Shift & Thrive: CEO Insights on Driving Change

In this special solo episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie steps back from the usual interview format to reflect on the year, what it taught leaders, what themes surfaced repeatedly, and what’s ahead. The episode invites listeners to slow down during the holiday season and consider the lessons they want to carry forward into the new year.A Look Back: Lessons That Shaped This YearOpenness is the starting point for transformation. Leaders and teams grow when they stay open to new ideas, new paths, and new challenges, even before the answers are clear.Curiosity is a powerful leadership skill. Whether it involved listening to dissenting voices or asking bolder questions, curiosity proved to be a consistent catalyst for stronger strategies and more connected teams.Real change requires patience and adaptability. Even when leaders know exactly where they want to go, guiding a team through change rarely moves as quickly or cleanly as planned. Links:Natalie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienathanson/ Website: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com/insights/podcast/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does real growth look like when leaders reinvent themselves, rebuild systems, and rediscover purpose? This special Shift & Thrive compilation brings together unforgettable stories and lessons from some of the year’s most thoughtful leaders. Listen to our guests share insights about transforming AI’s evolution into human-like teammates and the profound clarity that comes from surviving a life-threatening disaster. Across technology, mindset, communication, and personal resilience, each guest offers a different lens on what it means to lead with intention. These stories remind us that progress isn’t just about scaling companies or refining strategy; it’s about identity, patience, preparation, and meaningful service.Takeaways:Design for human experience, not just efficiency. As AI becomes more agentic, users need support in shifting from command-based tools to true collaboration with technology.Presence is a leadership skill. Balancing ambition with mindfulness prevents burnout and allows leaders to show up more effectively for their teams and families. A grounded leader makes better long-term decisions.Habits and endurance fuel sustainable growth. Whether training for triathlons or scaling a business, progress comes from consistent behaviors and the willingness to push through discomfort. Identity drives behavior change. Seeing yourself differently, as a CEO, an athlete, or a healthier person, creates the conditions for new choices. When identity shifts, habits follow naturally.Strong systems prevent overwhelm. Like sports teams that rehearse repeatedly, businesses need documentation, practice, and structure so challenges stay manageable.Purpose elevates leadership. When leaders orient their work toward service rather than self-preservation, they build deeper meaning and stronger impact. Links:Matt Darrow, CEO & Co-Founder at Vivun LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdarrow/ Full Episode: https://youtu.be/vcjoj95EriI Pete Martin, Co-Founder & CEO at Realm.SecurityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-martin-b2199334/ Full Episode: https://youtu.be/8RaHrjlEadg Nathan Whittacre, Founder and CEO at Stimulus TechnologiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwhittacre/ Full Episode: https://youtu.be/1d22cHtNRGo Rich Walker, CEO at Quik!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quikformsceo/ Full Episode: https://youtu.be/0w8p9nTWrAk AJ Meyer, CEO at Pickle Robot CompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-meyer-2457594/ Full Episode: https://youtu.be/P6KBLGOUJmQ Pete Jones, CEO & Founder at Grypp Corp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-jones-gryppcorp/ Full Episode: https://youtu.be/cRFUVVTazKE John Graham, Executive Director at The Giraffe Heroes Project LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnagraham1/ Full Episode: https://youtu.be/1iTda8jrlwA Bill Flynn, CEO/Chief Catalyst at Catalyst Growth AdvisorsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billflynnpublic/   Full Episode: https://youtu.be/Stfvg2-d5HU  Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClf9QxGUxZw_Sv8_4bZP34Q This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What happens when leaders discover that most barriers to transformation come from within their own systems rather than the people inside them? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with transformation strategist Marcia Daszko, whose work with CEOs, boards, and executive teams has shaped transformations across industries from Fortune 50 corporations to school districts and private companies on the brink of collapse. Marcia shares why meaningful transformation always begins with personal change, why leaders must embrace curiosity and courage, and why systems, not individuals, determine performance. She explains how clarity of aim creates alignment and why most companies sabotage themselves by clinging to old management habits. Together, Natalie and Marcia explore the stamina required to lead through uncertainty, the impact of fear on productivity, and the risks of layering new technologies like AI on top of broken processesTakeaways:Curiosity is the entry point to transformation. Leaders must develop a habit of questioning their assumptions, challenging long-held beliefs, and examining the practices they’ve accepted as normal. Courage determines whether learning turns into action. The leaders who succeed push through discomfort, confront outdated systems, and take ownership of the conditions they’ve created, even when it means letting go of familiar habits.Systems drive results, not individual effort. When performance stalls, most leaders look to accountability or evaluation tactics. Marcia urges the opposite: redesign the system.Fear quietly erodes productivity and profits. Naming and removing those fears builds trust, unlocks creativity, and helps people contribute without self-protection getting in the way.Flow is the north star of transformation. When barriers, waste, complexity, and unnecessary practices are removed, work, communication, and innovation move more naturally. Transformation becomes less about force and more about enabling conditions.AI is not a shortcut; it’s an amplifier. Leaders who apply AI to broken systems risk multiplying waste. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciadaszko/ Email: md@mdaszko.comPhone Number: 408-398-7220 Website: https://mdaszko.com Pivot, Disrupt, and Transform Book: https://a.co/d/gjnqCwF Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

Why do some leaders thrive in ambiguity, and how can you build that same capability across your organization? In this episode, Natalie sits down with Elizabeth Harz, CEO of Veriato, to explore what it really takes to lead through continuous transformation. Elizabeth’s career has spanned enterprise technology, digital media, gaming, edtech, and now insider-risk management and behavioral intelligence. Throughout each chapter, she’s built a repeatable yet flexible approach to change, grounded in curiosity, structured communication, and deep respect for leadership as a discipline. Together, Natalie and Elizabeth unpack the realities of guiding organizations through fast-moving environments, especially in a world where change no longer has a clear endpoint. They also discuss Veriato’s evolution, the shifting landscape of security, and the growing need for proactive, behavior-driven insight inside modern companies.Takeaways:Treat leadership as a discipline, not an instinct. Elizabeth emphasizes that strong leadership requires intentional skill-building, just like product development or finance.Normalize change and get comfortable with ambiguity. The real work is creating clarity of vision, psychological safety, and an honest acknowledgment that some team members will opt in at different speeds. Use your network as a strategic asset. Elizabeth highlights the value of both formal and informal networks for navigating complex decisions. When challenges arise, trusted peers can accelerate clarity.Involve the organization early and often. Listening tours surfaced the insights, skepticism, and creativity needed to shape the path ahead.Create early wins to build belief. Skeptics often become the strongest champions once they see progress. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eharz/ Website: https://veriato.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does it really take to build and evolve a go-to-market engine that drives sustainable growth in today’s environment? This week, we’re re-airing one of our most popular conversations from the Shift & Thrive Go-To-Market Miniseries: a deep dive with Scott Brown, Partner and Head of Platform & Go-To-Market at Cervin Ventures. It’s packed with practical insights for leaders rethinking how their teams generate and retain revenue in a changing market.Takeaways:Use data to challenge assumptions. Inbound signals often reveal overlooked opportunities; the right metrics can prove where to shift focus and resources.Test, learn, then commit. Approach go-to-market changes with a hypothesis mindset. Controlled experiments reduce risk and build confidence in new strategies.Align your teams early. Sales, marketing, and customer success should share language, systems, and goals to drive retention and expansion, not just acquisition.Balance human and AI strengths. AI can amplify strategy, but only when teams have the right foundations and oversight to guide automation effectively.Keep the human in the loop. AI tools are powerful accelerators, but without human judgment and oversight, they can magnify errors or inefficiencies.Lay strong operational foundations. Even the most advanced tools can’t fix a flawed setup. Double-check your systems before scaling.Invest in customer success before it’s a problem. Retention planning should be part of your first go-to-market blueprint, not a late-stage fix.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsbrown7/ Website: https://www.cervinventures.com Email: scott@cervinventures.com Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does it take to balance innovation with reality when AI moves faster than your market? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Yossi Carmon, CEO of Accelario, to unpack what it really means to lead through transformation in the age of AI. Drawing on his early startup lessons and his experience leading tech companies, Yossi explores how founders and CEOs can stay rooted in customer needs while effectively harnessing cutting-edge technology. He also shares how authenticity is redefining go-to-market strategies and reflects on the personal side of leadership.Takeaways:Don’t fall in love with your technology. Yossi reminds leaders that ideas only matter when they deliver real value. Falling for the tech instead of the problem leads to missed opportunities.Let technology be part of the journey, not the destination. Founders who treat AI as a partner rather than a replacement for judgment will build stronger, more relevant products.Listen before you build. Asking customers what they truly need may reveal that only a fraction of your original idea is necessary to succeed.Stay on your toes. The business landscape, especially with AI, is shifting daily. Leaders must constantly reassess strategy, pricing, and messaging to stay relevant.Lead with clarity and heart. Yossi’s approach to leadership emphasizes honesty, fast decision-making, and transparency as keys to building trust and culture.Be authentic in your marketing. With AI flooding channels with content, customers crave human connection and genuine experiences more than ever.Know when to step aside, or level up. Strong founders bring in people who are smarter than they are in key areas. Growth requires courage and humility.Quote of the Show:“Your startup cannot be just about your technology. It has to be about searching for and understanding the true value for your customer. Otherwise, you end up building something that’s irrelevant for customers.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yossicarmon/ Website: https://accelario.com/ Email: yossi.carmon@gmail.com Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

How can marketing leaders build go-to-market engines that evolve with today’s fast-changing buyer behaviors, while using AI intentionally, not accidentally, to drive meaningful transformation? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Sajag Chikarsal, GTM Leader, advisor, and ex-Celona, Google, and Zscaler. His career spans every stage of company growth, from being the first marketing hire at Zscaler to leading global campaigns at Google Cloud. Sajag shares hard-won lessons on transforming go-to-market strategy, the role of AI as the new GTM operating system, and why foundational clarity still matters more than ever. He unpacks the frameworks that helped Google Cloud scale from $1B to $5B per quarter, explains how startups can practically implement AI, and reveals how marketing leaders can build teams ready for the next wave of transformation.Takeaways:One message doesn’t fit all. Craft different layers of communication for CXOs, directors, and practitioners while keeping a unified campaign thread.AI is your new operating system. When governed and integrated correctly, it can turn fragmented GTM efforts into a cohesive, data-driven engine.Foundations before ROI. Data hygiene, clear ownership, and structured enablement are prerequisites before expecting measurable AI returns.Start small with AI. Create an internal AI council and a library, and empower teams to experiment with tools they already use.Personalize at scale. Custom GPTs can turn complex ABM research into minutes-long workflows, amplifying insight and speed across teams.Marketing owns the customer journey. Its role is to orchestrate, not just communicate, connecting every touchpoint from brand to demand.Quote of the Show:“There is only one function in the company that has full visibility of the customer lifecycle or the customer journey, marketing. And that's the reason I love marketing, because yoy understand the overall journey and know how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajagchikarsal/ Website: https://celona.io/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does it take to build a go-to-market motion that actually works today? In this special compilation of Shift & Thrive, host Natalie Nathanson brings together insights from CEOs, founders, and marketing leaders who’ve learned that growth starts and ends with one thing: the customer. As markets evolve and AI-generated content floods every channel, connecting with buyers requires a deeper, more dynamic understanding of what really drives their decisions. You’ll hear how leaders are redefining customer-centric growth as they avoid tech-first messaging traps, strengthen alignment across teams, and rally their organizations around a shared view of the customer.Takeaways:Start with customer truths, not assumptions. Most teams can’t clearly explain why their best customers buy. Without that clarity, go-to-market strategies rely on luck instead of insight.Stay close to your market. Long-term success comes from being genuinely curious and consistently showing up for your customers, even when your product isn’t a perfect fit yet.Build trust before the sale. Transparency and honest conversations about fit create lasting client relationships and save time for both sides.Use process insights to innovate. Mapping customer processes, not just needs, can uncover automation opportunities and help scale efficiency.Listen for what isn’t being said. Uncovering the unspoken drivers behind customer behavior can transform how you position and message your product.Align incentives around customer success. Simplifying compensation and focusing on client satisfaction over net-new sales strengthens loyalty and drives long-term value.Links:Bill Flynn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billflynnpublic/ Matt McCrann’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmccrann/ Pete Jones’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-jones-gryppcorp/ Phil Duffy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipfduffy/ Konstantin Vilk’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konstantin-vilk/ Brad McGinity’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcginity/ Matt Farry’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfarry87/ James Loffler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesloffler/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does it take to lead a company through transformation while keeping people motivated, curious, and focused on the future? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Matt Waxman, Chief Product Officer at Arctera, a data management company reimagining how enterprises handle compliance, resilience, and lifecycle governance. From making people “comfortably uncomfortable” to creating a culture that embraces experimentation, Matt explores how leaders can align teams around a shared strategy, harness AI as an accelerator (not a replacement), and keep transformation human-centered.Takeaways:Culture drives transformation. Change only sticks when people feel safe to take risks and fail forward, creating an environment where learning and experimentation are rewarded.Make people uncomfortably comfortable. Growth requires disruption; leaders must push teams to think differently while maintaining psychological safety and trust.Lead with clarity, not chaos. Aligning on strategy first, why and what success looks like, sets the foundation before diving into structure, goals, or execution.Focus is your growth engine. Narrowing your go-to-market efforts, customer touchpoints, and messaging allows for deeper impact and more meaningful relationships.AI should eliminate “soul-crushing work.” Use AI to remove repetitive tasks, accelerate creativity, and empower teams to focus on strategic thinking.Adapt your leadership to the moment. Situational leadership, balancing consistency in values with flexibility in approach, is key to thriving through any transformation.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-waxman-9a2411/ Website: https://www.arctera.io/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What can entrepreneurs learn from bootstrapping a startup, leading with empathy, and embracing the mindset of “Why not?” even when the odds are slim? In this episode, Natalie Nathanson sits down with serial entrepreneur Sanjay Manandhar, whose journey from Nepal to Massachusetts is filled with resilience, creativity, and servant leadership. Sanjay shares how bootstrapping shaped his approach to business, why every founder should learn sales, and how embracing the philosophy of “Why Not” can unlock opportunities that seem out of reach. From running Nepal’s first ISPs to founding AI-driven cybersecurity startup Zifino, his story is a masterclass in perseverance, empathy, and innovation.Takeaways:Bootstrapping builds discipline. Running lean forces founders to focus on cost control, deliberate hiring, and creative solutions for sustaining both business and personal life.Founders must learn to sell. Sanjay’s success started with direct outreach, proving that understanding your customers firsthand is a non-negotiable skill.Channel partners create scale. Moving from direct sales to partner-first strategies can expand reach, leverage existing networks, and accelerate growth.Servant leadership pays dividends. Prioritizing employee well-being through fair compensation, full health coverage, and stock options builds loyalty and innovation.AI should be embraced, not feared. Leaders who support retraining and reallocation of talent can help teams thrive in times of disruption.Adopt a ‘Why Not’ mindset. Pursuing low-probability opportunities often leads to surprising success; commitment greatly increases your odds.Balance sustains entrepreneurship. Building relationships, prioritizing health, and making time for passions outside of work prevent burnout and keep leaders grounded.Quote of the Show:“Always take care of your people—not only for the loyalty, but for the motivation and innovation that comes from a relaxed and appreciative workforce. It enables you to come up with all sorts of new products and ideas”.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaymanandhar/ Website: https://zifino.com/ Email: sanjay@zifino.com Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClf9QxGUxZw_Sv8_4bZP34Q This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com

How can CEOs adapt their go-to-market strategy when the old playbooks no longer deliver results? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Stephen Ochs, Head of Marketing at Selector, to explore how startups can build smarter go-to-market engines in today’s market. Stephen shares his experience leading marketing and biz dev teams in SaaS companies from Series A through Series C, and why he believes influencer-driven community marketing and AI-powered operations are changing the game.Takeaways:Rethink traditional channels. Paid search, PPC, and even SEO are more costly and less effective than before. CEOs need to support their teams in testing new paths for growth.Invest in influencer-driven trust. Technical buyers want to hear from peers, not marketers. Empowering credible voices builds authenticity and lowers cost per lead.Balance brand and data. Influencer and community plays may not show immediate ROI, but revenue impact becomes clear if your team consistently tracks first-party data.AI is a tool, not a shortcut. CEOs should ensure data foundations are in place before expecting AI to deliver value. Good data hygiene is the prerequisite for effective AI adoption.Promote sales–marketing unity. When biz dev and marketing are aligned, sellers can focus on closing while BDRs and marketers drive pipeline health, shortening cycles and improving quality.Think long-term. Don’t sacrifice sustainable growth for short-term fixes. CEOs must encourage patience while still pushing for wins along the way.Overcommunicate with your team. Leaders need consistent, transparent updates. Even when things are going well, clear reporting builds trust and resilience.Quote of the Show:“ I think it's important to take off the rose-colored glasses with AI. AI doesn't work without good data. If you stumble into AI and expect value on day one, but you don't have the good foundations to feed it, it's not going to be impactful.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-ochs-mba-1681ba19/  Company Website: https://www.selector.ai/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClf9QxGUxZw_Sv8_4bZP34Q This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

