DesignRush Podcast

Is your outreach driving ROI, or just clogging inboxes? In episode No. 96 of the DesignRush Podcast, Brian Minick (COO, ZeroBounce) and Keryn Gold (CEO, Lead With Gold) reveal why most B2B teams are still getting cold outreach wrong — and how smarter data and segmentation change everything. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How bad data kills deliverability ✔️ Where AI improves outreach ✔️ What “day zero ROI” means for your CRM ✔️ Why behavioral segmentation outperforms demographics Like, comment, and subscribe — and if you’ve got a story to share, email spotlight@designrush.com.FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

How are the smartest eCommerce agencies driving year-over-year growth — and doing it without the limits of SaaS?In this episode, Tamara Niesen, CMO at WooCommerce and former Shopify executive, shares how agencies are scaling faster by building long-term partnerships on open source. She breaks down real examples of revenue lift, premium service models, and the exact support WooCommerce offers to help agencies thrive.Whether you’re leading a digital agency or building a commerce tech stack, this conversation will shift your thinking on flexibility, profitability, and platform control.🎯 What You’ll Learn:How open source helps agencies grow recurring revenueWhy control over code, data, and hosting creates long-term valueReal-world case studies (including Boost Oxygen + Klaviyo)What WooCommerce’s Automattic for Agencies program unlocksWhy WooCommerce is attracting high-value, enterprise merchants📈 Watch now and learn how to build smarter, scale faster, and double down on agency-led commerce growth.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube🔔 Subscribe, like, and share for more insights #WooCommerce #OpenSource #AgencyGrowth #EcommerceStrategy #DesignRushPodcast #DigitalCommerce #RecurringRevenue

There’s a $13 trillion market most businesses still overlook. Can your brand afford to? In this episode, Tiffany Yu, CEO of Diversability® and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, breaks down the real cost of ignoring disability inclusion and the growth potential when companies get it right. What you'll learn: How the global disability community holds $13 trillion in consumer power What Walmart and Goldman Sachs are doing to embed accessibility How to move beyond surface-level DEI Where AI fits into the future of inclusive design What it takes to build a workplace where access is the default This isn’t about compliance. It’s about leadership. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. #DisabilityInclusion #BusinessStrategy #Accessibility #InclusiveLeadership #DesignRushPodcast FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH

“Be careful about being too forward looking… Stay focused on a narrow use case and a narrow feature set, and getting product-market fit.” — Steve Oriola In this episode, Steve Oriola, CEO of Unbounce and Insightly CRM, breaks down the 6 most common mistakes SaaS companies make when trying to scale — from chasing features too early to misunderstanding TCO and ignoring critical metrics like LTV-to-CAC. He explains why AI must be practical, not hype-driven, and how leadership evolves from “hunting down people who weren’t accomplishing tasks” to “helping people more than driving people.” 🚀 Key takeaways: “People want to do good work… Leadership is about creating the want.” “You need to be prototyping and testing because the way users interact with SaaS is going to change drastically.” “Conversion rate when an email is getting you to a landing page is 19%.” “If it’s not 3X [LTV-to-CAC], your business is not going to scale.” Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full video on YouTube. #SaaS #StartupGrowth #CRM #AI #Leadership #SteveOriola #DesignRushPodcast

AI isn’t failing — your mindset is.  Dr. Joerg Storm, CEO of Digital STORM, reveals the real reason most digital transformation and AI projects stall — and what leaders must do to scale with clarity, speed, and strategy. 🎙 In this episode: The #1 mindset shift leaders must make to scale AI Why “speed beats perfection” in digital transformation The 4 KPIs every successful AI initiative needs How to go from pilot projects to full-scale execution What top agencies do differently to earn trust and results Preparing for real-time AI, hyper-personalization, and governance 🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights from the world’s top digital leaders.  📺 Watch on YouTube | 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & more. #DigitalTransformation #AILeadership #JoergStorm #MindsetShift #BusinessStrategy #AIIntegration #DesignRushPodcast 

