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Every B2B marketer wants to know the secret to a high-ROI podcast, but few actually know what success looks like before they hit record. When it comes to defining the return on investment for a B2B podcast, there is no one better to turn to than Carly Baker, Head of Media Partnerships at the HubSpot Media Network.
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel hears from Carly on how one of the biggest media networks in the business defines podcast success. Carly breaks down HubSpot’s "three buckets" approach, explaining why a successful show requires a blended strategy that balances top-of-funnel brand visibility with bottom-of-funnel business results.You'll learn:
How HubSpot categorizes and measures podcast network impactBuilding ultimate brand credibility through your own subject matter expertsTransforming a single episode into a vehicle for multi-channel distributionAligning your show, creative assets, and guest list with your ideal customer conversionJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Carly Baker
(01:27) The three buckets of B2B podcast success
(01:50) Elevating thought leadership, brand credibility, and internal talent
(02:10) Reverse-engineering for business impact & bottom-line results
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who've been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you'll want to play again.
Don't miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. -
Senior care has a data problem and a staffing problem. Most facilities are still operating on reactive systems, where caregivers step in after something has already gone wrong. What if care could be predictive instead?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel hears from Steve Keys, CEO of NtelCare. Steve breaks down how AI and sensor-driven technology are fundamentally changing how care is delivered. From eliminating manual charting to detecting early changes in movement and behavior, he shares how intelligent systems are reducing strain on staff while improving outcomes for residents.
This isn’t incremental improvement. It’s a shift from reacting to incidents into preventing them.You'll learn:
How AI is enabling a shift from reactive care to predictive decision-makingWhy automating documentation is critical in an understaffed industryHow contactless 4D radar sensors monitor residents without cameras or wearablesWhat risk scoring reveals about health changes before they become criticalJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Steve Keys
(00:48) Why legacy tools like pull cords and wearables fall short
(01:30) Using AI to automate charting and reduce staff burden
(04:10) Turning data into clinical insights and proactive care plans
(06:10) The staffing challenge and why efficiency matters more than ever
(06:45) What it takes to implement new tech and realize ROI
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who've been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you'll want to play again.
Don't miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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AI is everywhere, but most leaders are paralyzed trying to figure out where to start. The pressure to implement "AI transformation" or build agentic workflows can feel overwhelming, and that overwhelm leads to inaction.
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel hears from Paul Kortman, Founder of Connex Digital, about his crawl, walk, run framework for implementing AI and automation in revenue organizations. Paul's advice cuts through the noise: stop trying to eat the elephant in one bite. Start with the smallest pain point, automate it, and build from there.
You'll learn:
Why starting with low-hanging fruit beats mapping out a full transformationThe difference between deterministic automation and agentic workflows, and when to use eachHow to get value from AI today without overcomplicating your stackJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Paul Kortman
(00:20) The crawl, walk, run framework explained
(01:24) Starting with agents: one task, done well
(02:20) Deterministic vs. agentic automation
(03:23) Why you shouldn't try to map it all out first
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who've been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you'll want to play again.
Don't miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. -
Empathy at work is not a break from accountability.
Leaders often treat empathy and business results as competing priorities, as if caring for people means lowering standards. In reality, the support employees receive during hard moments can influence whether they stay, contribute, and trust they place in their managers. So, how can organizations build more empathetic workplaces without losing sight of performance?In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey hears from Liesel Mertes, Founder and Workplace Empathy Consultant at Handle with Care Consulting, about why empathy belongs at the center of modern leadership. Liesel shares what the data shows about empathy at work, why managers and teammates play such a critical role in the employee experience, and how simple practices can make support more consistent across an organization.
Why empathy and accountability are not oppositesHow empathy impacts retention and performanceWhat practical empathy looks like at work
You’ll learn:Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) The Question Leaders Keep Asking
(00:32) Why Empathy Belongs in the Business Conversation
(01:30) The Moments That Decide Whether Employees Stay
(02:14) Empathy as a Human Advantage in an AI-Driven Workplace
(02:43) Policies That Show Whether Care Is Real
(03:24) The Manager and Teammate Gap
(04:08) Start With Something, Not Silence
(04:38) Build Follow-Up Into Your Calendar
(05:00) The Stoplight Check-In for Stronger Team Awareness
(06:08) The Empathy Avatars and Additional Resources
(07:24) Continuing the Conversation
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Rachel Downey on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/Follow Liesel Martes on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieselmertes/
Handle with Care Consulting https://www.linkedin.com/company/handle-with-care-consulting/
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Navigating the software market has never been more complex. As AI reshapes how buyers research, evaluate, and select technology, B2B companies face a new reality: purchasing decisions are often influenced long before a prospect ever visits their website. So how can businesses build trust and stay visible in an increasingly AI-driven buying journey?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey hears from Bryn Jones, Co-Founder of PartnerStack, to explore the evolving power of B2B partnerships. Bryn breaks down how partnerships can amplify trust, drive distribution, and even influence AI-driven buying behavior. Drawing from real-world examples, he explains how companies can orchestrate their partner ecosystems to stand out in a crowded market.
