Podcasts about Saas

Reselling software gives you many of the benefits of a software business, without the upfront development cost. That means you can enjoy recurring revenue, selling one product to multiple customers, and strong profit margins by white labeling a software tool that already exists. These benefits are what attract many people to starting a SaaS, or software as a service, but you may not need to go through the trouble. After all, there may already be a tool that solves the same problem. Could you become a software reseller instead of a software creator? To help me learn more about reselling software (also known as white labeling), I connected with Chris Lollini. Chris is a self-described “recovering engineer” who started a marketing agency as a side hustle 9 years ago. That agency evolved into a multi-6-figure white labeling operation called Reputation Igniter. The business helps other small businesses earn more positive reviews for their work. And while Chris definitely invested the time in growing his network and roster of monthly customers, it now takes him just 5-10 hours a week to run. Tune in to The Side Hustle Show interview to hear: how Chris got the idea to start white labeling SaaS products how he identified his customer's pain points and provided a SaaS solution the methods he uses to add value and create healthy profit margins Big thanks to my brother Chris for the intro! Full Show Notes: Reselling Software: Don't Start a SaaS — White Label Someone Else's Instead New to the Show? Get your personalized money-making playlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Indeed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Start hiring NOW with a $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quo (formerly OpenPhone)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Get 20% off of your first 6 months! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Sign up for a $1 per month trial! About The Side Hustle Show This is the entrepreneurship podcast you can actually apply! The award-winning small business show covers the best side hustles and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠side hustle ideas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We share how to start a business and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠make money online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offline, including online business, side gigs, freelancing, marketing, sales funnels, investing, and much more. Join 100,000+ listeners and get legit business ideas and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠passive income⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ strategies straight to your earbuds. No BS, just actionable tips on how to start and grow your side hustle. Hosted by Nick Loper of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Side Hustle Nation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Cette semaine dans Demain N'attend Pas, on parle d'un angle trop souvent ignoré de la transition : la donnée.Car, si nos entreprises veulent réduire leurs émissions, elles doivent d'abord comprendre d'où elles viennent. Et ça, c'est un vrai défi de data Pour en parler, j'ai invité Rachel Delacour, une entrepreneure visionnaire et cofondatrice de Sweep, une plateforme Saas qui rassemble – enfin – toutes les données carbone d'une entreprise, de l'extraction des matières premières jusqu'à l'usage final des produits. Sweep, c'est un outil conçu pour que les entreprises disposent d'un vrai reporting carbone et surtout, pour qu'elles passent à l'action.Ce que j'ai aimé dans notre échange :Rachel n'était pas destinée à “faire de l'impact”. Elle venait de la tech, du SaaS, des startups. Puis à 40 ans, la réalité climatique lui tombe dessus — littéralement dans un avion, en lisant les rapport du GIEC.Elle se demande alors comment contribuer. De toutes les voies possibles, elle choisit celle qui lui permet de s'appuyer sur ce qu'elle a appris dans sa vie professionnelle passée et, au vu de l'urgence, d'être la plus rapidement efficace. Ce qu'elle sait faire : monter une entreprise, dans le secteur BtB, en aidant les grands groupes à comprendre leurs données et piloter leurs actions. Mais cette fois-ci, elle le fait au service de la décarbonation des grands groupe.Rachel a une ambition assumée : elle lève 100M€, recrute les meilleurs, et part convaincre les comités exécutifs partout dans le monde. Ca tombe bien, il faut de l'ambition pour réduire les émissions carbone à l'échelle !Elle ne moralise pas avec les entreprises, ne leur parle pas de leur responsabilité et de leur héritage. Elle parle business : réduction des risques, performance, avantage compétitif, ROI. Et ça marche.Un épisode qui rappelle une évidence : sans innovation, sans données, sans outils, la transition restera un slogan. Avec des entrepreneures comme Rachel, elle devient un chantier concret. Et je rajouterais : pour embarquer les entreprises, il faut qu'elles y voient leur intérêt économique et il faut parler leur langage.A l'heure des reculs écologiques, cette discussion nous rappelle que, si le chemin est étroit, il existe encore. A nous tous de nous y engager ! Je vous souhaite une très bonne écoute, ✍Vous voulez en savoir plus sur Sweep ?Allez voir leur site internet ici 

In this episode of Social Commerce Club, Zohaib joins the show to reveal the brutal truth about the SaaS industry, the creator economy, and the coming AI content crisis. After working inside nearly every major e-commerce SaaS company — Attentive, LiveRecover, Sendlane, Social Snowball, Refundle and more — Zohaib breaks down what's actually happening behind the scenes.We cover the collapse of enterprise-driven SaaS models, why micro creators are outperforming paid ads, how CPM-based creator marketing is rewriting e-commerce, and why AI-generated content is about to hit a massive wall as platforms begin suppressing it.This episode is packed with insider stories, real tactical insights, and a brutally honest look at where social commerce, creators, and AI are heading in 2025 and beyond.If you're building in SaaS, running an e-commerce brand, scaling creators, or navigating the new TikTok/Instagram landscape — this conversation will change how you think about growth.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this year-end episode, William and Eyvonne recap their experiences at AutoCon 4 in Austin, Texas. They discuss the conference’s new multi-track format, including Eyvonne’s presentation in the leadership track on why technical projects fail. The conversation dives into how AI tools like Google Gemini can augment – not replace – human creativity, from research... Read more »

When the Chief Customer Officer role first emerged in SaaS, Alexis Hennessy was already there—helping define it. Twelve years ago, she co-founded the post-sales executive search practice inside Heidrick & Struggles, one of the world's premier search firms. She witnessed the rise of the CCO, the collapse of the role during the downturn, and now the fastest resurgence the market has seen in years.In this episode, Alexis breaks down why retention has become existential, why CCO hiring has spiked again, and what the best CCO candidates consistently do to stand out. She details the patterns behind successful hires, the emergence of consumption and AI-driven operating models, and why the path from CCO to CEO may finally be opening wider than ever.A practical and unfiltered look into the future of post-sales leadership—from the person helping shape who gets the top jobs.---Timestamps0:00 – Preview & Introduction1:22 – Meet Alexis Hennessy: Partner at Heidrick & Struggles2:02 – Many CEOs Still Don't Know What They Want4:10 – What CEOs Want in a CCO5:16 – What Great CCO Candidates Do in Interviews6:15 – Why CCO Hiring Is Surging Again7:25 – What Sets VP Candidates Apart When They Want to Move Up9:00 – Are Boards Demanding AI Experience? 10:45 – What the Best CCO Hires Do in Their First Year12:45 – Personality Traits That Define High-Performing CCOs13:43 – Agentic AI, Consumption Models & the New Stakes for CCOs15:23 – Can CCOs Become CEOs? 18:28 – Predictions: The Future of the CCO Role19:23 – Closing Thoughts---What You'll Learn* Why the CCO role is surging again after a multi-year slump* The three types of CEOs who hire CCOs—and which ones to avoid* The interview behaviors that separate top candidates from the rest* Why “listening first” is the #1 predictor of CCO success* What VPs need to show to break into the CCO ranks* The business conditions making the CCO-to-CEO path more realistic than ever* The critical KPIs great CCOs build to influence their executive peers* How consumption and agentic AI models increase the strategic importance of retention---Check out the Key Takeaways & Transcripts: https://www.gainsight.com/presents/series/unchurned/---Where to Find Alexis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexishennessy/---Where to Find Josh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jschachter/

Emanuel Rose is the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, which helps B2B companies in IT services, SaaS, and financial services generate high-quality leads through innovative marketing strategies. With over 25 years of experience as an author, speaker, and B2B marketing strategist, Emanuel is widely recognized for his work integrating AI and automation into marketing. He explores these innovations on his podcast, Marketing in the Age of AI. In this episode… Some business eras evolve; others hit like a tidal shift — and AI-driven marketing sits squarely in the latter. Tools are advancing faster than teams can adapt, leaving many torn between excitement and overwhelm. How do you cut through the noise and navigate these rapid industry changes? According to Emanuel Rose, a veteran B2B marketing strategist and early adopter of AI in real-world marketing workflows, the path forward starts with practicality, not panic. He believes the biggest opportunity right now isn't flashy automation or massive content output — winning back time by offloading the mundane tasks that bog teams down. Emanuel explains how AI personalizes outreach, from analyzing a prospect's online presence to spotting natural conversation openings. He compares this period to the rise of social media in the early 2010s: a disruptive force that rewards those who stay one chapter ahead. For Emanuel, the real advantage goes to businesses that use AI responsibly — not those chasing trends. In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, host John Corcoran is joined by Emanuel Rose, the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, to discuss how AI is reshaping modern marketing. They explore why personalization at scale is finally within reach, how to avoid the common missteps companies make with AI-driven outreach, and what generative search means for the future of SEO. Emanuel also shares his approach to blending automation with authentic human connection.

