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Mayur Kamat is the chief product officer at N26—a $9 billion neobank serving over 7 million customers in 25 countries—where he leads product, design, data, and research. Prior to N26, Mayur was Head of Product at Binance, growing the crypto exchange to a peak $400 billion valuation. Earlier in his career, he built and scaled products at Google (Gmail Mobile, Hangouts), Microsoft, and travel unicorn Agoda.Learn:1. How to find and focus on the highest-leverage problems2. Why you shouldn't optimize for compensation early in your career3. Why you should optimize for strengths, not weaknesses4. Why you need to decide if you truly want the C-suite path5. Why working at a fintech company creates exceptional PMs6. Strategy = hypothesis × experimentation velocity7. Small, fast wins compound faster than big, slow bets—Brought to you by:• WorkOS—Modern identity platform for B2B SaaS, free up to 1 million MAUs• Paragon—Ship every SaaS integration your customers want• Vanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security.—Where to find Mayur Kamat:• X: https://x.com/5degreez• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayur/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction and Mayur's background(04:49) Working at Binance: An inside look(18:18) Career advice for product managers(27:00) PM career paths(33:58) Understanding fintech customers(36:00) Understanding your strengths(44:46) Creating a culture of experimentation(51:14) Hiring and developing top talent(54:50) Building a diverse product portfolio(57:08) Working in high talent density areas(59:43) Personal and professional balance(01:06:32) High-leverage opportunities and decision making(01:14:28) AI tools in the workplace(01:19:14) Failure corner(01:25:11) Lightning round and final thoughts—Referenced:• Binance: https://www.binance.us/• Google: https://about.google/• Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/• Agoda: https://www.agoda.com• N26: https://n26.com/• Which companies accelerate PM careers most: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/which-companies-accelerate-your-pm• Which companies produce the best product managers: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/which-companies-produce-the-best• Bezos Says Work-Life Balance is a “Debilitating” Phrase: https://www.investopedia.com/news/bezos-says-worklife-balance-debilitating-phrase/• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html• PayPal Mafia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PayPal_Mafia• Changpeng Zhao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpzhao/• Ray Dalio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raydalio/• Porter's five forces: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter%27s_five_forces_analysis• Jonathan Rosenberg on X: https://x.com/jjrosenberg• Aura: https://buy.aura.com/• Intercom: https://www.intercom.com/• Palantir: https://www.palantir.com/• Revolut: https://www.revolut.com/• Chime: https://www.chime.com/• Stripe: https://stripe.com/• Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/• Alex Algard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexalgard• Hiya: https://www.hiya.com/• Brian Chesky's new playbook: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/brian-cheskys-contrarian-approach• Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/app• Writer: https://writer.com/• Google Hangouts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Hangouts• Sundar Pichai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundarpichai/• Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/landing• House on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/series/ef39603f-eb90-4248-8237-f6168d7c1be1• Big Bang Theory on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/series/9bde5aeb-5297-4290-b173-19a4d59cc11d• Adolescence on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81756069• The White Lotus on HBO: https://www.hbo.com/the-white-lotus• Robinhood: https://robinhood.com/us/en/• Nikita Bier's post on X about Bible Chat: https://x.com/nikitabier/status/1915252215507210349• Bible Chat: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-chat-daily-devotional/id6448849666?mt=8• Suno: https://suno.com/home• Disfrutar: https://www.disfrutarbarcelona.com/—Recommended books:• StrengthsFinder 2.0: https://www.amazon.com/StrengthsFinder-2-0-Tom-Rath/dp/159562015X• The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/059372318X—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe
On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Georgiana ‘Gia’ Laudi, a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Forget The Funnel, a consultancy focused on helping B2B SaaS companies drive predictable, recurring revenue through a truly customer-led approach. In this episode, Gia and I will explore why so many companies get stuck throwing “spaghetti at the wall,” instead of researching who their best customers really are. We’ll look at the common pitfalls teams face when relying solely on funnel-based thinking—plus the steps any organization can take to cultivate a thriving, customer-centric culture. Gia will also share highlights from the remarkable work she’s done with various SaaS brands, as well as tips you can put into practice right away. KEY TAKEAWAYS Two years after drafting up a customer experience map for our company, through the lens of the customer, we grew revenue by 900%. We’d aligned the team and the company, and it facilitated more streamlined conversation, more alignment, more understanding cross-departmentally making things much easier. It gave us a tool and a shared language for operationalising around customer experience. A big reason for forgetting the funnel and leveraging a more customer-led approach is through the lens of recurring revenue businesses. Even if you don’t have a recurring revenue business model most businesses agree that customer retention, expanding existing accounts vs finding new customers contains a lot of value. This serves all kinds of businesses very well. Customer research is often equated with long, drawn-out projects that are very costly and leave you with more questions than answers. There’s a lot of resistance when we use the term ‘customer research’, we tend to use the term ‘customer insights’. We use targeted, streamlined and intentional research via ‘jobs to be done’ which reveal meaningful patterns from as little as 10-12 people which can identify what leads people to seek your business out. Not all customers are created equally, you shouldn’t try to serve every customer, narrow your focus on who really, really cares about the problem that you solve, has a high willingness to pay, deeply understands the value in what you provide and would sing your praises from the mountain tops. BEST MOMENTS ‘If you orient your operations around the customer experience it becomes easy to make all kinds of decisions.’ ‘Existing customers are worth more and are less costly to us as a business vs finding new customers.’ ‘Your relationship with your customer does not end with the purchase, it begins with the purchase.’ ‘Early stage companies should focus on one customer and do a really good job, later stage companies shouldn’t conflate all customers into a homogenous group but think of segmentation in a meaningful way so you can still provide high-converting and resonating experiences even for multiple segments.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Georgiana (“Gia”) Laudi is a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Forget The Funnel, a consultancy specializing in customer-led growth for B2B SaaS companies. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and product strategy, she’s helped high-growth businesses such as Unbounce, Calendly, and Sprout Social deepen customer insights, align teams around customer value, and drive predictable, recurring revenue. As co-author of the book “Forget The Funnel,” Gia advocates a practical, step-by-step approach to uncovering why the best customers buy—and how to ensure more of them succeed post-purchase. Based in Montreal, Gia is passionate about turning real customer needs into clear messaging, frictionless onboarding, and expansion strategies that empower businesses to scale sustainably. She joins Scouting for Growth to share her journey, discuss common growth pitfalls, and offer actionable tactics any organization can use to become truly customer-led. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
A joint advisory warns of Fancy Bear targeting Western logistics and technology firms. A nonprofit hospital network in Ohio suffers a disruptive ransomware attack. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) drops plans to subject data brokers to tighter regulations. KrebsOnSecurity and Google block a record breaking DDoS attack. A phishing campaign rerouted employee paychecks. Atlassian patches multiple high-severity vulnerabilities. A Wisconsin telecom provider confirms a cyberattack caused a week-long outage. VMware issues a Security Advisory addressing multiple high-risk vulnerabilities. Prosecutors say a 19-year-old student from Massachusetts will plead guilty to hacking PowerSchool. Our guest is Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker, discussing deliberate simplicity of fundamental controls around zero trust. Oversharing your call location data. 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. CyberWire Guest On our Industry Voices segment, today we are joined by Rob Allen, Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker from RSAC 2025. Rob is discussing the deliberate simplicity of fundamental controls around zero trust. Token theft and phishing attacks bypass traditional MFA protections, letting attackers impersonate users and access critical SaaS platforms — without needing passwords. Listen to Rob's interview here. Learn more from the ThreatLocker team here. Selected Reading Russian GRU Targeting Western Logistics Entities and Technology Companies ( CISA) Ransomware attack disrupts Kettering Health Network in Ohio (Beyond Machines) America's CFPB bins proposed data broker crackdown (The Register) Krebs on Security hit by 'test run' DDoS attack that peaked at 6.3 terabits of data per second (Metacurity) SEO poisoning campaign swipes direct deposits from employees (SC Media) Atlassian Warns of Multiple High-Severity Vulnerabilities Hits Data Center Server (Cybersecurity News) Cellcom Service Disruption Caused by Cyberattack (SecurityWeek) VMware releases patches for security flaws in multiple virtualization products (Beyond Machines) Massachusetts man will plead guilty in PowerSchool hack case (CyberScoop) O2 VoLTE: locating any customer with a phone call (Mast Database) Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at cyberwire@n2k.com to request more info. 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
Today's show: Jason and Alex dicsuss Jony Ive's $6.5B deal with OpenAI and what it means for the future of AI hardware, Tesla's push into robotaxis vs. Waymo's 10M paid rides, and Microsoft's latest move partnering with xAI. We dive into the GENIUS Act and what it means for stablecoin regulation, explore practical, gritty tactics for launching and scaling a marketplace from scratch, and debate the ethics of AI-powered smart glasses and always-on recording. Plus, Jason reflects on the legacy of Scott Adams and the power of systems thinking.Timestamps:(0:00) Episode Teaser(2:00) A broadcaster-to-broadcaster moment for Scott Adams(5:18) OpenAI teams with Jony Ive, and why wearables are banned from the J-Ranch(10:16) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(16:11) From Partnership to Purchase: The M&A Story(20:09) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(25:42) Robotaxis EVERYWHERE, and thoughts on the continuing self-driving car rollout(30:12) Brex. Get the business account trusted by 1 in 3 US startups at https://www.brex.com/banking-solutions(34:41) Should we trust stablecoins now? And who is actually monitoring this?(42:54) Polymarkets: Checking in with some of our favorite market(49:58) REDDIT QUESTION: How do I build a marketplace?(58:53) Customer feedback's role in product iteration(58:55) Every piece of SaaS advice EVERSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpLinks from episode:Polymarket: https://polymarket.com/Polymarket for AI Leaderes: https://polymarket.com/event/which-company-has-best-ai-model-on-june-30LMArena: https://www.lmarena.aiReal Coffee with Scott Adams: https://www.youtube.com/RealCoffeeWithScottAdams Follow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:16) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(20:09) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(30:12) Brex. Get the business account trusted by 1 in 3 US startups at https://www.brex.com/banking-solutionsGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916
