
Experience-Focused Leaders (Alex Shevelenko)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Experience-Focused Leaders
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13 Aug 2024 | 56 - From Confusion to Clarity: How Innovative Software is Changing Employee Benefits with LHD Benefit Advisors' Whitney Boyer | 00:44:31 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CMO of LHD Benefit Advisors, Whitney Boyer. Whitney discusses digital experience software's transformative impact on employee benefits communication, focusing on the RELAYTO platform. Aimed at employee and insurance professionals, Whitney addresses challenges in effectively communicating benefits and highlights innovative solutions. She also emphasizes the importance of internal champions within sales teams to promote the adoption of new tools and technologies, ultimately improving client interactions and service offerings. To learn more about Whitney's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
09 Jul 2024 | 53 - The Evolution of B2B Content: From Data Sheets to Digital Salesrooms with Scale Venture Partners' Craig Rosenberg | 00:56:01 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Chief Platform Officer of Scale Venture Partners, Craig Rosenberg. Craig discusses the importance of providing content that is both easily digestible and actionable. In today's fast-paced digital world, buyers are inundated with information, making it crucial to deliver content that stands out and meets their specific needs. To achieve this, it's essential to segment your audience, understand the different segments within your target audience, and tailor your content to meet their unique needs and preferences. Personalize content using data and insights to ensure it resonates with the individual buyer's journey. Additionally, incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and interactive product tours to engage buyers and provide them with a hands-on experience. To learn more about Craig's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
21 Sep 2023 | 16 - Cracking the Code: Achieving Product-Market Fit with Customer Centric Solutions | 00:42:13 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder of Lookout, Kevin Mahaffey. Lookout Cloud Security Platform is the only cloud-native solution that delivers zero trust security by reducing risk and protecting your corporate data on any device, any app, and any location. With a centralized dashboard and unified policy framework, Lookout helps you consolidate vendors for endpoint security and cloud security. Lookout's mission is to secure and empower productivity in a privacy-focused world, where work can happen anywhere. As the leading provider of Data-Centric Cloud Security, Lookout sets a new standard for helping businesses protect the sensitive data and information they care about most. To learn more about Kevin's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
21 May 2024 | 46 - Navigating Cultural Differences and Consensus in the Retail and Multi-Location Space Market with Daniel Melkersson of PinMeTo | 00:36:15 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Co-founder and Board Member of PinMeTo, Daniel Melkersson. Daniel's journey is a testament to the philosophy that one is never too old to try new things. Of the 12 companies he started, only three succeeded, but these successes were not without their share of challenges and lessons. His transition into the tech industry and his curiosity about venture capital funding led to the creation of PinMeTo, a platform designed to enhance location marketing for multi-location enterprises. To learn more about Daniel's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
17 Sep 2024 | 59 - Positioning vs. Branding: Understanding the Key Differences for Business Success with Cunningham Collective's Andy Cunningham | 00:55:52 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder and President of Cunningham Collective, Andy Cunningham. Andy delves into the intricacies of business positioning, particularly in the tech sector. Andy shares her experiences, including working with Steve Jobs on the Apple Macintosh launch, emphasizing the importance of finding a unique market position. The discussion covers the distinction between positioning and branding, the challenges of a saturated market, and the significance of emotional connections in customer and employee engagement. Andy also highlights the role of leadership and strategic thinking in successful positioning. To learn more about Andy's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
28 May 2024 | 47 - The Power of Proactive Engagement in Successful Negotiation Processes with Stan Christensen | 00:57:27 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Lecturer at Stanford University, Stan Christensen. Stan's reputation for teaching negotiation is more than just a series of tactics aimed at short-term gains. His philosophy centers on the idea that negotiation is about unlocking relationships and creating value for all parties involved. Stan explained that most negotiations are ongoing and involve multiple parties, making the cultivation of long-term relationships essential. He emphasized that negotiation isn't about winning at the expense of someone else but about finding ways to expand the pie for everyone. By understanding each party's interests and seeking complementary aspects, negotiators can craft solutions that are fair and beneficial to all involved. To learn more about Stan's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
03 Oct 2023 | 18 - Navigating the Business Landscape with the Godfather of MarTech, Interactive Content, and HubSpot's Ecosystem | 00:54:51 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the VP at Platform Ecosystem of HubSpot, Scott Brinker. Joining us today is the godfather and one of the biggest influencers in the MarTech Community, Scott Brinker — the VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot! Scott Brinker has over 20 years of experience at the intersection of marketing and software. He is the creator and editor of the Chief MarTech blog. He is also the founding Program Chair of the MarTech Conference and author of the book “Hacking Marketing: Agile Practices to make marketing smarter, faster, and more innovative”. Scott is a frequent keynote speaker on marketing and technology topics worldwide and has written articles published by AdAge, Adweek, Harvard Business Review, InformationWeek, TechCrunch, and VentureBeat. To learn more about Scott's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
14 Sep 2023 | 14 - Revolutionizing B2B Sales in a Post-COVID Landscape with Modern Revenue Strategies' Mark Osborne | 00:52:01 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the best-selling author on B2B Marketing and Sales for Early Stage SaaS, Tech, and B2B Services of Modern Revenue Strategies, Mark Osborne. Working with CEOs and Sales Leaders at SaaS, Tech, and B2B Services firms for the last 20 years, Modern Revenue Strategies knows the importance of system-based solutions for growth; using data and technology for Revenue Systems that attract the right customers, Accelerate opportunities through the Pipeline, and Activate clients for renewals, upsells, and referrals. Mark Osborne. Recognized by AdAge Magazine as a “Marketing Technology Trailblazer" in 2017, Mark Osborne brings decades of experience creating Revenue Systems that integrate Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success for SaaS, Technology, and B2B Services firms navigating long sales cycles and complex buying committees to secure large contracts. To learn more about Mark's work, click HERE, HERE, and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
24 Oct 2023 | 21 - Understanding Growth as a Function within Organizations with HyperGrowth Global Partners' Guillaume "G" Cabane | 00:56:13 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Co-Founder and GP of HyperGrowth Global Partners, Guillaume "G" Cabane. As the "godfather of growth," Guillaume's approach to growth and how he helps teams transition from relying on tried and true methods to embracing experimentation. Guillaume comes prepared with a bag of tricks based on his past successes but gradually encourages teams to take more risks and try new things. The concept of growth as we know it today originated from B2C platforms like Facebook, which had the advantage of testing different website experiences due to their high usage volume. This approach gradually made its way into the B2B world in the mid-2000s, albeit with a focus on demand generation and growth hacking. Despite B2B companies not having the same volume as B2C platforms, they still employ engineers and analysts to drive growth. Guillaume also highlighted the emergence of product-led growth (PLG) in B2B SaaS companies, where growth teams concentrate on testing and optimizing the app. However, he noted that many businesses adopt a combination of PLG and sales-led approaches, depending on their specific needs. Failure is a normal part of the job for growth teams, as they launch multiple experiments to find the ones that succeed. You're challenged as a growth leader to maintain the different mindsets required for growth teams as the company scales. To learn more about Guillaume's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
