Building a startup is like jumping off a plane and assembling the parachute mid-air.
In this episode, Lloyed and Melissa break down the reality of scaling: the discipline constraints create, the myths founders chase, and why too many companies lose sight of customers in pursuit of hype.
From the unicorn bubble to billion dollar collapses overnight, they explore how venture capital’s incentives shape companies, for better and for worse, and why great businesses come from customers, not inflated valuations.
Lloyed Lobo:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyedlobo/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lloyedlobo/
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/lloyedlobo
Melissa Kwan:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakwan/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/themelissakwan/
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/themelissakwan
Most founders don’t need venture capital — they just need the truth about their options. In this episode, Greg Head, Founder of Practical Founders and Gregslist, shares why most founders don’t need to follow the venture capital path to succeed —and how alternative strategies often lead to better outcomes. Greg draws on three decades of software industry experience and his deep network of over 500 founders and investors to challenge the funding-first mindset.
Specifically, Greg shares:
00:00 Introduction
03:30 Founders should not take VC funding without knowing the risks.
12:00 Startups were once wild bets — now many founders misread VC expectations.
20:06 Software is cheaper now, so VC isn’t needed to launch or grow.
25:09 Investors outside Silicon Valley fund traction, not ideas.
30:09 Practical companies grow with healthier habits and true independence.
35:36 Seven paths to success start with building a profitable company.
40:57 PE firms are buying revenue for faster IPO leverage.
47:29 Every founder can win in their own way with the path that fits them best.
50:16 Founders used to raise millions without taking any money off the table.
59:19 Product-market fit requires focus on the right segment and solution.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheadaz/
Practical Founders | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/practical-founders/
Practical Founders | Website
https://practicalfounders.com/
Gregslist | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gregslist/
Gregslist | Website
https://gregslist.com/
Practical Founders’ Ebook – “The 7 Success Paths for Practical Founders”
https://practicalfounders.com/7-success-paths-to-win-the-startup-end-game/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#Bootstrapping #SaaSFounders #StartupGrowth #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
If you're building before validating the market, you're not a founder — you’re a hopeful builder. In this episode, Bocar Dia, Partner and GM at Forum Ventures, shares how to build a capital-efficient, scalable sales motion in B2B SaaS, from idea to product-market fit and beyond. Drawing from his early days at Hootsuite and advising 30+ founders annually, Bocar unpacks the frameworks and mindsets for growing to $100M ARR without chasing inflated valuations.
Specifically, Bocar covers:
(03:13) Bocar Dia shifts from engineering to sales at early-stage Hootsuite.
(12:09) Validate real pain, then pinpoint key problems to shape your MVP.
(20:01) Founders often raise before soul-searching — and end up misaligned.
(25:10) Product-market fit is when value drives steady inbound demand.
(30:17) Sales has three phases: product fit, GTM fit and scale.
(36:57) Don’t scale early traction. Prove one repeatable channel first.
(41:57) Hire Customer Success before Sales to drive renewals and growth.
(46:30) Founders who sell first know exactly what kind of leaders and reps to hire next.
(51:00) AI can help sales, but manual validation is needed before scaling.
(57:53) Bocar recommends data-driven, tactical sales books for founders.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bocardia/
Forum Ventures | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/forumvc/
Forum Ventures | Website
https://www.forumvc.com/
"The Sales Acceleration Formula" by Mark Roberge
https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Acceleration-Formula-Technology-Inbound/dp/1119047072
"Founding Sales" by Pete Kazanjy
https://www.amazon.com/Founding-Sales-Go-Market-Handbook/dp/1734505117
https://winningbydesign.com/resources/books/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#ProductMarketFit #CustomerSuccess #VentureCapital #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Scaling without losing speed is harder than it looks — especially when you're chasing enterprise customers and building an AI-native platform. Lindsey Scrase, Chief Operating Officer of Checkr, Inc., reveals how her customer-first mindset, forged during her tenure at Google Cloud, is driving Checkr’s transformation into a core hiring infrastructure platform while scaling AI across operations. With a track record of building high-velocity GTM motions and a strong commitment to second-chance hiring, she explains what it takes to evolve into an AI-native enterprise.
Specifically, Lindsey covers:
(03:55) Early-stage Google Cloud, then called Google Apps.