Send us a textMeet Ifunanya Vivian Ugwuoke from Kenya, a former history teacher who traded lesson plans for digital strategies, transforming her career from education to empowering AI and SaaS brands through cutting-edge content and email marketing. Discover how she broke free from perfectionism and carved a bold new path in the tech world, proving that your first career doesn't define your ultimate potential.Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/TTw7kyyni4sFind out more about Ifunanya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifunanya-vivian-ugwuoke/Don't forget to "Like and Subscribe", so we can reach more people to help.Visit www.mindandmood.co.uk, email info@mindandmood.co.ukor call us on +44 (0)207 183 6364 to find out more.##OvercomeFear #ProfessionalDevelopment #AnxietyManagement #PersonalGrowth #digitalmarketing #perfectionism #womenempowered #womenhelpingwomen #professionalwomenthriving #cbt #mindandmood #WomenInTech #CareerReinvention #MarketingMindsetSupport the show
On this week's show Patrick Gray and Adam Boileau discuss the week's cybersecurity news: TeleMessage memory dumps show up on DDoSecrets Coinbase contractor bribed to hand over user data Telegram does seem to be actually cooperating with law enforcement Britain's legal aid service gets 15 years worth of applicant data stolen Shocking no one, Ivanti were weaseling when they blamed latest bugs on a third party library This week's episode is sponsored by Prowler, who make an open source cloud security tool. Founder and original project developer Toni de la Fuente joins to talk through the flexibility that open tooling brings. Prowler is also adding support for SaaS platforms like M365, and of course, an AI assistant to help you write checks! This episode is also available on Youtube. Show notes TeleMessage - Distributed Denial of Secrets How the Signal Knockoff App TeleMessage Got Hacked in 20 Minutes | WIRED Coinbase says thieves stole user data and tried to extort $20M Hack could cost Coinbase up to $400M: filing | Cybersecurity Dive Severed Fingers and ‘Wrench Attacks' Rattle the Crypto Elite Money Stuff: US Debt Rates Itself | NewsletterHunt 2 massive black market services blocked by Telegram, messaging app says | Reuters Telegram Gave Authorities Data on More than 20,000 Users GovDelivery, an email alert system used by governments, abused to send scam messages | TechCrunch ATO warning as hackers steal $14,000 in tax returns: ‘Be wary' Hack of SEC social media account earns 14-month prison sentence for Alabama man | The Record from Recorded Future News 19-year-old accused of largest child data breach in U.S. agrees to plead guilty Beach mansion, Benz and Bitcoin worth $4.5m seized from League of Legends hacker Shane Stephen Duffy | 7NEWS Pegasus spyware maker rebuffed in efforts to get off trade blacklist - The Washington Post Ransomware attack hits supplier of refrigerated groceries to British supermarkets | The Record from Recorded Future News UK government confirms massive data breach following hack of Legal Aid Agency | The Record from Recorded Future News Ivanti Endpoint Mobile Manager customers exploited via chained vulnerabilities | Cybersecurity Dive Expression Payloads Meet Mayhem - Ivanti EPMM Unauth RCE Chain (CVE-2025-4427 and CVE-2025-4428)
Is HR leading the business, or just keeping up with it? As complexity increases and resources tighten, the role of HR is under more pressure than ever. But within this challenge lies a powerful opportunity - for HR to become a driving force in delivering value to all stakeholders: employees, customers and investors. In this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast, David Green is joined once again by Dave Ulrich, Co-Founder of The RBL Group and widely recognised as the father of modern HR. Building on the success of his earlier episode with Stacia Garr, Dave returns for a reflective and practical conversation on how HR can step up to shape business strategy and deliver stakeholder value. Join them as they dive deep into: Why the HR role is becoming more complex What stops HR from taking the lead, and how to overcome those barriers What strategic HR looks like when it's aligned to stakeholder value The outcome-focused metrics that matter most to the business How AI can support - or distract from - HR's true purpose The critical skills and mindsets HR leaders need for the future Where work and employee experience might be headed next If you're an HR leader looking to have more influence and impact, this episode, sponsored by HiBob, is definitely a conversation you'll want to revisit and take notes on. HiBob is a fast-growing new leader in the HCM market. In fact, according to HR tech guru Josh Bersin, HiBob is one of the few SaaS companies that have successfully cracked the code on user experience. Josh Bersin says that Bob is not only feature-rich but genuinely enjoyable to use. Read his review of Bob--as an HR tech analyst and user--at www.hibob.com/davidgreen2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SaaStr 802: SaaS + AI: It's Time to Move Much Faster with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin Join SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin in this compelling podcast that was recorded live from SaaStr Annual, as he discusses the rapid transformation in the SaaS industry driven by AI advancements. Reflecting on changes since last September, Jason emphasizes the necessity for SaaS leaders and companies to move faster, re-skill their teams, and adopt AI-first strategies to stay competitive. Hear real-world examples of how AI is revolutionizing sales, customer support, and coding productivity, leading to significant industry shifts. This session is a call to action with a message of tough love: adapt quickly, be relentless, and work harder to navigate the evolving landscape and ensure continued success. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday's game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee's cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better? Dumping it and switching to Intercom. But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change. We get it! Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk. Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, Which makes your customers happier. And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill. Fin by Intercom. Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report. Learn more at : inter.com/saastr --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your competitors are already using AI. Don't get left behind. Weekly strategies used by PE Backed and Publicly Traded Companies →https://hi.switchy.io/U6H7S----In this conversation, Ryan Staley interviews Brandon Taylor, VP of Enterprise and Partnerships at CompanyCam, discussing his extensive experience in scaling SaaS businesses and the transformative role of AI in go-to-market strategies. Brandon shares insights on the common challenges faced in B2B sales, the importance of hiring the right people, and how AI can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in sales processes. He highlights specific use cases of AI in his leadership role and the future potential of AI in shaping go-to-market strategies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brandon Taylor and His Background04:01 AI Go-to-Market Strategy and Its Importance07:07 Leveraging AI for Efficiency in Sales10:17 Custom Applications and Use Cases of AI in Sales12:59 Future of Go-to-Market Strategies with AI
Wanna know what makes people stop scrolling and actually pay attention to your business?This episode is like sitting front row in a marketing masterclass—with real examples that made me go, “Dang. THAT is good.”I share 3 real-life examples of irresistible marketing—from a PayPal email that stopped me in my tracks, to a blog that made me want to hire the writer immediately, to a customer service email that turned into a sales lesson.And the best part? You can use all of them today in your own business.Here's what you'll hear:A genius way to turn an old-school flyer tactic into digital gold
In this episode, we sit down with Casey Howe, founder of Howe Property Management, a New England-based firm managing over 1,000+ multifamily units. Casey shares his journey from SaaS and tech sales to building one of the region's most tech-forward property management companies—offering a refreshing, systems-driven perspective on how PMs can evolve into true strategic partners for investors.Whether you're self-managing, using a third-party PM, or building your own operations team, this is a must-listen conversation packed with operational gold.Join us as we dive into:Casey's transition from tech sales to building a high-performing property management teamHow to vet, implement, and iterate tech systems to improve operations without killing the tenant experienceWhy PMs need to start thinking like asset managers—and how Casey's team delivers bothHow small tweaks in maintenance response times can materially improve renewal rates and reduce vacancyLessons from scaling a scattered-site portfolio and what most PMs get wrong about client communication and leasing strategyAre you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
Yuval Gonczarowski is the Founder and CEO of Akooda, an AI-powered operations intelligence platform that helps organizations unify and analyze internal data to drive faster, smarter decisions. Under his leadership, Akooda has secured $11 million in seed funding, used by Fortune 500 companies to streamline operations and unlock insights across digital workflows. A graduate of Harvard Business School with a MBA and the Technion from Israel Institute of Technology, Yuval previously served in Israel's elite Unit 8200 and held technical and leadership roles at Intel, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Tomorrow.io. He brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and business acumen to the enterprise tech space. In this episode… Information overload and organizational silos pose significant challenges for growing companies. As teams scale, finding the right data, the right person, or simply understanding cross-functional collaboration becomes chaotic and time-consuming. How can leaders eliminate these inefficiencies without adding more complexity to their workflows? Yuval Gonczarowski, an expert in AI-powered enterprise intelligence and operational analytics, shares how companies can solve these challenges by leveraging their digital footprints. He explains the evolution from traditional organizational charts to dynamic knowledge graphs, enabling companies to map collaboration patterns in real-time. He emphasizes actionable insights like implementing topic-based search, integrating systems like Slack and Salesforce for unified visibility, and using anomaly detection to spot inefficiencies. Yuval also offers strategies for improving productivity without disrupting current workflows, such as Slack-based search commands and Chrome extensions that surface hidden insights. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Yuval Gonczarowski, CEO of Akooda, about optimizing enterprise operations through AI-driven insights. Yuval discusses how to eliminate information silos, speed up decision-making, and roll out enterprise tools with minimal disruption. He also shares the story of Akooda's first customer, explains the ROI of reducing information hunting, and details lessons from serving large-scale enterprise clients.
