In this episode, Simon Lader sits down with Lori Asbury, a seasoned executive with over 25 years in brand strategy, operations, and consumer marketing. From shaping billion-dollar brands like HGTV, Fox, and CBS to leading her own agency through challenges like COVID, Lori shares actionable advice on strategic planning, authentic storytelling, balancing vision with execution, and scaling small businesses. Drawing from her equestrian background, she emphasizes resiliency and thinking outside the box. Whether you're a startup founder or corporate leader, this episode is packed with insights on driving revenue growth while staying true to your brand.
Key Moments
Drivers of Sustainable Growth
Balancing Big Picture and DetailsReal-World Examples of Balance
Building the Right Team
Understanding the Competitive LandscapeThe Power of Storytelling and AuthenticityCommon Mistakes in Brand ExtensionLessons from Big Brands to Small BusinessesEquestrian Lessons for BusinessThree Tips to Follow in Laurie's Footsteps
To learn more about Lori Asbury please visit her Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Lori please visit her website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this inspiring episode, Anya Cheng shares her remarkable journey from a non-technical immigrant background to leading product and growth at giants like Facebook, eBay, Target, and McDonald's, and ultimately founding Taylor—an AI-driven menswear rental and styling service for busy professionals. Drawing from her experiences during the 2008 recession, Anya discusses overcoming job-hunting hurdles, the birth of Taylor from personal frustrations with fashion rentals, and how AI and human stylists combine to solve real pain points for ambitious men who prioritize success over style. She reveals growth strategies, lessons from big tech, and future plans for sustainability and corporate partnerships. Perfect for entrepreneurs, fashion innovators, and anyone navigating career pivots.Key Moments
Host welcomes Anya Cheng, highlighting her tech leadership at Facebook, eBay, and more. Anya introduces Taylor as an AI service that curates and rents real menswear for busy men, eliminating shopping and laundry.
Anya shares how imposter syndrome as a female immigrant leader at eBay sparked Taylor. She hated subscription boxes and rental hassles, realizing fashion companies ignore practical users.Key Quote: "Most of fashion companies are designing for people who are into fashion, not for people like me. I just want to get ready for the day... Success for me is not about looking good. It's about looking good to get a job, get the deal."
Fresh from Northwestern with a marketing master's, Anya ambushes recruiters, networks via professors, and cold-calls publishers amid layoffs—turning desperation into her first media role.
Anya explains why she didn't quit: By leveraging her reporter skills (e.g., interviewing, cold-calling), challenges felt manageable, fueling hope.
Two years in, Taylor's users aren't just renting clothes—they're buying "chances to succeed" (e.g., job interviews, deals). Customers value convenience like an "executive assistant," while suppliers seek detailed feedback to reduce waste.
AI powers onboarding (quizzes, photos) and recommendations from 27,000 garments, with human stylists refining via Zoom/text. It even generates SEO content for trends.
Partnerships with dating apps, fitness centers, law firms, and nonprofits outperform solo efforts. Content marketing educates on body types and travel perks (e.g., no luggage fees).
From a Shopify waitlist, Anya manually bought/s shipped sale items from Macy's to her first eager customer (a real estate agent), validating demand and iterating 100 times.
Big tech taught logical thinking (goals vs. strategies) to pitch investors. For Taylor, targeting men yields higher margins than women's rentals due to buy-through rates.
Illustrate a clear problem/persona (e.g., men's convenience vs. women's variety). Nail one giant feature (like Google's search bar). 3) Focus on product-market fit over features.
To learn more about Anya Cheng please visit her Linkedin ProfileTo learn more about Taelor please visit her website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
SpotifyApple podcastsAmazon MusicIHeartRadio
In this episode of The Conference Room, host Simon is joined by serial entrepreneur Kasim Aslam. Kasim shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Albuquerque to building multiple seven and eight-figure businesses, including the top-ranked Google ad agency Solutions 8, which he sold in 2022. He discusses his entrepreneurial origin story, the challenges he faced, and how he cracked the code on hiring exceptional talent globally. Kasim introduces his upcoming book Higher, a step-by-step framework for hiring top remote talent, and dives deep into why most businesses struggle to attract extraordinary employees and how to fix that. He also shares practical hiring strategies, including how to find, vet, and retain the best people worldwide, especially in emerging markets. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to scale with high-impact talent.
