<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><atom:link href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/category-leaders/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title><![CDATA[The Category Leaders Podcast]]></title><podcast:guid>4c9e2b00-bafc-58ae-b353-65fb13425eb8</podcast:guid><lastBuildDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:00:05 +0000</lastBuildDate><generator>Captivate.fm</generator><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright 2026 Eli Igra Serfaty]]></copyright><managingEditor>Eli Igra Serfaty</managingEditor><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Category Leaders Podcast is where B2B executives and innovators step into the spotlight. Each week, host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews leaders who are driving change in their industries—those who believe in building trust, credibility, and legacy while shaping conversations that matter.]]></itunes:summary><image><url>https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg</url><title>The Category Leaders Podcast</title><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link></image><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Eli Igra Serfaty</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Eli Igra Serfaty</itunes:author><description>The Category Leaders Podcast is where B2B executives and innovators step into the spotlight. Each week, host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews leaders who are driving change in their industries—those who believe in building trust, credibility, and legacy while shaping conversations that matter.</description><link>https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest</link><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" rel="hub"/><itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Inside the Minds of Executives and Innovators Shaping the Future of B2B Growth]]></itunes:subtitle><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:category text="Business"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Education"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="News"></itunes:category><podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><item><title>9 - Navigating the Human Side of Leadership: Empathy, AI, and Team Dynamics with Ashley Herd</title><itunes:title>9 - Navigating the Human Side of Leadership: Empathy, AI, and Team Dynamics with Ashley Herd</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Category Leaders, your host Eli Igra Serfaty speaks with Ashley Herd, founder of Manager Method and author of <em>The Manager Method</em>.</p><p>Ashley shares her diverse career journey and introduces management style analogies, "tight jeans," "oversized sweatpants," and "cozy joggers", to illustrate the importance of balanced leadership. She emphasizes empathy, one-on-one meetings, and recognizing employees' personal lives. The conversation also tackles AI integration challenges, highlighting the disconnect between leadership messaging and employee experience, and the need for open, structured dialogue to foster responsible innovation.</p><p>Check out Ashley's work <a href="www.managermethod.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Category Leaders, your host Eli Igra Serfaty speaks with Ashley Herd, founder of Manager Method and author of <em>The Manager Method</em>.</p><p>Ashley shares her diverse career journey and introduces management style analogies, "tight jeans," "oversized sweatpants," and "cozy joggers", to illustrate the importance of balanced leadership. She emphasizes empathy, one-on-one meetings, and recognizing employees' personal lives. The conversation also tackles AI integration challenges, highlighting the disconnect between leadership messaging and employee experience, and the need for open, structured dialogue to foster responsible innovation.</p><p>Check out Ashley's work <a href="www.managermethod.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">dc30072f-6a9b-4d34-9414-bd627e7c3da0</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/dc30072f-6a9b-4d34-9414-bd627e7c3da0.mp3" length="20468268" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>24:22</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>8 - Redefining Entrepreneurship: Why Buying Beats Building from Scratch with Chat Joglekar</title><itunes:title>8 - Redefining Entrepreneurship: Why Buying Beats Building from Scratch with Chat Joglekar</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Iga Sefarty interviews Chat Joglekar, Co-Founder and CEO of Baton.</p><p>Chat discusses his journey from building major tech businesses to launching Baton, a platform dubbed the "Zillow for small businesses." He explains how Baton uses technology to deliver fast, affordable business valuations and connects buyers and sellers with advisory support. The conversation covers the challenges of selling small businesses, the rise of acquisition entrepreneurship, and Baton’s mission to bring transparency and efficiency to the $10 trillion small business market. Chat also shares personal insights on entrepreneurship and Baton’s future vision.</p><p>Check out Chat's work <a href="batonmarket.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Chat on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joglekar/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Iga Sefarty interviews Chat Joglekar, Co-Founder and CEO of Baton.</p><p>Chat discusses his journey from building major tech businesses to launching Baton, a platform dubbed the "Zillow for small businesses." He explains how Baton uses technology to deliver fast, affordable business valuations and connects buyers and sellers with advisory support. The conversation covers the challenges of selling small businesses, the rise of acquisition entrepreneurship, and Baton’s mission to bring transparency and efficiency to the $10 trillion small business market. Chat also shares personal insights on entrepreneurship and Baton’s future vision.