speed-to-lead), not where it creates slop.We also cover:How to tier your launches by what matters to customers, not your org chart.Why the best growth marketers think more like editors than analysts.What happens when you replace data obsession with decision confidence.

This episode features Chidi Alams, CIO of Just Born — the company behind candy classics like Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales.Chidi shares how his team is using AI, automation, and smarter data systems to modernize operations, strengthen supply chain resilience, and double the business impact of technology. It's a conversation about what it really means to run IT like a growth engine — not just keeping the lights on, but driving strategy, efficiency, and innovation.Plus, much more:Chidi's take on “physical AI” in manufacturingHow the CIO role is evolving into a more strategic leadership positionWhy a values-driven tech culture might be the secret to long-term successWhether you're a CIO, IT leader, or simply curious about how AI and data are reshaping business, this episode delivers grounded, real-world insights. About the Guest: Chidi Alams, CIO at Just Born, Inc., is a transformation executive with a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, organic growth, and digital innovation. His experience includes both Fortune 500 and private equity-backed companies.Timestamps:02:10 Transitioning Between Industries03:26 Role and Responsibilities of a CIO06:05 Business Transformation and Strategy08:12 Managing Peak Seasons and Supply Chain14:26 Leveraging Data and AI21:20 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture27:51 Future of Technology and CIO RoleGuest Highlights:“ A lot of how we ran the business, even during the peak season, was a tremendous amount of tribal knowledge. We can't scale based on tribal knowledge, right? So having data systems, particularly as we bring in new people into the organization, helps us to be more predictive and meet demand during peak season.”“ CIOs have to become more business centric.  When you look at what's happening in large enterprises, you're seeing a fragmentation of technology leadership.  I do believe that there will be a convergence at some point.”“ I'm extremely interested and have been tracking what I think is a very important trend, not just in CPG but in retail and any consumer space — even pharma — and that is how can we leverage large language models that are trained for CPG to help drive product innovation. It's already happening.”Get Connected:Chidi Alams on LinkedInYousuf Kahn on LinkedInIan Faison on LinkedInHungry for more tech talk? Check out past episodes at ciopod.com: Ep 61 - What Manufacturing Can Teach You About Scaling Enterprise AIEp 60 - Why the Smartest CIOs Are Becoming Business StrategistsEp 59 - CIO Leadership in AI Security and InnovationLearn more about Caspian Studios: caspianstudios.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textn this episode, Kay Suthar sits down with Jill Lublin — international speaker, PR strategist, and bestselling author of four books, including Get Noticed... Get Referrals. Jill shares her journey from failing law school to becoming one of the most recognised voices in publicity and influence marketing. Jill opens up about how she discovered the true power of perception while working in the music industry, and how that lesson became the foundation of her entire PR career. From leveraging kindness and connection to mastering the media mindset, she reveals the simple, actionable steps anyone can take to amplify visibility, credibility, and impact — no big budget required. If you've ever wondered how to get noticed, build trust, and grow your brand without shouting louder… this one's a must-listen.Episode Highlights:(00:00) — From Law School to PR Powerhouse (06:15) — The Birth of Guerrilla Publicity (12:48) — Common PR Pitfalls to Avoid (19:32) — The Right Time to Start PR (Hint: It's Now!) (26:47) — Social Calendars as a PR Goldmine (33:58) — Networking: The 3x3 Rule for Building Genuine Connections (41:05) — How Energy, Presence, and Delivery Impact Perception (48:12) — Kindness Circles: The Power of Community and Collaboration (55:37) — Turning Referrals into a Growth Engine (1:03:20) — Inside Jill's PR Bootcamp and What to Expect (1:10:10) — Final Takeaway: Your Message Matters — Start NowGuest BioJill Lublin is an international speaker, PR strategist, and bestselling author of four influential books, including Get Noticed... Get Referrals. With over 25 years in publicity and marketing, Jill has helped thousands of entrepreneurs, coaches, and business owners build authority, visibility, and influence. She has shared stages with Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Lisa Nichols, and many others. Through her Kindness Circles and Publicity Crash Course, Jill continues to empower people around the world to get their message out, grow their network, and make a lasting impact — all while leading with compassion and authenticity.Connect with Jill LublinWebsite: https://jilllublin.comKindness Circles: https://jilllublin.com/kindness-circlesFree PR Gift & Masterclass: https://publicitycrashcourse.com/freegiftConnect with Kay Suthar!Business Website: https://makeyourmarkagency.com/Podcast Website: https://www.makeyourmarkpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-suthar-make-your-mark/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/482037820744114Email: kay@makeyourmarkagency.comFREE Gifts from Kay Suthar the Host: 3 Ultimate Secrets to Getting Booked on Podcasts: https://getbookedonpodcast.com/5 Simple Steps To Launch Your Podcast in 14 Days: https://14daystolaunch.comFREE Gifts from Kay Suthar:3 Ultimate Secrets to Getting Booked on Podcasts: https://getbookedonpodcast.com5 Simple Steps to Launch Your Podcast in 14 Days: https://14daystolaunch.com