Key Moments:
Introduction to Kasim Aslam: Serial entrepreneur, author, and founder of Solutions 8, with multiple successful exits
Cassim’s entrepreneurial origin story: Growing up in poverty, early business lessons selling candy, and the impact of his upbringing.
Overcoming adversity: From losing everything in the banking collapse to starting over with web work and building Solutions 8.
Building and selling Solutions 8: Growing the largest dedicated Google ad agency and lessons learned from the exit.
Post-exit ventures and passion for offshore staffing: How Kasim builds multiple service businesses and his focus on empowering talent in emerging markets.
The Higher book and hiring philosophy: Why treating people as commodities is wrong and the power of the Pareto (80/20) distribution in talent.
Why most businesses repel top talent: Fear of competence, mediocrity, and the importance of paying more to attract exceptional employees.
Global talent arbitrage: How hiring internationally can provide access to highly skilled, motivated workers at competitive rates.
Practical hiring framework: Writing compelling job posts, using “fly traps” to filter candidates, paying for trial projects, and testing real job skills.
Final tips and book launch: Top three hiring tips—be a place people want to work, have high expectations, and trust your team. How to get the Higher book and connect with Cassim.To learn more about Kasim Aslam please visit her Linkedin ProfileTo learn more about Pareto Talent please visit her website
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this insightful episode, Simon sits down with Luiz Rozo, a FIFA licensed football agent and director of Pro Elevate XIV, a global sports agency focused on elevating elite football talent from Latin America to international markets, especially the Middle East. Luis shares his personal journey from Colombia to becoming a football agent, the unique challenges and opportunities in Latin American football, and the critical role mindset plays in a player’s success. They also explore the importance of relationship building in the sports business, cultural nuances in global football markets, and the future of women’s soccer. Whether you’re a football fan, aspiring agent, or interested in sports business, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, identity, and strategic growth.
Key Moments:
Beyond skill, discipline, resilience, and emotional intelligence define a player’s long-term success.
Building a strong personal identity helps players overcome setbacks and maintain performance.
Working with young players and their families from an early age ensures better career guidance.
Pro Elevate XIV connects Latin American talent with emerging markets like the Middle East, creating new pathways.
Colombian football suffers from limited data and streaming exposure, affecting player visibility internationally.
Successful agents focus on understanding and meeting the needs of clubs, not just pushing players.
Navigating different business practices, especially in the Middle East, requires transparency and long-term thinking.
Helping players develop strong relationships with teammates is key to their growth and success.
Know your market’s needs clearly, genuinely care about your clients and partners, and anticipate future trends.
There is significant opportunity in women’s football, especially in Latin America and the Middle East, which Pro Elevate XIV aims to support.
To learn more about Luiz Rozo please visit her Linkedin Profile
To learn more about ProElevateXI please visit her website
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
Welcome to a special episode of The Conference Room, where we revisit some of the most insightful conversations from 2025. This episode features a dynamic panel of experts sharing their unique perspectives on business growth, innovation, marketing, and cybersecurity.
Key Moments:
Successful market entry requires thorough analysis of market fit, financial potential, and execution capability.
The U.S. market is more receptive to innovation and offers higher revenue potential compared to Europe.
Email marketing success depends on strategy, segmentation, and nurturing the customer journey over time.
Authenticity and passion are critical when speaking publicly to build trust and attract ideal clients.
Cybersecurity marketing demands respect for the audience’s privacy and a deep understanding of technical products and culture.