(06:46) How a culture of wearing multiple hats inspired continuous improvement.
(10:40) Early execs need curiosity and first-principles thinking over fixed playbooks.
(15:57) A shift from gig-focused roots to strong SMB and mid-market segments.
(21:39) Strong leaders think long-term and dive deep into day-to-day details.
(27:16) Enterprise growth demands tight alignment across GTM, product and CS.
(31:25) AI will become table stakes as true adoption goes beyond branding and hype.
(35:25) Generative AI chat boosts CSAT by delivering instant, contextual responses.
(41:13) Take bigger swings earlier and don’t take things so seriously.
(45:01) Direct feedback builds trust and prevents conflict from turning toxic.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-scrase-0702442/
Checkr | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/checkr-com/
Checkr | Website
https://checkr.com/
https://www.truework.com/
“Working Backwards” by Bill Carr and Colin Bryar
https://www.amazon.com/Working-Backwards-Insights-Stories-Secrets/dp/1250267595
“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni
https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#Leadership #GTMStrategy #EnterpriseGrowth #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Most GTM teams are stuck in a 10-year-old playbook — Anthony Enrico, Founder and CEO of LeanScale, shows how to break the cycle. Previously Head of RevOps at Boast.AI, where he helped scale the company past $20M ARR, Anthony now advises and enables dozens of founders and revenue leaders to engineer growth without burning headcount. He also shares how they help high-growth startups scale RevOps with a lean, efficient GTM motion.
Specifically, Anthony discusses:
(05:25) Startups replace brute-force growth with RevOps to boost revenue per FTE.
(15:49) Most teams underinvest in the brand despite its long-term impact.
(20:29) Use a data warehouse — not your CRM — for unified reporting.
(25:18) Clay transforms RevOps with scalable, integrated data enrichment.
(30:48) Default uses AI to route leads and trigger workflows across tools.
(35:42) Amplemarket targets fundraisers and job changes with precise outreach.
(40:28) AI is most effective when humans fine-tune for quality and authenticity.
(44:44) Early days are easiest — scaling means harder niches and messaging.
(54:46) Bootstrapping forced them to hire fewer, better people and build processes early.
(01:03:33) A solo GTM dashboard tracks pipeline, ops and conversion rates.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyenrico/
LeanScale | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/leanscale/
LeanScale | Website
https://www.leanscale.team
https://www.amplemarket.com/
https://www.clay.com/
http://ocean.io
https://www.default.com/
https://churnzero.com/
https://riverside.fm/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#RevOps #GTMstrategy #B2Bgrowth #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Crises aren’t just setbacks — they’re strategic moments to elevate customer experience. In this episode, Jeff Titterton, Chief Marketing Officer of Stripe, breaks down why investing in customers during uncertain times is the most resilient path to long-term growth. Drawing from his time as COO at Zendesk and insights from scaling through economic downturns, Jeff highlights how modern businesses can align product, service and marketing to unlock customer loyalty and profitability.
Specifically, Jeff covers:
(02:12) Aligning CS and CX with product and business strategy accelerates growth during tough times.
(03:22) Customer service drives CX and reveals where the business falls short.
(05:44) A crisis is the time to invest in customers and enhance service and product.
(10:19) Many still see CX as a cost, not a growth driver focused on real outcomes.
(12:06) Customers expect to reach you anytime, anywhere, on any channel.
(15:58) Technology brings actions into the service layer, enabling fast, personalized solutions.
(17:27) Aggregating CX data helps fix root issues before customers even notice them.
(21:07) Show compassion to customers and colleagues in challenging times.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftitterton/
Stripe | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stripe/
Stripe | Website
https://stripe.com
https://cxtrends.zendesk.com/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#CustomerExperience #CXStrategy #DigitalTransformation #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Innovation is the driving force behind unlocking better patient experiences and improving access to quality care. In this episode, Derek Streat, Co-Founder and Former CEO at DexCare, shares his journey of transforming healthcare access through innovative technology solutions. Derek dives into how DexCare optimizes the way health systems manage digital demand, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for both providers and patients.
Specifically, Derek discusses:
(03:09) The inspiration behind DexCare and its mission to streamline healthcare access.
