In this week’s minisode of Demand-Geniuses, host Tom Rudnai sits down with Felix Danczak to explore why now is the most exciting time in two decades to scale a small business. Forget the old corporate playbooks, Felix explains how agility, rapid iteration, and empowered teams are reshaping the competitive landscape.
Tune into this episode, as we explore:
00:00) Decentralised decision-making for impact
(04:59) Segment-focused market pods
(07:05) Market-led growth focus
(10:35) Learning from failure in leadership
Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vKjfEfagVBnEVccOZgcoL?si=5IVHof5dSMif-6nN1YxGjA
This week, Tom sits down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media Studios, who has been at the forefront of digital marketing innovation for over two decades. From scrappy agency beginnings to scaling with purpose, Andy shares how finding the right business partner (and the right mindset) transformed his impact.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(05:21) How the Internet revolutionised buyer behaviour
(08:22) Segment traffic before reporting
(11:24) Optimising content marketing strategies
(15:03) AI’s shift in content marketing
(17:39) AI’s impact on sales dynamics
(19:53) Sale-marketing content alignment
(25:23) Master Google Analytics in clicks
(29:02) Iterative marketing for better results
(31:17) Creativity over data in marketing
(35:45) Lean team, high-impact outcomes
(37:30) SaaS vs. broader marketing insights
(44:12) Switching to Attio CRM
(48:21) Mastering focus for success
Links mentioned in this episode:
What happens when a content marketer becomes a company leader? Tom Rudnai sits down with Timi Olotu, CRO at Charlie HR, to unpack how stepping into leadership has completely changed the way he thinks about content. Timi shares his evolution, from showing off writing skills early in his career to now focusing on solving real problems through content that truly connects.
Tune into this episode, as we explore:
(00:00) From writing to problem-solving
(04:25) Marketing focus: top and bottom
(08:55) Strategic data for growth insights
(10:13) Storytelling with data for stakeholders
Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CUNEaI2mMQMhauqfXvsm5?si=5CpcIs_CQBK3zc-_iRT0hw
Why does so much B2B marketing still feel painfully boring? This Tom Rudnai chats with Kelly Allen, ex-cybersecurity CMO turned co-founder of Unboring, the agency on a mission to shake the dust off cybersecurity marketing.
She unpacks why so many brands lose their spark, how to make B2B bold, human and impossible to ignore and what it really takes to get buy-in for creative ideas in risk-averse industries.
Tom and Kelly also explore what B2B can learn from B2C branding, why emotion and authenticity still cut through in even the most serious sectors, and why building a strong, consistent brand is everyone’s job – not just marketing’s.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(04:50) Human emotion in B2B and cybersecurity
(07:56) Dress comfortably and define your style
(09:49) Unconventional branding mindset
(15:46) Brand positioning and expansion strategy
(18:43) The ROI of fun Christmas jumpers
(27:31) Getting leadership buy-in
(31:59) Brand consistency as a north star
(37:27) Sales strategy and incremental improvements
(41:29) Weekly goal-setting and progress
(46:34) AI revolutionising marketing challenges
(50:30) Creative problem-solving on a budget
Links mentioned in this episode:
In this minisode, host Tom Rudnai talks with Jamie Pagan about what it really takes to turn chaos into a content machine that never sleeps. Starting from a complete reset – no processes, no structure, no roadmap – Nathan walks us through how he rebuilt his team from the ground up. From setting the first OKRs (and learning hard lessons about overreach) to designing detailed Asana workflows and playbooks, he shows how structure became the key to scale.
Tune into this episode, as we explore:
(00:00) Overambitious Q3 goals impact progress
(06:09) Scalable content production model
(08:43) Efficient multi-channel content production
(11:51) Balancing structure with creativity
Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UFvyvffdrhliCzSoDFrBg?si=8e28ea30caac434b
What does it really take to turn demand into revenue in the age of AI? Nathan Thompson, Senior Director of Product Marketing and Content at Copy.ai, joins the show to unpack the realities of scaling growth in a fast-changing landscape. From scrappy startup beginnings to leading at a hypergrowth company, Nathan shares what works, what doesn’t and why systems thinking always beats “checkbox marketing.”