On the podcast, I talk with Greg about knowing when to pivot, why most consumer apps shouldn't raise VC, and why making free trials optional outperformed making them the default.Top Takeaways:

Anil Varanasi is the co-founder and CEO of Meter, which provides full-stack networking infrastructure as a service for businesses. Since founding Meter with his brother Sunil in 2015, Anil has been playing a distinctly long game in one of the most entrenched markets in technology, betting on vertical integration, business model innovation, and a multi-decade time horizon. In this conversation, he unpacks Meter's origin story, from four-plus years of heads-down R&D, and shares how his unconventional approach to planning, management, and pace keeps him excited to run the company for decades. In today's episode, we discuss: Why Anil thinks in 25-year horizons How operating in a monopolistic market shaped Meter's approach Why Meter scrapped a year of OS work during the R&D phase How Meter is rethinking networking's business model Surviving COVID, Apple's M1 transition, and “a thousand bad days” Anil's contrarian views on planning, OKRs, and management How founders can build companies they'll want to run for decades Where to find Anil: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilcv/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/acv Where to find Brett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-berson-9986094/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/brettberson Where to find First Round Capital: Website: https://firstround.com/ First Round Review: https://review.firstround.com/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/firstround YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstRoundCapital This podcast on all platforms: https://review.firstround.com/podcast References: ADT: ⁠https://www.adt.com⁠ Alex Honnold: ⁠https://www.alexhonnold.com⁠ Alex Tabarrok: ⁠https://x.com/ATabarrok⁠ ⁠alarm.com⁠: ⁠https://www.alarm.com⁠ Andreessen Horowitz (a16z): ⁠https://a16z.com⁠ Apple: ⁠https://www.apple.com⁠ Bloomberg: ⁠https://www.bloomberg.com⁠ Bryan Caplan: ⁠http://www.bcaplan.com/⁠ Cisco: ⁠https://www.cisco.com⁠ Coca-Cola: ⁠https://www.coca-colacompany.com⁠ George Mason University (GMU): ⁠https://www.gmu.edu⁠ Intel: ⁠https://www.intel.com⁠ Julia Galef: ⁠https://x.com/juliagalef⁠ Martin Casado: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/martincasado/⁠ Meraki: ⁠https://meraki.cisco.com⁠ Meter: ⁠https://www.meter.com⁠ Michela Giorcelli: ⁠https://x.com/M_Giorcelli⁠ Nicholas Bloom: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bloom-stanford/⁠ Raffaella Sadun: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffaella-sadun-3a182225/⁠ Sanjit Biswas: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjitbiswas/⁠ Sunil Varanasi: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-varanasi-662a01253/⁠ Tyler Cowen: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-cowen-166718/⁠ Twitch: ⁠https://www.twitch.tv⁠ Timestamps: (01:27) Meter's unusual timeframes (04:06) “We don't do OKRs” (06:32) How to plan without planning (08:31) Track your unhappy customers (11:43) How Meter's journey began (15:02) Dissecting the 2010s SaaS boom (17:06) The networking industry trap (21:44) Meter's first roadblock (22:07) Why Shenzhen accelerated Meter's progress (26:29) The process to get a sales-ready product (31:02) Why you should own the full stack (32:45) The surprising thing you should innovate (35:03) Avoiding the one-trick pony trap (37:39) The secret to finding an excellent market (43:48) How COVID's constraints propelled growth (48:25) Why founders need to know their customers (49:34) Why Meter didn't sell via traditional channels (51:44) You need “seller-market fit” (54:51) The danger of meta-work (56:25) Decoupling management from authority (1:02:17) When the person is the problem (1:05:05) The inherent value of going slowly (1:09:41) Running a company for as long as possible

For legal technology company Clio, this was a particularly significant year, marked by major announcements – including its $1 billion acquisition of vLex – that many saw as transformative for the company. This was on full display at the company's ClioCon conference in October, where CEO Jack Newton gave a keynote laying out the company's vision for a new era of AI-driven legal work in which Clio becomes an "intelligent legal work platform" that serves not as a system of record, but as a system of action, powering lawyers through their workdays by automating much of what they do.  In today's episode, recorded live at ClioCon, host Bob Ambrogi sits down with the two key executives leading Clio's product and technology vision: John Foreman, who joined as chief product officer in May, bringing experience from major SaaS companies including MailChimp and Podium, and Jonathan Watson, the chief technology officer who's been with Clio for eight years. They explore the company's ambitious vision to develop AI and expand into larger law firms, discuss how vertical software creates advantages for AI implementation, and explain why understanding the complete client journey enables more powerful automation. Foreman and Watson share insights on moving beyond simple chatbots to AI that can actually take action, the challenges and opportunities of expanding into the enterprise market, and what's next as they work to "finish drawing the owl." "We've started to draw the owl for folks," Foreman says, "and we're going to finish drawing the owl, and it's going to be a beautiful owl." Note: As of this recording, Clio had not yet closed its acquisition of vLex. The deal did finally close on Nov. 10.    Thank You To Our Sponsors This episode of LawNext is generously made possible by our sponsors. We appreciate their support and hope you will check them out. Paradigm, home to the practice management platforms PracticePanther, Bill4Time, MerusCase and LollyLaw; the e-payments platform Headnote; and the legal accounting software TrustBooks. Briefpoint, eliminating routine discovery response and request drafting tasks so you can focus on drafting what matters (or just make it home for dinner). Eve, taking care of the tasks that slow you down so you can operate at your highest potential   If you enjoy listening to LawNext, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.  

This Week In Startups is made possible by:Superhuman - https://superhuman.com/PODCASTSquarespace - https://squarespace.com/twistEnterpret - https://www.enterpret.com/dlp/this-week-in-startupsToday's show: A screenshot showing a “Target Ad” in ChatGPT results went viral… over the weekend, but the OpenAI chatbot has NOT actually opened the advertising floodgates just yet.As ChatGPT staffers were quick to explain on social media, this was actually an invitation for a user to integrate their Target account into ChatGPT, for an easier agentic browsing and shopping experience.But it does prompt Jason and Alex to ask some intriguing questions… Is OpenAI just waiting for Google or someone else to launch AI ads first, and face the inevitable flood of backlash they'll presumably receive? Is there someone at OpenAI already thinking DEEPLY about how these in-feed ads should work? And what does this mean for their wager on when ChatGPT is going to actually get ads? Is that already decided?These answers and more are coming your way on today's action-packed TWiST… PLUS the latest on the Warner Bros Discovery-Netflix deal, PR guru Lulu Cheng Meservey's new venture fund, and why Jason and Lon are obsessing about Apple TV's “Pluribius.”Timestamps:(01:59) They put Target ads in ChatGPT? Or was it just an integration? Is there a difference?(5:24) Is someone at OpenAI really thinking deeply about how in-feed ads should work?(07:36) Is OpenAI just waiting for Google to start running ads to post their own? Jason has suspicions…(10:01) Why Jason thinks startup people have so much trouble communicating with normies(10:32) Superhuman - Get AI that works where you work. Unlock your Superhuman potential at https://superhuman.com/PODCAST(13:22) The insane competition now facing down OpenAI and Sam Altman(18:40) Why Jason will no longer use data from SaaS companies looking for a marketing win(19:52) Does this mean ChatGPT TECHNICALLY has ads? Does Alex win the bet?! What does Polymarket think?(20:36) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://squarespace.com/twist(25:17) Why Jason is already tired of the Netflix-Paramount-WBD story(30:06) Enterpret - Enterpret turns feedback noise into Customer Intelligence, so your team knows exactly what to fix and build next. Head to http://Enterpret.com/twist to book a demo and see it in action.(34:03) President Jason's new proposal: A 60-day “pre-approval” antitrust window(47:29) Why Jason's not interested in news commentary… just the facts.(51:40) Jason and Lon take a few moments to praise “Pluribus”(54:45) PR guru Lulu Cheng Meservey is starting a venture firm… here's why she wants to start a “movement”(58:05) Why PR people hate but also respect JasonSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com/Check out the TWIST500: https://twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp*Follow Lon:X: https://x.com/lons*Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm/*Follow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis/*Thank you to our partners:(10:32) Superhuman - Get AI that works where you work. Unlock your Superhuman potential at https://superhuman.com/PODCAST(20:36) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://squarespace.com/twist(30:06) Enterpret - Enterpret turns feedback noise into Customer Intelligence, so your team knows exactly what to fix and build next. Head to http://Enterpret.com/twist to book a demo and see it in action.

Originally published on the a16z Infra podcast. We're resurfacing it here for our main feed audience.AI coding is already actively changing how software gets built.a16z Infra Partners Yoko Li and Guido Appenzeller break down how "agents with environments" are changing the dev loop; why repos and PRs may need new abstractions; and where ROI is showing up first. We also cover token economics for engineering teams, the emerging agent toolbox, and founder opportunities when you treat agents as users, not just tools. Resources:Follow Yoko on X: https://x.com/stuffyokodrawsFollow Guido on X: https://x.com/appenz Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see http://a16z.com/disclosures Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Carolyn and Amber pull back the curtain on a $500M cybersecurity company that came to Passetto stuck in last-touch reporting, declining win rates, an overreliance on product trials, and zero visibility into what SDRs were actually working.In just 14 days, their Growth Sprint surfaced what months of internal analysis couldn't: the true drivers of revenue, why trials convert at only 5%, why hand-raisers deliver 2X the deal size and win rate, and how 40% of opportunities are created with no traceable sales trigger at all.We walk through the exact before-and-after: their revenue architecture score, the missing SDR prospecting layer, the downstream impact of “low-signal” opportunities, and the data that finally gives the team conviction to modernize their demand engine.Even with strong tools and a mature sales motion, they're operating with only 55% revenue visibility, record-low win rates, and a demand strategy built almost entirely on trials—until the Sprint changes the trajectory.We break down the insights their team uncovers:Why 55% of SDR workload comes from trials that win at only 5%How high-intent hand raisers deliver 2X the ACV and more than 2X the win rateWhy only 35% of opportunities show early-stage signalsHow more than 40% of opportunities have no traceable prospecting trigger at allAnd how a two-week sprint becomes the “forcing function” they need to move from uncertainty to a clear set of strategic prioritiesA powerful example of what happens when companies finally get the full-funnel visibility they've been missing.

Arto Minasyan is the Co-founder and President of Krisp, a company that provides AI-powered noise cancellation and voice optimization to improve clarity in virtual communication. He is also the Co-founder and CEO of 10Web, an AI-driven WordPress platform that automates website building, hosting, and performance optimization for businesses and agencies.  In this episode… Voice technology is evolving faster than most people can track, redefining how we meet, collaborate, and build online. As AI becomes woven into everyday tools, tasks that once felt clunky or technical now feel surprisingly simple. So what happens when voice AI and automated web creation become powerful enough to feel effortless? For Arto Minasyan, a longtime innovator in AI-driven communication, real progress occurs when technology removes friction from the experience instead of adding to it. He explains that people don't embrace tools simply because they're sophisticated — they stick with the ones that make life easier within seconds. That thinking guided Krisp's expansion from basic noise reduction into transcription, meeting notes, and real-time accent conversion. His work on automated WordPress creation reflects the same principle: deliver immediate results through an API rather than forcing users to navigate a complex platform. By centering speed, clarity, and intuitive workflows, Arto sees AI reshaping the way people communicate and build online. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Arto Minasyan, Co-founder and President of Krisp, to discuss the rise of voice AI and next-generation WordPress automation. They explore Krisp's expansion beyond noise cancellation, the power of an API-first website builder, and how timing shapes startup success. Arto also talks about the future of human-to-computer voice interaction.