In this episode of the B2B Go-To-Market Leaders Podcast, Vijay Damojipurapu sits down with Alon Ahronberg, VP of Customer Success at Atera, to explore how customer success drives sustainable revenue and long-term retention in modern B2B companies.From his early career in engineering and BI consulting to leading customer success at global SaaS startups, Alon shares lessons from scaling teams, building onboarding frameworks, and transforming a PLG motion into a hybrid sales-led growth (SLG) strategy.Together, they unpack:How to define go-to-market holistically across product, sales, marketing, and customer success.The critical role of onboarding and re-onboarding in improving renewal rates and product adoption.Why internal collaboration between CSMs, marketing, and sales determines customer lifetime value.The cultural shift needed to elevate customer success from “call center” to strategic growth partner.How AI will reshape customer success, bridging high-touch strategy with scalable automation.Whether you're a founder, go-to-market leader, or customer success professional, this episode offers a masterclass on aligning post-sale execution with growth.Connect with Alon Ahronberg on LinkedInConnect with Vijay Damojipurapu on LinkedInBrought to you by: stratyve.com

What if the biggest risk in leadership wasn't failure — but success that blinds us to change? In this episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I had the great pleasure of welcoming Rita McGrath, one of the world's most influential voices on strategy and innovation. A professor at Columbia Business School and author of The End of Competitive Advantage, Discovery-Driven Growth, and Seeing Around Corners, Rita has transformed how leaders think about disruption, renewal, and adaptability. Together, we explore how to spot inflection points before they upend your business, why discovery-driven learning is the antidote to overconfidence, and how purpose and curiosity can keep teams resilient in uncertain times. Rita also shares a warning for today's executives: when companies rush to go fast and big in complex environments — without room to test and learn — it's almost always a recipe for disaster. From AI and education to human adaptability and leadership humility, this conversation will change the way you think about strategy in a world where advantage is always transient. 

As B2B organizations navigate shifting markets and rising expectations, Emma Chatwin shares how Fujitsu's three-year transformation journey moved marketing from the sidelines to the front line of business growth.

In this episode of the Future of the Firm podcast, Emma Carroll, our Head of Content, speaks to Karen Morton, the Chief Marketing Officer of Cleary Gottlieb and President of LMA Europe. They discuss the newly launched report, produced in a collaboration between Source and the Legal Marketing Association Europe, that examines The Top Challenge for Legal CMOs: Building a Next Generation Growth Engine.  Karen and Emma shared their insights on these matters and more:  Revenue generation is a core part of the CMO's role, and 67% of those surveyed say it is set to become even more important. With growth a big goal for firms today, their marketing leaders need to free up time and resource to support them with this.  96% of marketing leaders say they'll be investing more in technology within their function over the next 18 months. Challenges they face include knowing the optimal timing for tech investment, guaranteeing seamless integration across disparate systems, and transforming raw data into meaningful insights.  Over 50% of respondents from the survey say that using technology and analytics to better understand client behaviour and deliver an exceptional experience is crucial. This shift further towards data-driven insights is now central to the role of CMOs.  Law firm marketing and business development leaders should prioritise using technology to increase efficiency and output by automating mundane tasks and reducing human error, thus creating a high-performing and sustainable team.  Law firms need to move away from mass content distribution and instead focus on delivering personalised, targeted insights that really resonate with clients.  If you enjoyed this conversation, don't miss our sister podcast, Business Leader's Voice. In a recent episode, we talked to Aurelija Pletiene, Director of Product Management at Vinted, about how you can cut through the noise to align, focus, and deliver innovation around trust and safety. 