#413 What if one conversation could help you finally get unstuck? In this episode, host Justin Williams shares a powerful one-on-one coaching call with listener Mike Bowman — a seasoned executive ready to stop building other people's businesses and start his own. From wrestling with too many options to narrowing down a clear, executable path, this live session dives into what holds most aspiring entrepreneurs back and how to break through. Whether you're debating between launching a startup or buying an existing business, this episode offers a front-row seat to the kind of clarity and momentum that could change everything! What Justin and Mike discuss on today's episode: + Mike's transition from employee to entrepreneur + Feeling stuck with too many options + Service vs. SaaS business decision + Starting a cleaning business from scratch + Buying a business using SBA loans + Narrowing focus to gain momentum + Leveraging CRO skills in new ventures + Low-barrier business ideas for side hustle + Building systems to scale and exit + Funding options beyond personal capital Watch the video podcast of this episode! And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/millionaire. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the news, Coinbase deals with bribes and insider threat, the NCSC notes the cross-cutting problem of incentivizing secure design, we cover some research that notes the multitude of definitions for secure design, and discuss the new Cybersecurity Skills Framework from the OpenSSF and Linux Foundation. Then we share two more sponsored interviews from this year's RSAC Conference. With more types of identities, machines, and agents trying to access increasingly critical data and resources, across larger numbers of devices, organizations will be faced with managing this added complexity and identity sprawl. Now more than ever, organizations need to make sure security is not an afterthought, implementing comprehensive solutions for securing, managing, and governing both non-human and human identities across ecosystems at scale. This segment is sponsored by Okta. Visit https://securityweekly.com/oktarsac to learn more about them! At Mend.io, we believe that securing AI-powered applications requires more than just scanning for vulnerabilities in AI-generated code—it demands a comprehensive, enterprise-level strategy. While many AppSec vendors offer limited, point-in-time solutions focused solely on AI code, Mend.io takes a broader and more integrated approach. Our platform is designed to secure not just the code, but the full spectrum of AI components embedded within modern applications. By leveraging existing risk management strategies, processes, and tools, we uncover the unique risks that AI introduces—without forcing organizations to reinvent their workflows. Mend.io's solution ensures that AI security is embedded into the software development lifecycle, enabling teams to assess and mitigate risks proactively and at scale. Unlike isolated AI security startups, Mend.io delivers a single, unified platform that secures an organization's entire codebase—including its AI-driven elements. This approach maximizes efficiency, minimizes disruption, and empowers enterprises to embrace AI innovation with confidence and control. This segment is sponsored by Mend.io. Visit https://securityweekly.com/mendrsac to book a live demo! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/asw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/asw-331
Is your browser secure in the age of SaaS? Join SADA's Rocky Giglio and Google's Aaron Hix as they explore the power of Chrome Enterprise Premium on Cloud & Clear! Hear firsthand how Chrome Enterprise Premium has transformed real businesses, and discover how you can simplify IT management and enhance security across your organization. Tune in to find out how Chrome Enterprise Premium can transform your security strategy! Join us for more content by liking, sharing, and subscribing!
Most product failures happen before launch—because no one tested the idea with buyers.On this episode of the CEO Sales Strategies Podcast, Doug C. Brown speaks with David Hirschfeld—software strategist and founder of Tekyz—about why so many founders waste time building features no one will pay for.David shares how to flip your approach: use sales conversations to validate demand before development, test product-market fit with simple prototypes, and generate real revenue before writing a single line of code.This episode is essential listening for SaaS founders, consultants, and B2B leaders planning their next offer or launch.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why selling before building reduces product risk✅ How to identify root-level problems that drive buying decisions✅ What paid feedback reveals that free trials miss✅ How emotional clarity creates trust in high-value sales✅ What early adopters need in order to say yes before launch
Escaping the underworld may not sound like a marketing strategy until you look at how Hades turned it into a blueprint for success.Developed by indie studio Supergiant Games, Hades isn't just a video game, it's a critically acclaimed masterpiece thanks to its iterative development, rich storytelling, and a fanbase that helped shape the game in real time. In this episode, we dive into the lessons marketers can learn from this roguelike phenomenon with special guest Zoe Hawkins, Director, Content Marketing & Integrated Campaign Strategy at Sumo Logic.Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from fearless experimentation, community co-creation, and crafting content your audience can't help but share.About our guest, Zoe HawkinsZoe Hawkins is a former video game and tech journalist turned content marketer. She has over a decade of professional experience turning technical understanding into fluent communication. Working with a range of B2B tech companies, Zoe has helped create value across marketing and strategy. She also serves as co-lead for Sumo Logic's sustainability-focused ERG, the Planeteers. When not working, Zoe is usually absorbed in speculative fiction – video games, books, or streaming media. She's a mom to two cats and a grade-school-aged daughter, living with her husband in perpetually sunny Arizona.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Hades:Experimentation is the only way forward. In Hades, dying isn't a setback; it's part of the process. Zoe says, “You keep experimenting and you're gonna fail. And that's okay... Each time you learn and you grow and you do it better.” For marketers, it's a reminder that campaigns don't need to be perfect out of the gate. Failure isn't fatal. Failure is how you find what works.Build content with your community, not just for them. Supergiant launched Hades in early access, inviting players to shape the game as it evolved. Zoe explains, “They give feedback. It's almost like a co-design, co-development process with your fans.” B2B marketers can do the same by involving their audience early, whether through feedback loops, pilots, or beta content. Let your audience help build what they want. It not only strengthens relationships, but it also keeps them excited about what's coming next.Create content that people want to share. Hades isn't just a game people play, it's one they rave about. Zoe asks, “How do you make it that people are actually happy to use your product and excited to use it… not just customer loyalty, but advocacy? They wanna tell other people, ‘you will not believe how cool this thing is'.” That's exactly what Hades achieves through intentional design, standout storytelling, and undeniable personality. Marketers should aim for the same. Treat your content the way Hades treats gameplay, and your audience won't just consume it, they'll spread it.Quotes*“ You keep experimenting, and you're gonna fail. And that's okay. If I think about it, you come into a new team or you come into a new product launch or you come into a new organization, whatever it might be. And you think you know how to play the game, you think you know what it takes to succeed, to beat the boss, whatever that is. And you do the run according to the way that you've done it, maybe in other roles or other companies, and you die, you fail. It doesn't necessarily go a hundred percent to plan, and that's okay. And then you get to restart with a new weapon, a new strategy, a new approach, whatever that might be, and pull it back together. Bring it back in to say, ‘okay, let's, let's try it again. Let's run it again and see if we're successful this time.' And that just feels so liberating and then each time you learn and you grow and you do it better.”*“ I love the idea that they only make one game at a time, that they're so focused, and it comes through in the work. It's so polished, it's so well made, and clearly made with love, that transfers to me. And I think if we tie it back to that B2B marketing, I think about working in tech, working in SaaS, how do you give that moment of delight where it's not just like, ‘oh my gosh, your company saved me this amount of money or whatever, or this tool is worthwhile for me.' But how do you make it that people are actually happy to use your product and excited to use it, or have that sense of not just customer loyalty, but advocacy. They wanna tell other people, ‘you will not believe how cool this thing is.'”*“ One of my favorite kinds of content to make is case studies because we get to make our customer shine and tell their story… I know our story backwards and forward. What's your story? Why are you winning with this? Why are you succeeding with this? And being able to tell something cool that they figured out, a way they're using our product that we didn't even think about that's interesting or cool.”*“ Not being afraid to experiment, not being afraid to fail, I think, is such an important marketing lesson, because you're gonna have some risks that are gonna be great, and you're gonna take some risks that are gonna just completely flop. And that's okay. That's how we learn. That's how we try new things.”Time Stamps[0:55] Meet Zoe Hawkins, Director, Content Marketing & Integrated Campaign Strategy at Sumo Logic[02:20] Why Hades?[03:08] The Role of Director of Content Marketing and Integrated Campaigns at Sumo Logic[03:54] Origins of Hades[15:29] B2B Marketing Lessons from Hades[44:32] Importance of Humor in Branding and Content Strategy[49:47] Versatility of Video Content[54:11] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Zoe on LinkedInLearn more about Sumo LogicAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK.