Gratitude won’t save your team — unless it’s backed by real leadership. In this episode, New York Times bestselling author and workplace strategist Chester Elton breaks down why gratitude is only powerful when paired with communication, trust, and culture — especially in times of crisis. He shares hard-earned lessons from companies like WD-40, Texas Roadhouse, and American Express, and reveals what great leaders do daily to retain top talent, reduce anxiety, and build truly resilient teams. 🎯 You’ll learn: Why recognition is a measurable leadership habit — not fluff What “I noticed…” can do for mental health at work How top teams use joy, not fear, to boost performance The #1 reason high performers leave — and how to prevent it How to lead like a coach, not a boss Why crisis-proof cultures are built before the crisis ever hits Chester also shares the traits he looks for in agency partners — and the red flags that kill trust. 📌 Watch the full interview and subscribe for more leadership insights. 🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #GratitudeAtWork #RetentionStrategy #B2BLeadership #ChesterElton #DesignRushPodcast FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH

In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, game marketing leader and Stealth CEO Guy Costantini reveals how legendary franchises like The Witcher 3, League of Legends, and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners earned their place in pop culture. Guy breaks down the hidden strategy behind gaming’s biggest hits, the difference between hype and heart, and how stealth-mode studios can outmaneuver the giants. Whether you build games, brands, or creative teams, this episode shows how to make your next launch unforgettable. What You’ll Learn: 🎯 Why passion is still your biggest strategic advantage 🧩 How to spot “unfair advantages” behind breakout game IP 🤖 When to trust AI — and when to follow your creative gut 🌍 Why cultural fluency matters for global teams and brands 🎧 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on branding, strategy, and creative innovation #GamingMarketing #GameDev #TransmediaIP #CreativeLeadership #DesignRushPodcast #GuyCostantini #GameStudios #AIInGames FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH

Stop Hoping — Start Planning. Fix Projects Fast. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, world-renowned trainer and LinkedIn Learning author Chris Croft shares the surprisingly simple tools that rescue failing projects and why most teams don’t use them. From chaotic timelines to overworked teams, Chris breaks down why Gantt charts (yes, even in Excel) remain the most powerful tool for regaining control — even more than Agile in many cases. Whether you lead projects, run an agency, or just want to deliver better — this episode gives you the clarity to do it right. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why most project failures start with missing plans  📊 How to rebuild momentum using a simple Gantt chart  🧠 The mindset shift that gets team buy-in and ownership  💡 Why structure beats speed in creative and agency work  🤖 When to use AI in project planning — and when not to 🎧 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts  🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on leadership, delivery, and creative growth #ProjectManagement #GanttChart #ChrisCroft #LeadershipTips #DesignRushPodcast #AIinProjects #AgencyDelivery 

Stop Spreading Yourself Thin. Say ‘No’ to Win. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, Brand New: a collective Co-Founder Kellie Pean and Managing Director Sophie Jacoel share the real strategies behind their agency’s year-over-year growth — including one that might surprise you: saying “no.” From avoiding burnout to retaining long-term clients, these founders break down how clarity, boundaries, and culture-first leadership helped them scale without selling out. What You’ll Learn: How saying “no” actually drives growth Tips to prevent agency burnout and team fatigue How to retain clients without chasing every pitch The link between clarity and creative excellence Why niche focus builds trust and authority 🎧 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for weekly agency growth insights #AgencyGrowth #ClientRetention #BurnoutPrevention #CreativeLeadership #DesignRushPodcast FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

Most agencies don’t scale because of client pressure — they stall because of internal misalignment. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, 5WPR’s Managing Partners, Ilisa Wirgin and Leigh-Ann Ambrosi, reveal how culture-first leadership protects creativity, inspires teams, and fuels sustainable growth — even under pressure. From how AI is shifting PR visibility to why affiliate strategies now drive earned placements, they unpack the hard truths about leadership, trust, and what it really takes to scale without burning out your people. What You’ll Learn: The culture mistake stalling your growth How to keep top talent engaged Why listening beats pitching Why specialists outperform generalists How AI and affiliate PR shift earned media Why long-term clients matter most 🎧 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. 💌 Want to be featured? Email spotlight@designrush.com 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights on agency growth and leadership. #CultureFirst #AgencyLeadership #PRStrategy #ClientTrust #AffiliatePR #AIInMarketing #DesignRushPodcast FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

