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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/.
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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/.
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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/.
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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/.
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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/.
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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/.
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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/.
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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/.
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