A WPProAtoZHost.com Company.... 00:00 when I'm do it. So, we got the intros, 00:02 the extras, and a couple other minor 00:03 bits in here. So, that uh like I said, 00:06 it's recorded live to tape. 00:09 Cool. All right, we're live. All right, 00:12 this is a bit of a pre-stream, everyone. 00:13 Welcome to the show. I've got Phil's 00:16 story here, but we got full intros 00:18 coming in in just a few minutes, and it 00:21 will be a very entertaining show. And 00:24 since we're rolling up to time, a little 00:26 bit of music carry us […] The post The Glow Behind Glow: Phil Storey's Journey to SaaS Success: Interview 68 appeared first on WordPress Plugins A to Z.
Today, host Pete Moore sits down with Michael Pesta, a veteran in the HALO space whose career has bridged the fitness, entertainment, and tech industries. Michael shares his journey from his beginnings at AFAA—where he played a key role in pioneering fitness education and telemarketing globally—to an unexpected pivot into film and music production. Mike's story started in the mid-1980s, when, as a struggling actor, he agreed to help move boxes at an organization he hadn't heard of—never suspecting it would literally change his life. Michael quickly found himself drawn into the organization's mission and over time, rose from a casual volunteer to become the director of membership. Michael is now back in the HALO sector with an innovative focus on telefitness, aiming to bridge the longstanding gap between the fitness and healthcare industries. Pete and Michael discuss the evolution of fitness education, the changing landscape of personal training, the integration of technology, and Pesta's vision for a new era where trainers, healthcare professionals, and clients all connect seamlessly. Key themes discussed Evolution of fitness industry education and certification. Partnerships between fitness brands and major companies (e.x., Reebok.) Transition from fitness to entertainment and back. The rise of telefitness and telehealth platforms. The challenges and benefits of online personal training. The importance of connecting fitness with healthcare services. A few key takeaways: 1. AFAA's Early Days and Industry Impact: Pesta entered the fitness space by chance with AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), which at the time was a key player in fitness education and certifications. He helped develop their telemarketing division and played a major role in expanding programs globally, including strategic partnerships like outfitting instructors worldwide with Reebok shoes. 2. Adaptation and Collaboration Are Key in Fitness Partnerships: Michael highlighted the importance of partnerships between leading fitness brands and educators. Collaborations with companies like Reebok brought vast exposure and validation to AFAA's education programs. However, he also notes that how big brands like Nike and Reebok interact with the sector continues to evolve, and education may not always be their current focus, despite massive historical investments. 3. Career Shifts Bring Transferable Skills: After a successful run in fitness, Pesta took a leap into the entertainment industry, producing films and learning every facet of the production business. This gave him valuable skills in production, marketing, and distribution—skills he would later apply upon returning to the fitness and telehealth sectors. 4. The Next Big Thing-Telefitness as an Extension of Telehealth: Michael's current focus is to create a trusted, HIPAA-compliant platform that not only vets the best personal trainers but also positions them for direct referrals from healthcare providers. This effort aims to solve the industry's historical inability to connect personal training with mainstream healthcare. 5. Support and Upskilling for Personal Trainers: Telefitness will provide personal trainers with new opportunities for entrepreneurship, offering lead generation, business-building support (like webinars specifically for virtual training), and potential client referrals sourced from both healthcare and consumer channels. Trainers won't be charged upfront SaaS fees; instead, the model will center on revenue-sharing. The emphasis is on elevating trainers' roles, including launching specialties like the “medical personal trainer.” Resources: Michael Pesta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-h-pesta-satori-1a9776a5/ AFAA: https://www.afaa.com Classroom Trainer: https://www.classroomtrainer.com Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com
In episode #282, I cover some research I did for the SaaS Metrics Summit in NYC. Are public tech companies disclosing how they define ARR? - Is ARR dead, or is it just evolving? Join our SaaS community. https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page
In the news, Coinbase deals with bribes and insider threat, the NCSC notes the cross-cutting problem of incentivizing secure design, we cover some research that notes the multitude of definitions for secure design, and discuss the new Cybersecurity Skills Framework from the OpenSSF and Linux Foundation. Then we share two more sponsored interviews from this year's RSAC Conference. With more types of identities, machines, and agents trying to access increasingly critical data and resources, across larger numbers of devices, organizations will be faced with managing this added complexity and identity sprawl. Now more than ever, organizations need to make sure security is not an afterthought, implementing comprehensive solutions for securing, managing, and governing both non-human and human identities across ecosystems at scale. This segment is sponsored by Okta. Visit https://securityweekly.com/oktarsac to learn more about them! At Mend.io, we believe that securing AI-powered applications requires more than just scanning for vulnerabilities in AI-generated code—it demands a comprehensive, enterprise-level strategy. While many AppSec vendors offer limited, point-in-time solutions focused solely on AI code, Mend.io takes a broader and more integrated approach. Our platform is designed to secure not just the code, but the full spectrum of AI components embedded within modern applications. By leveraging existing risk management strategies, processes, and tools, we uncover the unique risks that AI introduces—without forcing organizations to reinvent their workflows. Mend.io's solution ensures that AI security is embedded into the software development lifecycle, enabling teams to assess and mitigate risks proactively and at scale. Unlike isolated AI security startups, Mend.io delivers a single, unified platform that secures an organization's entire codebase—including its AI-driven elements. This approach maximizes efficiency, minimizes disruption, and empowers enterprises to embrace AI innovation with confidence and control. This segment is sponsored by Mend.io. Visit https://securityweekly.com/mendrsac to book a live demo! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/asw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/asw-331
During the last few episodes, we’ve been discussing the benefits of a good hiring team in developing job specs as a foundation for recruiting, evaluating, and selecting successful managers and executives. I was recently asked to do an executive assessment for a media company that (in part) provides information to businesses to help them protect assets and people’s lives, minimize costs, and maximize sales opportunities. It’s been a successful segment that needs acceleration, The position is Senior Vice President. Business Intelligence, a B to B program development and execution role. In prior years, Business Intelligence had its own sales, marketing, technical, and operations groups reporting to a profit center GM. Now these groups are under separate functional leaders in a new matrix environment. So, the only people directly managed by the SVP are project managers and an inside service and sales support team. The job specs focused on the SVP’s needs to be a great collaborator in both program development and implementation. Initially, I’m thinking that collaborative team play is a key element along with strong program analytic, development, organization, and coordination skills. However, the hiring team’s job description used words like “spearhead and drive the business” which sounded more like direct business leadership. The CEO helped me get clearer the organization structure change and the matrix emphasis. The candidate’s background emphasized organizational and executive support but not direct business driving positions. That said, there was noteworthy success in business analytics related to mergers and acquisitions and playing a support role in orchestrating these organizational growth deals. In the most recent job, he had some influence in getting his company to create a separate business division of a previously integrated enterprise. He was appointed to a Chief Commercial job where he supported the Sales VP in shaping and negotiating sales contracts at the executive level. The candidate also had nice experience in SaaS companies, a similar to my client. Watch https://youtu.be/gOnzkSmSUMg
In episode 6 of Platform Builders, Christine Spang and Isaac Nassimi chat with Brad Rigby about Canopy's strategic shift from a niche tax tool to a leading accounting practice management platform. This conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of this major pivot, the nuances of building vertical SaaS, and how Canopy is leveraging AI to streamline workflows and make accounting tech essential.
During the last few episodes, we’ve been discussing the benefits of a good hiring team in developing job specs as a foundation for recruiting, evaluating, and selecting successful managers and executives. I was recently asked to do an executive assessment for a media company that (in part) provides information to businesses to help them protect assets and people’s lives, minimize costs, and maximize sales opportunities. It’s been a successful segment that needs acceleration, The position is Senior Vice President. Business Intelligence, a B to B program development and execution role. In prior years, Business Intelligence had its own sales, marketing, technical, and operations groups reporting to a profit center GM. Now these groups are under separate functional leaders in a new matrix environment. So, the only people directly managed by the SVP are project managers and an inside service and sales support team. The job specs focused on the SVP’s needs to be a great collaborator in both program development and implementation. Initially, I’m thinking that collaborative team play is a key element along with strong program analytic, development, organization, and coordination skills. However, the hiring team’s job description used words like “spearhead and drive the business” which sounded more like direct business leadership. The CEO helped me get clearer the organization structure change and the matrix emphasis. The candidate’s background emphasized organizational and executive support but not direct business driving positions. That said, there was noteworthy success in business analytics related to mergers and acquisitions and playing a support role in orchestrating these organizational growth deals. In the most recent job, he had some influence in getting his company to create a separate business division of a previously integrated enterprise. He was appointed to a Chief Commercial job where he supported the Sales VP in shaping and negotiating sales contracts at the executive level. The candidate also had nice experience in SaaS companies, a similar to my client. Watch https://youtu.be/gOnzkSmSUMg
Most SaaS companies hit growth plateaus, and too many founders assume the problem is either unsolvable or too complex to fix. In reality, that's rarely true. In this episode of In Demand, Asia and Kim unpack how to shift your mindset from "This can't be solved" to "Who's already solved this, and how can I learn from them?" They also introduce CUES, a prioritization framework that helps you focus on the right growth ideas instead of spinning your wheels. Got a question you'd like Asia to unpack on the podcast? Record a voicemail here. Chapters (00:00:55) - Why founders often treat growth problems like they're unsolvable.(00:05:22) - There are a lot of founders creating pain for themselves by trying to reinvent the wheel.(00:08:02) - Almost every single growth problem has been solved before, you just need to find the people who did it.(00:09:00) - Books, articles, and experts: where to actually look for answers.(00:14:10) - Learning enough to get started and putting your knowledge into practice.(00:19:15) - One of the things founders need to be able to do at a high level is understand trade offs.(00:24:00) - What does the process look like for troubleshooting growth?(00:25:00) - What net revenue retention tells you and how to find and use it in ProfitWell.(00:34:00) - Spotting the levers: activation, positioning, and pricing.(00:39:00) - Prioritization traps: why common frameworks like ICE often fail.(00:42:55) - Try CUES instead: Confidence, Understanding, Ease, and Speed.(00:55:05) - Recapping what was covered on this episode.