Featured Guests:
Uriel Cohen – VP of Product at a leading cybersecurity vendor
Luigi Lenguito – Co-founder and CEO of Bfore Dot AI
Evelina Kagan – High-conversion fashion copywriter
Kimberley Crowe – International inspirational public speaker and TEDx speaker
Gianna Whitver – CEO of the Cybersecurity Marketing Society
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of The Conference Room, host Simon Leader welcomes a panel of distinguished guests from diverse business backgrounds to discuss critical topics affecting entrepreneurs and business leaders in 2025. The conversation covers the evolving nature of recruitment, startup growth strategies, the impact of chronic stress and burnout, leveraging AI for business efficiency, leadership challenges, and the importance of culture and accountability in organizations.
Key Moments:
1. Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
2. Startup Growth and Experimentation
3. Burnout and Chronic Stress
4. AI and Content Creation
5. Leadership and Team Management
6. Culture and Accountability
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
Spotify
Apple podcasts
Amazon Music
IHeartRadio
In this episode, Simon welcomes back Andre Lester, managing partner of MS3IT Business Solutions, to discuss the transformative power of AI in business development. With 18 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Andre shares insights on how AI can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately drive revenue. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI, including automation of lead workflows, customer interactions, and the importance of context in AI-driven solutions.
Key Moments:
Andre is an expert in AI and business automation with extensive experience in IT and cybersecurity.
AI can help businesses attract and engage customers at scale by automating repetitive tasks and improving operational efficiency.
Andre shares his journey of using AI in his own business, Ubreakifix, to automate customer engagement and streamline operations.
Providing AI with detailed context about your business is crucial for effective results. Garbage in, garbage out applies here.
Automating customer interactions through chatbots and voice assistants can enhance customer experience and ensure 24/7 availability.
Various tools and platforms can be utilized for automating customer engagement, including chatbots, SMS, and email outreach.
AI can help create personalized outreach strategies by analyzing customer data and behavior, making communications more relevant.
Voice assistants can handle customer inquiries, schedule appointments, and follow up, providing a seamless customer experience.
Implementing AI solutions can vary in cost, with initial setup and monthly fees depending on the complexity of the system.
The conversation highlights the potential for AI to revolutionize various industries, including healthcare, by improving service delivery and operational efficiency.
To learn more about Andre Lassiter please visit her Linkedin Profile
To learn more about MS3IT Business Solutions please visit her website
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of the Conference Room podcast, host Simon welcomes Andre Lassiter, the managing partner of MS3IT Business Solutions. With over 18 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Andre shares his journey from cybersecurity expert to AI specialist. He discusses how AI can transform repetitive business tasks into revenue-generating opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding business pain points and crafting tailored AI-driven solutions. The conversation covers various applications of AI in content marketing, lead generation, and the significance of implementing responsible guardrails to ensure effective AI usage.
Key Moments:
Andre shares his journey from a help desk technician to a cybersecurity expert and now an AI specialist, highlighting the importance of networking and continuous learning.
The discussion emphasizes how AI can help small businesses leverage technology to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Andre explains how AI tools like GPT can assist in content creation, ideation, and social media strategy, stressing the need for tailored messaging across platforms.
The importance of implementing responsible guardrails to prevent AI from generating inaccurate or misleading information is discussed, especially in professional settings.
Andre suggests creating structured documents and FAQs to train AI effectively, ensuring it aligns with the business's tone and messaging.
The conversation explores how AI can automate lead generation processes, including qualifying leads and managing follow-ups, ultimately increasing appointment rates.
Andre shares a cautionary tale about a failed AI strategy due to poor data structuring and unrealistic expectations, highlighting the need for clear use cases.
A case study is presented where AI helped resurrect old leads for a medical device company, resulting in a 35% increase in appointment bookings.
Andre discusses the potential for AI to enhance business processes and the importance of understanding specific use cases for successful implementation.
Andre expresses his willingness to return for a deeper dive into practical AI applications, encouraging listeners to explore AI's capabilities in their businesses.