(08:52) Find one person who values your product before seeking product-market fit.
(19:08) Use data to improve patient outcomes and efficiency.
(25:22) Overcoming challenges in scaling a health tech startup.
(31:02) Strong value attracts smart investors, even in tough markets.
(36:12) Collaborate with talented people, not just your own ideas.
(40:48) Closing cancer screening gaps improves health outcomes.
(47:53) Digital platforms transform traditional healthcare models.
(53:27) Experiment continuously; capital sustains the journey.
(57:01) Key lessons from Derek’s health tech journey.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-streat/
DexCare | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dexcare/
DexCare | Website
https://dexcare.com/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #HealthTech #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
The venture capital landscape is evolving fast, and founders who don’t adapt will be left behind. Roy Luo, General Partner at ICONIQ, shares insights on the shifting dynamics of startup funding and what it takes to scale in 2025. With investments in companies like Figma, Canva and Ramp, Roy breaks down key trends in fintech, AI-driven business models and the future of venture capital.
Specifically, Roy discusses:
(06:46) TCV provided key lessons in investing, founder relations and tech disruption.
(11:25) How AI is transforming startups and the VC landscape.
(17:00) How to evaluate product-market fit beyond just revenue metrics.
(24:45) The importance of strong investor-founder alignment in building long-term partnerships.
(37:44) Buyer pain points and trends guide investment decisions.
(41:03) Lessons from high-growth investments like Ramp and FloQast.
(53:04) The characteristics of successful startups and the importance of founder-market fit.
(57:06) How identity and anti-fraud solutions are shaping the next wave of fintech.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roybluo/
ICONIQ | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconiq-capital-llc/
ICONIQ | Website
https://www.iconiqcapital.com/growth
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #Fintech #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Is generative AI rewriting the rules for how startups scale, hire and grow? In this episode, Brian Rothenberg, Partner at Defy.vc, explores how the resurgence of the Bay Area, the rise of generative AI and the future of marketplaces are reshaping the startup landscape. We revisit Brian’s 2017 talk on scaling marketplaces and analyze which lessons still hold true.
Specifically, Brian discusses:
(02:54) Why defy backs early-stage founders with a strong operator mindset.
(03:59) How the Bay Area has re-emerged as the epicenter of AI-driven innovation.
(09:15) Applying AI to the most constrained side of a marketplace can unlock major growth.
(12:37) Training-wheel tools can help onboard more users to AI in a business-friendly way.
(15:46) Generative AI can likely handle 80–90% of tasks that once needed large teams.
(20:11) AI performance may shift ratings to simple yes-or-no outcomes.
(25:40) Verified identities could help filter fake content as trust declines.
(31:55) AI may shift roles but will likely create new kinds of jobs.
(35:00) Data privacy concerns are fueling cautious AI adoption and enterprise solutions.
(40:42) Outcome-based pricing is overtaking traditional per-seat SaaS models.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrothenberg/
Defy.vc | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/defy-vc/
defy.vc | Website
https://defy.vc/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#StartupGrowth #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #OutcomeBasedPricing #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Building a thriving SaaS community isn’t just about content — it’s about creating real, in-person connections that people keep coming back to. Alex Theuma, Founder of SaaStock, shares how he transformed a simple blog into one of the most influential SaaS conferences in the world. He unpacks the highs and lows of scaling a global event, from bootstrapping early growth to navigating expansion challenges.
Specifically, Alex discusses:
(05:02) Turning a simple blog into a SaaS community.
(10:51)A SaaS community grew through blogs, emails and newsletters before events.
(15:20) The biggest challenges and lessons from launching the first SaaStock conference.
(22:28) The name SaaStock was inspired by Woodstock and came together instantly.
(30:34) The risks and rewards of bootstrapping versus raising strategic capital.
(33:56) How expanding too quickly nearly derailed SaaStock’s growth.
(40:41) A strategic pivot to virtual events positioned the conference as an industry leader.
(44:51) The SaaSop Founder Membership unites 70 CEOs through meetups and retreats.
(49:45) The power of in-person meetups for fostering engaged communities.