This episode digs into the cultural shift from AI scepticism to full embrace, how to balance art with science in content and why slowing down to build the right foundations may be the fastest path to sustainable momentum.
Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(03:28) Content strategy and purpose
(08:52) Automation: threat or opportunity
(12:53) Improving AI prompting skills
(13:41) Building a brand brain
(16:50) Defining platform-specific voice
(22:48) Funnel strategy for content marketing
(23:47) Efficient keyword and content workflow
(28:39) Optimising B2B marketing strategies
(30:41) Funnel stages are fluid
(32:40) SEO: quantity over quality
(38:07) Balancing content in growth models
(41:32) Optimising conversion through patience
(42:36) Content marketing vs tech agility
(47:52) AI: shaping the future
(50:13) AI-powered thought collection agent
(52:44) Timeless writing advice
Links mentioned in this episode:
Summary
In this conversation, Tom Rudnai interviews Timmy Elotu, the CRO at Charlie HR, exploring his unique career journey from content marketing to a leadership role in revenue. Timmy shares insights on the importance of understanding the value of content, the need for effective communication between content and sales teams, and the significance of metrics in measuring content performance. He emphasizes the evolving role of content marketers in a sales-driven environment and discusses innovative tools and strategies that can enhance marketing effectiveness. The conversation concludes with Timmy's recommendations for evidence-based marketing practices and his willingness to support entrepreneurs.
Takeaways
28,000 AI Tools Later: AI Expert Oren Greenberg on Making AI Transformative
With 28,000+ AI tools flooding the market, most B2B marketers feel overwhelmed and stuck. AI expert Oren Greenberg, who's been using AI since before ChatGPT existed, shares why 90% of marketers are wasting money on AI tools and what actually works.
After 20+ years helping companies from Canon to high-growth startups, Oren reveals the critical mistakes holding marketers back and practical strategies for cutting through the hype to drive real results.
Key Takeaways:
• Why buying AI licenses without training users is the biggest mistake companies make
• The prompt engineering fundamentals that separate successful AI users from the rest
• Why you don't need a "Chief AI Officer" (and what to do instead)
• How to focus on the 3 AI tools that matter vs chasing 28,000 options
• The simple framework for communicating AI ROI to executives
Guest: Oren Greenberg is an AI marketing consultant specializing in B2B transformation. Connect with him on LinkedIn or visit orengreenberg.com.
Resources: Free AI gap analysis and prompt engineering course at orengreenberg.com
Summary
In this episode, Tom Rudnai interviews Chuck Moxley, a fractional CMO with extensive experience in both B2B and SaaS marketing. They discuss the transition to fractional roles, the benefits of the fractional model for startups, and the importance of building a strong marketing foundation. Chuck emphasizes the significance of clear messaging, understanding the modern buyer journey, and the role of brand in driving marketing success. They also explore the evolving landscape of marketing metrics, the impact of seasonality, and the necessity of curiosity in a marketer's career. The conversation concludes with insights on learning from mistakes and recommendations for marketers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chuck Moxley
01:20 Transitioning to Fractional CMO
03:26 The Fractional Model Explained
07:50 When to Use Fractional Leadership
13:58 Foundational Marketing Strategies
18:28 The Importance of Brand Messaging
22:33 Rethinking Lead Generation
27:37 The Long Game in Marketing
29:46 Adapting to the New Buyer Journey
34:07 Navigating Startup Challenges
40:43 Curiosity as a Key Trait
42:13 Innovative Marketing Strategies
43:36 Learning from Mistakes
45:57 Recommendations for Marketers
47:08 Podcast Outro (v3 Liam) - 30:03:2025, 19.16.mp3
Summary
In this episode of the Demand Geniuses podcast, Tom Rudnai speaks with Brendan Hufford, founder of Growth Sprints, about his journey from teaching to marketing, the importance of naming problems in marketing, and the evolving role of content strategy. They discuss the challenges of category creation, the dynamic nature of product-market fit, and the need for marketers to become customer whisperers. Brendan emphasizes the shift from SEO as a core strategy to a more diversified approach in content marketing, advocating for a focus on zero-click content and understanding customer awareness levels.