Vandaag aan tafel: Diederik Benders, medeoprichter en CEO van een 170-koppig SaaS-bedrijf: Otherside at Work. We duiken diep in zijn ondernemersreis, die begon met vrienden en tapijt uit een studentenkamer. Maar dat romantische begin veranderde al snel in een decennium vol stagnatie, interne conflicten en structurele problemen. In dit gesprek vertelt Diederik openhartig over het kantelpunt: hoe een confronterend gesprek met zijn co-founder en een harde reorganisatie leidde tot een complete cultuurshift – én groeiversnelling. We praten over leiderschap, het bouwen van structuur, waarom hij scaling up implementeerde vanaf 30 fte, en zijn visie op internationale groei. Maar ook over zijn persoonlijke ontwikkeling: van onzekerheid en impostergevoelens naar vertrouwen in zijn rol als CEO. En natuurlijk over zijn ambitie: een 100 miljoen bedrijf, zonder externe funding – zolang dat nog kan. Otherside at Work: https://www.othersideatwork.nl/ Leadinfo: leadinfo.com/ We Love SaaS: welovesaas.io/ SaaS Summit Benelux: saassummit.io/
Have you been duped by marketing agencies in the past? Or maybe you're not sure if you have before. Our guest today is Amber Gaige, who shares with us The Four C's to help avoid getting duped.TODAY'S WIN-WIN:Do not be discouraged, there are good marketers out there that can help you.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Listen to Ellen Rohr's Podcast episode here: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/why-trouble-makers-make-good-entrepreneurs/You can visit our guest's website at: www.FarBeyondMarketing.com Get a copy of our guest's book: CLICK HERE.Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/If you are ready to franchise your business or take it to the next level: CLICK HERE.Connect with our guest on social:IG: https://www.instagram.com/farbeyondmarketing/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-gaige-55880826/FB: https://www.facebook.com/coachambergaigeABOUT OUR GUEST:Amber is a third-generation entrepreneur and certified StoryBrand Guide with over 15 years of experience as a marketing strategist, working with industries such as Home Services, Construction, SaaS, Beauty, Health, Home Building, Manufacturing, Medical, and Family Businesses. She is passionate about demystifying marketing for entrepreneurs and helping small, service-based businesses build marketing and sales systems that consistently attract clients and create steady cash flow. As the creator of The Four C's of Effective Marketing, a proven system that has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs nationwide, Amber combines effective strategies with mindset work to help business owners confidently achieve their goals while simplifying their lives. She is the author of the international best-selling book, The Far Beyond Marketing Guidebook, and is a sought-after speaker. ABOUT BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM:This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/.The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.
Visit GoHighLevel.com/Travis to try the ultimate all-in-one CRM platform. Alex is the COO and co-founder of GoHighLevel, a billion-dollar marketing and CRM platform that has transformed how agencies and local businesses operate. With a background in tech and entrepreneurship, Robin's journey spans from running a game server company in college to leading one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in the world. His unique blend of technical expertise, agency experience, and people-first leadership has made him a respected figure in the SaaS and marketing automation space. On this episode we talk about: Robin's path from tech-savvy entrepreneur to GoHighLevel co-founder How GoHighLevel scaled to 3-4 million users and 1,800+ employees in under seven years The impact of AI on business operations, jobs, and new opportunities like prompt engineering The critical role of soft skills-leadership, communication, persuasion-in an AI-driven world The difference between running an agency as a job versus building a scalable business Bootstrapping GoHighLevel and the power of organic, product-led growth Balancing family, priorities, and founder life Top 3 Takeaways Embracing AI and new technology can multiply your team's impact, but leveraging soft skills like leadership and communication remains irreplaceable. Building a scalable business requires moving beyond “just a job”-focus on systems, recurring revenue, and solving real customer problems. Organic growth, strong partnerships, and listening to your customers are key drivers for sustainable SaaS success Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridgeRobin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The buzz is deafening—every company is now an AI company...or are they? Knownwell CMO Courtney Baker is joined by CEO David DeWolf and Chief Product and Technology Officer Mohan Rao to unpack whether the AI revolution is as widespread as the hype suggests. They explore what it really means to be an “AI company,” why adoption is uneven across industries, and how leaders can move beyond experimentation toward meaningful AI integration. Pete Buer sits down with Max Gabriel, CEO of Augmented AI, in the first of a two-part interview exploring why AI is poised to disrupt the software world. Max breaks down how the rise of AI agents signals a seismic shift in the SaaS model, what vertical AI solutions mean for enterprise strategy, and why organizations must rethink their technology stack from the ground up. In our ‘AI in the Wild' segment, Pete and Mohan discuss Apple's revelation that Google searches on Safari have declined for the first time in 20 years—a signal that AI-powered search tools may be eroding Google's long-held dominance. What does this mean for how businesses approach marketing, SEO, and information discovery? Also, don't miss Courtney and Pete's upcoming webinar on May 22nd at noon Eastern: “Master Client Success with AI.” Learn how professional services firms can implement AI-powered client management systems to drive retention and growth. Register now at knownwell.com/masterclientsuccess. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0h9TXvdKZPc
In this episode of the SEO Leverage Podcast, Gert Mellak sits down with Joseph Armstrong, founder of 90 Day Korean, to dive into a story every digital entrepreneur dreads: losing 70% of website traffic overnight. Joseph shares the raw reality of what happened during a devastating Google core update in 2019, how it put his entire business at risk, and how the SEO Leverage team helped turn things around — fast. Within just three weeks, the site had fully recovered, and from there, it doubled its traffic and increased conversions. But this episode is more than just a recovery story. You'll learn: ✅ How to build a resilient online course business over time ✅ The power of internal linking, user experience, and smart content organization ✅ How Joseph evolved 90 Day Korean into a global membership platform ✅ What most course creators get wrong when scaling ✅ How AI and team feedback shape their content and support systems ✅ Why regular customer interviews became a turning point in product development Whether you're a course creator, marketer, or SEO enthusiast, this conversation is packed with real talk, strategic insights, and behind-the-scenes lessons from a founder who's been through the storm — and came out stronger. Podcast Highlights: 05:59 – 06:30 - We Lost 70% of Our Traffic Overnight Joseph shares the gut-wrenching moment when a Google core update wiped out the majority of 90 Day Korean's traffic — a situation many online businesses fear. It instantly raises the stakes and gives the conversation emotional depth and urgency. 07:10 – 08:27 - The SEO Recovery That Took Just 3 Weeks After connecting with Gert, Joseph implemented a focused SEO action plan and fully recovered rankings in just three weeks. This segment shows the real-world power of expert SEO, structured workflows, and quick execution. 09:53 – 11:50 - The Power of Internal Linking and Content Cleanup Joseph and Gert unpack how rethinking internal linking and removing redundant pages helped clarify the site's structure — improving both SEO and user experience. It's a golden nugget for content-heavy websites. 36:43 – 38:16 - Why Customer Interviews Changed the Game Joseph reveals how regularly talking to customers uncovered gaps in the product and guided critical improvements. This is a practical, often-overlooked growth tactic for course creators and SaaS founders. 27:22 – 30:19 - Adopting an AI-First Mindset (Without Losing the Human Touch) Joseph discusses how his team uses AI for support, content structure, and message clarity — while still relying on human review. It's a balanced, real-world look at leveraging AI effectively inside a growing business. Links: 90 Day Korean - Official Website - https://www.90daykorean.com/ Guest Website Info: Name: Joseph Armstrong Role: Founder & CEO, 90 Day Korean Website: https://www.90daykorean.com Email: joseph@90daykorean.com About: 90 Day Korean is an online Korean language learning platform designed to help English speakers go from zero to confidently holding a 3-minute conversation in just 90 days, and work toward conversational fluency within a year. The platform features structured courses, personalized coaching, and a supportive membership community — all built on practical, real-world Korean, not textbook theory. Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com
Are you struggling to keep your team aligned and motivated in today's rapidly changing business landscape? In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed and workplace dynamics are constantly shifting, leaders are desperate for strategies to build resilient, high-performing teams that can navigate uncertainty. Lisa Slayton of Tamim Partners and Dominick DeStasio of ForceBuilders stopped by TechVibe Radio for a deep dive on teambuilding. Host Jonathan Kersting brings you three top tips to help you tunr the corner on building an amazing team, including ways to turn chaos into a growth opportunity and how to stay out of your own way. Hit PLAY now some game-changing approaches to building stronger, more effective teams that can thrive in any environment. If you want to nerd out on the entire episode, listen here. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produced this podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.