14 Nov 2023 | 24 - The Most Effective Strategies for Small Business Owners in the M&A Market with FE International's Thomas Smale | 00:52:59 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO of FE International, Thomas Smale. FE International specializes in tech-focused M&A advisory services for businesses in the $1 to $100 million exit sector. With over 1500 deals closed and a total value of over $50 billion, Thomas' experience in the SaaS, e-commerce, and digital media content categories is awe-inspiring. One of the key topics discussed was why small business owners choose to engage with Thomas and pursue an M&A exit strategy. Thomas firmly believes that every entrepreneur should have an exit strategy in mind, even if it's not immediate. Whether it's due to personal or financial changes, or the emergence of a new business opportunity, having a specific financial exit goal is crucial. Thomas shared his insights on the changing landscape of M&A deals. He explained that while strategic acquisitions are still important, the opportunistic aspect of M&A is becoming more challenging. Interestingly, he mentioned that buyers are becoming more disciplined but also more creative. For instance, private equity funds that previously wouldn't consider deals below a certain valuation are now open to smaller deals. This means that there is a lot of demand for relatively small businesses with valuations below $100 million. Thomas emphasized the importance of focusing on building a good business rather than solely planning for an exit. He cautioned against getting caught up in specific metrics that may not be relevant to every business and advised entrepreneurs to prioritize revenue growth and the overall size of their business. He also highlighted the significance of profitability and tangible results, rather than relying on potential and big visions that have yet to be realized. To learn more about Thomas' work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
24 Aug 2023 | 12 - The Most Effective Strategy for Software Companies to Achieve Rapid Growth with OpenView Venture Partners' Kyle Poyar | 00:53:01 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Operating Partner of OpenView Venture Partners, Kyle Poyar. OpenView was founded in 2006 on a mission to improve people’s working lives. They invest in the best expansion-stage software companies and then work hard to help those companies become market leaders. OpenView has raised a total of $2.4 billion across its seven funds. OpenView exclusively invests in software companies at the expansion stage. OpenView targets seven to nine new investments per year, a concentrated approach that allows them to meaningfully support their portfolio companies post-investment. OpenView's focus on the expansion stage for nearly two decades means they’ve been a trusted partner to some of the biggest successes in software history. To learn more about Kyle's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
02 Jan 2024 | 31 - The Most Important Marketing Execution Strategies for Business Growth with Octain Growth Systems' Clare Price | 00:48:27 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the President and CEO of Octain Growth Systems, Clare Price. Clare emphasized the need for a strategic foundation in marketing. Without a blueprint, businesses can get caught in a cycle of frantic marketing activity, which hinders their ability to grow. Clare discussed the concept of "hamster marketing," where businesses constantly run in circles without a clear plan, leading to burnout and talent loss. Another issue touched on was "lottery marketing," where businesses throw money at various tactics without a strategic approach. Clare highlighted the importance of effective marketing execution for business growth and the need to get in front of enough prospects to generate revenue. Clare highlighted the role of content in driving growth, both at the top of the sales funnel and throughout the buyer journey. She emphasized the importance of personalized and targeted content that resonates with specific niche audiences. Clare advises businesses to understand their ideal customers' values, motivations, needs, wants, desires, and buying patterns to create content that produces results. Clare discussed the common mistake of producing content without proper consideration and the need to shift the focus from "what we do" to "how we can help." Clare talked about the ineffectiveness of generic blogs and the value of user-generated content in building trust and accountability. To learn more about Clare's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
29 Jun 2023 | 2 - Transform Businesses with Technology with Tata Consultancy Services' Abhinav Kumar | 01:14:28 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Tata Consultancy Services, Abhinav Kumar. Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses for the past 50 years. They believe innovation and collective knowledge can transform all our futures with greater purpose. At TCS, they go beyond helping businesses transform through technology. To learn more about Abhinav's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at RELAYTO, check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
27 Feb 2024 | 37 - Unleashing the Power of Communication: Strategies for Success in the Digital Landscape with Coeus Creative Group's Jay Johnson | 00:37:28 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO and Keynote Speaker of Coeus Creative Group, Jay Johnson. Jay brings a wealth of experience to the table, with 15 years of guiding leaders in organizational culture and working with prestigious companies and institutions. His insights on human behavior are not just theoretical; they are backed by practical experiences and millions of views on his TEDx talk about handling challenging individuals. Jay emphasized a crucial point: we cannot control others, only ourselves. This realization is the foundation for developing strategies to navigate difficult interactions. It's about creating a gap between the stimulus we receive from a difficult person and our response to it. By doing so, we avoid the immediate, often counterproductive, emotional reactions that can lead to conflict. Jay introduced the concept of predictive behavioral intelligence, which is about recognizing the patterns in people's behavior. Just like watching a horror movie repeatedly makes the scares predictable, understanding the recurring nature of difficult people allows us to anticipate their actions and respond more effectively. This approach empowers us to control our reactions, even when faced with frustrating behavior. To learn more about Jay's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
27 Jul 2023 | 6 - Where You Go for Software: Reach Your Peak with G2's Godard Abel | 00:50:04 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder and CEO of G2, Godard Abel. G2 is the largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 80 million people annually—including employees at all Fortune 500 companies—use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews. G2 is democratizing software, disrupting the traditional analyst model, and building trust by showcasing the authentic voice of millions of software buyers. When you choose software based on the experiences of people just like you, you can reach your true potential. To learn more about Godard's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