</p><p>Check out Chat's work <a href="batonmarket.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Chat on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joglekar/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">31263832-4f80-4dd1-80d0-b9baa38086c4</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/31263832-4f80-4dd1-80d0-b9baa38086c4.mp3" length="20190828" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>21:02</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>7 - The Best Strategies for Building Market Eminence Beyond Thought Leadership with David Newman</title><itunes:title>7 - The Best Strategies for Building Market Eminence Beyond Thought Leadership with David Newman</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, host Eli Igra Sefarty and guest David Newman, author of <em>Market Eminence</em>, explore how B2B founders can achieve true market eminence, not just visibility or thought leadership.</p><p>David explains the importance of targeted visibility, deep audience respect, and strong brand differentiation. He critiques generic "how-to" content, urging founders to focus on insight-driven, belief-shifting, and future-focused content. The discussion also covers the value of repelling poor-fit clients, listening to "customer refugees," and prioritizing client retention through long-term partnerships. David shares actionable advice and resources for building a standout, trusted brand.</p><p>Check out David's work <a href="https://doitmarketing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out David's books, like <em>Market Eminence,</em> <a href="https://doitmarketing.com/books?_gl=1*tn4wr*_gcl_au*MTA0NjQyNTQ0OS4xNzcyMTA4MDIw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with David on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjnewman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, host Eli Igra Sefarty and guest David Newman, author of <em>Market Eminence</em>, explore how B2B founders can achieve true market eminence, not just visibility or thought leadership.</p><p>David explains the importance of targeted visibility, deep audience respect, and strong brand differentiation. He critiques generic "how-to" content, urging founders to focus on insight-driven, belief-shifting, and future-focused content. The discussion also covers the value of repelling poor-fit clients, listening to "customer refugees," and prioritizing client retention through long-term partnerships. David shares actionable advice and resources for building a standout, trusted brand.</p><p>Check out David's work <a href="https://doitmarketing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out David's books, like <em>Market Eminence,</em> <a href="https://doitmarketing.com/books?_gl=1*tn4wr*_gcl_au*MTA0NjQyNTQ0OS4xNzcyMTA4MDIw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with David on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjnewman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f69454-f7b1-42f3-a51f-444da2162820</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/69f69454-f7b1-42f3-a51f-444da2162820.mp3" length="33304044" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>34:41</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>6 - Mastering Brand Transformation: Aligning Strategy, Visibility, and Growth with Robert Laplante</title><itunes:title>6 - Mastering Brand Transformation: Aligning Strategy, Visibility, and Growth with Robert Laplante</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews Robert Laplante, Founder and CEO of Workshop Built, about the vital connection between brand transformation and business growth.</p><p>They discuss Robert’s journey, the importance of aligning brand and business strategy, and the challenges of organizational alignment. The conversation covers simplifying brand concepts, executive visibility, measuring brand ROI, and the emotional aspects of branding. Robert emphasizes that brand and product must work together, and that clear, actionable brand strategies drive lasting success. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Robert for further insights on effective brand transformation.</p><p>Check out Robert's work at Workshop Built <a href="www.workshopbuilt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Robert on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlaplante" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews Robert Laplante, Founder and CEO of Workshop Built, about the vital connection between brand transformation and business growth.</p><p>They discuss Robert’s journey, the importance of aligning brand and business strategy, and the challenges of organizational alignment. The conversation covers simplifying brand concepts, executive visibility, measuring brand ROI, and the emotional aspects of branding. Robert emphasizes that brand and product must work together, and that clear, actionable brand strategies drive lasting success. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Robert for further insights on effective brand transformation.</p><p>Check out Robert's work at Workshop Built <a href="www.workshopbuilt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Robert on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlaplante" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">378eabb5-f5e6-48f3-a72e-e4e5f9774f99</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/378eabb5-f5e6-48f3-a72e-e4e5f9774f99.mp3" length="21420780" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>22:19</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>5 - Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change in the Field Service Industry with Draven McConville</title><itunes:title>5 - Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change in the Field Service Industry with Draven McConville</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Igra Serfaty hosts Draven McConville, Founder and CEO of Klipboard.io.</p><p>Draven discusses founding and rebranding Klipboard.io, overcoming challenges like Brexit and COVID-19, and the company’s growth and evolution. Draven highlights the importance of strong branding, the rapidly changing AI landscape, and future innovations such as advanced AI integration. Draven also invites listeners to connect on LinkedIn and explore Kilpboard.io online.</p><p>Check out Draven's website <a href="dravenmcconville.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out Klipboard.io <a href="Klipboard.io" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Draven on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/draven-mcconville-79a93320/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Igra Serfaty hosts Draven McConville, Founder and CEO of Klipboard.io.</p><p>Draven discusses founding and rebranding Klipboard.io, overcoming challenges like Brexit and COVID-19, and the company’s growth and evolution. Draven highlights the importance of strong branding, the rapidly changing AI landscape, and future innovations such as advanced AI integration. Draven also invites listeners to connect on LinkedIn and explore Kilpboard.io online.</p><p>Check out Draven's website <a href="dravenmcconville.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out Klipboard.io <a href="Klipboard.io" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Draven on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/draven-mcconville-79a93320/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">a1e69e47-f9e1-4721-8c2e-755e116bbcf0</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a1e69e47-f9e1-4721-8c2e-755e116bbcf0.mp3" length="14512361" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>17:17</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>4 - Trust and Growth for Challenger Brands: Navigating Today’s Public Relations Landscape with Matt Kovacs</title><itunes:title>4 - Trust and Growth for Challenger Brands: Navigating Today’s Public Relations Landscape with Matt Kovacs</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, the host Eli interviews Matt Kovacs, President of Blaze PR.</p><p>Matt shares his journey from retail marketing to leading a PR agency focused on challenger brands. The conversation covers the evolution of PR, its integration with marketing, the impact of AI, and the importance of authentic storytelling and executive thought leadership. Matt also emphasizes collaboration between agencies, building trust through consistent messaging, and the enduring value of human connection. The episode highlights Blaze PR’s strategies for helping brands grow, adapt, and thrive in today’s dynamic media landscape</p><p>Check out Matt's work <a href="https://blazepr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Matt on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjkovacs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, the host Eli interviews Matt Kovacs, President of Blaze PR.</p><p>Matt shares his journey from retail marketing to leading a PR agency focused on challenger brands. The conversation covers the evolution of PR, its integration with marketing, the impact of AI, and the importance of authentic storytelling and executive thought leadership. Matt also emphasizes collaboration between agencies, building trust through consistent messaging, and the enduring value of human connection. The episode highlights Blaze PR’s strategies for helping brands grow, adapt, and thrive in today’s dynamic media landscape</p><p>Check out Matt's work <a href="https://blazepr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Matt on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjkovacs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">1f8a25dd-739b-4800-a5fd-7de517834ffb</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/1f8a25dd-739b-4800-a5fd-7de517834ffb.mp3" length="24314220" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>25:20</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>3 - AI Solutions: Why Waiting for the Perfect Moment is Like Waiting for a Unicorn with Shay Levi</title><itunes:title>3 - AI Solutions: Why Waiting for the Perfect Moment is Like Waiting for a Unicorn with Shay Levi</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews Shay Levi. Shay is the CEO and Co-founder of Unframe AI and shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding NoName Security to building Unframe AI, a company enabling enterprises to rapidly adopt tailored AI solutions.</p><p>Shay also discusses the challenges of enterprise AI adoption, Unframe AI’s unique try-before-you-buy model, and the importance of bridging AI technology with real business impact. He also offers practical advice for aspiring founders, emphasizing the value of building a strong team and seeking guidance from experienced entrepreneurs. The episode, hosted by Eli, highlights Unframe AI’s balanced growth strategy and vision for the future of enterprise AI.</p><p>Check out Shay's work <a href="www.unframe.ai" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Shay on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylevi2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews Shay Levi. Shay is the CEO and Co-founder of Unframe AI and shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding NoName Security to building Unframe AI, a company enabling enterprises to rapidly adopt tailored AI solutions.</p><p>Shay also discusses the challenges of enterprise AI adoption, Unframe AI’s unique try-before-you-buy model, and the importance of bridging AI technology with real business impact. He also offers practical advice for aspiring founders, emphasizing the value of building a strong team and seeking guidance from experienced entrepreneurs. The episode, hosted by Eli, highlights Unframe AI’s balanced growth strategy and vision for the future of enterprise AI.