Visit GoHighLevel.com/Travis to try the ultimate all-in-one CRM platform. Varun Vairavan is the co-founder and CTO of GoHighLevel, a leading SaaS platform empowering marketing agencies and businesses to automate and scale their operations. With over a decade of experience in software engineering and product development, Varun's journey began as a computer whiz in his school years and evolved through roles at Plivo and Adaptavant Technology Solutions before he co-founded GoHighLevel in 2018. Driven by a passion for practical problem-solving and a vision to help small and medium businesses succeed, Varun played a pivotal role in building GoHighLevel from the ground up, focusing on innovative solutions for web directory listings, reputation management, appointment booking, and multi-channel customer engagement. His technical leadership and commitment to customer feedback have been instrumental in transforming GoHighLevel into a global platform serving thousands of agencies and businesses. Based in Qatar, Varun continues to lead GoHighLevel's engineering and product teams, championing a remote-first culture and pushing the boundaries of CRM and AI-driven business automation. Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today's show: Microsoft lays off 6,000 employees despite record profits, signaling a ruthless new phase in big tech. Jason, Lon, and Alex discuss what it means for the talent market, why tightening U.S. immigration could cripple startup innovation, and whether AI startup Windsurf is selling too early as OpenAI circles. Plus, Klarna's AI customer service backfires, IPO momentum returns, and Office Hours with airfive founder Jeremy Redman pitches a bold new prepaid SaaS model.Timestamps:(0:00) Episode Teaser(2:40) Why ex-Microsoft staffers are talking smack on Blind(10:08) Atlassian - Head to https://www.atlassian.com/startups/twist to see if you qualify for 50 free seats for 12 months.(15:58) Checking out ElevenLabs' wild new AI soundboard(20:28) Fidelity Private Shares℠ - Visit https://fidelityprivateshares.com! Mention our podcast and receive 20% off your first-year paid subscription.(24:02) What is Bottom Up TAM and why it isn't dirty like it sounds(30:10) Google Gemini - It uses AI to help you write, code, and create in one interactive space. Try it at gemini.google.com/canvas.(33:52) Cohere missed revenue estimates but things aren't THAT bleak!(37:01) Why America NEEDS highly skilled immigrants(43:12) Working the “I Have a Secret” strategy with Jeremy from AirfiveSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpLinks from episode:EleveLabs Sound Board: https://elevenlabs.io/sound-effects/soundboardLikable: https://likeable.co/airfive: https://airfive.com/Follow Jeremy:X: https://x.com/thejeremyredmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejeremyredman/Follow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:08) Atlassian - Head to https://www.atlassian.com/startups/twist to see if you qualify for 50 free seats for 12 months.(20:28) Fidelity Private Shares℠ - Visit https://fidelityprivateshares.com! Mention our podcast and receive 20% off your first-year paid subscription.(30:10) Google Gemini - It uses AI to help you write, code, and create in one interactive space. Try it at gemini.google.com/canvas.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916
The team dissects a mysterious $6.3M Florida natural products business that looks great on paper—but raises more questions than answers.Business Listing – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s0GFGR8yGnsX_xMKqs8WdiDcdf0t8L8T/view?usp=sharingSponsored by Capital Pad and Connor Gross
Phil Stern is the operating principal of Mainsail Partners, a growth equity firm that invests in bootstrapped vertical SaaS companies. Mainsail offers deep operating support to the leaders in their portfolio companies to help them grow more efficiently. Phil leads the GTM operations team, helping their founders scale sales, marketing, and success teams. Phil was an experienced SaaS sales leader at several companies before joining Mainsail to focus on helping their portfolio companies scale up to $30M ARR or more. Phil's team helps founders solve challenging problems with sales leadership, rev ops technology, compensation, marketing analysis and planning, and more with deep operational insights customized for each company. In this episode, Phil discusses these important topics. The five keys to hiring your first head of sales to graduate from founder-led sales to a scalable sales team How Mainsail specialists partner with founders and their leaders to help them solve their most important GTM problems quickly How Phil helps with due diligence on potential investments to assess the upsides and opportunities for revenue growth Why Mainsail is focused on vertical SaaS companies with founders who are experts in their domains Quote from Phil Stern, Operating Principal at Mainsail Partners “Hiring a first head of sales is typically one of the first roles we're going to hire. This sales leader needs to be willing to sell the product. You're not coming in at $5 million of ARR to be an armchair VP. You own part of the quota, you're going to cover for a rep at a trade show or on maternity leave, whatever it takes. “You have to be willing to sell. So if you come in just to strategize and move chess pieces around, it's just not the job for you. “If you don't sell, you won't get close enough to the customer. For these customers in vertical end markets, you need to get close to them, learn from them, understand them, and speak to them. “It's really back to a bootstrapper mentality. The CEO has been doing absolutely everything up and down the business. I'm asking a sales leader to do everything up and down the go-to-market.” Links Phil Stern on LinkedIn Mainsail Partners on LinkedIn Mainsail Partners website The Practical Founders Podcast Tune into the Practical Founders Podcast for weekly in-depth interviews with founders who have built valuable software companies without big funding. Subscribe to the Practical Founders Podcast using your favorite podcast app or view on our YouTube channel. Get the weekly Practical Founders newsletter and podcast updates at practicalfounders.com.
Follow Proof of Coverage Media: https://x.com/Proof_CoverageIn the inaugural episode of the DePIN Roundtable, Connor Lovely is joined by Santiago R Santos, Mahesh Ramakrishnan, and Jason Badeaux to explore the evolving world of decentralized physical infrastructure networks. They reflect on Bitcoin's foundational role, early model flaws, and growing interest from non-crypto sectors, highlighted by Santiago's insights from a Dubai conference. Mahesh discusses the collegial shift among fund managers, fundraising challenges, and the upcoming DePIN Summit in Africa. Jason shares updates on Daylight's energy subscription model and lessons in team building. The group debates token models, product-market fit, and the experiences of projects like Helium, emphasizing the need for better alignment between user needs and tokenomics. The episode closes with an optimistic outlook on DePIN's potential to transform infrastructure as SaaS did for software.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:11 - Welcome to the DePIN Roundtable02:09 - Insights from the Dubai Conference05:24 - Fundraising Challenges in Crypto08:53 - Santi's Fundraising Success12:04 - Building a Strong Team15:55 - Daylight's Revenue Generation20:30 - Daylight's Growth and Hiring21:09 - Energy Subscription Model25:11 - Token Launch Considerations30:00 - Learning from Helium's Journey35:09 - Supply Sinks in DePIN Networks41:11 - Innovative Token Use CasesDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.
In this wholly sponsored Soap Box edition of the show, Patrick Gray chats with Adam Bateman and Luke Jennings from Push Security. Push has built an identity security platform that collects identity information and events from your users' browsers. It can detect phish kits and shut down phishing attempts, protect SSO credentials, and find shadow/personal account that a user has spun up. It's extremely difficult to bypass. That's because when you're in the browser it doesn't matter how a phishing link arrives, or how a threat actor has concealed it from your detection stack – if the user sees it, Push sees it. There are solutions for protecting your users SSO credentials, like passkeys. But what about all the SaaS in your environment? Even if it's enrolled into your SSO, are you sure that's how your users are authenticating to it? What about the automation platforms your developers and admins use? What about data platforms like Snowflake? Are your using setting up passkeys for those accounts? How would you know, and what problems can it cause if those accounts are vulnerable? This is a fun one! This episode is also available on Youtube. Show notes
Financial Freedom for Physicians with Dr. Christopher H. Loo, MD-PhD
AI strategy is the starting point for every organization navigating digital transformation — and in this episode, product visionary Chris McNulty (ex-Microsoft, now at Syner) breaks down exactly how to get it right.Whether you're overwhelmed by automation tools, struggling with digital leadership, or trying to scale efficiently in a tech-driven world, this conversation has the answers. Chris offers practical, no-hype guidance on how to align your AI strategy with your business goals, avoid common mistakes, and create scalable processes that actually work.He explains why so many leaders fail to move from experimentation to execution, and how to fix that by understanding your operating pain points before deploying AI. With his deep experience from Microsoft and Dell, Chris shows how enterprise automation, product marketing in SaaS, and business growth through AI intersect in real, profitable ways.If you're searching for how to build a winning AI strategy, you'll get high-value insight into:Why generative AI in the workplace isn't a magic bulletThe truth about Microsoft Copilot vs custom LLMsHow to drive digital business transformation through clear choices, not tech fads
In this episode, we look at how one online retailer is working to minimize the impact of tariffs on its business, provide a review of a major cybersecurity conference, and highlight a new trend in software-as-a-service (SaaS) pricing.