How can executives harness AI without losing sight of strong business foundations? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie welcomes back Adi Klevit, Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group. With more than 25 years of experience, Adi has been at the forefront of helping organizations build scalable systems and adapt to transformative technologies. She shares how process documentation lays the groundwork for effective AI adoption, what leaders must prioritize as they navigate change, and how she uses AI herself as a strategic thought partner.Takeaways:Clear processes are essential before layering on AI; without them, automation creates inefficiency instead of solving it.Start with simple, high-impact use cases for AI to build momentum and demonstrate value before tackling complex workflows.Document both stable and evolving processes; even shorthand notes or recordings prevent lost knowledge during change.Encourage team adoption by providing resources, training, and reassurance that AI complements rather than replaces their roles.Free up leadership capacity by delegating day-to-day execution so you can focus on strategy, foresight, and innovation.Treat AI as a thought partner. It can challenge assumptions, surface blind spots, and accelerate decision-making.Never underestimate the importance of human connection; technology is powerful, but relationships drive trust and collaboration.Quote of the Show:“ You have to understand why you want to  improve your processes and then find the resources within your team or ecosystem to free up or bring in to get to the next level.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adiklevit/ Website: http://www.bizsuccesscg.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does it take to disrupt an industry dominated by giants like Salesforce and HubSpot? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Adam Honig, founder and CEO of Spiro, to talk about his journey from building one of the largest Salesforce consulting firms to launching an AI-powered CRM that redefines how companies engage with customers. Adam shares how focusing on the manufacturing vertical transformed Spiro’s trajectory, why provocative positioning (“the anti-CRM”) works, and what leadership lessons he’s carried from scaling services businesses to SaaS.Takeaways:Industry focus unlocks traction. Narrowing your ICP can feel risky, but it drives clarity in both product and marketing.Positioning matters. A bold stance, like “the anti-CRM,” creates differentiation even in crowded markets.Meet users where they are. Reducing behavior change and automating processes helps adoption stick.Transitioning from services to SaaS requires a complete mindset shift. Recurring revenue and lean teams demand new approaches.Leadership is shaped by empathy. Having done the work yourself helps you guide teams with understanding, not micromanagement.Don’t take it personally. Early leadership often feels high-stakes, but learning to step back makes you more effective.Risk is everywhere; building your own company can be as secure, if not more, than working for someone else.Quote of the Show:“ We really leaned into the needs of our ICP, and that made us much richer in terms of the value we were able to provide. Of course, that meant for other sectors, we were less valuable, so it naturally pushed us down that path of being very industry-focused—and it served us well.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhonig/ Website: https://spiro.ai/ Email: adam@spiro.ai Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does it take to lead massive business transformations in automation and robotics? On this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie sits down with Craig Ulrich, CEO of Acieta and a veteran leader in industrial automation with more than 30 years of experience. From scaling warehouse automation from a few million to $80M in revenue to guiding major transformations at companies like Amazon and General Motors, Craig has seen firsthand what it takes to succeed in high-stakes industries.Key Takeaways:When expanding into a new market, rely on data over gut instinct. Research trends and customer needs to build credibility and position your business for growth.Don’t be afraid to enter industries where you lack direct experience. Hire the right people and prove yourself through small wins that build trust over time.Embrace servant leadership by putting your team’s success before your own. When your people thrive, the organization thrives.Face challenges head-on rather than avoiding them. Tackling the hardest problems early creates momentum and builds confidence.Use AI to eliminate repetitive work and accelerate innovation. Even small steps in adoption can improve efficiency and free your team to focus on higher-value tasks.Focus on doing your best work every day instead of chasing titles. Promotions and opportunities will naturally follow consistent excellence.Quote of the Show:“As a leader, you can experience fear, but that doesn't mean you can avoid it–you’ll still need to go and fix whatever “it” is. You certainly want to understand all the pitfalls and then go and build plans for all the different scenarios that could happen.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-ulrich-212a2687/ Website: https://www.acieta.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. 