To learn more about Andre Lassiter please visit her Linkedin Profile
To learn more about MS3IT Business Solutions please visit her website
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode, we welcome Lisa Zawrotny, a productivity coach with a rich background as a caregiver, mother, and business owner. Lisa shares her journey from caregiving to coaching, emphasizing the importance of compassionate and sustainable productivity systems, especially for those managing ADHD or high-stress roles. We discuss the nuances of burnout versus overwhelm, the significance of self-awareness, and practical strategies to enhance productivity without sacrificing well-being.
Key Moments:
Lisa shares her journey from caregiver to productivity coach, highlighting the challenges of managing burnout and overwhelm.
Burnout can manifest as constant dread, resentment, and exhaustion, while overwhelm often feels like having too much to do without knowing where to start.
Knowing and accepting oneself is crucial for building effective productivity systems tailored to individual needs.
Before implementing systems, decluttering and simplifying tasks is essential to create a manageable workload.
Productivity should support life, not the other way around. Rest and self-care are integral to sustainable productivity.
Productivity systems should be customized to fit how individuals work best, especially for those with ADHD or other unique challenges.
Moving away from hustle culture and redefining success can alleviate feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
Lisa discusses various tools and methods, such as the Pomodoro technique and Kanban boards, to enhance productivity.
Engaging with a community and seeking support can help individuals navigate their productivity challenges.
Lisa is working on new workshops and a signature program to further support individuals in their productivity journeys.
To learn more about Lisa Zawrotny please visit her Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Lisa Zawrotny please visit her website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of "The Conference Room," we welcome Tiffani Bibb, a leadership coach, speaker, and former Chief People and Culture Officer. With over 15 years of HR leadership experience, Tiffani specializes in helping mid-career women navigate significant life and career transitions. She shares her journey from HR to coaching, her insights on leadership and organizational culture, and her unique "DRIVE" coaching framework designed to empower women to turn their ambitions into actionable plans.
Key Moments:
Tiffani shares her journey from HR to coaching, emphasizing the importance of intentional career pivots.
She focuses on empowering mid-career women to take control of their careers and lives.
Tiffani introduces her coaching framework, which includes Dream, Roadmap, Implement, Validate, and Expand.
Effective communication is crucial for fostering a positive organizational culture and employee engagement.
Leaders should conduct listening tours to understand employee needs and improve workplace culture.
Seeking and being open to feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.
Informational interviews can help individuals explore new career paths and opportunities.
Imposter syndrome and fear of failure often hinder individuals from pursuing their dreams.
Setting goals should be balanced with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and uncertainties.
Building a network and seeking mentorship can significantly aid in career transitions and personal development.
To learn more about Tiffani Bibb please visit her Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Tiffani Bibb Coaching & Consulting please visit her website
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of The Conference Room, host Simon Lader welcomes back the talented Evelina Kagan for the fourth part of their ongoing series. They dive deep into the transformative role of AI in digital marketing, discussing how it can enhance content creation, streamline processes, and ultimately help businesses scale their marketing efforts. Evelina shares her insights on using AI tools effectively, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content.
Key Moments:
Evelina emphasizes that AI is now an unavoidable part of digital marketing, akin to the advent of the Internet.
AI can significantly speed up content creation processes, allowing marketers to produce more in less time.
While AI can generate content, it’s crucial to maintain a personal touch to avoid generic outputs.
Evelina discusses the issue of AI "hallucinations," where AI generates false information, highlighting the need for fact-checking.
AI can assist in brainstorming and generating ideas, making it easier for marketers to overcome creative blocks.
Providing AI with your own content helps it learn your voice and style, making its outputs more aligned with your brand.
The conversation touches on the ethical implications of AI in marketing, including the need for transparency about AI-generated content.
AI in Content Repurposing: Evelina explains how to repurpose a single piece of content (like a podcast) into multiple formats for various platforms.
The episode discusses the potential for AI to change the marketing landscape, allowing one person to do the work of many.
Evelina shares actionable strategies for integrating AI into marketing workflows, including using specific tools and setting up effective prompts.