11 Jun 2024 | 49 - Balancing Act: Immigrant Experiences & Entrepreneurship with Perplexity's Dmitry Shevelenko | 01:04:43 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Chief Business Officer of Perplexity, Dmitry Shevelenko. Dmitry's journey led him through some of Silicon Valley's most influential companies and his current role in shaping the future of AI-driven knowledge consumption. Dmitry's career, the psychology of the modern knowledge consumer, and the innovative strides Perplexity is making in the AI space. Dmitry emphasized the importance of working on products that you enjoy using. This passion translates into a deeper understanding of the user experience and a more authentic connection to the product's mission. To learn more about Dmitry's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
06 Aug 2024 | 55 - Mastering the Art of Seed Investing and Startup Innovation with Floodgate's Mike Maples | 00:50:03 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founding Partner of Floodgate, Mike Maples. Mike explores the intricacies of seed investing and entrepreneurship. He discusses the evolution of seed investing, the challenges of fundraising, and the critical importance of product-market fit. Mike shares his experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for unique market insights, emotional connections with investors and customers, and the significance of "lighthouse customers" who guide product development. The conversation also delves into the concept of "founder future fit" and the importance of creating new market categories to achieve breakthrough success. To learn more about Mike's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
16 Aug 2023 | 9 - Mastering Effective Marketing Communication Principles with UniSphere Ideas' Ben Guttmann | 00:56:29 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Advisor and Fractional CMO of UniSphere Ideas and author of the book Simply Put, Ben Guttmann. Ben Guttmann is a Marketing Entrepreneur, educator and writer. He assists good individuals and well-known brands in communicating their importance to the world. He frequently gives talks on marketing, branding, business, and technology at conferences, businesses, and universities. Ben ran the Digital Natives Group for 10 years. The group started as a small town business and then grew into a partnership with various well-known organizations. They published over 60 best-selling books from major publishing companies, including works from acclaimed individuals. Ben started his career by working with small ice cream shops and camera repair stores. Now, he is known as a major player in the world of branding, working with multi-billion dollar industries and other successful companies. To learn more about Ben's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com. | |||
20 Sep 2023 | 15 - The Art of Building Rapport and Using Humor in Sales with Glenn Poulos | 00:43:16 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Vice President and General Manager of NWS, Glenn Poulos. Established in 2012, NWS is a technology infrastructure solutions provider committed to helping companies of all sizes build the connected world of today and tomorrow. From custom connectivity, kitting, logistics, telecom infrastructure materials, and test and measurement solutions, their goal is to develop and deliver solutions for what the world needs next. NWS's cable solutions showcase cutting-edge copper, fiber, and hybrid designs. With a proficient team of engineers, manufacturing, and supply chain experts, they can tailor these custom cable solutions to your precise specifications, ensuring your organization benefits from the most reliable and efficient telecom solutions on the market. To learn more about Glenn's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
28 Nov 2023 | 26 - Sustainability in Action: Transforming Businesses for Positive Impact with Business for Social Responsibility's Laura Gitman | 00:55:33 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Chief Impact Officer of Business for Social Responsibility, Laura Gitman. Laura, a game-changer in the field of sustainability, shed light on BSR's mission, which has remained steadfast for over 30 years. The organization's primary focus is to work directly with large businesses due to their significant impact and ambition. BSR offers membership to companies, providing them with thought leadership, advice, networking opportunities, and collaboration. Unlike other consulting firms that offer cookie-cutter solutions, BSR focuses on leading-edge work. They engage in multi-company or collaborative work, bringing together competitors to solve specific issues. They also conduct grant-funded research to stay ahead of cutting-edge sustainability issues. One of the key takeaways from the conversation was Laura's emphasis on the misconception about companies and sustainability. She clarified that there doesn't have to be a trade-off between profitability and sustainability. In fact, she believes that companies can be both profitable and sustainable. It's a positive thing when companies pursue sustainability for profitability because it means they are more likely to invest in sustainable practices in the long term. To learn more about Laura's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
06 Jul 2023 | 3 - The Future of Digital and Hyrbid Experiences with Logitech's Scott Wharton | 00:37:55 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the General Manager of Logitech B2B, Scott Wharton. Logitech B2B is a division that includes all products, software, and services for business and enterprise customers. Scott brought Logitech to a new era of growth, changing the culture to create a scalable business prepared for the future. Logitech entered the video conferencing industry, optimizing the digital experience to be superior to an average meeting. Learn more about Scott's work HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex and his work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
24 Sep 2024 | 60 - From Soldiers to Savvy Savers: Transforming Financial Planning for Military Families with First Command Financial Services' Kellie Richter | 00:48:28 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the EVP, Chief Marketing and Client Experience Officer of First Command Financial Services, Kellie Richter. Kellie discusses the company's mission to support military families in achieving financial security. She highlights the importance of client experience, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and control. She also discusses the unique financial challenges faced by military families and the role of military spouses in financial decision-making. Kellie underscores the connection between employee and client experience, and First Command's commitment to community service and personalized financial coaching for military families. To learn more about Kellie's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
09 Apr 2024 | 42 - Revolutionizing Customer Experience: Unleashing the Power of Employee Engagement with Mary Poppen | 00:52:41 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CCO, Author, Speaker, and Advisor, Mary Poppen. Mary emphasized the often-underestimated link between how employees feel and how customers perceive a company. Organizations focusing on employee and customer experiences in parallel see remarkable results, including increased stock prices and higher retention rates. Engaged employees who feel valued are more likely to deliver value to customers, creating a virtuous cycle of satisfaction and growth. A question that often arises is whether to prioritize employee experience or customer experience. Mary's perspective is to tackle both simultaneously. It's essential to have cross-functional discussions involving both customer-facing and non-customer-facing roles. Understanding the business context and how customers will use a product or service is crucial for creating a cohesive experience that resonates with customers and fulfills an employee's sense of purpose. To learn more about Mary's work, click HERE. Check out Mary's book, Goodbye, Churn. Hello, Growth!, HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