He shares practical insights on orchestrating partner networks, navigating competitive landscapes, and experimenting with new approaches to distribution and growth. The conversation also explores the intersection of partnerships, community, trust, and AI, and why these relationships are becoming an increasingly important driver of business success.
How to leverage B2B partnerships to influence AI-driven buyer behavior and increase adoption.How to orchestrate technology, agency, and user-generated content partnerships for measurable business growth.How to experiment within your partner ecosystem to unlock untapped opportunities and early returns.
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Setting the framework: Understanding modern B2B partnerships
(1:00) The evolving buyer journey: Why trust in partners matters
(2:00) AI’s impact on consumer behavior and decision-making
(3:00) Partnership strategies: Tech, agency, and user-generated approaches
(3:30) Early wins and experimentation: Unlocking growth potential
(4:00) Key takeaways and final thoughts on B2B partnerships
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Rachel Elsts Downey on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/Follow Bryn Jones on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryn-jones/
PartnerStack http://www.partnerstack.com/
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Standing out in a noisy professional world can feel like an impossible balancing act. How do you build a personal brand that amplifies your voice without overshadowing, or being overshadowed by, the corporate brand you represent?In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Anne Murlowski, VP of Marketing at Claravine and an advocate for female leadership, about navigating the intersections of personal and corporate branding. Anne shares how she has grown her personal brand through her podcast SaaSy, while simultaneously preparing to launch a branded podcast for Claravine, illustrating how these efforts can serve different purposes while reinforcing each other.
She breaks down practical strategies for building both types of brands and explains how thoughtful alignment between personal and corporate messaging can empower careers and elevate visibility.
How to distinguish personal vs corporate brandingHow to show up consistently in shared spaces for better visibilityHow to unify messaging across personal and corporate platforms
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction and setting the stage
(00:01) Personal brand focus: Empowering female leadership
(01:50) Corporate brand focus: Connecting with customers
(02:30) Bridging personal & corporate brands
(03:00) Wrapping up and takeaways
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/Follow Anne Murlowski on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemurlowski/
Claravine https://www.claravine.com/ -
B2B buyers aren’t following a straight path anymore.
Many marketers still rely on traditional SEO, websites, and review pages to capture attention, but today’s buyers are increasingly turning to AI and LLMs to compare their options and validate their decisions. This shift creates a critical question for modern organizations: how do you get discovered when your audience’s first stop isn’t Google, but a machine-powered assistant?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Sydney Sloan, Chief Marketing Officer at G2, to break down the practical steps organizations can take to stay visible in the age of AI. Sydney shares practical advice on Answer Engine Optimization, leveraging user-generated content, and building content workflows that align with how buyers actually research today.
How the B2B buyer journey is changing in an AI-first worldPractical strategies to improve discoverabilityHow to create content workflows that combine human insight with AI efficiency
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) The changing buyer journey
(02:00) Introduction to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
(03:00) Content engineering and Human-AI collaboration
(04:00) Leveraging user-generated content
(04:40) Bonus rips and website optimization
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/Follow Sydney Sloan on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydsloan/
G2 https://www.g2.com/ -
Successful account managers don’t push harder. They listen better.