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit her Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit her website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of The Conference Room, Simon Lader welcomes back Evelina Kagan for part three of their insightful conversation on copywriting. Evelina, a high-conversion copywriter, shares her expertise on crafting compelling sales pages that convert visitors into customers. She discusses the importance of understanding the difference between features and benefits, the structure of an effective sales page, and the psychological triggers that can enhance conversion rates.
Key Moments:
Evelina background as a high conversion copywriter and her journey into sales copywriting.
Evelina explains what a sales page is and its primary function in the sales process.
Discussion on the key elements that distinguish a great sales page from an average one, focusing on the Hero section.
Clarification on the difference between sales pages and landing pages.
The importance of customer research in crafting effective sales pages.
Evelina shares her favorite framework for structuring sales pages: Problem-Agitate-Solution.
The significance of testimonials and social proof in building trust with potential customers.
Handling objections through FAQs and addressing common concerns of potential buyers.
Evelina hints at the next episode's topic on AI in copywriting and how it can enhance the writing process.
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit her website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode, Simon Lader continues his insightful conversation with Evelina Kagan, a high conversion copywriter. They delve into the nuances of crafting compelling ad copy that not only captures attention but also drives conversions. Evelina shares her expertise on the differences between ad copy and email copy, the importance of understanding your target audience, and the key components of effective ad writing.
Key Moments:
Simon welcomes Evelina back to the podcast, highlighting her expertise in high conversion copywriting.
Evelina shares her journey from creative writing to marketing copy, emphasizing her passion for storytelling and its impact on business success.
Evelina explains how ad copy serves as the first touchpoint in a marketing funnel, while email copy targets existing customers.
Evelina discusses the metrics for measuring ad performance, including click-through rates and return on investment.
The conversation shifts to the differences in strategies for high ticket and low ticket items, emphasizing the need for more nurturing in high ticket sales.
Evelina highlights that ads are just one piece of a larger marketing strategy, focusing on the importance of building trust and educating potential customers.
Evelina shares common issues businesses face with underperforming ads and the importance of understanding customer pain points.
Evelina discusses techniques for creating engaging hooks that resonate with the target audience and capture their attention.
Evelina outlines the key components of an effective ad, including the hook, open loop, problem identification, solution presentation, and call to action.
Evelina explains the process of A/B testing to optimize ad performance, emphasizing the need to test one variable at a time for accurate results.
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit her website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of The Conference Room, host Simon Lader welcomes Evelina Kagan, a high conversion copywriter who specializes in helping entrepreneurs sell more digital products through strategic and engaging email content. Evelina shares her journey from a creative child to a successful copywriter, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and genuine connections in marketing. The conversation dives deep into the fundamentals of email marketing, addressing common misconceptions, strategies for effective communication, and the anatomy of high-converting emails.
Key Moments
Evelina shares her background and how her love for creativity and business led her to become a high conversion copywriter.Evelina discusses the common struggles business owners face with email marketing, including feelings of overwhelm and disappointment.The conversation highlights the necessity of having a clear strategy behind email marketing efforts to avoid wasted time and resources.Evelina addresses the common belief that sending one email will lead to immediate sales, emphasizing the need for a consistent and strategic approach.Evelina shares her value-first approach to email marketing, suggesting a 3:1 ratio of value-based emails to sales-focused emails.Evelina explains how to identify a brand's voice and personality, using relatable examples to help clients articulate their brand identity.The discussion contrasts the approaches to writing cold outreach emails versus nurturing existing relationships through email.Evelina breaks down the essential elements of a successful email, starting with the importance of an engaging subject line.Evelina discusses how to personalize emails effectively without overusing the recipient's name, focusing on creating genuine connections.The episode concludes with insights on how to determine whether an email campaign is failing or simply needs more time to build momentum.