Data silos are significantly hindering AI innovation, as highlighted by a recent report from Infanti. The survey of over 1,200 IT and cybersecurity professionals revealed that more than half of the respondents experience isolated data within their organizations, leading to inefficiencies and slow security responses. Nearly 30% of IT professionals reported that these data deficiencies obstruct their ability to effectively utilize AI tools. Experts emphasize the necessity for a comprehensive data strategy that includes governance, quality, and performance to foster innovation and avoid stagnation in AI projects.In the medical field, radiologists are experiencing growth rather than extinction due to advancements in AI. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of up to 42,000 radiologists by 2033, yet AI is proving to be an essential tool for these professionals. At institutions like the Mayo Clinic, AI has enabled rapid measurements and early disease detection, leading to a 55% expansion in their radiology department and the development of over 250 AI models to enhance diagnostic capabilities.Public relations professionals are adapting to the rise of AI by recognizing the importance of engaging with journalists to influence AI chatbots. Research indicates that authoritative journalism has a more significant impact on how AI platforms generate responses about companies than social media campaigns. This shift underscores the need for firms to prioritize earned media and thought leadership as part of their brand strategy, especially as AI continues to shape public perception.Lastly, companies like SuperOps and TD Cynics are making strides in AI integration. SuperOps has relaunched its AI-powered platform, Monika, which offers various levels of AI autonomy to enhance IT operations for managed service providers. Meanwhile, TD Cynics has updated its Destination AI program to help partners transition from AI exploration to execution, providing tools and frameworks that align technical skills with specific AI solutions. These developments highlight the growing importance of AI in various sectors and the need for organizations to adapt their strategies accordingly. Four things to know today 00:00 Want AI to Work? Fix Your Data First—Then Look at Radiologists for What's Next06:01 OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-4.1, Deepens Microsoft Integration, and Launches Safety Hub for Greater Transparency09:18 AI Gets Practical—SuperOps Wants to Automate Your Ops While TD SYNNEX Helps You Sell It12:29 LastPass Expands into SaaS Visibility, Challenging Lightweight Shadow IT Tools with Business Max Tier This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorshiphttps://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/ All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Cameron: Ability to foster collaboration and build meaningful connections.Peter: Courage to speak truth, even when facing potential backlash.A major obstacle to global prosperity is the chronic underfunding of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in emerging markets. In this episode of Superpowers for Good, Cameron Neil, CEO of LendForGood, and Peter Rostovsky, CEO of Raiseway, discussed their new collaboration that aims to close that gap. Together, they're making it easier for impact-driven businesses to raise capital and for everyday people to lend across borders.LendForGood is already empowering impact enterprises in places like Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond to access much-needed debt financing from a global pool of lenders. Now, with Raiseway's support, these entrepreneurs will have access to tools that make running a crowdfunding campaign simpler, more efficient and more likely to succeed.Peter explained, "There are so many elements to a crowdfunding campaign...this is super challenging even for large organizations...we want to be that platform that supports the campaign throughout the process."The two companies align not just in function, but in values. Cameron emphasized that "the gap for small business capital access is significant...it's a real growing problem" that requires global infrastructure and collaboration to solve. The World Bank and UN have estimated that SMEs in emerging markets face an annual $5 trillion funding shortfall. The traditional financial system simply isn't built to serve them effectively. As banks consolidate, smaller loans become less profitable and more scarce.Raiseway and LendForGood aim to fill that void. Their shared belief in the potential of debt crowdfunding—versus equity financing, which isn't ideal for most small businesses—fuels their work. As Peter noted, "Your community is never going to foreclose you."Though not currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign, both platforms are building the infrastructure and momentum for an ecosystem where everyday investors can meaningfully support small businesses doing good in the world.This collaboration underscores the power of mission-aligned tech partnerships to tackle some of the world's most stubborn problems. By streamlining access to impact capital, they're helping to rewrite the rules of small business finance—on a global scale.tl;dr:LendForGood and Raiseway collaborate to simplify cross-border impact crowdfunding and support small businesses globally.Cameron explains how LendForGood connects global lenders with impact enterprises needing debt financing.Peter shares Raiseway's role in streamlining campaigns and making crowdfunding more accessible and effective.Cameron and Peter discuss the massive global SME funding gap and why crowd lending is a vital solution.They reveal their superpowers—collaboration and courage—and offer tips on using them to drive meaningful impact.How to Develop Collaboration and Connectivity As a SuperpowerCameron Neil's superpower lies in his ability to foster collaboration and build meaningful connections. Reflecting on his approach, he shared, “I have found an ability to… build collaborative initiatives, to build posses… or a network to form.” Cameron's knack for bringing people together with shared goals and inspiring them to work collectively has been a cornerstone of his success. He credits this skill with driving impactful projects like LendForGood's partnership with Raiseway.Illustrative Anecdote:Cameron's collaboration with Peter Rostovsky is a testament to his superpower. By recognizing the synergy between LendForGood and Raiseway, Cameron initiated a partnership that equips impact enterprises with tools to succeed in crowdfunding. Reflecting on this collaboration, he explained, “Peter and I connected and we took it somewhere… bringing our organizations and others on this journey.”Tips for Developing the Superpower:Visualize Outcomes: Identify a future state or goal that requires collective effort to achieve.Seek Alignment: Find individuals or organizations that share your objectives and values.Inspire Participation: Use your vision to motivate others to join and contribute meaningfully.Build Trust: Focus on integrity and mutual respect to strengthen collaborative relationships.Embrace Diversity: Collaborate with people who bring complementary skills and perspectives.By following Cameron's example and advice, you can make collaboration and connectivity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.How to Develop Courage to Speak Truth As a SuperpowerPeter Rostovsky's superpower is his courage to speak truth, even when facing potential backlash. Reflecting on a life-changing moment, Peter shared, “Something drastic really changed… I started being far more open about my views.” This courage to express his convictions, even at the cost of venture investor interest, has strengthened his connection with supporters and colleagues. His openness has inspired others, creating a space for dialogue and solidarity.Illustrative Anecdote:Peter's courage was tested following October 7th, when he began publicly sharing his views on Israel's policy in Gaza. Despite knowing that his candidness would alienate venture investors, Peter chose integrity over business interests. This bold stance not only demonstrated his values but also attracted a supportive community that shares his vision for Raiseway.Tips for Developing the Superpower:Find Supportive Allies: Surround yourself with people who encourage and respect your honesty.Prioritize Integrity: Focus on values over short-term gains to build lasting trust.Practice Courage: Start by sharing your beliefs in safe spaces before expanding to larger platforms.Embrace Vulnerability: Accept the risks of being open as a necessary part of authentic communication.By following Peter's example and advice, you can make courage to speak truth a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileCameron Neil (he/him):Co-Founder and CEO, LendForGoodAbout LendForGood: LendForGood is a global impact loan syndication platform mobilising millions in impact finance for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Entrepreneur support organisations, accelerators, incubators, venture studios and early stage investors use LendForGood to run campaigns and raise impact debt from both our individual and organisational lender community and the supporters of their portfolio enterprises who are borrowing. Investors use LendForGood to efficiently discover and deploy capital to courageous impact enterprises helping to deliver the SDGs around the world. Website: lendforgood.ioBiographical Information: Cameron Neil is the co-founder, director and CEO of LendForGood, an impact loan syndication platform that is mobilising millions of dollars to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Has has three decades of experience in the impact sector, working across and between finance, business, technology, international development, corporate advisory and startups. Cameron played a pioneering role in the Fairtrade movement in the region, as well as the early days of B-Corp and Shared Value. His work now focuses on capital entrepreneurship and innovative finance to meet the challenges of the 21st century. As demonstrated through LendForGood, Cameron believes strongly in the power of people to come together in solidarity and through collaboration to create the communities and world that they want - 'all of us' is the largest untapped impact investment fund in the world!Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/lendforgoodGuest ProfilePeter Rostovsky (he/him):Co-Founder and CEO, RaisewayAbout Raiseway: Raiseway is developing an affordable SaaS platform to equip businesses with AI-enabled tools to execute effective crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like LendForGood.Website: raiseway.appCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/raisewayappBiographical Information: Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Peter moved to New York at the age of 16. Peter studied political science and economics at CUNY Hunter College. Before joining the crowdfunding industry, he worked as a capital markets intelligence salesman. Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/peter.rostovsky.7Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/peter-rostovskyInstagram Handle: @pool_breadSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, KribSavUp, SuperCrowd25, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He'll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won't want to miss! Don't miss it!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
In this episode of Confessions of a B2B Entrepreneur, host Tom Hunt chats with the legendary Rob Walling. A true veteran of the SaaS bootstrapping world, Rob shares insights from his two decades in the game, from building and selling Drip, starting the influential MicroConf community and the TinySeed accelerator, to hosting the 'Startup for the Rest of Us' podcast. They discuss the power of compounding effort, the crucial lesson of following market feedback, iterating your approach based on what the market wants, and the journey of building multiple successful ventures without relying on traditional VC. Rob reflects on the lessons learned over twenty years, offering invaluable perspective for any entrepreneur looking to build sustainable, long-term growth.