Culture isn't a poster on the wall or a team happy hour. It's the invisible force that drives—or drags—your business every single day. Whether you design it intentionally or let it happen by default, culture dictates how your people show up, solve problems, and push your vision forward. In this episode, we reveal how culture is not just a “feel-good” idea but a performance multiplier. You can hire well, onboard well, retain well, and even build accountability—but if your culture is weak, it will quietly undermine all of it. A strong culture, on the other hand, attracts talent, keeps A-players engaged, and turns your business into a true growth engine. We'll break down why most owners get culture wrong, what high-performance culture actually looks like, how to design it intentionally, and how AI helps you measure and reinforce culture at scale. Key Takeaways: Why culture exists whether you design it or not—and why default culture usually drags performance down. The 3 biggest mistakes small business owners make about culture. The hallmarks of a high-performance culture: shared mission, ownership mentality, psychological safety, continuous growth, and recognition. How to design culture intentionally by defining it, embedding it into systems, and modeling it as the leader. Why “culture is caught, not taught”—and how your habits set the tone more than your words. How AI can measure sentiment, spot risks, reinforce rituals, and keep culture aligned with your vision. If you're ready to stop defaulting to culture and start designing it as your ultimate performance multiplier, grab the AI Business Scaling Blueprint. Inside, you'll find the systems and AI tools to build culture into every part of your business—hiring, onboarding, retention, and accountability—so growth becomes inevitable.  Go to aibusinessscalingblueprint.com and start building a culture that runs your business—even when you're not in the room.

Ashley Lewin has audited 30+ companies in her career and seen the same pattern: marketing teams stuck chasing MQLs while revenue stalls. In this episode, Carolyn and Trevor dig into Ashley's perspective on why MQLs keep organizations trapped in short-term thinking, and how she's applying those lessons now as Head of Marketing at Aligned.We talk through what it takes to stand up a marketing function from scratch at a hybrid PLG + sales-assisted company, why implementing HubSpot's Lead object was a foundational bet, and how “fail fast” disqualification changed the way BDRs and sales managers manage their pipeline. Ashley also shares her playbook for winning executive buy-in: showing CEOs a predictable growth equation that replaces lead volume with qualified pipeline and product activation.What You'll Learn:Why 30+ audits taught Ashley that MQLs create waste, not growth.How to split the funnel: PLG activations vs. sales-assisted pipeline.The power of clean infrastructure: standing up a true lead object in HubSpot.Why “fail fast” leads to better conversion, stronger feedback loops, and less waste.How to navigate culture change so sales isn't afraid to close lost.Why exec scorecards (not dashboards) determine whether change sticks.If your growth plan still relies on lead math, you're running on outdated assumptions. Ashley shows how to build a system that actually scales revenue, not just reporting.

Jeff Baker is the Senior Director of Global Marketing at smartShift, a company that helps enterprises accelerate and automate SAP custom-code transformation. With more than 20 years of experience in enterprise software, he leads global efforts in strategy and branding. Jeff plays a key role in driving awareness and demand for smartShift's AI-powered solutions. In this episode… Marketing is often seen as a creative function or a cost center, but what if it could be reframed as the engine that drives growth? In a world where buyers control their own journeys and retention is the new acquisition, how can companies shift their perspective and prove marketing's real impact? According to Jeff Baker, a marketing leader with nearly three decades of experience, the key lies in connecting every activity directly to revenue outcomes. He highlights that today's customer journey is no longer linear — it's dynamic, unpredictable, and shaped by peer reviews, research, and digital touchpoints. Retention, he stresses, is now just as important as acquisition, with loyalty and advocacy fueling long-term growth. By focusing on ROI, aligning with sales, and proving financial impact to boards, marketing can evolve from being dismissed as a cost to being recognized as a true growth engine. In this episode of the Revenue Engine Podcast, host Alex Gluz speaks with Jeff Baker, Senior Director of Global Marketing at smartShift, to discuss turning marketing from a cost center into a growth engine. They explore why the old funnel is dead, how post-sale experiences build advocacy, and what boards really want to see from marketing. Jeff also shares the biggest challenges facing B2B SaaS leaders in 2025 and how to overcome them with a value-first approach.