What makes an early-stage startup truly fundable — and why do so many founders miss the mark?In today's episode, I sit down with Ian Levine, Managing Director of Launchpad Venture Group, one of the most active and respected angel investment networks in the United States.Ian has spent 15+ years investing in and syndicating early-stage deals and has helped grow more than 150 companies across New England and New York. Before Launchpad, he built and exited SaaS companies and held executive leadership roles at Bowne & Co., Merrill Corporation, and Iron Mountain. His combination of operator instincts and investor discipline gives him a rare, practical lens into what actually helps founders win.We dig into:• How Launchpad evaluates startups and why capital efficiency matters more than ever• The biggest mistakes founders make when pitching investors• Why distribution — not product — is the real scaling bottleneck• How angel groups fill a critical funding gap missed by VCs• What the Boston startup ecosystem gets right• Ian's personal journey across startups, corporate leadership, and now operating one of the most influential angel groups in the country• What he's working toward in the next chapter of his careerIf you're a founder, investor, operator, or someone growing a team, Ian's insights will reframe how you think about raising money and building a durable company.⸻Guest LinksLaunchpad Venture GroupWebsite: https://www.launchpadventuregroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/launchpad-venture-group/Ian LevineLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilevine/Company: https://www.launchpadventuregroup.com/⸻Host & PodcastChris BrodheadPodcast: What Are You Working Towards?Website: https://working-towards.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrodhead/Download the free storytelling guide:How to Tell the Best Version of Your Business Storyhttps://working-towards.com/

What does it really look like to build a tech company from scratch — as a woman, a founder, a mother, and a deeply intuitive leader? And what happens when you hit the wall of burnout… but choose to rebuild your business from a place of ease, alignment, and sovereignty instead of hustle? This week, I sit down with the extraordinary Heather Udo, Founder & CEO of Shoppable — a SaaS platform powering shoppable experiences for major retailers, global CPG brands, and creators. Heather shares the truth behind: ✨ Growing Shoppable into a profitable tech company over 14 years ✨ Navigating male-dominated startup culture ✨ Raising (or intentionally not raising) VC funding ✨ Coaching first-time tech founders ✨ Being a mother while running a company ✨ Using AI the right way for e-commerce ✨ Rebuilding after burnout ✨ Creating a life and business led by alignment, not adrenaline She also breaks down how Shoppable helps stylists, bloggers, designers & creators stop losing commission to coupon extensions (

A significant majority of business owners and marketers seedigital marketing as a key growth driver, with studies showing over 60% (e.g.,61% in one report) finding improvements in effectiveness and ROI, citingbenefits like increased exposure (83%), traffic (73%), and leads (65%), withemail marketing and SEO often highlighted as top performers for driving revenueand qualified leads. Businesses with higher digital maturity are significantlymore likely to see strong sales growth, confirming digital marketing's impacton growth, reports Business.com Garrett Hammonds is a partner at Hammonds Media andMarketing, where he leads digital marketing, sales, and business development.He's managed ad budgets of over $16 million a year and helped businessesgenerate more than $100 million in revenue. With expertise in digital ads, SEO,and growth strategy, Garrett specializes in helping even the most nicheindustries scale through digital marketing.Garrett Hammonds is not your typical marketer. He didn'tstart with a business degree or a plan to run an agency. In fact, his earlypath was toward teaching high school speech and debate after becoming anationally ranked college debater. Yet what began as “Garrett's young, he cando social media” at his first job turned into a career helpingorganizations—from nonprofits to SaaS companies to Fortune 500 partners—growthrough digital marketing. Under his leadership, HMM was the only Oklahoma agencyselected to attend Google's first-ever Search Central Live conference in NewYork City in 2025, and the agency has also been recognized by Clutch as one ofthe top digital marketing agencies in Oklahoma.  He joined me this week to tell me more.  -For more information: https://www.hmm.agency/Email: garrett@hmm.agency LinkedIn: @GarrettHammonds

How GoHighLevel Became the #1 CRM for Agencies Ceo & Co-Founder Shaun Clark Explains Want better decisions and better customers? Grab a free copy of my book Discernment and see what we're building at HomefrontBrands.com — links are in the description below. In this episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, I sit down with Shaun Clark, co-founder of HighLevel (Go High Level), the CRM that quietly scaled to millions of businesses by doing one thing differently: building with a community of elite marketers instead of selling software straight to small business owners. We talk about: How Shaun pivoted from selling to small businesses to empowering agencies Why HighLevel chases outcomes, not features or seats Turning missed calls into booked jobs with AI voice agents Using community feedback, idea boards, and live town halls to ship the right product The real impact of AI on SaaS, pricing, jobs, and the next wave of tools How to structure partnerships so they don't blow up your friendships If you're a founder, marketer, or agency owner who wants to capture, nurture, and close more business — this conversation will change how you think about software, AI, and community. A FREE COPY OF JEFF'S Book DiscernmentFind Out More About Jeff Dudan at www.jeffdudan.com Build your own business starting here: www.homefrontbrands.com https://www.gohighlevel.com Shaun on LinkedIn If this episode helps you, share it with a business owner or agency operator who needs better systems and better outcomes.  #HighLevel #GoHighLevel #ShaunClark #JeffDudan #UnemployablePodcast #MarketingAgency #AgencyOwners #CRMSoftware #SalesAutomation #MarketingAutomation #SmallBusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessSystems #AIPowered #SaaSFounder Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Clay Lawrence built a generalist digital marketing agency to $17,000 a month, but quickly realized he had created a trap: he was exhausted, overworking, and constantly trading time for money on services ranging from drone footage to SEO. Desperate for a change, he took a massive financial risk—firing his clients and watching his revenue plummet to $4,500—to bet everything on a single, scalable idea that didn't require him to be the bottleneck.That bet was Review Harvest, a low-ticket SaaS focused entirely on automating Google reviews for home service businesses. By niching down and utilizing "trench knowledge" to understand his customers better than they understood themselves, Clay rebuilt his business from the ground up. Today, he generates over $35,000 in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) with a streamlined model that leverages software like HighLevel to do the heavy lifting, proving that a focused offer often beats a broad service.In this interview, Clay sits down with Ryan Atkinson to reveal the exact blueprint behind his pivot. They dive deep into the anatomy of a high-converting sales call, borrowing frameworks from Alex Hormozi to close deals on the spot, and discuss why the "Jack of all trades" model is a killer for agency growth. Whether you are looking to launch your first SaaS, maximize your HighLevel affiliate income, or master client acquisition through Facebook ads, this episode breaks down the tactical steps to build a business that serves your life, not the other way around.Takeaways:- Scaling a generalist agency is nearly impossible because you cannot afford to hire experts for every service; narrowing down to a single service allows for process automation and higher margins- Growth sometimes requires taking a financial step back; Clay intentionally dropped his revenue from $17k to $4.5k to rebuild a scalable model rather than remaining stuck in a service trap- The most scalable offer is often the one that works for every client without custom labor; automating Google review requests provided high value with zero ongoing manual fulfillment- Shifting focus specifically to home service businesses allowed the agency to double its growth because the messaging and operational knowledge became specialized and repeatable- Conducting over 1,000 sales calls provides "trench knowledge"—such as knowing a client's CRM software better than they do—which builds instant trust and authority during the sales process- A simple, singular value proposition (e.g., "The Google Review Guy") is significantly easier for networkers to remember and refer compared to a vague "full-service marketing" label- Low-ticket offers like reputation management rely on emotional impulse, making it critical to get leads on a call within 24 hours before their excitement fades- Sales calls should follow a structure of clarifying the prospect's pain, labeling the problem, and "selling the vacation" (painting a vivid picture of the future state) rather than just listing features- Success is often just surviving the lows; Clay faced a period where he only closed $6,500 in two months but credits his recovery to simply showing up every day despite the anxiety- Documenting the business journey on YouTube created a secondary income stream through HighLevel affiliate commissions, which now generates more profit than the agency itself.Tags: SaaS, Tech Ventures, Digital marketing, Affiliate marketing, Home Services, Business scaling, Business growthResources:Grow your business today:  https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with Clay: https://www.instagram.com/claywlawrence/?hl=en

On this episode I sit down with Rob Hoffman, who runs a portfolio of profitable SaaS businesses (Contact, Mentions, Kleo). Rob breaks down six proven customer acquisition playbooks using real examples doing between ~$20K and $300K MRR. The episode walks through concrete strategies like waitlist launches, trend-jacking, language arbitrage, AI search, signal-search, and high-ticket ads. You will learn how to go beyond “vibe coding” and use structured marketing systems to get their first customers, raise prices, and scale more predictably. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 04:16 – 1) Waitlist Strategy: Kleo & Mentions Case Study 19:45 – 2) Wave Surfer Strategy: TrustMRR Case Study 27:54 –3) Language Arbitrage Strategy: Teachizy Case Study 33:53 – 4) AI Search Strategy: Tally Case Study 40:30 – 5) Signal Search Strategy: LocalRank Case Study 50:04 – 6) High Ticket Ad Strategy: MailScale Case Study Key Points Most indie builders can ship products but struggle to get customers; Rob packages his experience into six repeatable acquisition playbooks. The Waitlist Strategy pairs “edgy sales” content with email nurturing, scarcity, and beta cohorts to quickly reach tens of thousands in MRR. Riding an existing wave (like fake-MRR discourse on X) plus product-led virality can generate huge attention, which is better monetized with ads than subscriptions. Language and geo arbitrage—cloning a winning SaaS into another language/market—combined with non-English SEO is “marketing on easy mode.” AI search (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude) is an overpowered channel right now; deep “alternatives/versus/best of” pages are heavily cited and convert far better than Google traffic. Feature-first launches, faceless accounts, and enterprise plans let products like LocalRank and MailScale stack MRR with small audiences, YouTube demos, and high-ticket sales. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: thevibemarketer.com Startup Empire - get your free builders toolkit to build cashflowing business - https://startup-ideas-pod.link/startup-empire-toolkit Become a member - https://startup-ideas-pod.link/startup-empire FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND ROB ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/RobHoffman_ Kleo: https://kleo.so