Takeaways
Summary
In this conversation, Tom Rudnai and Stefan Maritz delve into the intricacies of branding and marketing, particularly in the B2B space. They discuss the challenges posed by AI in training and development, the significance of content creation in building a brand, and the role of subject matter experts in enhancing content quality. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding audience awareness, balancing resources across the marketing funnel, and the critical nature of brand trust and customer experience. Overall, the discussion highlights the evolving landscape of marketing and the need for brands to adapt to new technologies and consumer expectations.
Takeaways
Summary
In this episode of "Demand Geniuses," host Tom interviews Aimen Chouchane, Head of Marketing at IntelexVision.
Aimen shares his unconventional journey from political consultancy to B2B tech marketing, emphasizing the importance of clear messaging, disciplined execution, and collaboration with sales. He discusses building marketing from the ground up, balancing perfectionism with speed, and leveraging AI for sales enablement. Aimen also opens up about his mental health struggles during COVID, advocating for openness at work.
Aimen’s Career Journey
Aimen shares his transition from political consultancy to tech PR and B2B marketing, focusing on key pivots and his role as a 0-to-1 marketing specialist for early-stage startups.
Intellects Overview & Marketing Approach
Aimen describes Intelex’s AI-powered platform and his responsibilities, highlighting how skills from political communications—like messaging discipline—shape his marketing strategy. He emphasizes simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences.
Globalization & Go-to-Market Challenges
Aimen discusses the complexities of global marketing, working with partners across regions, and prioritizing activities for maximum revenue impact.
Building Scalable Marketing Systems
Tom and Aimen talk about creating scalable marketing engines, leveraging automation, and experimenting with multiple channels rather than relying on just one.
AI’s Impact & Cross-Functional Collaboration
They discuss how AI has changed growth expectations and the importance of a consultancy mindset and collaboration with other business functions.
Foundational Marketing Fundamentals
Aimen outlines his three core areas for building marketing from scratch: product marketing, discoverability, and marketing operations, including the value of process automation.
Leadership, Prioritization, and Communication
They reflect on balancing perfectionism with speed, setting clear expectations, and the importance of communication and asking for clarity.
Quickfire Questions
Aimen shares his favorite AI use case (a self-serve case study tool for sales), his dream budget request (hiring an AI engineer and hosting a major customer event), and his biggest career mistake, touching on mental health and the value of seeking help.
Recommendations & Community
Aimen recommends the “Marketing Against the Grain” podcast and invites listeners to join his B2B Supper Club community for peer support and networking.
In this episode of Demand Geniuses, the hosts welcome Ira Prevalova, the Director of Integrated Marketing at Adverity.
Ira shares insights into her diverse career journey, emphasizing that core marketing principles remain constant across industries. They dive deep into her approach to marketing at Adverity, focusing on data-driven growth strategies and the balance between immediate demand generation and long-term brand awareness.
Ira discusses the importance of alignment, talent, and personalized goal setting in building high-performing teams. She also explores her management style, including how to conduct meaningful performance reviews and navigate difficult conversations. Listeners will gain practical advice on utilizing AI tools for efficiency and the transformative impact of personal PR for employees.