Everyone's talking about AI, but let's be honest, most B2B brands still sound like copy-paste corporate speak. The scary part? While you're stuck writing “safe” content, your competitors are out there building cult followings.On this episode, Jason and Josh talk with Sandy Mangat, Head of Marketing at Pocus, about what it really takes to make people care. Sandy has worked in product, growth, and brand teams, so she's here to share the lessons you won't find in a playbook. From building a community people actually want to be part of, to cutting through the AI hype without sounding like a bot, this conversation is all about marketing that feels alive.Here's what we dig into:Why so many startups crash when product, growth, and brand don't align.The real secret to category creation (spoiler: it's not just slapping “2.0” on a slide).How to turn a community from “nice idea” into a genuine growth engine.The fine line between brand personality and just being unclear.Sandy's one-line marketing philosophy: everything is easier when you're famous.

In this new episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I have the pleasure of welcoming Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and former CEO of Schneider Electric. From his humble beginnings in rural France to leading one of the world's most influential industrial companies, Jean-Pascal's story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. For nearly two decades as CEO, he reimagined Schneider Electric's role in society — turning sustainability from a side note into a core business driver, championing digital transformation, and fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment. In our conversation, we explore the lessons he learned from a truly global career, the importance of empathy and cultural intelligence in leadership, and how businesses can reconcile growth with climate responsibility. Today, as Chairman, he continues to shape the company's mission and inspire the next generation of leaders to put people and planet at the heart of performance. 

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Alex Schultz, the CMO and VP of Analytics at Meta, to unpack nearly two decades of hard-earned marketing insights from inside one of the most influential tech companies on the planet.From his scrappy beginnings as an affiliate marketer trying to pay for college, Alex rose through the ranks at Facebook—helping launch self-serve ads, custom audiences, and building the company's analytics function from the ground up.Now, as CMO, he shares how he thinks about brand vs. performance, why incrementality measurement is non-negotiable, and what it really took to lead the rebrand from Facebook to Meta in under seven months.In this episode, you'll learn:How affiliate thinking creates real marketersWhy starting with performance-driven urgency creates marketers who understand what actually drives growthThe self-serve ad platform strategy that unlocked small business scaleAlex shares how linking product and marketing—from in-product CTAs to retargeting drop-offs—became Meta's growth engineWhy incrementality is the foundation of modern marketingForget last-click—true marketers use lift tests, holdouts, and on/off testing to see what really worksHow to build brands on performance platformsYes, you can build a brand on Meta—but only if you measure it rightThe inside story of the Meta rebrandIncluding a midnight WhatsApp from Zuckerberg and a literal house fireWhy creative strategy—not media buying—is the future in an AI worldAgencies will evolve, but those who control the data + creative inputs will control outcomesHow Alex is using creator marketing, email, and retargeting to market his new book, Click HereThe modern playbook Meta uses… now applied to booksVisit Hachette Book Group for information on how to purchase Click Here: The Art and Science of Digital Marketing and Advertising, out on October 7th. And you can check out an audio book version on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hsoMSkbpEboe0M4aGqNgZTimestamps00:00 - From Affiliate Marketer to CMO of Meta02:00 - Building Facebook's Growth Engine and Analytics Team06:00 - Lessons From the Affiliate Mindset08:00 - Launching Self-Serve Ads and the First Custom Audiences11:00 - Rebranding Facebook to Meta: Inside the Strategy15:00 - Building Brands with Direct Response vs. Top-of-Funnel Marketing18:00 - How WhatsApp's Brand Story Shifted Perception20:00 - Why Alex Wrote "Click Here" and Its Core Principles24:00 - The Future of Agencies and AI in Advertising28:00 - Marketing the Book Using Meta StrategiesHashtags#DTCpodcast #Meta #AlexSchultz #DigitalMarketing #BrandStrategy #AffiliateMarketing #Rebranding #MarketingBook #GrowthMarketing #AdvertisingStrategy #MarketingTips #SocialMediaMarketing #BusinessGrowth #CMOInsights #MarketingPodcast Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