BONUS: Impact Engineering—Finding Agile's Lost North Star With Tom Gilb and Simon Holzapfel The Clarity Problem: Why Organizations Start with "Fuzzy B*S*!" "Everybody seems to start from a position of fuzzy b*s*. Nice-sounding words. Management does it, professors do it, politicians do it. And they don't even feel very guilty about it."   Tom Gilb doesn't mince words when describing how most organizations define their objectives. The fundamental problem isn't a lack of ambition—it's a lack of clarity. When leaders are asked about their critical values like "extremely high security" or "employee happiness," they typically respond with circular definitions that provide no actionable direction. Tom's approach starts by exposing this gap and then demonstrating that any value—no matter how "soft" or intangible it seems—can be quantified. Using AI tools, he's shown clients over 1,400 different ways to measure human happiness alone. Why Agile Lost Its North Star "Agile's lost its North Star because the economic problems it was trying to solve within the organization are now mismatched with the digital world."   Simon Holzapfel offers a structural analysis: Agile developed primarily to allay the concerns of pre-digital capital—investors who needed reassurance that their money wouldn't disappear into failed projects. But today's digital economy operates differently. Capital now moves like a service (SaaS model), and innovation is fundamentally stochastic—you can't predict when breakthroughs will happen. Organizations using flow-focused tools when the real problem is value creation are applying yesterday's solutions to today's challenges. The First Step: Quantify Your Critical Values "If you ask AI to quantify employee happiness a hundred different ways, it will do it in one minute for free. So you can no longer be in denial."   The path forward starts with brutal honesty about what your organization actually cares about. Tom's approach involves:   Identifying the top 10 critical stakeholder values Defining clear scales of measure for each Establishing where you are now (status) Setting where you need to be to survive (tolerable level) Defining what success looks like (target/goal level)   This isn't about adding bureaucracy—it's about creating shared clarity that enables everyone to row in the same direction.   About Tom Gilb and Simon Holzapfel   Tom Gilb, born in the US, lived in London, and then moved to Norway in 1958. An independent teacher, consultant, and writer, he has worked in software engineering, corporate top management, and large-scale systems engineering. As the saying goes, Tom was writing about Agile before Agile was named. In 1976, Tom introduced the term "evolutionary" in his book Software Metrics, advocating for development in small, measurable steps. Today, we talk about Evo, the name Tom uses to describe his approach. Tom has worked with Dr. Deming and holds a certificate personally signed by him. You can listen to Tom Gilb's previous episodes here.    You can link with Tom Gilb on LinkedIn    Simon Holzapfel is an educator, coach, and learning innovator who helps teams work with greater clarity, speed, and purpose. He specializes in separating strategy from tactics, enabling short-cycle decision-making and higher-value workflows. Simon has spent his career coaching individuals and teams to achieve performance with deeper meaning and joy. Simon is also the author of the Equonomist newsletter on Substack. And you can listen to Simon's previous episodes on the podcast here.    You can link with Simon Holzapfel on LinkedIn.

Rex Galbraith has worn almost every sales hat over his 20+ year SaaS career, and for the last decade, he's helped build Consensus into the category leader for interactive demo automation. In this episode, John and Rex dive deep into why traditional product demos are failing today's buyers—and what to do instead.You'll hear how Rex and his team use unideal customer profiles (UCPs) to actively disqualify bad-fit prospects, how automating parts of the demo process frees reps to sell smarter, not harder, and why focusing on retention over acquisition is the mindset shift modern sales orgs need.Rex also opens up about leading through tough moments—rebrands, layoffs, even running the company out of a grocery store—and the values that kept him grounded through it all. If you care about sales efficiency, buyer enablement, or becoming the kind of AE who thrives in the AI era, this one's for you.Are you interested in leveling up your sales skills and staying relevant in today's AI-driven landscape? Visit www.jbarrows.com and let's Make It Happen together!Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarrows/Connect with John on IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnmbarrows/Check out John's Membership: https://go.jbarrows.com/pages/individual-membership?ref=3edab1 Join John's Newsletter: https://www.jbarrows.com/newsletterConnect with Rex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexgalbraith Check out the Consensus Website: https://goconsensus.com/

In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Shane and Adnan, founders of Software Finder — a global marketplace for buying and selling software, like an OLX for software buyers.With 350+ employees across 4 countries and more than 250,000 targeted monthly visitors, Software Finder has quietly become one of Pakistan's most successful B2B platforms without hype, foreign celebrity founders, or Silicon Valley experience.In This Episode:The story of building Software FinderWhy couples building startups must sacrifice comfortDecline of SEO traffic and the rise of AI searchScaling 350+ employees and 250 digital marketersThe future of software marketplaces & enterprise SaaS buyingAnd what Pakistan needs to succeed in a post-AI worldThis episode is a first-hand look into Pakistan's fastest-growing SaaS marketplace, its digital marketing engine, and how AI is reshaping search, discovery, and software buying forever.Socials:TBT's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/⁠⁠⁠⁠TBT's TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil⁠⁠⁠⁠TBT's Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings⁠⁠⁠⁠TBT Clips: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips⁠⁠⁠⁠Muzamil's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/⁠⁠⁠⁠Muzamil's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/⁠⁠⁠⁠Shane's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-elahi-22a46835/Adnan's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adnan-malikEndeavor's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistan⁠⁠⁠⁠Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop talks with Aaron Lowry about the shifting landscape of attention, technology, and meaning—moving through themes like treasure-hunt metaphors for human cognition, relevance realization, the evolution of observational tools, decentralization, blockchain architectures such as Cardano, sovereignty in computation, the tension between scarcity and abundance, bioelectric patterning inspired by Michael Levin's research, and the broader cultural and theological currents shaping how we interpret reality. You can follow Aaron's work and ongoing reflections on X at aaron_lowry.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00:00 Stewart and Aaron open with the treasure-hunt metaphor, salience landscapes, and how curiosity shapes perception. 00:05:00 They explore shifting observational tools, Hubble vs James Webb, and how data reframes what we think is real. 00:10:00 The conversation moves to relevance realization, missing “Easter eggs,” and the posture of openness. 00:15:00 Stewart reflects on AI, productivity, and feeling pulled deeper into computers instead of freed from them. 00:20:00 Aaron connects this to monetary policy, scarcity, and technological pressure. 00:25:00 They examine voice interfaces, edge computing, and trust vs convenience. 00:30:00 Stewart shares experiments with Raspberry Pi, self-hosting, and escaping SaaS dependence. 00:35:00 They discuss open-source, China's strategy, and the economics of free models. 00:40:00 Aaron describes building hardware–software systems and sensor-driven projects. 00:45:00 They turn to blockchain, UTXO vs account-based, node sovereignty, and Cardano. 00:50:00 Discussion of decentralized governance, incentives, and transparency. 00:55:00 Geopolitics enters: BRICS, dollar reserve, private credit, and institutional fragility. 01:00:00 They reflect on the meaning crisis, gnosticism, reductionism, and shattered cohesion. 01:05:00 Michael Levin, bioelectric patterning, and vertical causation open new biological and theological frames. 01:10:00 They explore consciousness as fundamental, Stephen Wolfram, and the limits of engineered solutions. 01:15:00 Closing thoughts on good-faith orientation, societal transformation, and the pull toward wilderness.Key InsightsCuriosity restructures perception. Aaron frames reality as something we navigate more like a treasure hunt than a fixed map. Our “salience landscape” determines what we notice, and curiosity—not rigid frameworks—keeps us open to signals we would otherwise miss. This openness becomes a kind of existential skill, especially in a world where data rarely aligns cleanly with our expectations.Our tools reshape our worldview. Each technological leap—from Hubble to James Webb—doesn't just increase resolution; it changes what we believe is possible. Old models fail to integrate new observations, revealing how deeply our understanding depends on the precision and scope of our instruments.Technology increases pressure rather than reducing it. Even as AI boosts productivity, Stewart notices it pulling him deeper into computers. Aaron argues this is systemic: productivity gains don't free us; they raise expectations, driven by monetary policy and a scarcity-based economic frame.Digital sovereignty is becoming essential. The conversation highlights the tension between convenience and vulnerability. Cloud-based AI creates exposure vectors into personal life, while running local hardware—Raspberry Pis, custom Linux systems—restores autonomy but requires effort and skill.Blockchain architecture determines decentralization. Aaron emphasizes the distinction between UTXO and account-based systems, arguing that UTXO architectures (Bitcoin, Cardano) support verifiable edge participation, while account-based chains accumulate unwieldy state and centralize validation over time.Institutional trust is eroding globally. From BRICS currency moves to private credit schemes, both note how geopolitical maneuvers signal institutional fragility. The “few men in a room” dynamic persists, but now under greater stress, driving more people toward decentralization and self-reliance.Biology may operate on deeper principles than genes. Michael Levin's work on bioelectric patterning opens the door to “vertical causation”—higher-level goals shaping lower-level processes. This challenges reductionism and hints at a worldview where consciousness, meaning, and biological organization may be intertwined in ways neither materialism nor traditional theology fully capture.

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Vic Kurs, Senior Technology Advisor at Qodeca. Vic leads sales strategy, partnerships, and client success for Qodeca, a firm specializing in custom software and consulting for the fitness, sport, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience across SaaS and health club operations, he helps organizations streamline workflows, enhance member engagement, and accelerate growth through integrated, data-driven digital solutions. Today, Vic joins Bryan to discuss practical technology adoption, the realities operators face with complex tech stacks, and how to build a smarter digital strategy for the future. One Powerful Quote: 13:03: "Before any business moves into the AI space, it is absolutely crucial to fix the basics and to put that right." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:33: Vic shares his background in technology and fitness, and the core challenges operators face in adopting new solutions. 7:52: Vic discuss short-term versus long-term thinking, execution pitfalls, and the switching costs associated with legacy systems. 12:42: Vic talks about the importance of infrastructure design and the operational challenges of automation. 17:02: Vic speaks on the biggest opportunities for improving technology adoption across the industry. 21:40: Vic shares his perspective on the shifting future of SaaS models in a world increasingly shaped by agentic AI. 32:03: Vic offers closing insights and practical advice for operators navigating digital transformation. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.qodeca.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vkurs/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

Why you should listenLearn the specific signals that indicate a client is ready for automation support, including the "cusp of scale" indicators Jared uses to identify businesses where systems work can deliver immediate ROI.Get the scoping questions Jared asks before every automation project, from "Is this always going to be assigned to this person?" to the scale and maintenance questions that prevent tech debt before it starts.Discover how Jared positions automation services as strategic partnership rather than task execution, allowing him to charge for advice and push back on client ideas rather than just building what they ask for.Scaling your business but drowning in systems that don't talk to each other and growing pains that get louder by the week? In this episode, I talk with Jared Weiss from Matix Flows, who spent over a decade in the startup trenches before launching his own automation consultancy. We dig into why so many business owners end up with tech debt they don't even realize they're building, and what it takes to create systems that actually support growth instead of creating constant firefighting. If you've ever wondered whether your automation setup is helping or secretly holding you back, this conversation will challenge how you think about your operations.About Jared WeissJared Weiss is the founder of Matix Flows, where he helps growing businesses turn messy systems and scattered workflows into smooth, scalable operations. With over a decade of marketing and automation experience—including serving as Director of Marketing at SaaS company Redlist—Jared specializes in business automation, CRM optimization, and strategic consulting with hands-on execution.Known for his holistic approach from working across multiple departments, Jared bridges the gaps between marketing, sales, and operations to create systems that actually work. He partners directly with business owners buried in manual tasks, helping them automate follow-ups, lead routing, and task handoffs so they can focus on growth instead of getting stuck in the weeds. His philosophy is simple: ideas alone don't drive growth—systems do.Resources and LinksMatixflows.comJared's LinkedIn profileZapierUpworkPrevious episode: 653 - Why Plumbers Get Paid More Than Most ConsultantsCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube channel: @PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources

Send us a textFeeling overwhelmed in your business? If you're stuck in constant tasks and firefighting, you're operating—not owning. That's why I love partnering with NexusPoint. They help founders hire smarter, streamline operations, and step into true CEO leadership.✨ Renaissance Podcast listeners get their $500 recruiting fee waived.