Modern B2B sales success lies in shifting from scripted selling to strategic listening—by elevating discovery calls and building trust through thoughtful messaging, Leslie's approach turns reps into advisors and conversations into conversions.Dive into the latest episode of the B2B Go to Market Leaders podcast, where Vijay interviews Leslie Venetz, a B2B sales strategist and founder with deep experience navigating outbound sales in enterprise environments. Leslie unpacks her journey from learning the ropes in sales to helping SaaS companies refine their go-to-market strategies with bold, focused tactics.She emphasizes that real progress comes not from hustling harder but from selling smarter—prioritizing meaningful discovery conversations, segmenting accounts with care, and aligning messaging with executive-level pain points. Leslie's methods helped one team double their close rate and trim nearly two weeks off the sales cycle by simply reworking their approach to AE discovery.The conversation explores everything from the mechanics of outbound strategy to why building your personal brand on social media is essential, not just for visibility, but for attracting talent and creating credibility. Leslie challenges the myth of company loyalty and shares why, in today's landscape, your reputation is your leverage.Connect with Leslie Venetz on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsbaConnect with Vijay Damojipurapu on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijdam/Brought to you by: stratyve.com
Subscribe at thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step playbooks, tools, and workflows.In episode 5 of This New Way, Aydin sits down with Liam Martin, co-founder of Time Doctor and Running Remote, to explore how AI is reshaping team productivity, SaaS economics, and the future of work. Liam shares how his team replaced $40K/year worth of employee engagement software with open-source AI tools — and how their internal R&D lab, Chainsaw, is building the future of workforce analytics.You'll hear how Time Doctor uses AI to reclassify productivity metrics by job role, how AI has changed their approach to product-market fit, and why they're betting on proprietary agents as the next evolution of workplace tools. Liam also shares his personal tech stack, insights on open-source AI models like DeepSeek, and how he's replacing Google with LLMs in his day-to-day workflow.You'll walk away with practical ideas for how to reduce SaaS spend, empower your R&D teams, and get ahead of AI's disruptive force in remote work and beyond.Click here to check out the AI-generated timestamps, episode summary and transcript.. . .Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the episode with someone who will benefit from listening.. . .TIMESTAMPS 00:36 Liam's McGill story and how he accidentally left academia 02:45 The early days of remote work and building Time Doctor 05:57 What Time Doctor actually does (and how AI is changing it) 08:08 How AI reclassified productivity by job type 11:03 Could product-market fit collapse due to AI? 13:44 Building the Chainsaw team 20:02 Replacing Google with LLMs 24:35 Why proprietary AIs might need to be “pushy,” not polite 28:03 Don't wait for economics — just solve the problem 29:45 What's coming next in the AI cost curve35:58 GPT customizes slide decks based on personality types39:07 Build complex no-code apps with just a prompt using Lovable43:46 Engineers may be more disrupted by AI than customer serviceTOOLS & RESOURCES MENTIONEDAI Tools & ModelsDeepSeek OCR → replaced paid OCR tools, cutting costs by 90%Do Browser (Chrome extension) → automates browser actions like a humanLM Studio → runs open-source LLMs like DeepSeek and Claude locallyClaude (Anthropic) → used for AI-based task delegationOpenAI GPT-4 / Operators → tested against open-source alternativesInternal Innovation & AI SystemsChainsaw R&D Team → focused on building from scratch, not optimizingWorkforce Analytics with AI → redefining productivity dynamically by roleAI-driven feature decisions → testing new models before looking at ROIOCR Video Analysis → used to assess best vs worst execution of tasksPhilosophies & Frameworks“Build a chainsaw, not a sharper axe” → rethink, don't just improve“Solve one customer's problem perfectly” → from Y Combinator playbookPersonal AI-first workflows → replacing search with LLMs
What you think selling a startup looks like vs. what it actually looks likeHere's what most founders assume about startup acquisitions… You need to raise millions in VC funding firstOnly “unicorns” get acquiredIt's a long, complicated process with lawyers and bankersYou need to scale like crazy before you sellOnly big-name founders get exits NOPE. You can build a lean, profitable business and sell it without a huge team, a pile of funding, or a decade of hustle. And Andrew Gazdecki is living proof. He's the founder of Acquire—a platform simplifying startup acquisitions—and he's breaking down exactly how it's done in the this episode of the DealQuest Podcast Why selling might be smarter than scaling The real reason your startup isn't selling The sneaky risks of building on platforms you don't own And why white labeling exploded his growth without big funding Whether you're a startup founder, solo SaaS builder, or just acquisition-curious… this one's gold. • • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/andrewgazdecki• • • FOR MORE ON ANDREW GAZDECKIhttps://www.acquire.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/agazdecki/https://x.com/agazdecki/highlightsFOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/http://coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!
Customer experience strategy isn't just a buzzword — it's the secret to growing a loyal customer base, reducing service costs, and optimizing your business operations. In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Rael, founder of Tight Ship CX and a certified customer experience professional, to unpack what it takes to transform the way businesses engage with their customers.Whether you're a small business owner, SaaS leader, or CX manager, this conversation is packed with practical answers to the biggest questions brands face today. From redefining the difference between customer experience vs. customer service, to pinpointing operational breakdowns that hurt the customer journey, Ryan helps you identify blind spots and move toward proactive, customer-centered strategies.With real-world examples from airlines, retail, and tech companies, Ryan shows how AI in customer experience and smart process improvements can boost customer retention, eliminate inefficiencies, and help you build raving fans — not just satisfied customers.This episode provides insight and wisdom for business leaders asking:Why are my leads not converting?How do I reduce the cost-to-serve?What does it really mean to deliver a great customer experience?How can I use customer feedback to improve our offering?If you're searching for the missing link in your growth or wondering how to turn customers into lifelong advocates, this podcast has the answers.⏰ Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:34 - Who is Ryan Rael and what is Tight Ship CX?2:15 - What is customer experience strategy (vs. customer service)?4:08 - Common mistakes in small business CX6:01 - Process inefficiencies that hurt the customer8:42 - Real SaaS case study: improving conversion11:22 - Airlines & understanding your customer base13:40 - How to go deeper with customer needs15:32 - Tools and AI in customer experience17:44 - Final thoughts + how to connect with RyanTo check out the YouTube (video podcast), visit: https://www.youtube.com/@drchrisloomdphdDisclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show. Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphdWe couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show:CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphdVenmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/supportBuy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJxClick here to schedule a 1-on-1 private coaching call: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-onlineClick here to check out our bookstore, e-courses, and workshops: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/shopClick here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4pFor audiobooks, visit: https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1FFollow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphdFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrislooFollow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thereal_drchrislooFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drchrisloomddphdFollow our Blog: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blogFollow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphdSubscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233Subscribe to our email list: https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers that help support the show!Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2025
Rebecca Shaddix is a seasoned marketing executive and go-to-market strategist with a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth across various industries. With a unique background that combines deep technical expertise, data-driven marketing, and empathetic leadership, Rebecca has led high-growth companies in education, healthcare, and SaaS to impressive success. Her approach is rooted in a research background, allowing her to blend analytical thinking with creative marketing strategies. As a Forbes contributor and recognized thought leader, Rebecca brings insights into the societal impacts of technology, particularly in areas such as AI's role in solving global issues and fostering diversity in tech. Her ability to align technology-driven solutions with broader missions while driving substantial business results sets her apart in the marketing and leadership landscape.
On the podcast we talk with Chris about how to do freemium the right way, drafting a customer “Bill of Rights” to guide product decisions, and why blindly following A/B test results can lead to short-term gains but undermine your business long-term.Top Takeaways:
Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to David Moncur and Jordan Manalili with Moncur about "Branding for success". David Moncur and Jordan Manalili from Moncur, a branding agency, discussed challenges in the power generation industry at the PowerGen conference in Dallas. They highlighted the difficulty companies face in differentiating their products, often commoditized due to similarities. David emphasized the importance of strategic messaging and branding to avoid commoditization and maintain pricing. Jordan introduced their Brand Framework, which helps companies communicate effectively by aligning their messaging with client needs. They stressed the value of proactive branding and strategic planning to stay relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving industry. Action Items [ ] Reach out to David Moncur on LinkedIn to discuss Moncur's branding and messaging services. [ ] Connect with Jordan Manalili on LinkedIn to learn more about Moncur's process for translating technical information into compelling messaging. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations. Scott welcomes David and Jordan, highlighting their roles and the company they represent, Moncur. Scott mentions the conference location, Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, and the purpose of the event. David and Jordan provide brief introductions about their roles and backgrounds. David's Background and Company Overview David explains his role as the principal of Moncur, a branding agency headquartered in Southfield, Detroit metro area. He shares his career specialization in marketing, strategic messaging, and branding, with a team of 40. David discusses the company's focus on construction, engineering, manufacturing, and tech SaaS sectors. Scott and David talk about the challenges faced by power generation companies and the importance of differentiation. Challenges in Power Generation and Strategic Messaging David identifies common challenges faced by B2B companies in the power generation sector, such as differentiation and broader awareness. Jordan adds that strategic messaging is a significant issue for many companies, as they struggle to communicate their unique value proposition. Scott and Jordan discuss the problem of commoditization in the industry and the need for effective messaging to avoid it. David emphasizes the importance of differentiation and specialization to maintain pricing and market position. Brand Framework and Strategic Messaging Process Jordan introduces the concept of Brand Framework and strategic messaging, which helps companies communicate effectively. He explains the challenge of translating technical jargon into client-friendly language. Jordan highlights the importance of understanding both the company's strengths and the client's pain points to create a compelling message. Scott and Jordan discuss the process of shifting messaging to avoid commoditization and achieve premium positioning. Proactive vs. Reactive Branding Strategies David advises companies to invest in branding proactively rather than waiting for problems to arise. He explains that a strong brand helps attract top talent and maintain a competitive edge. Scott and David discuss the importance of planning ahead and investing in brand strategy to avoid costly mistakes. Jordan shares examples of companies...