Too often, account managers rely on territory knowledge, product expertise, or years of experience to close deals, but that’s only half the equation. Real impact isn’t about what you know, it’s about how you show up. So, how can account managers drive results that are truly meaningful, both for their clients and their business?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Cassandra Farr, SVP and Head of Enterprise Strategic Solutions at Philips, about the areas account managers should prioritize to succeed. Cassandra shares how leading with curiosity not only strengthens customer relationships but also unlocks measurable business outcomes.You’ll learn:
Why curiosity is the starting point for every successful enterprise relationshipHow connection turns account executives into trusted partners, not vendorsWhat “closing” really means and how to guide customers to make confident decisionsJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why top account executives win based on presence, not product or territory
(01:00) The role of curiosity in understanding your customer
(02:00) The airplane story that shows how fast real connection can be built
(03:30) Why “Always Be Closing” falls short and what to focus on instead
(04:15) Breaking down the three Cs: curiosity, connection, and closing in practice
(05:00) How to move from vendor status to becoming a true trusted partner
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/Follow Cassandra Farr on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-farr-586784/
Philips http://www.philipsmedicalcapital.com/ -
The fastest way to fail as a fractional leader is trying to fix everything.More and more companies are leaning on fractional and contract leaders to bring senior expertise. But with limited time, leaders must quickly grasp the culture, decode the business, and drive change almost instantly. So, how exactly can they deliver impact when time is short?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel hears from Patrick Elliott, Founder and CMO at Four Cross GTM, to explore the core qualities that enable fractional and contract leaders to deliver fast results without compromising quality. Patrick emphasizes that rather than trying to do everything, leaders should focus on the few levers that create immediate, meaningful business impact.
How to make an immediate impact as a fractional leader without a long onboardingThe three traits that separate effective fractional operators from the restHow to identify and prioritize the few growth drivers that actually move the business
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Why fractional leaders are expected to deliver fast
(01:00) The three traits every effective fractional leader needs
(03:00) How to run fast, effective discovery using proven frameworks
(05:00) The three growth drivers to prioritize first
(07:00) How to work within company culture and build trust quickly
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Adam Sockel on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sockel/Follow Patrick Elliott on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pfelliott/
Four Cross GTM https://www.fourcrossadvisory.com/ -
If your brand sounds like everyone else, you’ve already lost. In a digital landscape defined by noise, speed, and AI-generated conformity, attention is easy to buy, but trust is not. Differentiation isn’t just a creative choice anymore, it’s a business imperative. So how do media brands enable companies to stand out and earn trust where it matters most?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey hears from Cliff Simon, CEO and Founder at Polaris Ops, to explore how media brands help companies establish authenticity and credibility through consistent, thoughtful content. Cliff argues that quality engagement beats sheer scale, proving that connection matters more than attention.
Why media brands stand out in an AI-saturated marketHow strong POV and consistency build trust before the sales cycleWhy engagement quality matters more than views or attribution
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why media brands matter now
(00:45) Authenticity in a world of AI-generated content
(01:15) Standing out with a distinct voice and perspective
(01:45) Media as a long-term brand moat
(02:05) The consumerization of B2B buying
(02:35) People buy from people
(02:55) The challenge of measuring media ROI
(03:20) Signals that your content is actually working
(03:45) Why engagement matters more than scale
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Rachel Elsts Downey on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/Follow Cliff Simon on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-simon/
Polaris Ops https://www.linkedin.com/company/polaris-ops/ -
Most people don’t lack ambition; they lack alignment. Too often, personal and professional growth are treated as separate paths. People spend years climbing the corporate ladder while neglecting their personal foundations, only to end up stuck in an unfulfilling cycle of work and responsibilities. So how can leaders bring their personal and professional goals into alignment?In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel hears from Joe Whetstone, Founder of STRIVE, to explore how leaders can design lives and careers that are purposeful, balanced, and deeply fulfilling. Joe shares why meaningful careers emerge not from relentless hustle but from intentionally shaping your life around what truly matters.
You’ll learn:
How personal priorities directly impact professional performance and long term successA simple framework for defining your own life pillars and making them actionableHow to set purpose driven goals that keep you accountable and aligned over timeJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why personal and professional growth are deeply connected
(01:00) The turning point at 40 and redefining what matters
(02:00) Building your personal pillars and living with intention
(03:00) The idea behind STRIVE and its core values
(04:00) Creating purpose driven goals with the 40 in my forties concept
(05:00) Accountability, community, and sustained growth
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Adam Sockel on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sockel/Follow Joe Whetstone on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-whetstone-71a32235/
STRIVE https://striveonward.com/ -
Personal branding without personal growth is just performance. Too many businesses mistake visibility for influence, skipping the internal work that creates true differentiation. In a world where everyone operates from the same baseline, standing out requires clarity, depth, and alignment, and yet most brands never get there. So what exactly are the common misconceptions businesses have about personal branding?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel sits down with Ashley Schroeder, Co-Founder and President at Loob, to unpack what it really takes to build an authentic personal brand. Ashley explains that it all begins with a solid foundation, starting with understanding who you are, who you serve, the impact you want to make, and the values that guide you.