Cassie Young brings hard earned lessons from a career spanning CRO roles, customer success leadership, turnarounds, and now investing as a General Partner at Primary Venture Partners. She talks about building and rebuilding go to market teams, why sometimes you should fire customers on purpose, and how churn is a lagging indicator that hides deeper retention issues. Cassie shares strong views on overrated metrics like NPS, the incentives that actually drive behavior inside a business, and the myth of finding one perfect KPI. She also brings signature Cassie isms like sunlight is the best disinfectant and the reminder that leaders often get stuck working in the business instead of on it offering practical insights for anyone trying to keep their SaaS metrics from going sideways.—SPONSORS:Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is the cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, eliminates manual work, and keeps your books audit-ready—so you can scale without slowing down. It combines accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for retail, financial services, logistics, tech, professional services, and more. Sage Intacct delivers fast ROI, with payback in under six months and up to 250% return. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction for eight straight years. Visit Sage Intacct and take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.—LINKS:Cassie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassyoung/Primary Venture Partners: https://www.primary.vc/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Getting fired 4 times made me a founder | Sam Jacobs of Pavilionhttps://youtu.be/8X-JVOF-1A0—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:30 Sponsors Aleph | Fidelity Private Shares | Sage Intacct00:05:21 Returning From Pavilion & GTM Summit Takeaways00:06:49 What Makes a Great Executive00:11:07 The Importance of True P&L Fluency00:12:17 First Team Leadership vs Functional Loyalty00:13:33 Reading the Macro Environment and Market Forces00:14:29 Sponsors Mercury | RightRev | Tipalti00:18:26 Applying First Team Leadership in Practice00:22:24 Churn as a Lagging Indicator00:24:23 Finding Real Leading Indicators of Renewal00:25:30 Customer Value as the Only Path to Enterprise Value00:26:52 Product Adoption Perception and Retention00:29:16 Price to Value Ratio as a Predictor of Guaranteed Churn00:30:37 The Ultimate Question What Gets Your Customer Promoted00:32:33 How NPS Is Actually Calculated00:34:56 Sailthru's Minus 26 NPS and What It Signaled00:37:31 Rebuilding Customer Trust Through Transparency00:40:24 Why Net and Gross Retention Must Be Paired00:42:51 Aligning the Executive Team Through a Unified Bonus Plan00:45:18 Firing Customers When Misaligned Segments Drain the Org00:49:35 Carrot vs Stick How to Motivate a Modern GTM Org00:52:31 Why MBO Plans Fail CSMs01:03:51 Why Time to Value Matters More Than Ever#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CustomerSuccess #ChurnPrevention #GoToMarket #VentureCapital This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Brevo vient d'atteindre le milliard de valorisation.Pourtant personne ne le sait.Polytechnicien aussi discret que brillant, fils de 2 psychanalystes, Armand Thiberge est un pokémon rare dans l'écosystème tech et entrepreneurial français. L'annonce d'un deal colossal de 500 millions d'euros était l'occasion parfaite pour (enfin) l'inviter sur GDIY.L'histoire de Brevo commence en Inde où Armand s'installe pour un stage à la fin de ses études.Lassé en moins de 2 semaines, il quitte son stage, s'associe avec un Indien et crée une agence web. Mais son âme d'ingénieur bouillonne et le pousse très vite à abandonner le modèle d'agence pour construire un vrai produit.Il lance d'abord un outil d'e-mailing, puis élargit ses services au SMS marketing, développe un CRM et devient l'un des premiers à intégrer de l'IA partout dans la gestion de la relation client.En 15 ans, son SaaS — appelé “MailIn” puis “Sendinblue” et maintenant “Brevo” — atteint 200 millions d'euros d'ARR (revenus annuels) et devient un outil indispensable pour des dizaines de milliers d'entreprises, en France, en Europe et aux US.Dans cet épisode nous revenons sur :Les étapes de croissance de Brevo — de la création à New Delhi en 2007 à l'entrée dans le cercle restreint des licornes tech françaises.Comment opérer une croissance saine et rentable sans se brûler les ailesSon plan pour atteindre 1 milliard de revenus annuelsPourquoi Armand est l'un des rares entrepreneurs à soutenir la Taxe ZucmanUn entrepreneur sous-côté, surdoué et aux mille idées qui rappelle qu'avancer sans faire de vagues est aussi une bonne manière d'atteindre les sommets.Vous pouvez contacter Armand sur LinkedIn.TIMELINE:00:00:00 : Monter sa première entreprise en Inde sans aucune expérience00:17:06 : Comment gérer de grosses différences culturelles00:27:33 : “Aujourd'hui les meilleurs développeurs du monde sont en Inde”00:37:09 : La mine d'or sous-exploitée des clients fidèles00:47:34 : La magie du bouche-à-oreille00:56:14 : Ce défi qui menace tous les SaaS01:07:34 : Refuser 10 millions à 33 ans01:19:14 : Pourquoi il faut absolument des géants européens dans la tech01:27:29 : Le plan de Brevo pour atteindre 1 milliard de revenus01:37:15 : “On a appris dès le début à faire de la croissance rentable”01:47:06 : La méga opération à 500 millions qui fait de Brevo une licorne02:01:54 : Être l'un des seuls entrepreneurs français à soutenir la taxe Zucman02:17:47 : Le combat d'Armand sur le front Ukrainien02:28:53 : “Il faut être plus humble sur ce qu'on va réussir à faire avec l'IA”02:38:27 : Le vrai défi du 21e siècle02:45:55 : Il n'y a pas de plafond, fonceLes anciens épisodes de GDIY mentionnés : #279 - Thibaud Elzière - eFounders - Startups, Web3, Voile Solaire et Maisons de luxe : quand la curiosité n'a plus de limites#1 - Simon Dawlat - Batch - Comment lever 10 millions et se faire blacklister par Apple#487 - VO - Anton Osika - Lovable - Internet, Business, and AI: Nothing Will Ever Be the Same Again#480 - Octave Klaba - OVH Cloud - La guerre du Cloud commence#226 - Fabien Pinckaers - Odoo - L'antithèse de la start-up nationNous avons parlé de :BrevoLe principe de régressionProtonLe principe de l'acqui-hiringAnduril, la start-up star de la défense américaineIronflow BatteriesLes recommandations de lecture :The World is Flat - Thomas L. FriedmanLe chercheur d'or - J. M. Gustave Le ClézioUn grand MERCI à nos sponsors : SquareSpace : squarespace.com/doitQonto: https://qonto.com/r/2i7tk9 Brevo: brevo.com/doit eToro: https://bit.ly/3GTSh0k Payfit: payfit.com Club Med : clubmed.frCuure : https://cuure.com/product-onelyVous souhaitez sponsoriser Génération Do It Yourself ou nous proposer un partenariat ?Contactez mon label Orso Media via ce formulaire.Big up à Fabrice Pelosi, soutien incontournable de GDIY depuis l'épisode 1, qui a participé à rendre cet épisode possible.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

It's been nearly a decade since the last evolution of the PaaS platform, but AI has the potential to reshape and evolve this value concept. Let's explore that's possible. SHOW: 982SHOW TRANSCRIPT: The Cloudcast #982 TranscriptSHOW VIDEO: https://youtube.com/@TheCloudcastNET CLOUD NEWS OF THE WEEK: http://bit.ly/cloudcast-cnotwCHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST: "CLOUDCAST BASICS"SHOW SPONSORS:[Mailtrap] Try Mailtrap for free[Interconnected] Interconnected is a new series from Equinix diving into the infrastructure that keeps our digital world running. With expert guests and real-world insights, we explore the systems driving AI, automation, quantum, and more. Just search “Interconnected by Equinix”.SHOW NOTESVercel v0Building Web Apps with just English and AI (Acquired podcast, Feb 2025)Vercel on The Cloudcast (2024)Vercel on The Cloudcast (2021)8 tools to build your own PaaS (2025)IS PAAS READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? Where could PaaS evolve to now?Can new PaaS services abstract the developer, and just focus on business logic and business ideas? What languages or design patterns would be mandated? (web only, mobile only, web + mobile? )Can we template “best practices” enough to be reliable?Can we template compliances needed to handle financial transactions, customer data, etc.?Can troubleshooting become an automated service?Where was PaaS in the past? (Heroku, Google AppEngine, Cloud Foundry, Kubernetes)Language specificCloud specificAbstracting the infrastructure and securityFEEDBACK?Email: show at the cloudcast dot netTwitter/X: @cloudcastpodBlueSky: @cloudcastpod.bsky.socialInstagram: @cloudcastpodTikTok: @cloudcastpod