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Welcome back to Season Two of the PIE-Cast, where we will be diving into The Growth Engine, A Guide to Building a World-Class Business Development Function in Professional Services. In this episode, TJ Dennis sits down with Jacob Parks, the President and Partner of Profitable Ideas Exchange and one of the four authors of The Growth Engine. Jacob talks through building a growth culture in professional services and what's missing post-pandemic, incentivization structures that work (and ones that don't work), and how AI should be used in professional services instead of how it's currently being used.If you have feedback about the show or would like to learn more about working with PIE, please contact us at: connect@profitableideas.com. You can also learn more about our previous books, How Clients Buy and Never Say Sell, by visiting our website.Profitable Ideas Exchange - connecting powerful minds, making the world smarter and smaller.

On this episode of Inside the Brand Experience, Invision's Rodrigo Espinosa joins host Laliv Hadar to discuss how integrated campaigns transform experiential from one-off events into year-round growth engines. Discover why human-to-human connection, AI-driven personalization, and content atomization are redefining B2B marketing.

Leaders often assume transformation comes from learning new skills or following the latest management trend. But real change begins when we confront our own beliefs, reflect deeply, and choose to step out of victimhood into agency. That inner work is what lays the foundation for lasting growth in how we lead and live. Only then can leaders create change that resonates far beyond the workplace.In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Shawn Quinn talk about the deep reflection leaders need to build their own reality and move from victimhood to agency in life and leadership.Shawn Quinn is the Managing Partner of Lift Consulting and Faculty Director of the Positive Leadership program at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. A leading voice in positive leadership and organizational transformation, he has advised global companies including GE, Coca-Cola, American Express, and the U.S. Army. Shawn is also co-author of Leading Innovation: How to Jumpstart Your Organization's Growth Engine.Shawn and Ashish explored how transformation doesn't come from another training, another framework, or another leadership fad. It happens when we pause, reflect, and face the beliefs that hold us back.Things you will also learn in this episode:• Breaking free from a victim mindset• Why belief shifts matter more than skills in true transformation• The power of small experiments, reflection, and awareness to spark change• How leaders at any level—not just executives—can create meaningful impact• How workplace behaviors ripple outward into family, children, and community• The challenge of systems and people resisting changeTune in now and see for yourself how this shift unlocks the kind of transformation no trend or tactic can deliver.✅Resources:• Related episode: (Robert Quinn) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1b7c5df6-06e1-4929-83d3-5849caa6b9b5 • Strengthsfinder by Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx • A Fundamental State of Leadership Approach: https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1444&context=jvbl • Charles Snyder's Hope Theory: https://www.mindtools.com/aov3izj/snyders-hope-theory • The Sunflower Model: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ee784c9c-cf26-48df-b07f-b4c0dcc638f3 • The Sunflower Model: https://happinesssquad.com/the-sunflower-model-career-transition-guide-with-ashish-kothari/ • The Power of the 5:1 Ratio: https://michiganvirtual.org/blog/the-power-of-the-51-ratio-in-the-classroom-how-fostering-positive-interactions-can-transform-student-learning/ • Martin Seligman's Learned Helplessness:

Proposals can make or break your agency's Q4 pipeline. Too vague, and prospects don't see the value. Too detailed, and they get stuck in analysis paralysis. In this episode, Dan is joined by Joe Ardeeser, founder of Smart Pricing Table, to talk about how agencies can strike the right balance, upsell strategically, and close deals faster as the year wraps up.Whether you're facing slow proposals, scope creep, or undercharging, this conversation gives you practical steps to turn proposals into a growth engine for your agency.