(51:48) A decade in, the vision for SaaStock is to 10x its impact and growth.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextheuma/
SaaStock | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/saastock/
SaaStock | Website
https://www.saastock.com/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#SaaS #CommunityBuilding #B2BEvents #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Scaling a company requires more than just great ideas — it demands execution, urgency and adaptability. In this episode, Dan Rogers, CEO of LaunchDarkly, shares how he has built high-performance teams and driven sustained success, drawing from his experience leading growth at Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce and ServiceNow.
Specifically, Dan covers:
(03:24) Dan’s passion for technology led to an early start and a journey to Silicon Valley.
(06:01) Why owning a number early in a career builds strong leadership skills.
(11:28) Technical audiences want guidance, not marketing — stay product-focused.
(25:25) Why customer insights should shape business decisions, not pre-set playbooks.
(27:19) The role of execution in validating strategy and driving competitive advantage.
(30:33) Competition is a sign of success — embrace it as part of growth.
(37:45) AI application releases need control; rolling back and adjusting prompts is essential.
(43:04) The importance of maintaining innovation speed while ensuring software reliability.
(47:50) How feature flagging and controlled rollouts help companies move fast without breaking things.
(51:49) Longevity in business requires discipline — prioritize fitness, diet and personal time with the same intensity as work.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-rogers-a1717a/
LaunchDarkly | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/launchdarkly/
LaunchDarkly | Website
https://www.launchdarkly.com
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#Leadership #StartupGrowth #SoftwareDevelopment #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
The companies that win the next decade won’t just adopt AI — they’ll redesign how work gets done from the ground up. Daniel Saks, CEO and Co-Founder of Landbase, returns to share lessons learned from scaling two companies across two major technology waves. Daniel explores how the path from SaaS to agentic AI is not just a shift in tools, but a complete rethinking of how businesses operate, compete and grow.
Specifically, Daniel discusses:
(03:35) Daniel had early conviction in SaaS and saw it reshape business.
(07:48) How his approach today targets SMBs, and not enterprises.
(10:04) The intense competition in AI and how Landbase differentiates through deep talent, data, and execution.
(16:34) Why the infrastructure war in AI mirrors the early cloud era.
(19:53) AI can replace outdated service-based businesses.
(21:24) “Reclaim your day” reflects Landbase’s mission to let humans focus on creative, high-value work.
(23:39) Why value creation and timing still win deals — regardless of the tech wave.
(28:41) Relevance beats personalization in outbound.
(30:36) Why “move fast and break things” doesn’t work in a world demanding trust, values and governance.
(36:26) AI will run on autopilot — with humans in control.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsaks/
Landbase | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/landbase/
Landbase | Website
https://www.landbase.com/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#AgenticAI #SaaS #ArtificialIntelligence #DataDriven #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Venture capital isn’t just about funding — it’s about making the right bets at the right time. Nick Washburn, Senior Managing Director of Intel Capital, shares insights on founder-investor dynamics, venture capital strategies and the evolving landscape of AI-driven business models.
Specifically, Nick discusses:
(03:34) The move from law to venture capital.
(10:46) Companies are bought, not sold — startups must plan ahead for acquisition.
(15:47) Product-market fit sparks growth, but scaling is the real test.
(19:55) Investing without deep market knowledge leads to failure.
(26:01) Data pipeline optimization is costly but crucial.
(33:20) AI growth looks impressive, but true revenue quality is uncertain.
(44:13) The last mile — packaging, experience and distribution — matters most.
(56:19) There’s no single playbook — success depends on product and buyers.
(01:23:59) Building genuine investor relationships starts with patience and an open mind.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-washburn-32216226/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelcapital/
National Venture Capital Association
https://nvca.org
https://www.kauffmanfellows.org
https://www.intelcapital.com
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #CloudInfrastructure #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
The most valuable asset in business today isn’t technology — it’s data. Those who control it, refine it and protect it will dominate their industries. SC Moatti, Managing Partner of Mighty Capital, shares insights on the evolving role of product managers, the impact of AI on product development and how businesses can leverage data to drive innovation and market leadership.
Specifically, SC discusses:
(2:50) Mighty Capital invests in top startups and connects them with 500,000 product managers.
(5:08) Most waves of innovation, from the mobile era to AI and Web3, start with the same type of problem.
(10:25) AI is reshaping patents and copyright laws, but machines will never own intellectual property.
(11:58) Are we at a Napster moment with AI and how will it reshape business models?
(16:04) Product managers will use AI agents to streamline work and decision-making.
(20:05) Why product managers are now at the center of the data revolution.
(24:17 The future of onboarding and why the best experience may require no onboarding at all.
(32:15) The risks and opportunities AI presents in intellectual property, ownership and industry disruption.
(37:08) The rising trend of AI-native companies and their capital-efficient business models.
(40:12) The future of product managers is changing fast, with more growth ahead.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmoatti/
Mighty Capital | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mighty-capital/
Mighty Capital | Website -
https://mighty.capital
https://www.productsthatcount.org
https://amplitude.com
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#ProductManagement #TechInnovation #DataDriven #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Building wealth isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter. In this episode, Scott D. Clary, Founder and Host of Success Story Podcast, shares his journey in entrepreneurship, personal branding and wealth creation. He explains how building a personal brand can serve as a competitive advantage in an era where AI is reshaping industries and commoditizing work. With a social media following of over 1.7 million and an extensive email subscriber base, Scott breaks down the frameworks that helped him scale his influence and business.
Specifically, Scott discusses:
(04:09) A personal brand is a product — built on your ideas, experiences and expertise.
(06:48) Shift from stability to agency for financial freedom.
(16:07) Video content fuels organic growth and audience trust.
(19:27) Niche content builds stronger, more engaged communities.
(26:52) Mastery comes from repetition — put in the reps, learn and refine over time.
(36:50) The best entrepreneurs solve niche problems they’ve lived and understand deeply.
(41:00) Wealth grows in four stages: job, freelance, product and system.
(50:26) Growth starts with questioning everything, even yourself.
(01:24:49) Reverse engineer success by studying those who’ve done it.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary/
Success Story Podcast | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/success-story-podcast/
Success Story Podcast | Website -
https://www.successstorypodcast.com/
https://www.personal.ai/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#Entrepreneurship #WealthCreation #ContentStrategy #Product #Marketing #Innovation #Startup #GenerativeAI #AI
Building a lasting brand in a rapidly changing digital world requires adaptability, strong insights and an authentic customer connection. Joseph Thompson, Co-Founder and COO of Kits.com, shares insights on building and scaling brands in the evolving digital landscape. As one of the earliest speakers at Traction in 2015, he reflects on how branding strategies have changed over the years and what remains fundamental for success.
Specifically, Joseph discusses:
(02:24) How branding strategies have evolved over the last decade and what remains essential.
(03:31) The role of powerful insights in shaping successful brands.
(04:07) The impact of social media’s rapid monetization on brand building.
(06:05) Why brands that focus on growth hacking without a solid foundation often struggle.
(15:09) The importance of creating an authentic brand experience and engaging customers as influencers.
(20:34) How Kits.com leveraged micro-influencers and social shopping to drive growth.
(25:38) Removing cost barriers encouraged more people to try Kits.com and spread the word.
(29:48) The effectiveness of localized marketing strategies in building community-driven brand awareness.
(36:45) AI helps personalize marketing and optimize inventory, improving efficiency and customer experience.
(38:12) How AI and AR will shape the future of marketing, branding, and eyewear technology.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephanthonythompson/
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#BrandBuilding #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI
Think marketing to developers is all about hoodies and hackathons? Think again. As the developer-led economy is poised to grow to a TRILLION dollars, companies that offer products for developers must refocus to a business-to-developer (B2D) model as developers become not only users of products, but key purchase influencers.
In this episode, Nnamdi Iregbulem, Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Joyce Lin, Head of Developer Relations at Viam, and Caroline Lewko, CEO of Revere Communications, reveal actionable insights for building and scaling developer relations programs that drive adoption, loyalty, and growth in a developer-led economy.
Specifically, you’ll learn:
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnamdiiregbulem/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-lin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinelewko/
Lightspeed Venture Partners | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeed-venture-partners/
Lightspeed Venture Partners | Website -
https://lsvp.com/
Viam | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/viaminc/
Viam | Website -
https://www.viam.com/
https://www.reverecommunications.com/
Tyler Jewell’s research on developer-led markets -
https://tylerjewell.substack.com/p/the-developer-led-landscape-20-08-28
Stack Overflow Developer Survey -
https://survey.stackoverflow.com/2024/
GitLab’s “Everyone Can Contribute” philosophy -
https://gitlab.com/
“Developer Relations: How to Build and Grow a Successful DevRel Program” by Caroline Lewko and James Parton - https://www.devrel.agency/book
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com.
Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI.
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada’s Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch’s programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com.
#DeveloperRelations #BusinessToDeveloper #B2D #Product #Marketing #Innovation #Startup #GenerativeAI #AI
Farhan Thawar, VP and Head of Engineering at Shopify, reflects on the evolution of remote work, hiring strategies and the role of artificial intelligence in engineering. Farhan shares insights drawn from his extensive experience, including founding and scaling startups and contributing to shaping Shopify’s engineering culture.
Farhan discusses:
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - The evolution of remote work
05:41 - How Shopify integrates in-person connections
08:03 - Why structured in-office experiences benefit early talent
11:32 - Building trust in remote or hybrid work environments
12:30 - How Farhan leverages the advantages of remote work
13:35 - How to apply Shopify’s best practices to other companies
17:26 - Hiring generalists over specialists in early-stage companies
27:45 - How to set meaningful professional goals
35:18 - Why Shopify is hiring a thousand interns in 2025
38:23 - How Shopify is using AI in hiring
43:30 - How AI is transforming pair programming and coding interviews
48:09 - Cybersecurity today
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fnthawar/
Shopify | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopify/
https://www.shopify.com/careers
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#RemoteWork #HybridWork #EngineeringLeadership #Product #Marketing #Innovation #Startup #GenerativeAI #AI
The biggest outcomes tend to be founder-led, and building anything great is a long and hard journey. In this episode, Mark MacLeod,, Startup CEO Coach and host of the Startup CEO Podcast, shares his framework for generating long term sustainable results without burning out and without sacrificing company performance.
Mark has spent over two decades helping high-growth technology companies achieve their potential. As a former CFO for industry leaders like Shopify and FreshBooks, a venture capitalist, and the founder of an investment bank, Mark has navigated everything from failures to driving hundreds of millions in financing and exits. Mark balances his professional achievements with his passions as a yoga instructor, CrossFit enthusiast, and electronic music producer.
Specifically, Mark discusses:
- How founders can align personal and professional goals for sustained success.
- The seven personal practices that foster peak performance for startup CEOs.
- Why founders must reinvent themselves to match their company’s growth.
- The importance of building intentional boundaries to balance work and life.
- How to leverage senior leadership to amplify organizational impact.
- Why connecting with peers and advisors is crucial for overcoming isolation.
- The role of fun and personal passions in reducing stress and enhancing creativity.
- Strategies for maintaining mental and physical health in high-growth environments.
Resources Mentioned:
Mark MacLeod | Website -
https://markmacleod.me/
Mark MacLeod | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/
Ikigai Explained -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai
“Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker -
https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144324
https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#startupleadership #founderjourney #ceoinsights #product #marketing #innovation #startup #generativeai #AI
Marissa Chacko, Former Director of Product Management at Google, kicks off the inaugural episode of “The NextWave Podcast by Traction” with a discussion on the evolution of conversational agents and AI technology. With over a decade of experience spanning companies like Google, Lyft and Foursquare, Marissa examines the shift from clunky bots to sophisticated AI agents, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges within this rapidly evolving landscape.
Specifically, Marissa discusses:
- How conversational agents have evolved from simple bots to AI-driven assistants.
- Why memory and personalization are pivotal to advancing AI capabilities.
- The balance between leveraging creativity and minimizing hallucination in AI models.
- How companies can unlock private data to build tailored AI solutions.
- The ethical considerations and societal impact of integrating AI into daily life.
- The emerging role of AI-native companies in disrupting traditional markets.
- Why collaboration across ecosystems is critical for the next wave of AI innovation.
- The potential for AI to bridge gaps in healthcare, global research and societal challenges.
Resources Mentioned:
Google Assistant - https://assistant.google.com
Foursquare - https://foursquare.com
This episode is brought to you by:
Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com
Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI
Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca
Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com
#ConversationalAI #TechInnovation #HumanComputerInteraction #Product #Marketing #Innovation #Startup #GenerativeAI #AI