Launching an unvalidated MVP can cost you big — sometimes six figures. In this episode, David Barlev, CEO & Co‑Founder of Goji Labs, pulls back the curtain on a strategy‑first product approach that helps founders test ideas early, fight emotional bias, and build lean, data‑driven prototypes. What you’ll learn: Why “perfect MVPs” waste time and money The powerful “castle vs shack” mindset for lean validation How the North Star Workshop helps rank features by real value Ways to prototype with AI to test early signal Why message‑market fit is as crucial as product features Watch now, and don’t forget to subscribe for insider tactics for founders, CPOs, and B2B leaders. #startup #productvalidation #MVP #UX #gotomarket #founders FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH

Most founders focus on tools rather than presence. In this episode, Katmai Tech CEO Erik Braund reveals why scheduled meetings and video calls are killing remote team culture, and what it actually takes to scale successfully without a physical office. You’ll learn: Why “your calendar is bricked”, and that’s a culture problem, not a productivity one How Katmai turns scheduled meetings into spontaneous 5-minute conversations The one mistake companies make when replicating physical offices online Why the most important conversations happen after the meeting What Fortune 500s are learning from early adopters of virtual HQs Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube #RemoteWork #StartupCulture #WorkplaceInnovation #VirtualOffice #FutureOfWork #KatmaiTech FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

What Most Founders Get Wrong About Scaling with AI Too many service businesses are overhiring, overspending, and still underdelivering. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, Pavel Sher — Founder & CEO of FuseBase — breaks down why scaling with AI fails for most teams, and how to get it right from day one. This isn’t just about automation. It’s about building lean, intelligent systems that actually work. In episode #93, you’ll learn: Why AI agents should act like team members — not tools The two biggest mistakes founders make when scaling ops How smart client portals drive trust, retention, and revenue The one question every decision-maker should ask before buying a SaaS tool How FuseBase builds AI agents for sales, support, and post-project engagement If you’re scaling a service business, this is your blueprint for doing more with less — and doing it smarter. Watch now and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. #AIagents #FuseBase #ClientPortals #ServiceBusiness #DesignRushPodcast #ScalingWithAI FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

In Episode 92 of the DesignRush Podcast, host Kia Johnson speaks with two high-performing founders who’ve scaled companies in high-pressure industries — without sacrificing integrity or efficiency. Kenny Kelley, CEO of Silent Beacon, shares how a life-altering moment inspired a safety product that now protects thousands. Chris Raulf, CEO of Boulder SEO Marketing, explains how visibility and credibility grow from content, not cold calls. What you’ll learn: How to scale without compromising trust or team health Why performance-driven SEO beats broad tactics The real cost of premature hiring and outbound fatigue How founder-led clarity fuels sustainable growth This episode is for leaders who want traction that lasts — and messaging that resonates beyond the pitch deck. #B2BGrowth #SEOLeadership #StartupLessons #DesignRushPodcast FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

What if your next assistant isn’t a person, but your PC? In episode No. 91 of the DesignRush Podcast, Lenovo VP Tom Butler explains how next-gen PCs are changing how teams operate. These devices adapt to your workflow, automate repetitive tasks, and manage security directly on the machine. These new systems should provide people more time to think, create, and solve problems. And they’ll significantly reduce manual work, speed up decision-making, and bring more control to the user. Watch the full episode to learn what’s behind the shift to smarter, on-device technology — and why it matters for business leaders. #AIPCs #FutureOfWork #EnterpriseTech #HybridComputing #DigitalTools #Lenovo #WorkplaceInnovation #EdgeComputing #TomButler #ProductivityTech #DesignRushPodcast FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

Why are marketers being sidelined in strategic decisions? The problem isn’t data — it’s what you do with it. In Episode 90 of the DesignRush Podcast, Stacey Danheiser, COO of Impressa AI and founder of Shake Marketing, reveals the #1 reason marketing gets ignored in the boardroom — and what to do about it. With 14 years inside Fortune 500s and over a decade advising growth-stage teams, Stacey unpacks how execution-first mindsets, shallow customer insight, and weak internal positioning keep marketers out of strategic conversations. For CMOs, marketing leads, and business unit heads, this is essential listening. You’ll learn why insight — not output — earns influence. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why marketers lose credibility inside the boardroom ✔️ The one move that earns marketing a voice in business strategy ✔️ How customer insights rebuild trust and internal alignment ✔️ The A3 leadership framework every marketer should master ✔️ Real-world examples of how learning drives measurable ROI Watch now to uncover why marketers are shut out of strategy—and how to change the game. Got a story for the podcast? Email us: spotlight@designrush.com — and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support our channel. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #leadershipinbusiness