Why personal branding without personal growth turns into performance instead of differentiationThe difference between visibility and a true personal brand and why most people get it wrongHow defining your why and values becomes the foundation for standing out and guiding your business
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Why personal branding is widely misunderstood
(01:00) The biggest misconception about personal branding
(01:45) Why platforms and visibility are not the foundation
(02:10) The role of purpose and values in standing out
(02:40) Why everything feels like a commodity today
(03:00) Simplifying brand strategy into something actionable
(03:20) Showing up authentically without performing
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Adam Sockel on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sockel/Follow Ashley Schroeder on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/schroederashley/
Loob https://www.loobitup.com/ -
The real ROI of events is built long before anyone walks through the door. Yet many entrepreneurs still define ROI by numbers—leads, pipeline, conversions—when not all returns are immediately quantifiable. So what does it take to design events that truly drive ROI?In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Jeremiah Berkheimer, Founder at Pact Haus, to talk about the secrets to event-driven ROI.
Jeremiah challenges the idea that it’s all about the numbers, and explains why the real value is built through frictionless, meaningful connections.You’ll learn:
Why traditional event metrics fail to capture true ROI
How creativity enhances operational excellence in event planning
How to design event experiences that foster real human connectionJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why event ROI is hard to prove
(00:45) Rethinking ROI beyond data
(01:30) Treating events like a brand or destination
(02:00) The disney example of designed experience
(02:45) ROI starts before the event
(03:20) Designing connection during the event
(03:50) Extending ROI after the event
(04:20) Why emotion drives results
(04:40 ) How creativity makes event operations more impactful
(05:00) The real goal: Long-term relationshipsStraight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/Follow Jeremiah Berkheimer on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eventnerd/Pact House
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacthaus/ -
In a world increasingly powered by AI, human connection remains a powerful differentiator, and that’s especially true in tech marketing. While AI is reshaping the middle of the marketing funnel, the moments that build trust, capture attention, and influence decisions are still deeply human. So how can businesses create meaningful, human-centered experiences that stand out?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey hears from Winona Rajamohan, Product Marketing Manager at Seel, to explore how businesses can put memorable human experiences at the heart of tech marketing. Winona explains why marketers should focus less on purely technical execution and instead tap into the fundamental human desires that drive trust and connection.
Why the rise of AI makes human connection even more valuable in marketingHow memorable experiences build trust and deeper customer relationshipsHow to balance human connection and technology across the buyer journey
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Rethinking B2B marketing in an AI-driven world
(01:00) Why AI makes human connection more important
(02:00) Creating memorable in-person experiences
(03:00) Where trust is built in the buyer journey
(05:00) A simple framework for human-centered marketing
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Rachel Elsts Downey on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/Follow Winona Rajamohan on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/winonarajamohan/
Seel https://www.linkedin.com/company/addseel/ -
The brands people remember rarely play it safe, and in industries where most companies follow the same path, success often comes from doing something different. So, what’s the most effective way to grow your brand?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Ryan Shapiro and Rachel McDougall, President and Founder of peomg, to discuss the strategy that fueled their growth and how prioritizing authenticity has become their competitive advantage.
How breaking industry norms can drive brand growthWhy audience value real, human brands over synthetic marketingHow authenticity helps B2B brands standout in a saturated market
You’ll learn:
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Setting the stage for meaningful innovation
(00:27) Meet the guests: The minds behind the conversation
(00:48) Why going against the industry playbook works
(01:17) Choosing authenticity over synthetic branding(01:33) Inside peomg’s holiday campaign
(01:58) Key takeaways and final insights
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/Follow Ryan Shapiro and Rachel McDougall on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanshapiro/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmcdougall1/
peomg https://www.linkedin.com/company/peomg/ -
Innovation without direction is a liability. Ideas alone don’t move the business forward. Sustainable companies know that to create real value, innovation must serve customers, solve meaningful problems, and drive revenue. So how do you build innovation that delivers lasting impact?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Darrian Mikell, Director of Finance and Strategy at Humanly, about how companies can turn innovation into tangible business outcomes. Darrian emphasizes that it starts with listening to customers and translating insights into measurable results.
You’ll learn:
• Why innovation without a clear purpose can hurt more than it helps
• How to think about innovation differently from simply growing a business
• How innovation connects directly to revenue and cash flowJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Darrian Mikell
(01:13) Innovating with purpose vs. innovation for its own sake
(01:53) Using micro-experimentation and synthesizing customer feedback
(02:51) Balancing cash constraints with incremental growthStraight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/Follow Darrian Mikell on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darrianmikell/
Humanly https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanlyhr/
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It’s a classic story: an exciting vision and a bold team making it big with their entrepreneurial spirit… and as soon as they scale, it starts to fade. Decisions take longer, everything gets bogged down in approval processes, and the culture? It turns into a cycle of meetings, endless back-and-forth, and the dreaded “we’ll follow up next quarter.” What was once a fast, agile team now feels like it’s stuck in neutral.
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Downey hears from Nick Smarrelli, Professor and Director of Entrepreneurship at Butler University. Nick shares how to keep entrepreneurial thinking alive through growth, highlighting the importance of speed over perfection, enthusiasm as a force multiplier, and embracing risk-taking. Nick’s approach shows that scaling isn’t about avoiding mistakes but learning quickly and adapting.
Why speed is more important than perfection when scalingHow to use enthusiasm to drive culture and team engagementWhy celebrating mistakes can foster innovation and growth
You’ll learn:Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Nick
(00:15) The importance of speed over perfection in scaling
(01:00) How enthusiasm drives team engagement and culture
(02:00) Normalizing risk-taking and celebrating failures
(03:00) Why compounding small efforts leads to bigger outcomes
(04:00) How adaptability is the key to success in scaling
(05:00) The importance of learning and adapting as you scaleStraight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights.
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Scaling a business is thrilling… until you realize you’re chasing every opportunity and losing sight of what really matters. Too many companies spread themselves too thin, making mistakes that could have been avoided with sharper focus.
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey hears from Andrew Thompson, Co-Founder of West2East, about the biggest mistakes companies make when scaling or acquiring businesses. Andrew shares how success comes from sticking to a proven process and focusing on what works, not reinventing the wheel. His advice is clear: stay strategic, focus on growth, and always optimize, don’t complicate.You’ll learn:
The importance of staying committed to your growth processWhy you shouldn’t try to reinvent the wheel when acquiring a businessHow focusing on growth rather than perfection ensures long-term successJump in the conversation:
(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Andrew Thompson(01:44) Lack of process commitment
(02:00) Over-expecting and reinventing the wheel
(02:20) Predicting success via proven models
(02:39) Protecting profitability during acquisitions
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights.
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Most B2B brands think content is just for driving awareness. But what if content could be the key to solving your biggest trust issues with customers?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith speaks with Cecilia Romero, Founder and Operator of Miss 7x7. With her background in event planning, Cecilia has mastered the art of using content to transform the customer experience. By sharing inspiration boards, behind-the-scenes insights, and process breakdowns, Cecilia helps clients feel confident and involved every step of the way.
You’ll learn:
How content creates trust before you even meet the clientWhy transparency helps clients make quicker decisionsHow content leads to smoother, faster customer experiencesJump into the conversation:
(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Cecilia
(00:12) Why content is key to building trust
(01:00) How inspiration boards help clients visualize their vision
(02:00) The power of behind-the-scenes content
(03:00) How transparency cuts down on back-and-forth
(04:00) Content’s role in setting client expectations
(04:45) How content helps align clients with your brand’s process
(05:30) Cecilia’s approach to using content for long-term client relationshipsStraight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.
Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore Genius Cuts for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/
Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/Follow Cecilia Romero on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliaromero1/
Miss 7x7 https://www.miss7x7.com/
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AI continues to change the way buyers discover and choose brands, with many turning to tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude for answers. This has made content planning and development more critical than ever. So how should brands evolve their content strategy to stay visible in the age of AI?
In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey sits down with Jennifer Jackson, CMO at Actian, to discuss how brands can adapt their content strategy in an AI-driven world. Jennifer shares why discoverability now depends on both human relevance and machine readability, and how brands can build for both.
You’ll learn:
How AI tools are changing the way buyers interact with brandsWhy clarity and consistency matter for brand visibilityHow to create content that works for both people and AI platforms
Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Jennifer Jackson
(00:11) Content Strategy Isn’t What It Used to Be
(00:32) The Rise of AI Search
(00:55) Meet Jennifer Jackson, CMO of Actian
(01:58) The Big Question: Content Strategy in the Age of AI
(02:35) Less Website Traffic, More AI Discovery
(02:57) Double Down on Brand Messaging
(03:16) Writing for Humans and Machines
(04:00) Building Credibility Through Evidence
Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again.Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore Genius Cuts for more B2B content strategy insights.
- Visa fler