In this episode of The Digital Marketing Podcast, Daniel Rowles introduces us to the process of Vibe Coding, a revolutionary approach to software development that leverages AI to make app creation accessible to anyone, regardless of coding experience. Vibe coding shifts the focus from writing manual code to guiding AI with natural language prompts, allowing non-developers to build interactive apps, tools, and even businesses. Daniel explores the three tiers of vibe coding, from basic one-page web apps to full-scale, secure, AI-powered platforms , and shares practical steps, tools and security tips to get started. The second half of the episode features a compelling interview with Christo Snyman, a podcast listener who used vibe coding to launch his AI assistant platform Traderly.ai. Christo takes us behind the scenes of building a real-world startup with no prior coding background, sharing his full tech stack, hard-earned lessons, and the mindset needed to succeed. In This Episode: What is Vibe Coding? Understand how natural language prompts can now be used to create working code, dramatically lowering the barrier to digital creation. The Three Levels of Vibe Coding Level 1: Build one-page apps using HTML, CSS, and React, no backend required Level 2: Add memory, interactivity, and live AI responses through API access Level 3: Create fully-fledged apps with user authentication, databases, and deployment Practical Use Cases - From interactive Google algorithm timelines to embedded AI tools for keyword research and content planning, Daniel shares how these tools are being used on Target Internet's own website. Christo's Journey - From Idea to Startup. Learn how Christo turned a common business pain point — small service businesses missing leads due to message overload — into a scalable SaaS platform. Discover his full tech stack including React, Azure Functions, PostgreSQL, Firebase, OpenAI, WordPress, and more. Key Takeaways: Anyone can now build apps using AI tools, whether it's a timeline, calculator, chatbot, or full customer-facing product. AI-assisted development removes fear and unlocks creativity, especially for entrepreneurs without a dev background. Start small and iterate, your Minimal Viable Product doesn't need to be perfect, it needs to be useful. Vibe coding is the bridge between ideas and execution - fast, flexible and increasingly powerful. The future of marketing and tech creation is conversational and it's already here.

Christoph Gerber, Gründer von Talon.One, spricht über die Herausforderungen von Buy vs. Build Entscheidungen. Er teilt, warum sie ein Innovation Squad Lab aufbauen, wie sie in 2-Wochen-Sprints Prototypen entwickeln und warum die "Existential Crisis of SaaS" oft im falschen Funktionsumfang liegt. Was du lernst: Wie du Buy vs. Build Entscheidungen triffst Die Balance zwischen Core und Innovation Warum schnelle Prototypen wichtig sind Den richtigen Mix aus Lösungen finden ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://stan.store/fabiantausch   Mehr zu Christoph: LinkedIn: de.linkedin.com/in/christophgerber  Website: https://www.talon.one/  Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach: https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/ 

Mostly Growth on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MostlyGrowthMostly Growth on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mostly-growth/id1842238102Mostly Growth on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KDtaLaXx1obFp5PUhZ6V3In this episode of Mostly Growth, CJ Gustafson and Kyle Poyar bounce between sharp SaaS insights and delightfully weird internet culture. They start with an unexpected dive into competitive bird-watching apps, then break down recent software mergers like Superhuman + Grammarly + Coda and what they signal about scaling, cross-sell strategy, and private equity mechanics. CJ and Kyle explore why PE portfolios are becoming powerful distribution channels for AI solutions, how niche data “signals” are outpacing generic ones in sales, and share hedge-fund-style tactics for uncovering proprietary business information. The conversation rounds out with “business blunders” — from Y-axis chart crimes to clickbait headlines — and a lively discussion on Spotify's pricing power and how companies should (and absolutely should not) communicate price increases.—SPONSORS:Pulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows, without the hidden fees or unreliable support. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: https://pulley.com/mostlymetricsMetronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.com—LINKS:Mostly Metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.comCJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Growth Unhinged: https://www.growthunhinged.com/Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-poyar/Slacker Stuff: https://www.slackerstuff.com/Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slackerstuff/—RELATED EPISODES:The Layer-Cake Playbook for Vertical SaaS Growth | with Roland Ligtenberghttps://youtu.be/yPxWvhPISKo—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:01:43 Sponsors – Pulley and Metronome00:04:05 Birding, Big Year & AI Bird Apps00:06:42 Software M&A Trends in SaaS00:08:57 Superhuman–Grammarly–Coda Reverse Merger00:10:34 How Larger Valuations Attract a New Investor Class00:11:55 Streaming Wars & Platform Consolidation00:13:20 Private Equity as a Distribution Channel for AI00:14:48 How PE Firms Drive Multi-Company Expansion00:15:56 AI for Efficiency: The PE CFO Playbook00:17:44 When AI ROI Really Matters in PE00:19:23 Signal-Based Selling: High-Intent Buyer Detection00:21:15 Signal Fatigue & the Hunt for Better Data00:22:50 Why Proprietary Signals Win00:24:05 Creative (and Creepy) Data Tactics00:26:09 Pinterest vs. Google: Aspirational vs. Actual Behavior00:27:17 Blurring Work & Personal Signals in AI Tools00:27:46 The Michael Jordan of Y-Axis Crimes00:30:33 Notion Agents Billboard: “Let Them Cook”00:32:31 Pricing in the Real World: Spotify00:34:60 → 00:35:00 How to Communicate a Price Increase00:35:40 Closing Credits#MostlyGrowthPodcast #PricingStrategy #AIGrowth #GoToMarket #PrivateEquity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Allen Kopelman returns with another insightful episode of The Biz To Biz Podcast, joined by special guest Albert Howard — entrepreneur, innovator, and leader focused on building better business systems through smarter tech and stronger processes.In this episode, we dive into:✔️ Albert's journey and the lessons he's learned leading teams and growing brands✔️ Why businesses struggle with operational bottlenecks — and how to eliminate them✔️ The role of modern technology in creating scalable, efficient organizations✔️ A fresh perspective on leadership, accountability, and culture✔️ Practical tips you can implement today to strengthen your business foundationWhether you're an entrepreneur, team leader, or business owner looking to push your organization forward, this conversation delivers tons of actionable value.

Struggling with costs in your healthcare organization? Reach out to Michael.  Click Here for more info Episode Summary In this inspiring conversation, Michael Levitt welcomes Ciara, founder of Eventist, a leading SaaS company that revolutionized ticketing for dance competitions. What began as a side project for a friend turned into a thriving event management platform serving studios, festivals, and large-scale competitions. Ciara's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of solving real problems through technology. Building a SaaS Business from Scratch After losing her job, Ciara chose to create something new. What started as a personal favor evolved into a full-fledged software company addressing a gap in the dance competition industry. Michael commends her for transforming a career setback into a successful entrepreneurial journey. Together, they explore how identifying underserved markets can lead to sustainable business growth. Aligning Developers with Industry Experts Michael and Ciara dive into the challenge of bridging the gap between developers and industry specialists. They discuss how effective requirement gathering and clear communication lead to better, more intuitive software, especially in niche markets like event ticketing. Ciara shares how this alignment allowed her team to build solutions that meet real user needs rather than assumptions. Designing for User Experience, Not Just Features Feature requests can pile up fast, but Ciara knows that usability matters most. She and Michael examine why prioritizing user experience is critical, even if it means saying “no” to certain requests. Drawing parallels to healthcare and other sectors, Michael explains how miscommunication between end users and designers can lead to frustration, while Ciara highlights the importance of serving the majority of users who rely on core functions every day. Turning Customer Feedback into Action Listening to customers does not mean building everything they ask for. Ciara explains how her team implemented a feature voting system, giving users a transparent way to influence the product roadmap. Michael suggests that reaching out to clarify feedback can turn casual users into loyal advocates, showing that thoughtful communication fosters trust and retention. The AI Bubble and Software Evolution Michael and Ciara discuss the similarities between today's AI boom and the early 2000s dot-com era. While AI offers immense potential, Michael notes that many tools being created today will not stand the test of time. The future belongs to products that solve real problems with precision, human oversight, and authentic value. Building a Foundation for Scalability Ciara credits Eventist's adaptability to a strong infrastructure developed over three years. This solid foundation allowed her team to expand into studio management and festival scheduling without rebuilding from scratch. Michael praises this long-term mindset, explaining that scalable success depends on a stable architecture, not shortcuts. Database Discipline and Developer Sanity Ciara shares a golden rule for developers: stabilize your database schema before launch. Her six-month schema freeze policy helps avoid late-night emergencies and production chaos. Michael highlights how this disciplined approach prevents cascading issues and builds user confidence in the reliability of a system. Eventist: Empowering the Dance and Event Industry In closing, Ciara discusses how Eventist empowers dance studios and event organizers with transparent pricing that includes free ticketing software with a flat 25-cent fee per ticket and a 1.9 percent fee for studio tools. Listeners can explore more about her work and updates through Eventist.ca to learn about Ciara's software. Explore workplace and leadership insights at BreakfastLeadership.com/blog. Listen to more episodes of the Breakfast Leadership Show, ranked in the Top 2 percent of global podcasts by ListenNotes.

In this episode, "The Metrics Brothers," Growth (Ray Rike) and CAC (Dave Kellogg), dive into a critical challenge for modern SaaS and AI-Native companies: accurately calculating Net Revenue Retention (NRR) in environments that utilize variable pricing models (usage-based, outcome-based, etc.).They begin by defining NRR, emphasizing its importance as a key metric and its high correlation with Enterprise Value-to-Revenue multiples.The brothers then dissect the primary challenge: the absence of traditional Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in non-annual contract models. They explore different proxies for ARR, including MRR x 12 and Implied ARR (Quarterly Revenue x 4), and discuss the pitfalls of each, particularly the risk of overstating annual revenue due to seasonality or significant one-time deals.Finally, they offer their preferred, cohort-based method for calculating NRR—the "Snowflake Method" or "Two-Year Look Back"—which compares the current revenue of a specific group of customers (cohort) to their revenue from a year ago. They conclude with a discussion on how this method helps dampen the "noise" and variability inherent in usage-based data when trying to measure expansion and contraction.