Are you scaling your business — or just overbuilding your team? In Episode 89 of the DesignRush Podcast, Carlo Rivis (CEO, Innovation Discovery) and Julia Arpag (Founder, Aligned Recruitment) break down how founders and growth-stage companies can scale smarter — without overhiring. In 2025, U.S. companies have already laid off 3.5 million workers, many due to aggressive headcount growth without sustainable systems. Carlo shares how innovation is stifled by outdated frameworks, while Julia offers hiring strategies used by SaaS startups, Series A leaders, and top recruitment teams. Together, they challenge the traditional growth playbook — and lay out a leaner, faster path forward. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why overhiring slows growth — and how to fix it ✔️ When to hire, outsource, or optimize your team ✔️ How team structures are shifting in tech and B2B ✔️ Why unconventional thinkers drive scale ✔️ How to grow through systems — not just headcount If you’re a founder, executive, or recruiting leader rethinking your growth strategy for 2025, this episode is for you. Got a story for the podcast? Email us at spotlight@designrush.com Like, comment, and subscribe to stay ahead of the curve.

Is your executive brand opening doors — or closing them behind you? In Episode 88 of the DesignRush Podcast, Adam Broda—executive career strategist, former Amazon and Boeing leader, and Founder of Broda Coaching—shares how over 300 senior professionals landed roles at Tesla, Meta, Google, and beyond. For executives and senior professionals, the job market isn’t about experience — it’s about value clarity. Adam reveals why many high performers get overlooked and how you can build a career brand that attracts opportunity, influence, and leverage. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why high-level résumés filled with tasks fail to impress ✔️ The secret to attracting roles—not just recruiters ✔️ Why personal brand = career insurance ✔️ How to become in-demand, not just available ✔️ What strategic visibility does for your compensation, network, and influence Stop relying on outdated methods. Start positioning like a high-value executive. Watch now and discover how to lead your career like a business. Got a story for the podcast? Email us: spotlight@designrush.com — and be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to support our channel.

Is your business strategy preparing you for the future — or setting you up for disruption? In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, Global Strategist Rishad Tobaccowala, the former Chief Growth Officer of Publicis Groupe — shares a new way to think about strategy: It’s your “future competitive advantage.” Here, he discusses why nailing your strategy (and fixing broken ones) matters more than ever — and how brands like Amazon, Google, and Delta stay ahead. What you’ll learn: ✔️ Why most strategies are backward-looking — and how to rethink yours ✔️ How companies like Microsoft and Domino’s reinvented themselves ✔️ Why business transformation starts with people, not technology ✔️ How overconfidence leads to self-disruption ✔️ The dangers of relying only on dashboards to measure success Lead the future — don’t chase it. Watch now and rethink how you grow, lead, and compete. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH ☑️ Website: https://www.designrush.com/☑️ Instagram: / designrushmag ☑️ LinkedIn: / designrush ABOUT DESIGNRUSHDesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects. FOLLOW DESIGNRUSH#BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #DesignRushPodcast #RishadTobaccowala #BusinessTransformation #StrategicThinking #InnovationInBusiness #GrowthStrategy #LeadershipInBusiness

The No. 1 Financial Leak Killing Your Profit Margin (And How to Plug It)If you’re a CEO or business owner, you may be losing profits — and not even know it. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, Robert Day, managing partner of weAudit.com, shares how his team has helped companies recover more than $10 million annually from hidden credit card processing fees.He’s audited Fortune 500 companies, uncovered $7 million in overcharges for a single client, and helped brands stop the leaks silently draining their bottom line.What you’ll learn:Why “low rates” are often misleadingHow one company lost $21 million by delaying actionWhere processors hide fees behind made-up termsThe 2.25% benchmark every CFO should trackHow to scale smarter — without resorting to layoffsDon’t just grow. Grow smart.Watch now and learn how to plug the profit leaks before they sink your scale.