07 May 2024 | 44 - The Power of Aligning Marketing, Customer Experience, and Team Engagement with LaBov & Beyond Marketing Communicatons' Barry LaBov | 00:27:47 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the President and CEO of LaBov & Beyond Marketing Communication, Barry LaBov. Barry shared a powerful message with the audience: "Marry the message to the experience." This principle is the cornerstone of effective marketing. It's not just about the product or service; it's about ensuring that every customer interaction embodies the brand promise. A disconnect between marketing and the actual customer experience can tarnish a brand's reputation irreparably. Barry introduced the concept of the "commodity monster," a trap that forces brands into a race to the bottom, slashing prices and compromising quality. Differentiation is the key to escaping this trap. It's about standing out in the marketplace and offering something unique that competitors can't easily replicate. Echoing the wisdom of Marshall McLuhan, Barry discussed how "the experience is the message." In today's world, where mediums of communication are abundant, what truly sets a brand apart is the experience it offers. This experience begins when a customer interacts with the brand, and it must be consistent and reflect the brand's values. To learn more about Barry's work, click HERE and HERE. Check out RELAYTO MOJO, reviewed by Barry LaBov: https://relayto.com/relayto/the-relayto-values-contract-4wyqkv3cjoo2r Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
17 Aug 2023 | 10 - Turning Your Marketing Into Dollars with Wharton Marketing Dept.'s Dr. Peter Fader | 00:54:03 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Professor of Wharton Marketing Dept., Dr. Peter Fader. Dr. Peter Fader is a professor at Wharton Marketing Department, researching thing such as: the lifetime value of the customer, sales forecasting for new products, using behavioral data to understand and forecast shopping/purchasing activities across a wide range of industries, and managerial applications with focus on topics such as customer relationship management. He is a winner of the Frances and Pei-Yuan Chia Professorship by demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach to business teaching and research, especially in retailing, marketing, banking and information technology. He also works with firms from a wide range of industries, like telecommunications, financial services, gaming/entertainment, retail, and pharmaceuticals. To learn more about Peter's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com. | |||
25 Jun 2024 | 51 - Exploring the Complex Landscape of B2B Marketing with BrightEdge Technologies' Jim Yu | 01:13:47 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of BrightEdge Technologies, Jim Yu. Jim's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Growing up as the only Asian kid in a South Dakota trailer park, he faced numerous challenges that shaped his entrepreneurial drive. This environment instilled in him a relentless pursuit of success, which he carried into his professional life. Embracing challenges can catalyze growth and innovation while cultivating grit is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. Staying mission-driven with a clear vision and purpose can sustain you through difficult times. Jim's motivation evolved from a fear of failure to a love of mission and purpose. This shift underscores the importance of aligning personal and professional goals with a broader mission. Identifying your mission, aligning goals, and fostering a purpose-driven culture are crucial steps in this process. Clearly defining the mission and purpose of your business, ensuring that your personal and professional goals are aligned with this mission, and encouraging your team to embrace the company's mission and values are essential. To learn more about Jim's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
22 Jun 2023 | 1 - Innovative Customer Experiences are What Differentiate Business Leaders with RELAYTO's Alex Shevelenko | 00:18:57 | |
In the first episode of Experience-Focused Leaders, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence speaks to the creator and host of the show, Alex Shevelenko. Alex is the CEO and founder of RELAYTO. Alex shares what makes business leaders stand-out, no matter their industry; creating cutting-edge experiences for their customers. He also discusses how his business, RELAYTO, creates experiences using various game-changing tools, new technologies, and innovative designs. You can't force leads to buy from you - but you can compel them to want to know more about what you do by providing a stellar customer experience. Alex shares the types of guests he's looking to spotlight on his podcast. If you are a seasoned business owner with a profound understanding of the significance of customer experience in driving business growth, we invite you to join us as a guest on our podcast. Share your unique insights, success stories, and the strategies that have set you apart in your industry. Want to know more about Alex's work at RELAYTO? Check out their website HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. | |||
07 Nov 2023 | 23 - Enhancing the Buying and Selling Experience with Categorynauts' Mark Organ | 01:13:25 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO, Host, and Head Coach of Categorynauts, Mark Organ. Mark Organ is a firm believer in the power of customer advocacy. Firstly, customers should feel like part of the team, this sense of identity and connection can turn them into "superheroes" for the brand. Secondly, it's crucial to show customers the impact they're making on the company. Lastly, companies should help their customer advocates prosper in their personal and professional lives. This can be achieved by providing opportunities for career growth, such as writing content or speaking at events. Category development is all about serving a specific persona or niche. In the case of Eloqua, these were the demand-generation professionals who came from engineering and sales backgrounds. By focusing on serving these professionals, Eloqua was able to dominate the category and achieve significant growth. In today's digital age, capturing attention is a challenge. Mark believes that community plays a crucial role in creating relevant content, allowing companies to mobilize their best customers and involve them in content creation. To learn more about Mark's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
06 Feb 2024 | 35 - Navigating Market Disruptions and Making Strategic Decisions with NFX's Pete Flint | 01:03:19 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the General Partner of NFX Pete Flint. Pete's candid recount of the challenges he faced while scaling Trulia is both enlightening and inspiring. He opened up about the 2008 real estate crash's impact and the strategic decisions that led to a successful IPO and exit. His experiences underscore the importance of networking, understanding consumer needs, and being resourceful, especially during times of crisis. One of the most gripping parts of the discussion centered on how Trulia navigated the 2008 global financial crisis. Despite raising cash before the crisis, the company was rapidly losing money, and fundraising seemed impossible. The crisis forced them to pivot from targeting big customers with six-figure contracts to recognizing an unexpected opportunity: real estate agents who needed better online services. An inbound call from an agent complaining about their listing images sparked a revolutionary idea. Trulia transformed its customer service team into an inside sales force, achieving a 20% conversion rate and setting the company on a new, profitable path. This strategic shift from enterprise sales to a high-touch approach for real estate agents was a game-changer. To learn more about Pete's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
18 Jun 2024 | 50 - Navigating the Evolving Landscape of AI in Marketing and Startups with CrunchTime's David Karel | 01:14:31 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CMO of CrunchTime, David Karel. David's journey in B2B marketing is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days at SuccessFactors to leading Bizo's marketing efforts and eventually shaping LinkedIn's B2B marketing suite, David has consistently demonstrated his ability to innovate and drive results. His current role at CrunchTime further solidifies his reputation as a thought leader in the industry. To learn more about David's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
02 Jul 2024 | 52 - Breaking Barriers: Tailoring Communication for Inclusive Engagement with JD Schramm Communications' JD Schramm | 01:02:16 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Keynote Speaker, Communication Consultant, and Trainer of JD Schramm Communications, JD Schramm. JD emphasized that communication and leadership are inextricably linked. Effective communication is not just a tool for leaders; it is the essence of leadership. When JD is called in to address communication issues within organizations, he often finds that these issues are symptomatic of deeper leadership problems. Leaders must be able to communicate in a way that inspires and mobilizes their teams. Without this ability, even the most innovative ideas and strategies can fall flat. To learn more about JD's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