Andrew kicks off at 8 a.m. with six Docker containers running, and he and Chris dive into what modern Rails development looks like inside dev containers—covering Rails' own images and features, using Mise and Playwright instead of Selenium, and why OrbStack has replaced Docker Desktop on their Macs. They talk through the trade-offs of running services in containers, the quirks of Kamal's new local registry, and how Chris is turning all of this into a practical SaaS building series that shows real-world deployment and scaling with tools like JudoScale. Along the way, they weave in life updates about new babies, daycare costs, and even the power needs of AI data centers and nuclear energy.  Press download now to hear more! LinksChris Oliver XAndrew Mason BlueskyJudoscale- Remote Ruby listener giftWhy Playwright Is Less Flaky Than Selenium by Justin SearlsRails Dev Container Images & FeaturesRuby on MacJudoscale-Process Utilization: How We Actually Track ThatGoRails- Domain Monitor SaaS- Adding the Domain ModelCheeky Pint PodcastSmarter Every Day (YouTube)The DiplomatThe Girlfriend Chris Oliver X/Twitter Andrew Mason X/Twitter Jason Charnes X/Twitter

AGENDA: 04:20 Thrive and OpenAI Partnership  07:14 Databricks Raising $5BN at $134BN Valuation: Cheap or Not? 17:39 Eventbrite Acquired by Bending Spoons for $500M 21:39 Pagerduty's $1BN Market Cap, Just 2x Revenue 26:59 The TAM Trap: Why SaaS Is Like Japan 37:42 Lessons from Companies Hitting $100M ARR 44:57 The Future of Labour Markets is F****** 52:10 The Importance of Compounding in Investments 56:45 The Relevance Game in Venture Capital 01:05:01 Supabase at $5BN or Lovable at $6BN: Which One?  

Filmmaker and tech founder Drew Schettler shares how he went from a strictly ministerial college path and church media work to running a production company and building Atlas, a modern all‑in‑one workspace for filmmakers. He talks about learning business the hard way as a creative, navigating burnout and feast‑or‑famine freelance cycles, and then spending seven months using AI and no‑code tools to ship a real SaaS product for his own industry. On this episode we talk about:   Growing up in a ministry “bubble” and how Drew slowly leaned into photography and filmmaking   Building a freelance video business serving churches, nonprofits, and commercial clients   Discovering AI/no‑code app tools and deciding to build Atlas for filmmakers   Product–market fit, MVPs, and iterating based on user feedback instead of over‑polishing   Why creators need to think like entrepreneurs and how to escape the freelance hamster wheel Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Creatives who want to go full‑time have to think in systems, margins, and client outcomes—not just in terms of making beautiful work.2.  You do not need a massive dev team to validate a software idea; a scrappy, AI‑assisted MVP is enough to start selling and get real feedback.3.  The most sustainable path is often using your high‑ticket services as a cash‑flow engine while you build scalable products that can eventually overtake client work. Notable Quotes   "You have to lead with how you're solving the client's problem, not just how good your video looks."   "If everyone has the cheat codes with AI, it stops being cheating—it's just who executes better and faster."   "Most creatives are trying to impress other creatives instead of building something that actually moves the needle for a client." Connect with Drew Schettler: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drew.schettler/  https://atlasfilm.io/ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Daniel Jimenez, co-founder and CEO of Stride Dental Group and founder of Feestream. After a high-level career in engineering and leadership at Amazon, Daniel took an unexpected leap into the world of dentistry—driven by a passion for operational excellence, data, and innovation. He shares what translated well from corporate life (think: metrics, accountability, systems), what absolutely didn't, and why building and scaling in dentistry requires a whole different playbook.  Daniel opens up about the cultural and communication challenges of introducing change in a clinical environment, and how Stride is navigating growth while staying grounded in patient care and team culture. He also discusses his SaaS platform, Feestream, a simple but powerful tool that automates the painful process of updating insurance fee schedules in practice management software. If you're curious about scaling, leadership, or simplifying operations, you'll find tons of insight in this honest and forward-thinking conversation. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.stridedentalgroup.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Security used to be a headache. Now it is a growth engine.In this episode of IT Visionaries, host Chris Brandt sits down with Taylor Hersom, Founder and CEO of Eden Data and former CISO, to break down how fast growing companies can turn cybersecurity and compliance into a true competitive advantage. Taylor explains why frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and emerging AI standards such as ISO 42001 are becoming essential for winning enterprise business. He also shares how to future proof controls, connect compliance work to real business goals, and avoid the costly pitfalls that stall companies during scale.Taylor also highlights the biggest blind spots in AI security, including model training risks, improper data handling, and the challenges created by relying on free AI tools. If you are building a SaaS product or selling into large companies, this conversation shows how trust, transparency, and strong security practices directly drive revenue. Key Moments:  00:00 — The Hidden Risks of Scattered Company Data04:11 — Why Early-Stage Teams Lose Control of Security08:22 — Compliance Becomes a Competitive Advantage12:33 — SOC 2 vs ISO 27001: What Founders Need to Know16:44 — Framework Overload and How to Navigate It20:55 — Mapping Security Controls to Business Objectives25:06 — The Gap Between Compliance Audits and Real Threats29:17 — Startup Security Blind Spots That Lead to Breaches33:28 — Rising AI Risks Leaders Aren't Preparing For37:39 — Building Customer Trust Through Transparency41:50 — Protecting AI Models and Sensitive Customer Data46:01 — Why Free AI Tools Create Hidden Data Exposure50:12 — Automating Security Controls for Scale54:23 — Continuous Compliance Beats Annual Audits58:34 — Final Takeaways on Security, Trust, and Growth -- This episode of IT Visionaries is brought to you by Meter - the company building better networks. Businesses today are frustrated with outdated providers, rigid pricing, and fragmented tools. Meter changes that with a single integrated solution that covers everything wired, wireless, and even cellular networking. They design the hardware, write the firmware, build the software, and manage it all so your team doesn't have to.That means you get fast, secure, and scalable connectivity without the complexity of juggling multiple providers. Thanks to meter for sponsoring. Go to meter.com/itv to book a demo.---IT Visionaries is made by the team at Mission.org. Learn more about our media studio and network of podcasts at mission.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we once again talk about AI, and oh boy do we get off topic.Here's the AI tool Rick mentioned for recording your screen (we'll talk about that in a future episode)Here's the AI report Rick mentioned

"Start in small areas of your business and test it there, and then you can see the impact of AI implementation." Join Devon Tilly as he chats with Shawn Kercher and Brian Watson of Humming Agent AI! Shawn Kercher is the Co-Founder and CTO of Humming Agent AI, where he focuses on making AI-powered workflow automation accessible and impactful for businesses of all sizes. With a background in engineering and over a decade of leadership in innovation at Comcast Labs, he's led teams building scalable AI solutions that solve real-world problems and drive business growth. Brian Watson is a lifelong entrepreneur that has been running businesses since he was 17. He has successfully grown companies in several industries including Retail, Service, SaaS, and AI. These experiences have given him a tremendous depth of business knowledge and provided him with tangible insights into what it takes to run a successful company. He has expertise in numerous areas including leadership, strategy, sales, marketing, operations, people management, project management, PR, and government contracting. He is a highly collaborative team player who loves winning. He is happiest when getting to contribute his skills towards solving difficult problems that move a company towards success! Follow Humming Agent AI on LinkedIn! Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

How can you effectively prepare your SaaS for an exit? And what should you know about the valuation drivers, buyer types, and metrics that matter most? In a live episode of the Grow Your B2B SaaS podcast recorded at SaaS Summit Benelux, host Joran sat down with René de Jong to unpack what it takes for SaaS companies to scale and prepare for a successful exit in 2026. René helps entrepreneurs—specifically SaaS founders—design effective exit strategies and navigate the full process of selling their businesses to third parties. Across the conversation, he offered clear and pragmatic insights on what separates the SaaS businesses that grow and sell well from those that struggle, how buyers evaluate companies in the current market, and why topics like the rule of 40, net revenue retention, AI-driven scalability, and deal structure matter now more than ever. From early-stage focus at 0 to 10K MRR to strategies for moving toward 10 million ARR, René shared guidance grounded in what he sees every day in the market.This episode turns the full discussion into a clear, actionable narrative that stays true to the original conversation and is easier to follow and revisit.Key Timestamps(0:00) - SaaS Summit Benelux intro, B2B SaaS scaling 2026, Rule of 40, NRR, ARR multiples, Earnouts, Strategic buyers, 0-10K MRR, 10M ARR(0:50) - Guest intro, SaaS M&A advisor, SaaS exit strategy, SaaS acquisition process(1:14) - Scaling your SaaS for 2026(1:20) - What separates SaaS winners in 2026(1:26) - Rule of 40, Efficient growth, ARR multiple valuation(2:18) - Go-to-market strategy, New business team, Net Revenue Retention (NRR), Expense efficiency(3:05) - NRR benchmarks, Churn, Customer concentration, Market standards(4:01) - Efficient growth vs spend, AI scalability, Revenue per employee(5:06) - AI native SaaS costs, VC vs mature SaaS valuation, EBITDA vs ARR(6:38) - VC backing for AI native startups(6:48) - Freemium model 2026, Valuation cycles, EBITDA focus, AI hype, ARR multiples(8:05) - Sponsor: B2B SaaS affiliate marketing, Reditus(8:49) - SaaS valuation benchmarks, ARR multiples range(9:01) - 3.5x ARR cash at close, Earnout, Reinvest, Deal structure(10:34) - Venture capital vs Private equity(10:43) - Strategic buyers, One plus one equals three, Synergy valuation(11:22) - Build list of strategic acquirers, Exit planning(11:29) - Headline valuations vs reality, Purchase price, Earnouts, Deal terms(11:51) - Earnout as bonus, Cash at closing, Burnout risk(13:05) - 2026 growth loop, AI in land and expand, Product-led growth, AI agents(14:10) - 0–10K MRR advice, Founder mindset, Learn fast, Mentors, SaaS community(15:35) - Smart capital, Operator investors, Non-dilutive help(16:06) - 10K MRR to 10M ARR, Focus, Buy-and-build strategy, Autonomous growth, 3–5 year plan(17:43) - Contact info, LinkedIn, anno9082.nl(18:03) - Outro, Subscribe, Sponsor the show, Reditus call-to-action

In this sponsored episode recorded live at AutoCon 4 in Austin, we sit down with Peter Sprygada, Chief Architect at Itential, to discuss Itential’s on-stage announcement of FlowAI. Peter shares his journey from network engineering skeptic to AI advocate, explaining how Itential securely connects AI agents to infrastructure with enterprise-grade governance and traceability. We dive... Read more »