How can leaders drive company transformation without losing their team’s trust and energy? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson talks with Leslie Poston, a seasoned go-to-market strategist and leadership advisor. Leslie shares how she led Austin Data Labs’ transformation from a small, multi-industry SaaS company into a high-growth leader in food and agriculture, culminating in a successful acquisition. Leslie shares how she prioritized psychological safety, built a customer-first strategy, and kept teams agile while navigating rapid change. The conversation also dives into her current work helping leaders create high-performing, psychologically safe teams, and her perspectives on AI, burnout prevention, and building adaptability for the future.Takeaways:Prioritize psychological safety so team members feel safe to share ideas, admit mistakes, and give honest feedback.Keep the customer at the center by building relationships with all customers, large or small, and using feedback to guide strategy.Communicate inclusively with a mix of group meetings, open office hours, and written feedback channels to suit all personality types.Build a diverse advisory network with complementary skills to avoid echo chambers and strengthen decision-making.Use AI thoughtfully, leveraging it for efficiency while protecting creativity, critical thinking, and data security.Model healthy work habits by encouraging boundaries, physical activity, and community engagement to prevent burnout.Stay flexible and growth-minded, adapting strategies as circumstances evolve and fostering the same mindset in your team.Quote of the Show:“We’re entering an era where there is always constant change. The stable 2019 times are not coming back, even if we want them to. Being flexible is how each of us will survive– and it's how your company will survive, too.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieposton/  Website: https://mindmedia.tech Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

How can leaders balance automation and AI with the irreplaceable human elements of sales, culture, and leadership? In this episode, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Tameem Hourani, founder and CEO of RapDev, to explore his journey from a technologist to leading a rapidly growing tech services firm. Tameem opens up about the challenges of shifting from an engineering mindset to scaling a sales-driven organization, and why investing in people, not just automation, is critical for growth. Throughout the conversation, Tameem reflects on the personal growth required to lead boldly, the lessons learned from taking risks, and the importance of building a culture where transparency, accountability, and challenge fuel success.Key Takeaways:Automate where it makes sense, but don’t overlook the areas that demand human connection. Sales, leadership, and culture thrive when people are at the center.Hire ahead of your comfort zone if the right talent can help scale your business. Waiting until it feels “safe” can slow down growth and prevent you from seizing opportunities.Be transparent about compensation, strategy, and decision-making. Openness builds trust and ensures accountability across the organization.Give employees a real stake in the company’s success. When people feel true ownership, they take responsibility and push harder for results.Move quickly, take risks, and accept that mistakes will happen. Speed and experimentation are often more valuable than over-optimization.Always start with the business problem before implementing AI or new technology. Tools are most effective when they directly solve the challenges at hand.Encourage your team to challenge decisions and offer new perspectives. A culture of debate leads to stronger ideas and better long-term outcomes.Quote of the Show:“Transparency is such a game changer. I know there's some hesitation sometimes and some ambiguity, but it will never, ever fail you. As long as you're transparent on both sides, there will always be a solution to everything you're trying to solve.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tameem-hourani/ Website: https://www.rapdev.io/ Email: tameem@rapdev.io Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What does it take to turn a market gap into a thriving business? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie Nathanson sits down with Haseeb Budhani, co-founder and CEO of Rafay Systems, to explore how he’s navigated multiple startups, scaled innovative technology, and adapted to the evolving demands of AI and Kubernetes infrastructure. From his early entrepreneurial lessons to building high-impact partnerships with NVIDIA, Accenture, and Dell, Haseeb shares actionable strategies for founder-led sales, shrinking sales cycles, and enabling customers to succeed faster. Whether you’re a tech founder, sales leader, or business strategist, you’ll come away with insights you can apply immediately to accelerate growth and strengthen your go-to-market approach.Takeaways:Start with a clear market gap. Continue refining your approach as market conditions shift, ensuring you stay aligned with evolving customer needs.Invest in ecosystem partnerships. Strong alliances with trusted brands can accelerate credibility and shorten your sales cycles.Bottle your founder-led sales approach. Train your team in the storytelling and relationship-building skills that made your early sales successful.Build layered technical-to-consultative teams. Provide customers with both the deep technical expertise and strategic guidance they need to effectively adopt your solution.Make small, educated bets on new opportunities. Validate them quickly and be ready to scale the ones that work or walk away from those that don’t.Stay close to your team. Use skip-level conversations to surface blind spots and gain unfiltered insights from across the organization.Keep learning from peers and mentors. Seek out leaders who are years ahead of you to challenge your thinking and refine your leadership approach.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/budhani/ Website: http://rafay.co Email: haseeb@rafay.co Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClf9QxGUxZw_Sv8_4bZP34Q This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

How can leaders shift from being the hero who fixes problems to the architect who builds teams that thrive on their own? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, growth advisor and business strategist Bill Flynn joins host Natalie Nathanson to share hard-won lessons from decades of leadership experience. From embracing frameworks like EOS to turning around struggling companies and guiding CEOs through complex change, Bill offers a powerful case for mindset over skillset and explains why curiosity, humility, and strategic patience are the real keys to sustainable growth.Takeaways:In times of crisis, don’t fake confidence. Rather, admit what you don’t know and invite your team into the problem-solving process. Using tools like collaborative “roadmapping” helps to build ownership, accountability, and stronger long-term results.Great leaders don’t solve every problem; they design systems where others can thrive. Shift your role from being the answer-giver to the environment-builder by focusing on vision, culture, and strategic clarity. Let go of control to allow others to grow.Rushing into a go-to-market plan without deep customer insight leads to wasted time and misalignment. Don’t guess, talk to your customers directly to guide strategy, messaging, and hiring.Today’s business environment is Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible (BANI), so your organization must be flexible and responsive. Push decision-making down, listen to signals from the front lines, and build systems that can pivot quickly.Success starts with the right people. Hire for diverse thinking, not just skillsets, and create a culture where disagreement and questioning are welcome. Ensure your entire team is aligned on strategy, but allow space for bold ideas and healthy friction.Your leadership mindset, curiosity, humility, and openness to change are more important than your skillset. Make space for reflection, seek honest feedback, and grow alongside your team. Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billflynnpublic/ Website: https://catalystgrowthadvisors.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

How can businesses stay competitive in an AI-driven world? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Cheryl Jordan-Aguilera joins host Natalie Nathanson to share lessons from her 25-year career in sales and strategy, highlighting the power of collaboration, cultural fit, and consultative selling. She reflects on building scalable growth at GutCheck, navigating M&A challenges, and leading at Official AI, where ethical AI use and internal alignment drive success.Takeaways:It’s not enough to hire people with the right technical skills; you also need individuals who align with your team’s values and mission. Cultural fit drives engagement, collaboration, and long-term success. Clear roles, shared playbooks, and consistent communication between sales, marketing, and account management help eliminate friction. When teams understand how their work connects and supports one another, they deliver a better customer experience.Whether launching a product or navigating an acquisition, involving marketing and GTM leaders from the start avoids costly misalignment. Early inclusion leads to stronger internal advocacy and smoother execution.High-pressure, transactional sales tactics are outdated and often ineffective. Instead, train teams to be consultative and focused on listening, understanding client challenges, and solving problems. This approach builds trust and long-term relationships over short-term wins.Platforms like Slack and Notion that utilize aspects of AI help teams collaborate quickly and transparently, replacing outdated email chains and meetings. AI isn’t just a tech tool; it’s becoming essential for efficiency and staying competitive.As AI use grows, so do risks around consent, transparency, and digital identity management. Respect for users and their data must be non-negotiable.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryljordanaguilera/ Official AI’s Website: https://www.theofficial.ai/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com 

What’s the real reason most companies invest in cybersecurity, and why is it too late? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, host Natalie Nathanson sits down with Corey White, veteran cybersecurity leader and CEO of Cyvatar.ai. With nearly 30 years of experience, including time spent on the front lines of major breaches, Corey shares what leaders get wrong about cybersecurity, why compliance isn’t enough, and how AI is both a threat and a tool. From servant leadership practices to go-to-market strategy, Corey gives a masterclass in building trust, scaling a business, and staying one step ahead in an evolving threat landscape.Key takeaways for CEOs and growth-stage leaders:Don’t wait for disaster. Most companies only invest in cybersecurity after a breach. Be the one who builds protection before it’s needed.Not all MSPs are created equal. Many providers market cybersecurity expertise without real depth, leaving clients exposed.AI is a double-edged sword. Use it to streamline operations (like automating RFPs), but don’t trust it blindly; foundational knowledge matters.Think like a strategist. Conduct quarterly market analysis to adjust your go-to-market approach and respond to shifting customer needs.Advocate for system-wide change. SMBs face unique vulnerabilities. Solving them may require incentives or intervention at the government level.Whether you’re building a tech startup or leading a growing enterprise, this conversation offers a practical lens on cybersecurity, leadership, and sustainable growth.Quote of the Show:“ You have to figure out who you are and then be that person. You can't win at life by being someone else. So be you.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreydwhite/  Website: https://cyvatar.ai/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com