01 Feb 2024 | 34 - How to Leave a Lasting Impression with Storytelling in Business and Life with Dr. Timothy Chou | 00:59:27 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with Board Member and Stanford Cloud Computing Lecturer, Dr. Timothy Chou. Timothy discussed the challenge of managing multiple initiatives. Timothy, with his extensive background at Tandem Computers, emphasized the importance of compartmentalization. He shared how the ability to focus on specific tasks without getting overwhelmed by the "noise" in the tech industry is crucial for success. In today's fast-paced environment, companies must simplify their narratives to cut through the clutter and reach their target audience effectively. Timothy discusses the history of technological advancements, from the inception of cloud computing to the latest developments in AI and large language models. He underscored the role of economic shifts in fostering innovation, pointing out that significant changes in the economy often pave the way for the creation of groundbreaking products. Moreover, he stressed the importance of user experience in enterprise software, a factor that can make or break the adoption of new technologies. To learn more about Timothy's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
26 Dec 2023 | 30 - Breaking the Mold: Integrating Personal and Professional Growth for Success with Next Level University's Alan Lazaros | 00:25:14 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO and Founder of Next Level University, Alan Lazaros. Alan Lazaros, a peak performance business coach, shared his journey and reflected on his growth and learning over the years. He emphasized the importance of integrating personal and professional development, a topic often overlooked in business. One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation was when Alan discussed people's top regrets on their deathbeds and how they can be translated into professional life. Alan shared examples of listeners focused on one aspect more than the other. He noted that those who prioritize professional development tend to be successful and wealthy, while those who prioritize personal development excel in relationships. Alan added that leadership is a universal craft that can be applied in various roles, including parenting. He challenged the idea of work-life balance, stating that work and life are not separate, especially in the remote work era. He mentioned his girlfriend, who is also his business partner, and their podcast that blurs the line between work and life. To learn more about Alan's work, click HERE and HERE. Check out Alan's podcast, Next Level University, HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at RELAYTO? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
12 Oct 2023 | 19 - IBM's Winning Formula: Client-Centric Approach to Delivering Value and Achieving Success with IBM's Anthony Coppedge | 00:51:58 | |
In this episode, your host Alex speaks to Sales with Marketing Business Agility & OKRs Master Coach at IBM, Anthony Coppedge. Anthony, a leader in global digital sales at IBM, discusses his approach to enterprise sales and how he is driving agility at IBM. He emphasizes the importance of a client-centric approach, learning from failures, and adopting a servant leadership mindset. Anthony also shares the five values they promote at IBM: respect, openness, courage, empathy, and trust. Alex and Anthony also discuss the importance of adopting a service-oriented mindset in B2B sales and how AI and digital tools can enhance the customer experience and drive better sales outcomes. Anthony also stresses the importance of agility in sales and marketing teams and the need for alignment between these teams. To learn more about Anthony's work at IBM, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
26 Mar 2024 | 40 - Unleashing the Power of Passion: Driving Entrepreneurial Success with Katana Cloud Inventory's Kristjan Vilosius | 00:41:58 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of Katana Cloud Inventory, Kristjan Vilosius. Kristjan shed light on how Estonia's limited internal market compels startups to think globally from the outset. This necessity to expand beyond borders is a driving force behind the country's success. Moreover, the legacy of Skype, which originated in Estonia, has played a pivotal role in cultivating local talent and inspiring a cascade of innovative ventures. Kristjan discussed the global ambition that characterizes Estonian startups, using Wise and Bolt as prime examples. The efficiency ingrained in these companies, coupled with the liberation felt after the USSR's collapse, has fueled the entrepreneurial spirit in Estonia. This mindset has been instrumental in the success stories we see today. Kristjan introduced Katana, a cloud-based inventory software for small and medium-sized businesses. Born from frustration with cumbersome traditional ERP solutions, Katana was created to offer a user-friendly alternative that simplifies onboarding, implementation, and communication. Kristjan's journey from starting small to competing with giants like SAP and Oracle is a testament to the power of strategic growth and market understanding. To learn more about Kristjan's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
19 Mar 2024 | 39 - Elevating SaaS Events: Creating Memorable and Unique Experiences with Saastock's Alex Theuma | 00:37:24 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder of Saastock, Alex Theuma. SaaStock began its journey in 2015, stemming from a vision to create a content platform that would unite B2B SaaS companies. Inspired by the legendary Woodstock festival, Alex wanted to craft an event that would leave a lasting impact on the community. This vision materialized into the first B2B SaaS conference in Europe, held in Dublin, which has since grown to welcome over 4,000 attendees, including founders, C-suite executives, investors, and many innovative SaaS products and companies. The expansion of SaaStock didn't stop in Europe. The event crossed the Atlantic, bringing its unique blend of community and learning to the US. Additionally, SaaStock introduced a founder membership program, designed to support B2B SaaS founders in scaling their businesses. This program is a testament to the event's dedication to fostering growth and providing value to its attendees. To learn more about Alex's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
13 Sep 2023 | 13 - Navigating Markets and Relationships for Growth with Steve King | 00:51:36 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the board member, strategic advisor, and investor in early-stage technology companies, Steve King. A five-time CEO with many exits to boot and now sits on the boards of exciting companies. Known as a pioneer in the field, Steve is not only a mentor and investor but also a friend. Steve's perspective is truly inspiring. His advice is to stay calm and put things into perspective, actively involving oneself and taking control of the situation rather than being a passive observer. He has played a significant role in building definitive cloud companies, and his wisdom is invaluable. Steve realized the potential of DocuSign. He saw that there were other companies in the space but no major players or market research on electronic signatures. After conducting research and evaluating the product and management team, Steve was convinced that there was a market for DocuSign. To learn more about Steve's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
13 Jul 2023 | 4 - Hyping Up Idea-Driven Businesses with MicroFame Media's Michael F. Schein | 01:10:18 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder of MicroFame Media, Michael F. Schein. Michael is the author of the book The Hype Handbook. At MicroFame Media, they have spent years analyzing the methods of history’s most effective persuaders, promoters, and benevolent mischief-makers. They've taken all of this research and distilled their findings into a comprehensive system that lets them generate fanatical attention for your best ideas. Their mission is to hype up their clients, so they can focus on what they do best. Learn more about Michael's work HERE and HERE. Check out Michael's book, The Hype Handbook, HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex and his work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
09 Jan 2024 | 32 - Fostering Strong Connections and Credible Messaging through Gratitude with Credibility Nation's Mitchell Levy | 00:54:00 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Global Credibility Expert of Credibility Nation, Mitchell Levy. Mitchell opened the conversation with a powerful message about the importance of expressing gratitude. He shared a poignant quote from his book, which speaks to the responsibility we have to pass on the love we receive. In a world where negativity can often take center stage, saying "thank you" and acknowledging the contributions of others is not just a courtesy, but a vital component of building a positive environment. One of the most striking points Mitchell made was about the difference between happiness and joy in the workplace. He emphasized that while happiness can be fleeting, joy is a more profound and sustainable state that we should strive to cultivate. This involves giving specific, authentic, and constructive feedback, rather than succumbing to the "fake it till you make it" mentality, which can erode trust and credibility. To learn more about Mitchell's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
14 May 2024 | 45 - How to Thrive in the Ever-Changing Landscape of Social Media Marketing with Planable's Miruna Dragomir | 00:46:44 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CMO of Planable, Miruna Dragomir. Social media marketing is a beast that never sleeps, constantly shifting with new platform updates and demanding increased collaboration within teams. Miruna highlighted how Planable, a content collaboration tool, is designed to help marketing teams navigate these waters. With Planable, teams can create real touchpoints with customers and drive engagement, scaling their social media efforts effectively. Planable isn't just a one-size-fits-all solution; it's tailored to the different personas within a company. Creators and approvers, for instance, have unique needs, and Planable adapts to cater to each. Miruna stressed the importance of product discovery and in-app education to facilitate adoption and habit change when rolling out new features. Miruna touched on the recent environment's impact on marketing budgets and the challenges of churn. Miruna pointed out that agencies, in particular, face fluctuations in their client portfolios. To combat this, Planable focuses on onboarding and the initial stages of the customer journey to prevent churn and ensure customers recognize the product's value. To learn more about Miruna's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
10 Sep 2024 | 58 - The Neuroscience of Marketing: Understanding Consumer Behavior for Better Results with Roger Dooley | 00:58:02 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Keynote Speaker, Author, and Friction Hunter, Roger Dooley. Roger discusses how understanding the brain can enhance marketing strategies and improve customer and employee experiences. Roger emphasizes the importance of reducing friction in user interactions, citing examples from various industries. He explores how trust, transparency, and intuitive design can foster better customer relationships and employee engagement. Roger highlights the significance of leveraging behavioral science principles, motion in user interfaces, and continuous feedback to create memorable and effective experiences. To learn more about Roger's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
31 Oct 2023 | 22 - From Operational Roles to Marketing Genius: Domestic & General's Sustainability Mission with Domestic & General's Gayle Terry | 00:29:49 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the President and Chief Marketing Officer of Domestic & General, Gayle Terry. Gayle's career trajectory is unique, starting in general management before transitioning into marketing. Her passion for customer experience and marketing developed from working in industries that didn't prioritize the customer. She started in operational roles, running contact centers and field forces, which allowed her to understand customer interactions and employee needs. This experience was instrumental in her transition into customer retention and product development roles, broadening her understanding of business factors that contribute to a great customer outcome. Gayle talks about the importance of connecting the dots between customer experience, employee engagement, and business profitability. Domestic & General operates as a B2B2C brand, collaborating with well-known manufacturers and retailers to offer protection plans. This partnership with various brands means they have a diverse range of customers with different demographics and interests. To cater to these customers, the company invests in data-driven marketing and data science to understand individual customer needs and provide personalized offers. To learn more about Gayle's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
26 Sep 2023 | 17 - A Journey Through the Insurance Technology Landscape with The InsurTech Queen with Alchemy Crew's Sabine VanderLinden | 00:48:56 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Co-Founder, CEO, and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew, Sabine VanderLinden. Alchemy Crew validates corporate venturing activities for established market players to yield successful collaborations and partnerships. They deploy commercialization frameworks to accelerate the most effective engagement with FutureTech growth ventures. They do so to create long-term sustainable impact, turning emerging threats into an unfair advantage. Alchemy Crew doesn’t leave corporate venturing to chance. Their Virtual Venture Labs are 4 to 6-month engagement and acceleration mechanisms that turn venture validation and commercialization activities into reliable, scalable, repeatable co-creation processes. Their goal is to industrialize and democratize your corporate venturing initiatives. To learn more about Sabine's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
03 Sep 2024 | 57 - Mastering the Art of Customer-Centric Storytelling in Business with Business of Story's Park Howell | 01:06:38 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Business Story Strategist, Keynote Speaker, Sales Storytelling Coach, Podcaster, and Brand Raconteur at Business of Story, Park Howell. Park, an Emmy Award-winning business storytelling coach, talks about the pivotal role of storytelling in business. Park shares about his transition from running an advertising agency to becoming a storytelling coach, highlighting the shift from traditional advertising to narrative-driven approaches. He emphasizes that the customer should be the story's hero, not the brand. Park covers common storytelling mistakes and introduces the "And, But, Therefore" (ABT) framework for crafting compelling narratives. The speakers also explore the importance of clarity, emotional connection, and reducing friction in the customer journey. To learn more about Park's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
16 Jan 2024 | 33 - The Power of Positioning and Narrative in Marketing with Practical Founders' Greg Head | 01:10:39 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder of Practical Founders, Greg Head. Greg Head brought to the table a wealth of experience from his years in the CRM sector. He had seen the transformation of CRM software and how it has shaped the way companies interact with their customers. One of the most significant shifts discussed was the move towards product-led growth—a strategy where the product itself becomes the primary driver of customer acquisition and expansion. Salesforce, for example, revolutionized the CRM space by allowing users to try their products without requiring extensive sales interactions. This approach improved the buying experience and set a new standard for how software companies could achieve growth. A common misconception in the startup world is the perceived necessity of venture capital funding for successful go-to-market strategies. Greg challenged this notion, explaining that the software industry landscape has evolved to a point where extensive funding is no longer a prerequisite for growth. He stressed the importance of efficient distribution channels and the power of leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to build an audience and engage with potential customers. Positioning and differentiation in the market are crucial, and Greg emphasized that product-led growth is not the only path to success. There are various efficient channels for reaching target audiences that founders should explore. To learn more about Greg's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
03 Aug 2023 | 7 - Crafting Compelling Stories in Startups and Show Production with Blaine Graboyes | 00:45:50 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with Founder, Investor, Artist, and Inventor, Blaine Graboyes. Blaine is a category pioneer, an idea-stage investor, and an advisor, as well as an artist and inventor. He has nearly 30 years of experience launching and commercializing innovations in the technology, media, and gaming industries. Blaine holds multiple patents for his innovations and inventions primarily focused on skill-based games and video game gambling. To learn more about Blaine's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at Relayto.com. | |||
10 Aug 2023 | 8 - Turning Your Customers Into Your Biggest Champions with Alteryx's Dean Stoecker | 00:57:26 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder, CEO, and Executive Chairman of Alteryx, Dean Stoecker. Data-driven decisions matter now more than ever. Drive business value at scale by empowering everyone to generate insights from data. Alteryx is enterprise-ready so you can be ready for anything. Alteryx customers understand the power of data and analytics. That’s why they chose Alteryx to help empower their employees to make transformational outcomes. They help customers win by making data easy to access and use by everyone – for immediate value, higher operational efficiency, and lower risk. To learn more about Dean's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com. | |||
05 Mar 2024 | 38 - Revolutionizing Company Culture: Strategies for Success in Remote Work Environments with CultureGene's Brett Putter | 01:03:49 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Author, Founder, and CEO of CultureGene, Brett Putter. The shift to remote work has been one of the most significant transformations in the modern workplace. As leaders, we're tasked with the daunting challenge of preserving our company's culture without the traditional office setting that once served as its breeding ground. This is where my discussion with Brett Potter becomes crucial. Brett explored the essence of emotional connection and social capital in remote teams. The physical distance can create a barrier to the informal interactions that naturally occur in an office. To bridge this gap, Brett emphasized the importance of small gestures that can have a big impact, like sending gifts to the partners of new employees. This fosters a sense of belonging and shows that the company values not just the employee but their life outside of work as well. To learn more about Brett's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
30 Jul 2024 | 54 - The Role of Social Proof and Defaults in Influencing Consumer Choices with Tim Ash | 01:02:12 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the International Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, and Executive Advisor, Tim Ash. Tim discusses how evolutionary psychology impacts consumer behavior and decision-making. Key themes include the complexity of B2B sales, the importance of champion enablement, and the role of corporate culture in innovation. Tim emphasizes leveraging pain points in marketing, the power of storytelling, and the necessity of understanding the audience. He advocates for tailored marketing strategies that address specific needs and foster long-term customer relationships. To learn more about Tim's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
20 Jul 2023 | 5 - Cultivating Connection, Ownership, and Accountability in Distributed Teams with Empathy Firm's Paul Pritchard | 00:58:12 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO of Overdose Digital, Paul Pritchard. Overdose Digital has envisaged a global Digital Commerce Anti-Agency with enterprise capability. Overdose Digital provides a complete suite of Digital Commerce services with the capability to deliver across the full functional needs of high-performing B2C & B2B retailers. Their Service Pillars are all led by noted industry experts, and their Client Success process ensures clients have unfettered access to talent through the distributed retainer model. Paul Pritchard is a digital visionary, challenging the traditional agency model to deliver exceptional business outcomes. Under Paul's leadership, Overdose achieved widespread recognition in the digital transformation industry. Paul's work at Ogilvy, growing brands and businesses through borderless creativity—operating, innovating, and creating at the intersection of talent and capabilities, has aided him in his visionary leadership. To learn more about Paul's work, click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. To learn more about Paul's podcast, Overdose & Chill, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at http://relayto.com/. | |||
20 Feb 2024 | 36 - Authenticity Unleashed: Building Trust and Connection in Personal Branding with Victoria Pelletier | 00:39:42 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the C-Suite Transformational Leader, Keynote Speaker, Board Director, Author, and Passionate Diversity and Inclusion Leader, Victoria Pelletier. Victoria's journey is one marked by significant adversity. She shared how she harnessed these challenges as catalysts for growth and success. Her story is a testament to the power of authenticity and intentionality in crafting a personal brand that evolves alongside you. She spoke on the elusive concept of balance and the inevitable trade-offs that life demands. Victoria spoke candidly about her experiences juggling a thriving career with motherhood, and the compromises that accompanied her choices. It's a narrative many of us can relate to, as we strive to align our values with our professional endeavors. The evolution of Victoria's brand is a journey of self-discovery and storytelling. Victoria stressed the importance of differentiation and connecting to one's legacy and impact. She urged us to be strategic and intentional in presenting ourselves, always considering our audience and the objectives we aim to achieve. To learn more about Victoria's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
23 Aug 2023 | 11 - Driving Business Growth Through People-Centric Strategies and Successful Partnerships with Aaron Au | 00:54:18 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with Aaron Au. Aaron co-founded SuccessFactors, a company that became a global leader in cloud-based HR software. It went public in 2007 and was later sold to SAP for a staggering $3,4 billion. Aaron also served as the president of SAP Gem Collaboration Division, boasting over 50 million subscribers. Aaron is a true pioneer in the software as a service (SaaS) revolution, and his journey offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in the world of tech startups and SaaS. To learn more about Aaron's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/ | |||
21 Nov 2023 | 25 - Unveiling Value and Transparency in ProductLed Strategies with ProductLed's Wes Bush | 00:59:16 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO of ProductLed, Wes Bush. Wes is the author of the book "Product-Led Growth: How to Build a Product That Sells Itself," which has been read by over half a million people. The conversation revolved around creating experiences, particularly content experiences, and how they support various aspects of business growth. Wes, as a content-led business owner and an expert in product-led growth, provided valuable insights into what product-led growth means and how it is evolving. Wes defines product-led growth as using the product to acquire, engage, and monetize users. He emphasized the importance of creating a product that sells itself and delivers an exceptional user experience. This approach contrasts with the traditional sales journey, focusing on selling and then engaging customers. In product-led growth, the emphasis is on acquiring, engaging, and then monetizing customers. Wes explained that this shift changes everything in how businesses approach acquisition, engagement, and monetization. Wes discussed the challenges of implementing a product-led growth strategy. One of the difficulties is that the category is still immature, so people may not fully understand the problem that the product solves. Wes also talked about the importance of creating a content journey that guides customers through the decision-making process. This involves providing content assets that help customers think through the decision of whether the product is right for them. To learn more about Wes' work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
12 Dec 2023 | 28 - Managing a High Growth Organization in a Mature Industry with RJ Grimshaw | 00:58:09 | |
In this podcast episode, Alex Shevchenko, CEO of Relayto, and RJ Grimshaw, CEO of UniFi Equipment Finance, discuss the importance of entrepreneurship within established businesses. Grimshaw shares his experience of growing UniFi from $13 million to $120 million in revenue in six years, attributing this success to the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS). They discuss the value of fostering entrepreneurial qualities in employees, the significance of aligning personal and company values, and the importance of customer-centricity. The conversation also covers effective communication, learning from failure, and the role of risk-taking in entrepreneurship. Grimshaw emphasizes the need for authenticity and conscientiousness in business leadership. To learn more about RJ's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
23 Apr 2024 | 43 - Understanding Investor Communications: Navigating Feedback and Customer Demand with Fundingstack's Nathan Beckord | 00:34:59 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO of Foundersuite and Fundingstack, Nathan Beckord. Nathan shared the importance of simplicity in your initial communications with investors. Founders often make the mistake of inundating potential investors with too much information too soon. Nathan's recommendation? Keep your intro email as short as possible. He observed that founders tend to include their entire history and attach large presentations, only to be left wondering why they're not gaining traction with fundraising. In reality, investors are inundated with pitches and will only spend a few seconds skimming an email for something that catches their eye. Nathan suggests using a teaser deck, a concise presentation of about five slides, to pique investor interest. This should cover the essentials: the problem you're solving, your solution, market traction, and your team. If this teaser is compelling enough, it can lead to an introductory chat and, hopefully, a deeper dive into your business plan. To learn more about Nathan's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
02 Apr 2024 | 41 - Discovering Sales and Negotiation Secrets Through Innovative Pitching Strategies with Intersection Capital's Oren Klaff | 01:00:02 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Managing Director of Intersection Capital, Oren Klaff. Oren started the discussion with a fascinating story about a colleague's unconventional approach to closing a multimillion-dollar deal. This experience was a turning point for Oren, leading to a profound exploration of the social undercurrents that influence transactions. His findings, which he generously detailed in "Pitch Anything," serve as a testament to the complex interplay of human psychology in business. One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation was Oren's emphasis on the practical application of his framework in real-world scenarios. He underscored the importance of actionable methodologies over purely academic research, particularly in high-value transactions. Oren shared how leveraging status symbols and frame control can significantly impact negotiations, establishing perceived value and influence. He even gave us a peek into his studio setup, using visual elements to convey professionalism and high value. Oren's approach to reframing interactions with high-profile individuals to assert equal status was particularly enlightening, highlighting the significance of respecting time and integrity in business. To learn more about Oren's work, click HERE and HERE. Check out Oren's book, Pitch Anything, HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ | |||
17 Oct 2023 | 20 - Revolutionizing Video Collaboration for Content Creation Teams with Scenery's Mike Folgner | 00:58:29 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of Scenery, Mike Folgner. Mike's journey began at Stanford Business School, where he started his first company, Jump Cut, founded in 2005, focused on video sharing and allowed users to share videos without the need for downloading. This was a revolutionary concept at a time when video was primarily shot on film. With the idea of bringing digital sharing to video. Inspired by the success of photo-sharing platforms like Shutterfly. Mike saw the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which were feeding the virality of YouTube videos. Recognizing the structural limitations of incumbents like Yahoo, he saw an opportunity to create a platform that allowed rights holders to quickly post highlights to social media. Mike believes that the future of content will involve deeply integrating video with other mediums, allowing for different learning styles and preferences. Mike acknowledges the potential of AI in content creation but believes that human decision-making and editorial processes should remain the primary drivers. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the content creation process. To learn more about Mike's work at Scenery, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
05 Dec 2023 | 27 - Building on Purpose: The Crucial Role of Personal Values in Entrepreneurial Success with Lloyed Lobo | 01:03:23 | |
In this podcast episode, entrepreneur Lloyed Lobo shares his insights on building successful businesses through community-led growth. He discusses the importance of defining personal success, understanding customer needs, and focusing on a growing target audience. He also highlights the significance of creating a community around a startup, citing examples of successful businesses like Atlassian. He also advises on the importance of engaging with the audience consistently and understanding their pain points. Lobo shares his journey of bootstrapping his business, the importance of finding meaning in work, and his personal definition of success. The conversation also touches on the startup ecosystem's obsession with venture capital and the potential for alternative paths to success. To learn more about Lloyed's work, click HERE and HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Alex's work at Relayto? Check out his website at https://relayto.com/. | |||
19 Dec 2023 | 29 - The Role of Customer, Buyer and Employee Experience in Standing Out and Winning with Kodi Collective's Eric West | 01:04:05 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko talks with the Senior Vice President of Kodi Collective, Eric West. "One of the privileges of being a founder is you get to work with customers who have innovation in their blood and who help you co-create a change in the world. The only thing that’s better is a 2x super-customer like Eric West! First as a senior leader at one of the Omnicom Media Group’s agencies and now at Kodi Collective (global leader in marketing executions services) with origins from the legendary RR Donnely print & publishing conglomerate." To learn more about Eric's work, click HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/. | |||
04 Jun 2024 | 48 - Deep Dive: Navigating the Complexities of Global Power Dynamics with Dmitri Alperovitch | 01:09:16 | |
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with Dmitri Alperovitch, Co-Founder & CTO of Crowdstrike (NASDAQ: CRWD, Market Cap: $85bn), Chairman at Silverado Policy Accelerator, National Bestselling Author (World on the Brink) and Host of the Geopolitics Decanted podcast. Dmitri's journey from a high school enthusiast to a leading figure in the cybersecurity realm is nothing short of remarkable. Dmitri's passion for cybersecurity was ignited by his fascination with encryption and adversarial games, a flame that was fanned during his college years. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity, a field where one engages in a strategic cat-and-mouse game with sentient opponents, captivated Dmitri's interest and set him on his path. CrowdStrike's inception was a response to the burgeoning threat of nation-state attacks, with an early focus on China, and later expanding to counter threats from Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Dmitri emphasized the geopolitical roots of these cyber threats and the rising prominence of nation-state actors in the digital arena. The success of CrowdStrike, he noted, was a confluence of impeccable timing, groundbreaking innovation, and the decline of established competitors. To learn more about Dmitri's work, click HERE and HERE. Check out Dmitri's book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century, HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/ |