00:00 Introduction to Demand Geniuses Podcast
00:43 Meet Era Pre Lover: Background and Career Journey
01:50 Marketing Across Different Industries
03:12 The Importance of Product Quality in Marketing
04:59 Challenges and Strategies in Growth Marketing
08:32 Experimentation in Marketing: Strategies and Challenges
13:06 Building High-Performing Marketing Teams
15:28 Setting Goals and Measuring Success
22:08 Identifying and Nurturing Talent
23:55 In-Depth Candidate Interviews
25:27 Evaluating Candidate Traits
28:42 Handling Underperformance
33:25 Early Signs of Disengagement
35:19 Effective Management Conversations
40:04 Quick Fire Questions
Summary
In this episode, Sherihan Ross, VP of Marketing at Modus Planning, shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a full-stack marketer. She discusses the complexities of B2B marketing, the importance of understanding the decision-making process, and the need for creativity in marketing strategies. Sherihan emphasizes the significance of community building, content marketing, and having a structured onboarding process as a new marketing leader. She also touches on the balance between quick wins and long-term strategies, and the role of personal branding in her career.
Takeaways
Summary
In this episode, Tom Rudnai interviews Justina Ciecierska, who discusses the concept of 'memory engineering' in marketing. Justina explains how emotional connections play a crucial role in B2B marketing and how brands can create narratives that resonate with their audience. She emphasizes the importance of understanding customer journeys and the emotional moments that trigger buying decisions. The conversation also covers the challenges of changing brand perceptions and the significance of consistent messaging across different content channels. Justina shares her insights on measuring the effectiveness of positioning strategies and the need for brands to communicate in the language of their customers.
Takeaways
Summary
In this episode, Tom Rudnai speaks with Liam Bartholomew, VP of Brand and Customer Marketing at Cognizm. They discuss the journey of scaling marketing from a startup to a larger organization, the challenges of defining a niche in a competitive market, and the importance of aligning marketing strategies with customer needs. Liam shares insights on content marketing, the role of AI in enhancing marketing efforts, and the significance of measuring content impact effectively. The conversation emphasizes the need for creativity and adaptability in marketing strategies to engage customers throughout their lifecycle.
Takeaways
Summary
In this conversation, Kathleen Booth, SVP of Marketing and Growth at Pavilion, discusses her journey from international development to marketing, emphasizing the importance of community in driving growth and success. She shares insights on the unique challenges of marketing a community, the significance of member engagement, and strategies for navigating customer success. Kathleen also explores the evolving role of marketing in organizations, the value of education, and key traits that successful marketers possess. The discussion highlights the importance of building meaningful relationships and the long-term commitment required for community-led growth.
Takeaways
Summary
In this episode of the Mime Geniuses podcast, host Tom Rudnai speaks with Lee Densmer, a content marketing expert with over two decades of experience. Lee shares insights on transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, the importance of professional writing in content marketing, and the evolving practices in the industry. They discuss common mistakes businesses make in their content strategies, the significance of strategic pauses, and the need for a balanced approach to funnel content. Lee emphasizes the importance of activating thought leaders within organizations and navigating the globalization of content, highlighting cultural nuances that marketers must consider. The conversation concludes with practical recommendations for marketers looking to enhance their content strategies.
Takeaways
Summary
In this episode of Demand-Geniuses, Paula Molinar, Head of Demand Generation at Paddle, shares what it’s really like leading demand gen at one of Europe’s fastest-scaling SaaS companies. From her unexpected pivot from fashion to tech, to helping Paddle expand into the US and manage post-acquisition complexity, Paula unpacks the messy, rewarding business of building pipeline at scale. She discusses the evolving role of content, the limits of attribution, the power of well-orchestrated webinars, and why she sees demand gen as the connective tissue between brand and revenue. It’s part career story, part GTM playbook—and fully unfiltered.
Takeaways
Summary
In this episode, Livia Hirsch shares her journey from a fashion student to a freelance content writer and strategist, emphasizing the importance of brand voice and content strategy for B2B software scale-ups. She discusses the transition from content writing to strategy, the challenges faced by startups in content creation, and the evolving landscape of SEO. Livia highlights the significance of building relationships with clients and the need for a cohesive tone of voice that reflects company culture. The conversation concludes with insights on the importance of unique perspectives in content creation and the necessity of adapting to changes in the digital marketing landscape.
Takeaways