</p><p>Check out Shay's work <a href="www.unframe.ai" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Shay on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylevi2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">8b684d55-179e-4d7d-8938-26fc7596102e</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8b684d55-179e-4d7d-8938-26fc7596102e.mp3" length="19039260" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>22:40</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>2 - From Startups to Giants: Pillars for Effective Leadership with Jim Carlough</title><itunes:title>2 - From Startups to Giants: Pillars for Effective Leadership with Jim Carlough</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews Jim Carlough, leadership expert and author of <em>The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership</em>. Jim shares pivotal moments from his career, emphasizing the importance of integrity, empathy, compassion, stability, focus, and humor in building high-performing teams.</p><p>He discusses the critical role of trust in leadership and sales, common challenges for new managers, and offers practical advice for fostering transparency and connection. The conversation highlights how these leadership principles apply universally, both in business and personal life.</p><p>Check out Jim's work <a href="https://www.jimcarlough.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Jim on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/jimcarlough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out Jim's book, <em>The Six Pillars of Effective </em>Leadership, <a href="https://books.by/jimcarlough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Category Leaders</em>, your host Eli Igra Serfaty interviews Jim Carlough, leadership expert and author of <em>The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership</em>. Jim shares pivotal moments from his career, emphasizing the importance of integrity, empathy, compassion, stability, focus, and humor in building high-performing teams.</p><p>He discusses the critical role of trust in leadership and sales, common challenges for new managers, and offers practical advice for fostering transparency and connection. The conversation highlights how these leadership principles apply universally, both in business and personal life.</p><p>Check out Jim's work <a href="https://www.jimcarlough.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Jim on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/jimcarlough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Check out Jim's book, <em>The Six Pillars of Effective </em>Leadership, <a href="https://books.by/jimcarlough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">cd039e7a-70bd-46bc-b2b9-8c3f5fcdf707</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/cd039e7a-70bd-46bc-b2b9-8c3f5fcdf707.mp3" length="21836796" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>26:00</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>1 - The LinkedIn Evolution: From Recruiting Platform to B2B Growth Powerhouse with Eli Igra Serfaty</title><itunes:title>1 - The LinkedIn Evolution: From Recruiting Platform to B2B Growth Powerhouse with Eli Igra Serfaty</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In the inaugural episode of <em>The Category Leaders Podcast</em>, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence speaks to Eli Igra Serfaty, the Co-Founder &amp; CEO at MAIA Digital and creator and host of the show.</p><p>Eli shares the podcast’s mission: spotlighting executives and innovators shaping B2B growth, with a focus on leveraging LinkedIn. They discuss what defines a “category leader,” the evolution of LinkedIn from a hiring tool to a growth engine, and the importance of building a strong online presence. Eli also shares insights about the agency, MAIA Digital, which specializes in LinkedIn strategies. Eli also expresses a desire to have meaningful interviews with ambitious B2B leaders across various industries.</p><p>Check out Eli's work at MAIA Digital <a href="https://team-maia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Eli on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-igra-serfaty/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the inaugural episode of <em>The Category Leaders Podcast</em>, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence speaks to Eli Igra Serfaty, the Co-Founder &amp; CEO at MAIA Digital and creator and host of the show.</p><p>Eli shares the podcast’s mission: spotlighting executives and innovators shaping B2B growth, with a focus on leveraging LinkedIn. They discuss what defines a “category leader,” the evolution of LinkedIn from a hiring tool to a growth engine, and the importance of building a strong online presence. Eli also shares insights about the agency, MAIA Digital, which specializes in LinkedIn strategies. Eli also expresses a desire to have meaningful interviews with ambitious B2B leaders across various industries.</p><p>Check out Eli's work at MAIA Digital <a href="https://team-maia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Connect with Eli on LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-igra-serfaty/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply <a href="https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://categoryleaders.team-maia.com/podcast-guest]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">c2327f6b-c458-4047-9e9a-ff0542a21430</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0bb40bcb-bd98-49d4-a1a0-22f699909ab9/1000394955-1.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/c2327f6b-c458-4047-9e9a-ff0542a21430.mp3" length="12147228" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>14:28</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>