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Evelina Kagan please visit her website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of The Conference Room, Simon Lader sits down with Dan Rhodes, an accomplished executive in cybersecurity talent acquisition. With over two decades of experience in IT recruiting, Dan shares his journey from starting in customer service to leading executive search for high-growth security vendors. The conversation delves into the evolution of recruitment, the impact of technology, and the importance of building strong relationships in the hiring process.
Key Moments
Dan fell into recruitment by chance after being inspired by the dynamic environment of a recruitment firm.
He emphasizes the importance of persistence and passion in pursuing opportunities.
The recruitment landscape has shifted from a transactional approach to a more consultative role.
Recruiters are now expected to provide market intelligence and strategic guidance to clients.
The advent of email and communication tools like BlackBerry revolutionized the recruitment process.
The recruitment industry often faces a negative reputation due to unprofessional practices by some recruiters.
Key factors for successful partnerships include clear communication, respect for the recruitment process, and a willingness to adapt.
Companies that engage effectively with recruiters tend to have better hiring outcomes.
Embrace a willingness to learn and adapt to new methods and technologies.
Focus on solving client problems better than competitors.
Master execution and maintain a disciplined approach to daily tasks.
Dan shares insights on the company's focus on profitability and growth in key sectors like fintech and cybersecurity.
The challenge of hiring skilled recruiters in a competitive market.
To learn more about Dan Rhodes please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Altura Partners Ltd please visit their website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode Simon welcomes Dan Tocchini, a seasoned business consultant with over 35 years of experience in transforming leadership teams. Dan shares his journey from a family of entrepreneurs to becoming a sought-after consultant for companies like ESPN and nonprofits like Homeboy Industries. He discusses the challenges leaders face when trying to elevate their teams and the importance of courageous leadership and creative conflict resolution.
Key Moments
Grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, which shaped his understanding of business and human performance.
Executives often feel stuck at certain revenue plateaus and struggle with team dynamics, succession issues, and the need for strategic planning.
Successful leaders need to manage from a strategic level rather than being bogged down in daily operations.
Understanding the Profit and Loss statement is crucial for assessing business health and making informed decisions.
Chronic complaints often indicate deeper issues that need to be addressed for growth and improvement.
Successful leaders must learn to leverage their team's talents and have difficult conversations to foster a collaborative environment.
Dan shares a success story of helping a well-known Wall Street executive turn around a struggling company, emphasizing the importance of transparency and strategic restructuring.
Know what you want to achieve, understand your team's dynamics, and be willing to have hard conversations.
To learn more about Dan Tocchini please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Take New Ground please visit their website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode, Simon welcomes Christelle Biiga to discuss the benefits of podcast guesting and how it can serve as a powerful marketing tool for entrepreneurs. Christelle shares her journey from starting her own pitching business to becoming a sought-after expert in podcast placements.
Key Moments
Helps entrepreneurs amplify visibility and establish credibility through podcast appearances.
Began her journey in 2019 by pitching herself on podcasts to promote her business. Being featured on reputable podcasts enhances trust and authority.
Importance of audience size and engagement.
Alignment between the podcast's audience and the guest's target market.
Longevity and consistency of the podcast.
Emphasize the importance of having a conversation rather than a presentation.
Prepare to share valuable insights and personal stories that resonate with listeners.
Be authentic and vulnerable to build trust with the audience.
Define clear goals for podcast appearances (e.g., number of clients, audience reach).
Understand the metrics behind audience engagement and conversion rates.
Approach podcasting as a serious marketing strategy rather than a casual
Share insights that you can stand by for years to come.
Share your podcast episodes with your audience to maximize reach.
Free guide:
Beyond Visibility: The free guide that shares the exact strategy industry leaders use to land top-tier podcast interviews that position them as go-to experts: https://exposuremaven.com/free-gift/
To learn more about Christelle Biiga please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Exposure Maven please visit their website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of The Conference Room, Simon Lader welcomes Yichen Jin, co-founder of Fleak, a technology company transforming how enterprises manage complex data transformations. She shares her journey from studying industrial engineering at Stanford to co-founding Fleak
after nearly a decade at Rocketship, a venture capital firm.Yichen Jin discusses her nine-year experience at Rocketship, a venture capital firm, and how it shaped her entrepreneurial mindset.
Yichen Jin recounts her journey from studying industrial engineering to founding Fleak highlighting the randomness and serendipity involved.
Reflects on the evolution of machine learning as a field and its relevance in today’s tech landscape.
Yichen Jin Shares the humorous beginnings of creating a venture fund with her professor, emphasizing the importance of innovative thinking.
Transition to Fleak Discusses the motivation behind leaving Rocketship to co-found Fleak, driven by a desire to solve complex data challenges.
Yichen Jin explains how Fleakwas born from recognizing inefficiencies in data management and the need for better communication between systems.
Yichen Jin shares three key tips for aspiring entrepreneurs: avoid attachment to your product, choose the right team, and maintain optimism.
Discusses Fleak's mission to create an open-source community in cybersecurity, aiming to protect small and medium businesses.
Yichen Jin invites listeners to connect via LinkedIn and mentions her podcast, "Mind Machine," as a resource for further insights.
Yichen Jin emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience in the startup journey and the value of celebrating small victories.
To learn more about Yichen Jin please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Fleak please visit their website
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YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
In this episode of the Conference Room, host Simon Lader welcomes Patrick Guay, a seasoned sales and leadership expert with over 20 years of experience in the technology sector. Patrick shares his journey from leading sales at various Israeli startups, culminating in his current role as Chief Revenue Officer at Stream Security. He discusses the challenges of building a go-to-market strategy for Israeli companies in the U.S. and the importance of hiring the right talent.
The importance of understanding U.S. market dynamics and cultural nuances when building a sales team for Israeli companies.
The critical need to hire the right talent and the long-term impact of hiring decisions on a startup's success.
Patrick emphasizes leading by example and understanding product-market fit before expanding the sales team.
Insights into the difficulties faced by companies trying to establish a remote sales team without proper support.
The different challenges and approaches when working with CEOs who have technical backgrounds versus those with business-oriented perspectives.
The significance of networking and maintaining connections within the Israeli tech community.
Three key tips for building a U.S. presence for Israeli companies: be patient, hire the best, and maintain a sense of humor.
The evolving landscape of Israeli startups and their increasing focus on business acumen alongside technical expertise.
Vision for Stream Security and the importance of preparing for the future while managing current operations.
To learn more about Patrick Guay please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Stream.Security please visit their website
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on
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In this week's episode of The Conference Room, host Simon Lader sits down with Jeremy Vaughan, an entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Start Left Security. Jeremy shares his journey from graduating from the University of North Florida to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of taking risks, the challenges of startup life, and the mission behind Start Left Security.
00:00: Simon introduces the podcast and this week's guest, Jeremy Vaughan
2:29 Jeremy talks about gaining experience outside of traditional corporate environments and the value of real-world learning.
05:25 Anecdotes about learning to drive and the importance of real-life experiences in developing skills.
09:20 Discussion on the impact of the Lean Startup methodology and its application in real-world scenarios.
12:01 Addressing the chicken-and-egg problem of needing funding to build a product and needing a product to secure funding.
15:25 Jeremy shares how Start Left Security was able to bootstrap and build a product with limited resources.
18:11 The transition from product development to focusing on sales and go-to-market strategies.
21:03 Balancing the demands of a startup with empathy for team members' personal situations.
25:06 The need for salespeople and leaders to accelerate the go-to-market strategy and the importance of operational roles like sales engineers and customer
29:04 Balancing the demands of a startup with empathy for team members' personal situations and the impact on the business.
39:05 Jeremy discusses the current focus on raising capital, differentiating from competitors, and expanding the company's capabilities.
To learn more about Jeremy Vaughan please visit his Linkedin Profile
To learn more about Start Left Security please visit their website
YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER
Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.
Get to know more about Simon at:
Website: https://simonlader.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/
The Conference Room is available on