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with John Motowidlak, co-founder of Mpire Financial. Together, they dive deep into the ways technology—such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and SaaS solutions—is revolutionizing the mortgage industry and accelerating Mpire Financial's impressive growth trajectory. John offers valuable insights into the process of developing proprietary technology, emphasizing how innovation and adaptability are crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultivating a strong company culture at Mpire Financial, and how this foundation supports both employee satisfaction and client success. John and Dustin discuss the upcoming Mortgage Con 2026 conference in Orlando, highlighting the event's potential for learning, networking, and discovering the latest industry trends. Throughout the episode, they explore the exciting opportunities that come with tech-driven change in real estate, as well as the unique challenges that mortgage professionals face in adapting to new tools and processes. John shares his perspective on the future of coaching and mentorship in the industry, introducing innovative coaching platforms and resources designed to help loan officers and mortgage professionals thrive. Listeners will also hear about new networking opportunities, best practices for leveraging technology, and actionable strategies for navigating the dynamic landscape of modern mortgage lending.   TLOP's Originator Coaching ---> Visit Website

随着 ChatGPT、DeepSeek 等 AI 助手成为新的流量入口，我们的购物、搜索与决策方式正在被快速改写：ChatGPT 周活跃突破 8 亿，每日处理 10 亿+查询；近 50% 的消费者已经习惯用 AI 做购物前调研；40% 的购买决策受到 AI 推荐影响。流量入口的变迁意味着营销逻辑的重构：当 SEO（Search Engine Optimization，搜索引擎优化）逐渐演变为 GEO（Generative Engine Optimization，生成式引擎优化），如何让产品被 AI 看见，被推荐和被信任。当 AI 搜索替代传统搜索引擎，商家的增长逻辑将如何重写？ 本期我们邀请到 Deepblumen 联合创始人 Joy，一起从 AI 营销一线观察中国与海外 AI 商业生态的差异，拆解 GEO 的底层逻辑、聊聊未来电商的商业闭环如何在 AI Agents 中重建。 本期人物 Joy，Deeplumen 联合创始人 Yaxian，「科技早知道」主播 主要话题 [03:08] Deepblumen 做什么：AI 原生营销的第一原则 我们做的不是 AIGC，而是让品牌和用户在 AI 生态里更高效连接 - Deepblumen 的核心是 AI 搜索可见性（AI Visibility）。 - AI 搜索让品牌曝光从靠链接变成靠语义理解。 - 不只 Deepseek，小红书等也加入了 AI 搜索战场。 [08:07] SEO/SEM 的过去：为什么我们需要新的 GEO？ SEM 解决速度，SEO 解决长线资产，但 AI 时代它们都不够用了 - SEM：通过付费快速买量、测试人群；SEO：靠内容质量与网站权重换取免费流量。 - AI 时代用户不再点击十个链接，而是大模型总结答案。 - 品牌必须从「为搜索引擎」写转向 「为大模型写」。 [13:45] GEO 是什么？AI 时代的新 SEO GEO 的核心就是——当用户问问题时，让模型想到你。 - GEO = Generative Engine Optimization，让品牌被纳入模型回答，而不是网页结果列表。 - 大模型重视语义结构、真实数据、专家引用。 - 做好 SEO 依然是做 GEO 的前提 [28:00] OpenAI Shop Card：AI 正在重建电商闭环 用户未来不需要跳 10 个页面，一个答案和一个购买按钮就够了。 - ChatGPT 正把 「搜索 + 比价 + 决策 + 下单」整合到一条链。 - 对品牌意味着：电商入口会从平台迁移到 AI 助手。 - AI 电商比传统平台更「去中间化」。 [33:01] 为什么 Deepblumen 要出海？中美 AI 搜索生态有何不一样？ 海外生态更开放，工具链更完整，资本更看好这一赛道。 - OpenAI 商业化节奏快，可接入生态更丰富。 - 像 Profound 这样的第三方监测工具成熟。 - 海外 Saas 与服务体系更配合品牌自建增长体系。 - 中国生态偏向自闭环（抖音、阿里），路径不同。 [51:53] GEO 会不会误导用户？品牌能操纵 AI 搜索吗？ 我们不做虚假信息，AI 搜索也无法容纳虚假——因为语义理解会暴露它。 - GEO 不能制造虚假内容，否则无法通过模型语义筛选。 - 大模型相比 SEO 时代更能识别「垃圾内容」。 - 品牌要求的第一原则是信息必须准确。 - AI 搜索推荐机制依然基于真实需求与内容质量。 [1:00:29] 最终趋势：AI Agent 才是电商终局 未来不是你下单，而是你的 AI Agent 替你下单。 - AI Agent 将读取需求 → 比价 → 决策 → 直接购买。 - 品牌内容必须结构化，以便 Agent 能抓取、比对、调用。 - GEO 是 Agent 时代的基础建设。 - 现在准备，决定品牌能否在未来被自动选中。

While many businesses rely on Microsoft 365, Salesforce and Google Workspace security features, critical blind spots remain—the recent series of high profile SaaS breaches demonstrate this. So what should you do? Mike Puglia, General Manager of Kaseya Labs, joins Business Security Weekly to discuss the risks in SaaS applications. In this segment, Mike will explore how bad actors are focusing their attacks on SaaS applications, hijacking tokens and how misconfigured integrations are used to bypass traditional defenses. Mike will also discuss how IT leaders can rethink protecting their essential SaaS business applications with tools that go beyond endpoint and MFA strategies to secure the modern user. This segment is sponsored by Kaseya 365 User. Visit https://securityweekly.com/k365 to learn more about them! In the leadership and communications segment, The rise of the chief trust officer: Where does the CISO fit?, When Another Company's Crisis Hurts Your Reputation, Effective Workplace Communication Tips, and more!   Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/bsw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bsw-424

My guest today is David George. David is a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads the firm's growth investing business. His team has backed many of the defining companies of this era – including Databricks, Figma, Stripe, SpaceX, Anduril, and OpenAI – and is now investing behind a new generation of AI startups like Cursor, Harvey, and Abridge. This conversation is a detailed look at how David built and runs the a16z growth practice. He shares how he recruits and builds his team a “Yankees-level” culture, how his team makes investment decisions without traditional committees, and how they work with founders years before investing to win the most competitive deals. Much of our conversation centers on AI and how his team is investing across the stack, from foundational models to applications. David draws parallels to past platform shifts – from SaaS to mobile – and explains why he believes this period will produce some of the largest companies ever built. David also outlines the models that guide his approach – why markets often misprice consistent growth, what makes “pull” businesses so powerful, and why most great tech markets end up winner-take-all. David reflects on what he's learned from studying exceptional founders and why he's drawn to a particular type, the “technical terminator.” Please enjoy my conversation with David George. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ramp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ramp.com/invest to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ridgeline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ridgelineapps.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about the platform. ----- This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AlphaSense⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. AlphaSense has completely transformed the research process with cutting-edge AI technology and a vast collection of top-tier, reliable business content. Invest Like the Best listeners can get a free trial now at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alpha-Sense.com/Invest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and experience firsthand how AlphaSense and Tegus help you make smarter decisions faster. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like The Best (00:04:00) Meet David George (00:03:04) Understanding the Impact of AI on Consumers and Enterprises (00:05:56) Monetizing AI: What is AI's Business Model (00:11:04) Investing in Robotics and American Dynamism (00:13:31) Lessons from Investing in Waymo (00:15:55) Investment Philosophy and Strategy (00:17:15) Investing in Technical Terminators (00:20:18) Market Leaders Capture All of the Value Creation (00:24:56) The Maturation of VC and Competitive Landscape (00:28:18) What a16z Does to Win Deals (00:33:06) David's Daily Routine: Meetings Structure and Blocking Time to Think (00:36:34) Why David Invests: Curiosity and Competition (00:40:12) The Unique Culture at Andreessen Horowitz (00:42:46) The Perfect Conditions for Growth Investing (00:47:04) Push v. Pull Businesses (00:49:19) The Three Metrics a16z Uses to Evaluate AI Companies (00:52:15) Unique Products and Unique Distribution (00:54:55) Tradeoffs of the a16z Firm Structure (00:59:04) a16z's Semi-Algorithmic Approach to Selling (01:00:54) Three Ways Startups can Beat Incumbents in AI (01:03:44) The Kindest Thing

ShadyPanda plays the long game. India mandates tracking software on mobile devices. Korea weighs punitive damages after a massive breach. Qualcomm patches a critical boot flaw impacting millions. OpenAI patches a Codex CLI vulnerability. Google patches Android zero-days. Cybersecurity issues prompt an FDA permanent recall for an at-home ventilator system. Switzerland questions the security of hyperscale clouds and SaaS services. One of the world's largest cyber insurers pulls back from the market. On our Threat Vector segment, ⁠David Moulton⁠ sits down with ⁠Stav Setty to unpack the Jingle Thief campaign.  In Russia, Porsches take a holiday.  Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. Threat Vector segment In today's Threat Vector segment, host ⁠David Moulton⁠, Senior Director of Thought Leadership for Unit 42, sits down with ⁠Stav Setty⁠, Principal Researcher at Palo Alto Networks, to unpack Jingle Thief a cloud-only, identity-driven campaign that turned Microsoft 365 into a gift card printing press. Stav explains how the Morocco-based group known as Atlas Lion lived off the land inside M365 for months at a time, using tailored phishing and smishing pages, URL tricks, and internal phishing to compromise one user and quietly pivot to dozens more. To listen to the full conversation on Threat Vector, listen here. You can catch new episodes of Threat Vector every Thursday on your favorite podcast app.  Selected Reading Browser extensions pushed malware to 4.3M Chrome, Edge users (The Register) India plans to verify and record every smartphone in circulation (TechCrunch) Apple to Resist India's Order to Preload Government App on iPhones (MacRumors) President orders probe into Coupang breach (The Korea Herald) Qualcomm Alerts Users to Critical Flaws That Compromise the Secure Boot Process (GB Hackers) Vulnerability in OpenAI Coding Agent Could Facilitate Attacks on Developers (SecurityWeek) Google Releases Patches for Android Zero-Day Flaws Exploited in the Wild (Infosecurity Magazine) 'Cyber Issue' Leads to FDA Recall of Baxter Respiratory Gear (GovInfoSecurity) Swiss government bans SaaS and cloud for sensitive info (The Register) Publication: Resolution on outsourcing data processing to the cloud (Privatim) Insurer Beazley Steps Back From Cyber Market as Attacks Surge (PYMNTS.com) Hundreds of Porsche Owners in Russia Unable to Start Cars After System Failure (The Moscow Times) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices