Product Led Growth Leaders

179 - Building the Future: How Companies Can Leverage AI for Sustainable Growth and Innovation with West Stringfellow

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, your host Thomas Watkins talks to West Stringfellow, Founder and CEO of HowDo. West discusses how AI, especially large language models, can transform business innovation and growth.

Drawing on his experience at major companies, West explores the democratization of technology, the critical role of human judgment, and the need for better data and processes. He emphasizes that successful AI adoption requires cultural shifts, continuous learning, and reinvesting gains into talent and technology, offering practical insights for organizations seeking sustainable, AI-driven transformation.

Learn more about West's work HERE.

Connect with West on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

178 - Connected Care: Using Technology to Deepen Human Relationships in Aging Services with Lindsay Friedman

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, Lindsay Friedman, Founder of LTCareNav, joins host Thomas Watkins to discuss the challenges of long-term care in the U.S. and how her company uses technology to support seniors and their families.

She explains the difference between health care and long-term care, introduces innovative monitoring and planning tools, and shares insights on balancing technology with human connection. Lindsay also highlights rapid growth, B2B partnerships, and offers resources for families navigating care decisions, emphasizing the importance of dignity, privacy, and mission-driven solutions.

Learn more about Lindsay's work HERE.

Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

177 - Say Goodbye to Guesswork: How AI is Redefining Ad Campaign Management with Seva Ustinov

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, your host Thomas Watkins interviews Seva Ustinov, founder and CEO of Plurio, an AI platform for performance marketing teams.

Seva discusses his journey from digital nomad to tech entrepreneur, the challenges marketers face with fragmented ad data, and how Plurio’s AI agent centralizes and analyzes campaign metrics to optimize for revenue and lifetime value. The conversation also touches on the importance of deep business context for effective AI, high-touch onboarding, and Plurio’s vision for proactive, insight-driven marketing automation. The episode concludes with insights on product design and knowledge management tools.

Learn more about Seva's work HERE.

Connect with Seva on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

176 - Turning Marketing Tools into Small Business Triumphs with Mark Roesler

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, your host Thomas Watkins interviews Mark Roesler, President and Chief Revenue Officer of HubSpark.

They discuss how HubSpark empowers small businesses, especially tradespeople like plumbers and electricians, by simplifying digital marketing and SEO. Mark explains HubSpark’s shift from a freemium to a paid model to support a lucrative affiliate program, making the platform affordable and integrated. The conversation highlights HubSpark’s focus on usability, automation, and continuous product updates, helping small business owners grow and compete online without needing technical expertise.

Learn more about Mark's work HERE.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

175 - Unlocking AI Potential: The Key to Seamless Integration in Enterprises with Shay Levi

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, your host Thomas Watkins interviews Shay Levi, Co-Founder and CEO of Unframe, an AI delivery platform.

Shay discusses the challenges enterprises face when adopting AI, the limitations of current solutions, and how Unframe’s modular platform delivers tailored AI solutions within a week. The conversation highlights Unframe’s rapid, risk-free approach, focusing on solving real business problems with customizable “lego brick” technology, and offers practical advice for companies looking to integrate AI effectively and efficiently into their workflows.

Learn more about Shay's work HERE.

Connect with Shay on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

174 - Turning Crises into Coverage: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Public Relations with Craig Harris

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas Watkins interviews Craig Harris, Founder and CEO of Lookatmedia. They explore how AI is transforming public relations, making effective media outreach accessible to organizations of all sizes.

Craig explains the challenges of traditional PR, the importance of ethical AI, and how Lookatmedia’s platform personalizes press releases and streamlines crisis management. The conversation also covers Craig’s career journey, the value of meaningful work, and the platform’s mission to democratize PR and empower positive, impactful storytelling in today’s fast-changing media landscape.

Learn more about Craig's work HERE.

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

173 - Two-Sided Marketplace Magic: Connecting Volunteers with Organizations Effortlessly with Sam Fankuchen

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of "Product Led Growth Leaders," host Thomas Watkins interviews Sam Fankuchen, Founder and CEO of Golden, an award-winning volunteerism platform.

Sam discusses the challenges people face finding volunteer opportunities and how Golden’s AI-powered technology personalizes and streamlines the process for both volunteers and organizations. The conversation covers Golden’s freemium SaaS model, its two-sided marketplace, and the company’s culture of innovation. Sam also shares insights on building scalable, user-friendly platforms for the social impact sector and previews future plans for deeper AI integration to enhance the volunteer experience.

Learn more about Sam's work HERE.

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

172 - From AI to Authenticity: Unlocking the Power of Brand Storytelling with David Ebner

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas Watkins interviews David Ebner, President of Content Workshop.

They discuss the power of brand storytelling in marketing, emphasizing its distinction from basic content creation. David explains how Content Workshop positions itself as a brand storytelling agency and shares insights on integrating AI into marketing workflows. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities AI brings, the importance of human expertise, and Content Workshop’s new AI studio, which helps companies build internal AI systems to create content and tell authentic brand stories.

Learn more about David's work HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

171 - Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Six Pillars You Need to Know with Jim Carlough

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas Watkins interviews Jim Carlough, Chief Sales Officer, Author, and Leadership Coach.

Jim discusses the importance of leadership development, succession planning, and mentoring, highlighting how poor leadership drives costly employee turnover. He introduces his book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, emphasizing integrity, empathy, and stability as essential traits. Jim shares practical stories and announces upcoming leadership workshops. The episode offers actionable advice for leaders at all levels, showing how strong leadership principles can benefit organizations and individuals across industries.

Learn more about Jim's work HERE.

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn HERE.

Check out Jim's book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

170 - Relocation Revolution: Transforming the Way We Move Abroad with Óscar Rubio

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas Watkins interviews Óscar Rubio, Founder and CEO of Lodgerin. Óscar shares how his personal experience relocating abroad inspired him to create Lodgerin, a digital platform that streamlines international moves by partnering with institutions and local service providers. The discussion covers the challenges of global relocation, Lodgerin’s B2B model, and its expansion into new markets. Óscar also reveals upcoming plans to integrate AI and automation into Lodgerin’s services, aiming to further simplify the relocation process for organizations and their people.

Learn more about Óscar's work HERE.

Connect with Óscar on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

169 - The Evolution of Digital Transformation: From Buzzword to Corporate Strategy with Dusty Gulleson

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas Watkins interviews Dusty Gulleson, CEO of eResources. Dusty discusses his journey in tech leadership and eResources’ evolution into a vertically integrated technology company focused on digital transformation, IT services, and SaaS products. He emphasizes that true digital transformation is about ongoing process improvement and corporate evolution, not just technology upgrades.

Dusty also shares insights on AI as an enablement tool and highlights eResources’ SaaS solutions, including Orchestrate App for managing complex applications and accessibility compliance in higher education. The conversation also explores leadership, customer experience, and organizational change.

Learn more about Dusty's work HERE.

Connect with Dusty on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

168 - Generative AI: The Game Changer for Custom Software Solutions with Wyatt Kirby

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, your host Thomas Watkins talks to guest Wyatt Kirby, Founder Partner at Apsis Labs. Together, they discuss how generative AI is transforming software development and business automation. Wyatt shares insights on the shift from large enterprise clients to smaller businesses adopting AI-driven solutions, the realistic capabilities and limitations of generative AI, and the continued importance of human oversight.

The conversation also explores the future normalization of AI in business, practical advice for founders, and the value of partnerships between software consultants and UX designers to deliver effective, scalable solutions.

Learn more about Wyatt's work HERE.

Connect with Wyatt on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

167 - The Best Strategies for Merging UX and Product Management with Amélie Uriu

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this special 2026 New Year's episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, your host Thomas Watkins is interviewed by a fan and friend of the show, Amélie Uriu.

Thomas shares his journey from psychology and human factors engineering into UX and product strategy, eventually founding his agency, 3Leaf. The conversation explores the relationship between UX and product management, the importance of psychology in design, and how 3Leaf helps startups and enterprises innovate. Thomas also discusses industry trends, the challenges of communicating design’s value, and his hopes for a more thoughtful integration of AI in product development.

Learn more about Amélie's work HERE.

Connect with Amélie on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

166 - Tackling Real Estate Inefficiencies: A New Era of Transparency and Accountability with Andrea Monti Solza

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, Andrea Monti Solza, Co-founder of Conveyo, joins host Thomas Watkins to discuss his journey from data science and fintech to transforming residential real estate.

He explains how Conveyo streamlines property transactions by acting as an independent third party, aligning incentives, increasing transparency, and simplifying the process for buyers, sellers, and professionals. Andrea highlights the importance of trust, good design, and user experience, and shares Conveyo’s vision for deeper industry partnerships and ongoing innovation to create a faster, more transparent, and less stressful real estate experience.

Learn more about Andrea's work HERE.

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

165 - Cold Calling Reimagined: Winning Sales Outreach in the Digital Age with Joey Gilkey

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, Thomas Watkins interviews Joey Gilkey, CEO of TitanX, about the resurgence of phone calls as a top sales outreach channel. Joey explains how automation and AI have saturated email and LinkedIn, making the phone more effective for real conversations and intelligence gathering.

They discuss regulatory hurdles, the importance of managing spam risks, and TitanX’s data-driven platform for optimizing outreach. Joey also hints at an upcoming acquisition and shares TitanX’s vision for a holistic, continuous improvement flywheel in sales outreach. The episode closes with insights into TitanX’s sales process and future plans.

Learn more about Joey's work HERE.

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

164 - Reimagining Legal Work: Empowering Lawyers Through Advanced AI Innovation with Ruli's Bryan Lee

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO at Ruli, Bryan Lee. Bryan shares how his legal and tech background inspired him to build an AI-powered platform that streamlines legal research, contract review, and compliance for in-house legal teams.

He discusses Ruli AI’s unique integration with company policies, its focus on legal expertise, and seamless workflow with tools like Microsoft Word.

Learn more about Bryan's work HERE.

Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

163 - The Future of Retail: How QR Codes Will Change the Shopping Experience with UNIQODE's Ravi Pratap Maddimsetty

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CTO at UNIQODE, Ravi Pratap Maddimsetty. Ravi discusses how UNIQODE’s platform enables businesses to connect physical products to digital experiences using dynamic QR codes.

He explains the challenges companies face in managing and tracking QR codes at scale, the difference between QR codes and IoT devices, and the diverse use cases for QR codes—from marketing to post-sale support. Ravi explores the future of product engagement and how UNIQODE helps businesses bridge the gap between physical and digital worlds.

Learn more about Ravi's work HERE.

Connect with Ravi on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

162 - AI Unleashed: Turning Everyday Tasks into Workflow Magic with V7's Alberto Rizzoli

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder at V7, Alberto Rizzoli. Alberto discusses the challenges of training AI to automate complex, repetitive workflows—especially those involving unstructured visual data like documents and images.

Alberto explains how V7 enables companies to build AI-powered, step-by-step workflows that reliably process and extract information from diverse data sources. Use cases span insurance, healthcare, and investment analysis. V7’s spreadsheet-like interface makes AI workflow creation accessible, aiming to transform knowledge work and boost efficiency across industries.

Learn more about Alberto's work HERE.

Connect with Alberto on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

161 - Realtors Reimagined: Boosting Sales and Simplifying Tech with AI Automation with DPI Showcase's Mark Weithorn

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO at DPI Showcase, Mark Weithorn. Mark shares insights from over 20 years in real estate technology, explaining how DPI Showcase simplifies lead generation and marketing for realtors, expands AI tools to related industries, and prioritizes hands-on customer support.

He highlights the importance of industry-specific solutions, continuous innovation, and how automation helps real estate professionals thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving market.

Learn more about Mark's work HERE.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

160 - The Untapped Market of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: A Call to Action with TechRescue's Andrew Bolton

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder at TechRescue, Andrew Bolton. Andrew discusses the challenges aging adults and small businesses face with technology and cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for empathetic, human-centered support over automated solutions.

He shares TechRescue’s mission to bridge the digital divide, their unique subscription model, and a commitment to donating profits to charity. Andrew highlights the importance of accessible tech help, ethical entrepreneurship, and future plans for a user-friendly support app.

Learn more about Andrew's work HERE.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

159 - The Journey from Idea to Product: Insights on Effective Discovery and Planning with Elemental's Angelo Zanetti

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-CEO and Co-Founder at Elemental, Angelo Zanetti. Angelo discusses the role of AI tools in early-stage product prototyping, their limitations, and the challenges of turning prototypes into scalable MVPs.

Angelo shares how Elemental helps startups and established companies innovate by designing and building custom tech products, emphasizing security, usability, and user experience. He also covers digital transformation, client engagement processes, and the importance of thorough discovery sessions.

Learn more about Angelo's work HERE.

Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

158 - Beyond the Screen: The Essential Role of UX in Product Development and Customer Loyalty with Nielsen Norman Group's Therese Fessenden

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Senior Experience Specialist at Nielsen Norman Group, Therese Fessenden. Therese discusses the critical role of user experience in product-led growth, the limitations of AI-generated design, and the enduring value of real user research.

Therese highlights practical UX education, the importance of authentic user insights, and opportunities for podcast collaboration. She emphasizes that while AI tools can assist, foundational UX work and direct user engagement remain essential for building successful products.

Learn more about Therese's work HERE.

Connect with Therese on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

157 - AI in B2B: The Game-Changer Behind Smarter Marketing Strategies with Loreta Today's Loreta Tarozaite

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Fractional B2B Chief of Staff and CMO at Loreta Today, Loreta Tarozaite. Loreta discusses the challenges B2B companies face when integrating AI, emphasizing the need for strong foundations in people, processes, and presence before adopting new technologies.

She shares practical strategies for AI adoption, content marketing, and organizational growth, highlighting the importance of human creativity and thoughtful change management.

Learn more about Loreta's work HERE.

Connect with Loreta on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

156 - Trusting Your Data: The Key to Successful AI and Regulatory Compliance with Ataccama's Jay Limburn

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CPO at Ataccama, Jay Limburn. Jay discusses the growing challenges organizations face in managing data for regulatory compliance and AI initiatives.

He explains how Ataccama ONE’s unified data trust platform streamlines data cataloging, governance, and quality, enabling both technical and business users to create trusted data products. Jay emphasizes the rise of AI, the importance of explainability and trust in multi-agent AI environments, and how Ataccama ONE empowers companies to leverage data confidently for analytics and innovation.

Learn more about Jay's work HERE.

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

155 - Tax Time Terrors: Turning Complexity into Opportunity with Gelt's Tal Binder

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder at Gelt, Tal Binder. Tal explains how Gelt combines expert CPAs with proprietary technology to tackle tax compliance, quarterly payments, and optimization.

He discusses the complexity and opportunities in the U.S. tax code compared to other countries, and Gelt’s vision to become the first AI-native tax firm.

Learn more about Tal's work HERE.

Connect with Tal on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

154 - Building a People-Centric Culture: Essential Leadership Insights for Startups with Rock Career Development's Julia Rock

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO, Keynote Speaker, and Leadership Consultant at Rock Career Development, Julia Rock. Julia shares her expertise in leadership, people management, and organizational development, focusing on the challenges startups face as they scale.

She emphasizes the importance of leadership values, company culture, and employee engagement, advising founders to prioritize people alongside metrics. Julia discusses her consulting approach, the pitfalls of rapid growth, and the need to address root causes before making staffing changes.

Learn more about Julia's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

153 - Revolutionizing Frontline Sales: Turning Order Takers into Revenue Makers with Frontline Performance Group's Geoffrey Toffetti

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at Frontline Performance Group, Geoffrey Toffetti. Geoffrey discusses how hotels and service businesses can boost revenue by empowering frontline employees—like front desk agents and servers—with the Engage SaaS platform.

He explains how Engage uses AI-driven insights, goal tracking, and incentives to transform staff from order takers into service-based sales professionals. Geoffrey highlights the importance of natural, customer-focused upselling, and shares real-world results, including significant revenue growth and improved guest experiences, demonstrating the value of investing in frontline employee development.

Learn more about Geoffrey's work HERE.

Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

152 - Pricing Power Unleashed: Transform Your Business with AI-Driven Insights with Priceagent's Robert Tinterov

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at Priceagent, Robert Tinterov. Robert shares how Priceagent uses AI and behavioral economics to help businesses optimize pricing strategies across industries.

He explains the platform’s user-friendly approach, real-time pricing insights, and adaptability to market changes. Robert covers the impact of global uncertainties on pricing, the importance of continuous monitoring, and how Priceagent empowers companies to make data-driven decisions.

Learn more about Robert's work HERE.

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

151 - Mastering the Complexities of Customer Experience and Content at a Global Scale with Motiv and ContentLion's David Ewing

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Motiv and ContentLion, David Ewing. David discusses how Motiv helps large companies drive revenue growth through data-driven, scalable customer experience strategies using Oracle CX. He shares real-world examples of creating meaningful customer connections at scale.

David also introduces ContentLion, a content management platform designed for global organizations to manage and distribute content efficiently, replacing legacy Oracle systems. He highlights the importance of holistic customer experience and effective content management in achieving business growth.

Learn more about David's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

150 - Avoiding Ownership Disputes: Legal Tips for Co-Founders and Startups with Intellectual Strategies' Jeff Holman

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Intellectual Strategies, Jeff Holman. Jeff discusses the essential legal foundations startups need—covering patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets—and common pitfalls like founder disputes and unclear IP ownership.

Jeff shares practical advice on legal roadmaps for growth, highlights the value of proactive legal planning, and introduces his new podcast, The Breakout CEO.

Learn more about Jeff's work HERE.

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

149 - Revolutionizing Podcast Advertising: A Guide for Creators and Brands with Acast's Milly Botes

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product at Acast, Milly Botes. Milly discusses the rapid growth of podcasting, the unique power of podcast advertising, and how Acast connects creators and advertisers worldwide.

She explains Acast’s AI-driven tools that match advertisers with relevant podcasts, making advertising more accessible and effective. Milly explores challenges in podcast monetization, the importance of cross-platform presence, and the evolving creator economy.

Learn more about Milly's work HERE.

Connect with Milly on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

148 - Automating Empathy: How AI Can Deliver Human-Like Customer Experiences with PolyAI's Nikola Mrkšić

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO at PolyAI, Nikola Mrkšić. Nikola discusses the evolving challenges of customer service, especially as demand rises and human agents decrease.

He explains how PolyAI uses advanced, lifelike AI to automate complex customer interactions with empathy and brand alignment. Nikola emphasizes the technology’s implementation in large enterprises, the balance between AI and humans, and the future of self-serve AI.

Learn more about Nikola's work HERE.

Connect with Nikola on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

147 - Hacking the Hackers: How AI is Revolutionizing Mobile App Security with Appknox's Subho Halder

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO at Appknox, Subho Halder. Subho discusses Appknox’s unique approach—analyzing app binaries, integrating AI for vulnerability detection, and providing actionable security insights.

Subho also previews upcoming features, including an AI-powered ethical hacker bot and expanded fake app detection across app stores. He highlights Appknox’s mission to make mobile app security efficient, scalable, and accessible for businesses worldwide.

Learn more about Subho's work HERE.

Connect with Subho on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

146 - The AI Advantage: Redefining Enterprise Operations Today with IgniteTech's Eric Vaughan

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at IgniteTech, Eric Vaughan. Eric emphasizes the need for cultural change, upskilling, and a human-in-the-loop approach for successful AI adoption.

He shares examples of AI-driven products like My Personas and Eloquence AI, which enhance efficiency and customer engagement while preserving human authenticity. Eric highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into the modern workplace.

Learn more about Eric's work HERE.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

145 - Creating Internal Startups: Fostering Innovation Within Large Enterprises with Box's Adarsh Subramanian

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Group Manager of Product Management at Box, Adarsh Subramanian. Adarsh shares his journey from engineering to product management, discusses Box’s evolution into an AI-first enterprise content platform, and explains how Box delivers end-to-end solutions for enterprise workflows.

He explores the challenges startups face when big companies adopt their innovations, the importance of empathy and communication in product management, and how large organizations foster innovation internally. Adarsh also highlights the transformative impact of AI on productivity and Box’s vision for intelligent content management.

Learn more about Adarsh's work HERE.

Connect with Adarsh on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

144 - Turning Trash into Treasure: Shaping the Future of Waste Management with EcoCycle Ng's Daniel Falodun

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder at EcoCycle Ng, Daniel Falodun. Daniel discusses founding EcoCycle, a blockchain-based waste management system that rewards users and pickup agents with tokens for recycling, making waste collection more efficient and fair.

He shares insights on his other ventures, Erase (a green AI e-commerce platform) and Power Match (an app store for disabled users), and his motivation to use technology to solve real-world problems in Africa and beyond.

Learn more about Daniel's work HERE.

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

143 - Breaking Barriers: How Integrated Data Improves Business Performance with Groflex's Eric Berkman

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CMO at Groflex, Eric Berkman. Eric shares his startup journey, discussing the challenges of founding Groflex and the evolution from a niche accounting tool to a broad operational intelligence platform.

He discusses how Groflex integrates and analyzes data across business functions, moving beyond traditional dashboards to deliver predictive insights and actionable recommendations, making data-driven decision-making accessible for business leaders without technical expertise.

Learn more about Eric's work HERE.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

142 - Reimagining Product Lifecycle Management: Breaking Free from Legacy Systems with Propel Software's Tom Shoemaker

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product Marketing at Propel Software, Tom Shoemaker. Tom discusses how Propel’s cloud-based platform, built on Salesforce, helps manufacturers of physical products streamline collaboration, ensure compliance, and maintain audit readiness—especially in regulated industries like medtech.

He explains the importance of usability, security, and role-based experiences, and shares how Propel modernizes outdated processes. Tom also touches on Propel’s future plans for AI integration and concludes with resources for listeners interested in learning more about the platform.

Learn more about Tom's work HERE.

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

141 - The Shopify of Voice AI: Making Advanced Technology Accessible for All with thinkrr.ai's Mohan Gulati

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at thinkrr.ai, Mohan Gulati. Mohan discusses how Thinkrr.ai uses advanced voice AI technology to help businesses reduce revenue loss from inefficiencies in sales, customer support, and operations.

Mohan explains how their easy-to-deploy AI agents act as virtual receptionists, handle calls, qualify leads, and integrate with CRMs. He covers Thinkrr.ai’s vision to become the "Shopify of voice AI," the platform’s reseller opportunities, and the growing market for voice automation, highlighting its transformative impact on business communication.

Learn more about Mohan's work HERE.

Connect with Mohan on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

140 - Taming the AI Beast: Mastering Governance and Model Management with ModelOp's Dave Trier

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product at ModelOp, Dave Trier. Dave explains how ModelOp’s platform centralizes AI governance, automates oversight, and supports diverse models, helping organizations manage risk while enabling innovation.

Dave discusses the evolving need for customer support, with some clients now mature enough for self-serve onboarding.

Learn more about Dave's work HERE.

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

139 - Empowering Employees with AI: Making Technology Work for You with StudioX's Ajay Malik

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at StudioX, Ajay Malik. Ajay shares how StudioX helps companies integrate AI into daily workflows for greater efficiency and innovation.

He covers industry pain points, the importance of seamless AI integration, and the value of strong UX and storytelling in communicating AI’s benefits.

Learn more about Ajay's work HERE.

Connect with Ajay on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

138 - From Data to Decisions: Transforming Local SEO Insights into Action with Local Falcon's David Hunter

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at Local Falcon, David Hunter. David shares his journey from finance to digital marketing and explains how Local Falcon helps businesses visualize and improve their local SEO rankings using a geo grid system.

He covers the unique challenges of local SEO, the evolution of Local Falcon from a pure SaaS analytics tool to offering AI-driven insights and professional services, and the future role of automation and AI in local search optimization.

Learn more about David's work HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

137 - From Startup to Enterprise: Bridging the AI Infrastructure Gap with Concrete Engine's Meltem Ballan

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder at Concrete Engine, Meltem Ballan. Meltem discusses the company’s mission to make AI infrastructure accessible, secure, and scalable for businesses of all sizes.

She explains the challenges companies face with current AI solutions and how Concrete Engine offers a managed service that simplifies deployment, reduces costs, and supports both cloud and on-premises needs.

Learn more about Meltem's work HERE.

Connect with Meltem on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

136 - Transforming Software Development: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls and Embrace Agility with Cosmic Teacups' Thanos Diacakis

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Software Engineering and Effectiveness Coach and Technical Leader at Cosmic Teacups, Thanos Diacakis. Thanos shares his approach to helping software teams deliver features faster and with higher quality. He discusses the pitfalls of over-planning, the value of agile principles (without rigid ceremonies), and the importance of team communication and iterative development.

Thanos emphasizes tailored coaching, practical frameworks, and mental models to boost productivity. The conversation also highlights the host’s company, Three Leaf, and its user-centered UX design philosophy. Thanos explores how flexibility and customization drive successful software and product development.

Learn more about Thanos' work HERE.

Connect with Thanos on LinkedIn HERE.

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135 - The Ultimate Guide to eSIMs: Your Key to Stress-Free Travel Connectivity with Saily's Vykintas Maknickas

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at Saily, Vykintas Maknickas. Vykintas discusses the challenges of traditional SIM cards and roaming charges, explaining how Saily’s eSIM technology offers flexible, cost-effective data plans with global coverage.

Vykintas covers Saily’s user-friendly app, upcoming subscription service for frequent travelers, and the company’s approach to optimizing coverage through multiple provider partnerships. Vykintas also shares insights from his product management background..

Learn more about Vykintas's work HERE.

Connect with Vykintas on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

134 - Navigating the Networking Jungle: How to Make Connections Effortless with EventMagic's Jon Werner

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder at EventMagic, Jon Werner. Jon discusses EventMagic’s role in connecting Austin’s startup community and the challenges of managing event networking.

Jon shares how EventMagic was created to streamline check-ins, badge printing, and meaningful connections, offering features like contextual contact notes and a networking dashboard.

Learn more about Jon's work HERE.

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

133 - Empowering Frontline Teams: The Smart Way to Modernize Your LMS with Learner Mobile's Mike Thompson

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at Learner Mobile, Mike Thompson. Mike shares his journey from advertising to founding Learner Mobile after a personal tragedy, aiming to make work meaningful for field-based employees.

He explores Learner Mobile’s mobile-first, AI-powered LMS, designed for rapid, accessible training tailored to frontline workers. Mike highlights the company’s unique blend of services and software, their culture of speed and innovation, and how they empower clients to create and update content efficiently.

Learn more about Mike's work HERE.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

132 - Breaking the Mold: How to Foster a Startup Mindset in Large Organizations with Mozilla's Raj Singh

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product at Mozilla, Raj Singh. Raj shares his extensive experience in both startups and large companies, discussing the unique challenges of new product development in each environment.

He explores differences in talent needs, mindsets, and organizational structures, highlighting frameworks like "Explore, Expand, Extract" for product growth. Raj addresses why innovation often stalls in big companies, the importance of matching talent to product phases, and strategies for fostering startup-like agility within established organizations.

Learn more about Raj's work HERE.

Connect with Raj on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

131 - Convert More Visitors into Leads: The Smart AI Solution You Need with Vengo AI's Jason Sherman

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder of Vengo AI, Jason Sherman. Jason discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges businesses face in converting website visitors into leads.

He explains how Vengo AI’s conversational agent uses AI to engage visitors, answer questions, and generate leads more effectively than traditional forms or chatbots. He also covers Vengo AI’s simple implementation, focus on user experience, and expansion plans into university and government websites. Jason shares insights on startup growth and the importance of targeted, user-friendly AI solutions for business success.

Learn more about Jason's work HERE.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

130 - Problem-Market Fit: The Missing Ingredient in Your Startup Recipe with Oberon's Bill Dillmeier

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CFO at Oberon, Bill Dillmeier. Bill shares practical advice for early-stage founders on fundraising, product-market fit, team building, and navigating the AI-driven market.

He emphasizes honest self-assessment, rigorous customer validation, and building defensible products. Bill also discusses his approach to financial goal-setting, storytelling for investors, and the importance of lean yet effective teams.

Learn more about Bill's work HERE.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

129 - The Lean Entrepreneur's Guide to Building a Scalable Sales Outreach Strategy with Salesflow.io's Besnik Vrellaku

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO at Salesflow.io, Besnik Vrellaku. Besnik shares his entrepreneurial journey, discusses the evolving challenges of B2B pipeline generation, and explains how Salesflow.io streamlines multi-channel outreach with a focus on personalization, security, and user experience.

He highlights the importance of combining LinkedIn and email for effective lead generation. Besnik also offers insights into building lean teams and sustainable businesses.

Learn more about Besnik's work HERE.

Connect with Besnik on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

128 - Cleaning Up Healthcare: Revolutionizing Operations with Data-Driven Solutions with Ancilla Ventures' Allen Cooper

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President and CEO at Ancilla Ventures, Allen Cooper. Allen discusses how his company’s technology platform supports hospital environmental services staff—such as cleaners and facility managers—by streamlining operations and data management.

The conversation highlights the importance of these often-overlooked roles in healthcare, Ancilla’s collaborative approach to product development, and the value of empowering support staff through innovation.

Learn more about Allen's work HERE.

Connect with Allen on LinkedIn HERE.

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127 - Why Your Next Big Launch Needs a Strategic Approach to Managing High-Demand Events with Fanfare's Michael Dodsworth

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO at Fanfare, Michael Dodsworth. Michael shares his journey from engineering roles at Salesforce and Rival (acquired by Ticketmaster) to launching Fanfare, a platform that helps brands manage high-demand product launches and events.

He discusses challenges in ticketing and retail, such as bots and technical debt, and explains how Fanfare improves the consumer experience, protects brands during viral drops, and captures valuable audience data. The conversation also covers startup culture, innovation, and Fanfare’s plans for future growth.

Learn more about Michael's work HERE.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

126 - Transforming Enterprise Reporting: The Role of AI and Self-Service in Modern Business Intelligence with Orbit Analytics' Rupesh Sharma

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Orbit Analytics, Rupesh Sharma. Rupesh discusses the challenges enterprises face with traditional, IT-driven data reporting and how Orbit’s self-service solution empowers business users with quick, secure access to insights, especially for Oracle ERP systems.

He explores the evolution of business intelligence, the integration of AI for actionable insights, and Orbit’s flexible service models. Rupesh also highlights Orbit’s focus on balancing intuitive user experience with robust backend technology and the company’s commitment to ongoing innovation in enterprise analytics.

Learn more about Rupesh's work HERE.

Connect with Rupesh on LinkedIn HERE.

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125 - Unlocking Developer Potential: The Future of Design-to-Code Automation with Superflex's Aibek Yegemberdin

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Superflex, Aibek Yegemberdin. Aibek discusses how Superflex bridges the gap between design and code by automating the conversion of Figma designs into code that matches developers’ styles and reuses existing components.

Aibek explains Superflex’s unique integration with VS Code, its advantages over competitors like Figma Dev Mode and Zeplin, and the importance of user feedback in product development. The conversation also touches on building an innovative team, the evolving role of AI in development, and Superflex’s plans for future design tools.

Learn more about Aibek's work HERE.

Connect with Aibek on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

124 - Don’t Get Scammed: How to Avoid Quality Control Nightmares in E-Commerce with Zendrop's Alexander Blinov

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Chief Product Officer of Zendrop, Alexander Blinov. Alex discusses the challenges e-commerce sellers face sourcing products from China, including quality control and scams.

Alex explains how Zendrop’s platform combines physical fulfillment centers in China with a SaaS solution, enabling sellers to easily source, manage, and sell products without direct manufacturer dealings. He covers Zendrop’s competitive advantages, future AI-driven features, and how new users can get started.

Learn more about Alexander's work HERE.

Connect with Alexander on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

123 - Revolutionizing Recruitment: The Future of One-Way Video Interviews with Truffle's Sean Griffith

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Truffle, Sean Griffith. Sean discusses the challenges of modern hiring, including application overload and AI-generated resumes, and explains how Truffle streamlines candidate screening with smart video summaries and match scores.

Sean covers Truffle’s features, its focus on SMBs, and future plans to become a comprehensive hiring operating system. Sean emphasizes the importance of customer feedback and Truffle’s mission to help businesses quickly identify top talent while saving time and resources.

Learn more about Sean's work HERE.

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

122 - Tech to the Rescue: Solving the Nursing Shortage While Elevating Patient Care with Pinetics' Eric Gillman

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Managing Director of Pinetics, Eric Gillman. Eric discusses the challenges of bringing medical devices to market, regulatory hurdles, and the importance of user-centered design.

He highlights the nursing shortage and the potential for digital technology, AI, and robotics to address workforce gaps and improve patient care. Eric also offers advice to aspiring innovators and encourages collaboration to solve healthcare challenges, providing insights into the future of medical technology and its critical role in advancing healthcare.

Learn more about Eric's work HERE.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

121 - Competing with AI Giants: Strategies for Startups to Stand Out with Balki Kodarapu

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Fractional CTO, Balki Kodarapu. Balki discusses his project-based approach to product and design leadership, the growing importance of design systems, and the challenges startups face in today’s AI-driven tech landscape.

Balki shares insights on building and documenting design systems, collaborating with non-technical founders, and leveraging domain expertise to compete with AI giants.

Connect with Balki on LinkedIn HERE.

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120 - Why Context Matters: Enhancing Customer Trust Through Effective Product Updates with Changebot.ai's Brian Sierakowski

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Changebot.ai, Brian Sierakowski. Brian shares insights from his experience as a founder, emphasizing the importance of transparency and regular updates to build trust and demonstrate ongoing development.

He explains how Changebot helps companies maintain visible changelogs and structured recaps, making updates accessible to both current and prospective customers. The conversation highlights practical strategies for improving product communication and fostering stronger customer relationships.

Learn more about Brian's work HERE.

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

119 - Endurance Sports in the Digital Age: How Technology is Changing the Game with Vertikal X's José Carlos Sarmiento

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of Vertikal X, José Carlos Sarmiento. José Carlos shares his journey from sports to entrepreneurship, highlighting the funding challenges faced by endurance athletes.

He explains how VTX uses performance data and technology to connect athletes with sponsors, aiming to make sponsorships more accessible. José Carlos covers the economic dynamics of endurance sports, the psychological aspects of competition, and insights from his book, "The Real Ultraman." Listeners gain a unique perspective on how innovation can empower athletes and transform the sports sponsorship landscape.

Learn more about José Carlos's work HERE.

Connect with José Carlos on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

118 - Discovering Your Inner Strength: The Role of Self-Awareness in Business Success with Luka Starčević

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Mental Jiu Jitsu Creator and Trainer, Luka Starčević. Luka shares how his martial arts background influences his approach to helping founders and professionals overcome internal barriers, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal responsibility.

The discussion explores the parallels between martial arts and entrepreneurship, the importance of presence and vulnerability, and Luka’s methods for guiding clients toward fulfillment and growth.

Connect with Luka on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

117 - Empowering Individuals and Businesses: The Importance of Accessible Legal Information with Trellis Law's Alon Shwartz

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and COO of Trellis Law, Alon Shwartz. Alon discusses the challenges of accessing fragmented state trial court data in the U.S. and how Trellis is working to democratize legal information for attorneys, businesses, and individuals.

Alon explains the platform’s use of AI to streamline legal research and enhance efficiency, and shares insights into their product-led growth strategy. Alon highlights Trellis’s mission to make court data more accessible, transparent, and valuable for a wide range of users.

Learn more about Alon's work HERE.

Connect with Alon on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

116 - Aligning Marketing Strategies with Client Needs: A Roadmap for B2B Success with Contrasted's Douglas Abbott

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Contrasted, Douglas Abbott. Douglas shares expert insights on B2B marketing, emphasizing the importance of generating qualified leads, understanding the target audience, and tailoring messaging for different stakeholders.

He discusses how Contrasted leverages proprietary AI tools to enhance marketing strategies and align them with client needs. He covers effective prospecting, the evolving role of AI, and practical tips for founders seeking better marketing results.

Learn more about Douglas's work HERE.

Connect with Douglas on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

115 - Making Connections Count: The Importance of Follow-Up in Networking with Boop's Horacio Rilo

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Boop, Horacio Rilo. Horacio discusses the challenges of networking and follow-up at conferences, and how Boop—a QR code and SMS-powered platform—streamlines exchanging contact details and setting meetings.

Horacio explains Boop’s unique features, its competitive edge, and future plans for integrations and event partnerships. The conversation highlights the importance of effective engagement, real-time feedback, and rapid iteration in building tools that make networking at in-person events more meaningful and productive.

Learn more about Horacio's work HERE.

Connect with Horacio on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

114 - From Inbound Leads to Warm Conversations: Mastering the Art of Sales Engagement with Bolster's Paul Sathis

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Principal of Bolster, Paul Sathis. Paul discusses the evolving challenges of sales prospecting and lead generation, focusing on how Bolster integrates AI and automation with human engagement to help businesses connect with potential customers.

Paul shares insights on managing inbound leads, adapting to changing outreach methods, and balancing technology with a personal touch. He also highlights Bolster’s unique approach and new initiatives, offering practical strategies for effective sales conversations and relationship building in today’s dynamic market.

Learn more about Paul's work HERE.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

113 - Driving Change: The Future of Learning and Development in the Transportation Industry with Luma's Gina Anderson

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder of Luma, Gina Anderson. Gina discusses her background in education and neuroscience, her company’s innovative platform for training truck drivers, and the importance of behavior change in learning.

The conversation explores personalized, data-driven learning experiences, the integration of AI, and real-world safety applications. Gina shares insights on instructional design, technology’s role in education, and future coaching strategies.

Learn more about Gina's work HERE.

Connect with Gina on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

112 - Building Better Teams: How Vibe Coding is Changing the Game in Remote Work with Wednesday Solutions' Ali Hafizji

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Wednesday Solutions, Ali Hafizji. Ali shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and explains Wednesday’s unique sprint-based business model, which prioritizes outcomes over hourly billing.

Ali discusses how AI-powered "vibe coding" and "wide sprints" boost team productivity and collaboration, the challenges of marketing new products, and the evolving dynamics of remote work.

Learn more about Ali's work HERE.

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

111 - Community-Driven Innovation: How Customer Feedback Shapes Product Development with Agilence's Russ Hawkins

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President and CEO of Agilence, Russ Hawkins. Russ talks about the company’s evolution from video-based loss prevention to a data-centric analytics platform for multi-location retail and restaurant operators.

Russ discusses Agilence’s modular product strategy, the crucial role of customer feedback in shaping new features, and the integration of AI to enhance data accessibility. Russ also highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration, fostering innovation, and prioritizing user experience to make data analytics more usable across organizations.

Learn more about Russ's work HERE.

Connect with Russ on LinkedIn HERE.

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110 - Start-Up Mode: How Freelancers Flip the Script and Build Tech Giants with Barefoot Solutions' Hunter Jensen

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, Hunter Jensen. Hunter shares his journey from freelance developer to tech entrepreneur, highlighting the evolution of startups, especially with AI and software development.

He discusses the shift from traditional SaaS models to customized solutions, emphasizing the importance of proprietary data for competitive advantage. Hunter also addresses the need for secure AI adoption in regulated industries and the changing dynamics of product development.

Learn more about Hunter's work HERE.

Connect with Hunter on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

109 - Revolutionizing Workflows: How AI Agents Are Changing the Game for Productivity with Relay.app's Jacob Bank

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Relay.app, Jacob Bank. Jacob discusses his journey from studying AI at Stanford to creating AI agents that enhance productivity.

He explains the evolution from traditional software tools to AI agents that autonomously manage tasks, improving efficiency. The conversation covers the distinction between AI tools and traditional automation, the importance of workflow automation, and the user interface of Relay.app. Jacob also offers insights into getting started with Relay.app and shares his optimism for AI's transformative potential in productivity.

Learn more about Jacob's work HERE.

Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

108 - Plug In & Stand Out: Podcast Marketing Strategies for B2B SaaS Leaders with Bold PMM's Gal Ko

Thu, 29 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder, CEO, and PMM of Bold PMM, Gal Ko. Gal shares his journey from being fired from a startup to creating a company that helps B2B SaaS businesses leverage podcasting for marketing.

He discusses the challenges Israeli companies face entering the U.S. market and the strategic importance of podcasting. Gal explains how his service streamlines the process of securing podcast appearances for busy founders, emphasizing the significant impact on brand visibility and credibility.

Learn more about Gal's work HERE.

Connect with Gal on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

107 - Smarter Marketing Starts Here: How Personal Branding and AI Boost Business Efficiency with BrandAutomate.io's Rockey Simmons

Tue, 27 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of BrandAutomate.io, Rockey Simmons. Rockey delves into the significance of personal branding and the transformative potential of AI in business efficiency and marketing.

Rockey highlights the challenges businesses face without effective branding and automation, emphasizing the importance of a founder's personal brand. He shares success stories, like a dental clinic benefiting from a voice agent, and stresses the need for businesses to adopt AI to stay competitive.

Learn more about Rockey's work HERE.

Connect with Rockey on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

106 - Smart Support: The Future of Helping Families with Developmental Challenges with AI Ranger's Riva Kajangu

Thu, 22 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of AI Ranger, Riva Kajangu. Riva discusses the fragmented and inefficient systems parents face when seeking support for conditions like ADHD and autism.

He introduces Neo Sophia, a web app designed to help parents assess developmental issues early and connect with specialists. Riva emphasizes the importance of early intervention, building trust with parents, and the potential societal benefits of accessible, timely support for developmental delays.

Learn more about Riva's work HERE.

Connect with Riva on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

105 - Decoding the Data Dilemma: How to Conquer Interpretation Challenges with Orcana.AI's Arjun Bidesi

Tue, 20 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Orcana.AI, Arjun Bidesi. Arjun explains how Orcana.AI simplifies data interpretation by presenting key insights in a digestible format, similar to a news bulletin.

The platform allows users to ask questions in natural language and receive real-time analysis, making data more actionable. Client feedback highlights significant ROI and the desire for more prescriptive recommendations. The episode underscores Orcana.Ai's potential to transform data analytics and empower digital marketers.

Learn more about Arjun's work HERE.

Connect with Arjun on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

104 - Mind the Gap: Transforming Accounting for the Modern Professional with Subledger's Johannes Degn

Thu, 15 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Subledger, Johannes Degn. Johannes shares his journey from a failed startup in Kenya to creating Subledger, an accounting software designed to address the inefficiencies of traditional tools.

He discusses the outdated nature of existing accounting software and the generational divide in accounting practices. Subledger aims to simplify accounting for startups through native integrations and automation, reducing manual data entry. Johannes highlights the importance of intuitive and efficient software solutions and emphasizes Subledger's user-friendly interface and seamless data integration features.

Learn more about Johannes's work HERE.

Connect with Johannes on LinkedIn HERE.

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103 - From Fatigue to Focus: AI-Powered Consumer Insights That Actually Work with consumr.ai's Gautam Mehra

Tue, 13 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder of consumr.ai, Gautam Mehra. Gautam highlights the complexities of reconciling various data sources and the limitations of traditional survey methods. Gautam explains how consumr.ai leverages machine learning and AI to create digital twins of consumers, offering deeper insights into customer behaviors and preferences while ensuring privacy.

Learn more about Gautam's work HERE.

Connect with Gautam on LinkedIn HERE.

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102 - The Timing Gap: Why You’re Profitable But Still Broke with Dryrun Financial Modeling Software's Blaine Bertsch

Thu, 08 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of Dryrun Financial Modeling Software, Blaine Bertsch. Blaine shares his journey from design and consulting to founding Dryrun, driven by the cash flow challenges he faced in his previous agency.

The discussion highlights the critical importance of cash flow management for businesses with volatile cycles. Blaine explains how existing tools fall short and introduces Dryrun as a modular forecasting tool that provides clarity and control. The episode underscores the need for personalized, integrated solutions to empower CFOs and business owners in managing their financial health effectively.

Learn more about Blaine's work HERE.

Connect with Blaine on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

101 - The Rise of Virtual Reality in Training: What Businesses Need to Know with Saritasa's Nik Froehlich

Tue, 06 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President, Founder, and CEO of Saritasa, Nik Froehlich. Nik shares his professional journey, from a construction business to founding Saritasa, aiming to bridge the communication gap between business leaders and developers.

The discussion covers Saritasa's approach to software development, including innovative projects like VR training and custom business workflow systems. Nik emphasizes the importance of staying current with technology trends, client collaboration, and the shift towards remote work, highlighting the evolving landscape of digital transformation.

Learn more about Nik's work HERE.

Connect with Nik on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

100 - Celebrating 100 Episodes: Key Insights and Lessons from Product-Led Growth Leaders with 3Leaf's Thomas Watkins

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, reflects on the podcast's journey, celebrating its milestone. He shares valuable lessons learned, highlights standout episodes, and acknowledges remarkable entrepreneurs featured on the show.

Thomas underscores the podcast's purpose of fostering discussions around product-led growth (PLG) and providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs and product managers. Thomas emphasizes the diversity of expertise among his guests, showcasing their contributions to various aspects of product development, marketing, and sales.

Learn more about Thomas's work HERE.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

99 - The Smart Job Search: How Data Insights Can Land You Your Dream Role with Teq Crew's Elliot Koss

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Principal Product Growth Consultant of Teq Crew, Elliot Koss. Elliot shares his career journey and discusses his latest venture, Career Amplifier, a platform designed to simplify the job search by providing tailored job notifications.

Elliot delves into the challenges job seekers face, the importance of networking, and strategies for product-led growth. Elliot emphasizes the need to understand user needs and retention rates.

Learn more about Elliot's work HERE.

Connect with Elliot on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

98 - Navigating the Startup Journey: How to Achieve Product-Market Success with Tekyz's David Hirschfeld

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Tekyz, David Hirschfeld. David discuss the challenges software startup founders face, particularly in validating product-market fit. David emphasizes the importance of understanding customer problems over falling in love with a product.

He introduces his "Launch First" methodology, which helps B2B startups achieve quick cash flow through product-led sales. He covers the effectiveness of freemium models, the significance of early adopters, and the role of advisory boards. David's insights offer a roadmap for navigating startup challenges and achieving market success.

Learn more about David's work HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

97 - Innovating User Experience: The Key to Successful B2B Sales with Spryker's Elena Leonova

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CPO of Spryker, Elena Leonova. Elena shares her journey from a business analyst in Ukraine to a product management executive in the U.S.

She discusses the complexities of B2B commerce, especially for high-value products requiring a consultative sales approach. Elena emphasizes the importance of user experience and innovation in product management. She discusses continuous learning and a plan for a follow-up meeting to explore potential collaboration, highlighting the value of networking in the field.

Learn more about Elena's work HERE.

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn HERE.

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96 - Unlocking the Future: How AI is Revolutionizing SaaS for Small Business Owners with PlatypusOS' Matthew White

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of PlatypusOS, Matthew White. Matthew discusses the challenges business founders face in leveraging technology and how his companies aim to solve these issues.

Qebot offers a marketplace for online and mobile advertising solutions, while PlatypusOS integrates various SaaS tools into a single, AI-enhanced browser. The conversation highlights the importance of user-friendly technology, the potential of AI to streamline business operations, and the future of browsing with PlatypusOS' innovative, intuitive design.

Learn more about Matthew's work HERE.

Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

95 - The Power of a Clear Value Proposition: Fueling Your Marketing Success with Right Angle's B Randall Willis

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Right Angle, B Randall Willis. B Randall has a rich background in publishing and media and discusses the evolution of digital marketing and the challenges businesses face today.

He emphasizes the importance of a clear value proposition and a running marketing engine, likening content to the fuel that powers it. B Randall advocates for consistent blogging to establish value, improve SEO, and leverage social media. He underscores the need for simplified, effective marketing strategies and collaboration to achieve business success.

Learn more about B Randall Willis' work HERE.

Connect with B Randall Willis on LinkedIn HERE.

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94 - Transforming Trials into Triumphs: Effective Onboarding Strategies for SaaS with Pyne's Roman Geugelin

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Pyne, Roman Geugelin. Roman discusses the challenges of scaling onboarding during rapid growth and advocates for AI-driven solutions to automate and personalize the process.

Key topics include understanding user motivations, identifying drop-off points, and the role of design partners in developing effective onboarding strategies. Roman emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability to enhance user activation and engagement in a PLG context.

Learn more about Roman's work HERE.

Connect with Roman on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

93 - How AI Transforms Customer Understanding in Financial Institutions with Bordo AI's Krunal Patel

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Bordo AI, Krunal Patel. Krunal discusses the challenges financial institutions face in managing vast amounts of data and how Bordo AI leverages artificial intelligence to provide deeper customer insights.

He shares the inspiration behind Bordo AI, emphasizing context awareness and transparency in AI. He covers the product development journey, challenges with data quality, future aspirations, and the importance of user experience. Krunal envisions Bordo AI as a leader in customer analytics, aiming to transform financial institutions' understanding and engagement with their customers.

Learn more about Krunal's work HERE.

Connect with Krunal on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

92 - Collaborate or Fail: The Key to Successful Technology Projects in Today's Market with BetterEngineer's Marc Boudria

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Chief Innovation Officer of BetterEngineer, Marc Boudria. Marc shares his extensive experience in technology innovation, emphasizing the challenges of AI adoption and the importance of understanding user experience.

He discusses the need for a pragmatic approach to technology implementation and highlights the significance of assembling the right teams. Marc also addresses the current job market, advocating for a holistic hiring approach that values problem-solving abilities and creativity alongside technical skills.

Learn more about Marc's work HERE.

Connect with Marc on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

91 - Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Digital Marketing for Small Business Owners with Inn8ly's James Hipkin

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of Inn8ly, James Hipkin. James highlights common pitfalls in website creation, stressing the importance of a customer-centric approach.

He introduces the concept of "pathways" over traditional calls to action and underscores the need for websites to confirm customer needs. The discussion also covers tools for gathering customer insights and the significance of user experience. James emphasizes making digital marketing expertise accessible to smaller businesses, aiming to empower them in the digital landscape.

Learn more about James's work HERE.

Connect with James on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

90 - Elevating Business Success: Maximizing Efficiency with an Executive Assistant with VEXA Software Solutions' Molly Denham

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of VEXA Software Solutions, Molly Denham. Molly discusses her transition to the private sector, where she founded VEXA Software Solutions, a company offering virtual executive assistant services.

The conversation highlights the crucial role of administrative support for executives, the inefficiencies faced without it, and how Vexa Software enhances productivity through tailored solutions. The episode also touches on the development of administrative software, the role of AI, and the need for recognition and resources for administrative professionals.

Learn more about Molly's work HERE.

Connect with Molly on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

89 - The Future of Connection: Innovating Solutions for Startups and Social Isolation with BetterEngineer and SwingBy's Brooks Rhinehart

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Strategic Accounts at BetterEngineer, and CEO and Founder of SwingBy, Brooks Rhinehart. Brooks discusses his extensive background in operations and strategic consulting, focusing on his work at Better Engineers, which addresses engineering staffing challenges for startups and enterprises. Brooks also explores SwingBy's innovative approach to combating loneliness exacerbated by COVID-19, likened to an "Uber for home companion services."

Learn more about Brooks's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with Brooks on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

88 - Daily Profit Insights: The Game-Changer for Restaurant Financial Management with FobeSoft's Geordy Murphy

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of FobeSoft, Geordy Murphy. Geordy, with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, discusses the common challenges restaurant owners face in understanding and analyzing financial data.

FobeSoft addresses these issues by providing real-time profit and loss statements, integrating with point-of-sale systems, and using AI to streamline data entry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and how FobeSoft empowers restaurant owners to make informed decisions and improve profitability.

Learn more about Geordy's work HERE.

Connect with Geordy on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

87 - Bridging the Gap: Addressing Contract Management Challenges with Innovative Technology with Hevi's Paul Culvenor

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Hevi, Paul Culvenor. Paul discusses his mining industry background and the complexities of managing large-scale contracts.

He explains how Heavy's AI-driven platform helps users navigate contracts, understand risks, and ensure compliance in real-time. The conversation covers the limitations of existing software, the importance of customer success, and Heavy's goal to become a more user-friendly, plug-and-play system. The episode highlights AI's potential to transform traditional processes and improve project outcomes.

Learn more about Paul's work HERE.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

86 - Culture Shock: Revolutionizing Your Workplace from Toxic to Thriving with Aptive Index's Jason P. Carroll

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Aptive Index , Jason P. Carroll. Jason shares his journey from a toxic sales job to transforming company cultures, notably at Champion National Security.

He emphasizes the importance of core values, hiring practices, and having the right people in leadership roles. The conversation also touches on diagnosing company culture, the impact of remote work, and the significance of aligning team members with the company's mission. Jason's insights offer valuable guidance for leaders aiming to enhance organizational success.

Learn more about Jason's work HERE.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

85 - The Best Strategies for Engaging Sports Fans Through Innovative Gameplay with Next Play's Sid El Saghir

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Next Play, Sid El Saghir. Sid discusses his transition from big tech to startups and the mission of Next Play to enhance live sports viewing by addressing boredom during game breaks. Initially offering a physical card game, Next Play is now developing digital games. Sid emphasizes understanding customer needs through feedback and leveraging AI in product development.

Learn more about Sid's work HERE.

Connect with Sid on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

84 - From Automation to Authenticity: The Shift in Customer Service Dynamics with Face2Face's Nick Tomic

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Face2Face, Nick Tomic. The discussion focuses on the communication challenges in the SaaS sector and how Nick's product enhances real-time interaction through video calls and screen sharing.

Nick shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of human connection amidst automation. He discusses maintaining a lean, innovative team and leveraging technology for efficiency. The episode highlights the need for direct customer engagement and strategic problem-solving, offering valuable insights into building a successful, tech-driven business.

Learn more about Nick's work HERE.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

83 - Mindset Matters: Developing the Right Attitude for Entrepreneurial Success with Andrew Poles Executive Coaching's Andrew Poles

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Andrew Poles Executive Coaching, Andrew Poles. Andrew specializes in helping first-time founders transition from individual contributors to effective leaders.

Andrew highlights the unique challenges these founders face, such as managing teams and meeting investor expectations. Andrew emphasizes the importance of bridging skill gaps, the role of community support, and the distinction between coaching and consulting. He also shares insights on the triggers that lead founders to seek help and the significance of both quality and quantity of actions in achieving success.

Learn more about Andrew's work HERE.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

82 - Innovate or Die: Why Competition is Key to Product Management with Spice Catalyst's David Fradin

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of Spice Catalyst, David Fradin. David discusses the high failure rate of new products and the importance of a well-defined product market strategy.

He critiques the "move fast and break things" mentality, advocating for a more deliberate approach. David introduces the SPICE framework and emphasizes understanding customer needs. He also touches on AI's role in product management and offers practical advice for aspiring product managers.

Learn more about David's work HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

81 - The Key to Successful Product Management and Strategic Decision-Making with JC Landivar

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Management Leader, Executive/Personal Coach, Facilitator, and Organizational Advisor, JC Landivar. JC shares his unconventional journey into product management, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and strategic decision-making.

He discusses the evolving landscape of product management, the critical role of user feedback, and the challenges of aligning product strategies with market demands. JC also highlights his coaching techniques, helping clients navigate their product management challenges. The conversation touches on the transformative potential of AI and the need for adaptability in the rapidly changing tech environment.

Connect with JC on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

80 - Accessibility Revolution: Transforming Technology for All Users with AudioEye's Mike Paciello

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Chief Accessibility Officer of AudioEye, Mike Paciello. Mike shares his journey from technical writing to founding web accessibility companies. The discussion highlights the evolution of web accessibility, emphasizing its importance in user experience (UX).

Mike elaborates on the role of AI in enhancing accessibility, automating solutions, and making digital content more inclusive. He underscores the significance of empathy in design and encourages listeners to advocate for inclusive practices in technology.

Learn more about Mike's work HERE.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

79 - The Art of Engaging Customers: How to Build Products That People Actually Want with Buska's Toni Dos Santos

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and Product Manager of Buska, Toni Dos Santos. Toni shares his extensive experience and insights, emphasizing the importance of business acumen in product management.

He discusses his newsletter, "The Product Courier," which offers AI tutorials for product teams. Key highlights include the significance of engaging with customers early, the iterative process of achieving PMF, and the potential of AI tools for rapid prototyping. The episode concludes with plans for future collaboration and resource sharing.

Learn more about Toni's work HERE.

Connect with Toni on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

78 - Mastering the Webinar: Tips and Tools for Maximum Engagement with Engaging Webinars' Jeff Brandeis

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Engaging Webinars, Jeff Brandeis. Jeff discusses the challenges of virtual presentations, especially post-COVID-19, and the common issue of unengaging webinars.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding audience needs and creating interactive, educational content rather than sales pitches. Jeff introduces Engage Hub, a software tool that enhances presentations by allowing dynamic content management. He also touches on the role of AI in presentations and the significance of personal connection. Jeff shares success stories of improved engagement rates and offers a free consultation for listeners.

Learn more about Jeff's work HERE.

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

77 - From Code to Capital: Transforming Tech Minds into Business Leaders with Human Interfaces' Vladimir Baranov

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Business Coach for Tech Founders of Human Interfaces, Vladimir Baranov. Vladimir shares his extensive background, from programming trading systems to scaling startups and launching satellites.

Vladimir focuses on the challenges faced by founders, particularly in transitioning from engineering to business mindsets. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs, direct customer engagement, and strategic decision-making. He also discusses the evolving role of AI in startups and offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of building and scaling tech businesses.

Learn more about Vladimir's work HERE.

Connect with Vladimir on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

76 - From Spam Filters to Sales: Revolutionizing Outreach with AI with Sherlock's Mike Cofone

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Sherlock, Mike Cofone. Mike shares his career journey from aspiring Olympian to data-driven sales expert. Mike covers challenges in email deliverability, transitioning to alternative communication methods, and leveraging AI in sales.

Mike emphasizes the importance of direct outreach, gathering customer feedback, and integrating sales, marketing, and product teams. He advocates for a balanced approach combining technology with human interaction to enhance sales strategies and drive revenue growth.

Learn more about Mike's work HERE.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

75 - Collaborate to Innovate: Aligning Strategy and Design for Product Success with Basic Arts' Alex Smith

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Basic Arts, Alex Smith. Alex discusses his transition from marketing to strategy, emphasizing the need to make strategic principles accessible to all founders.

He highlights common misconceptions, such as the belief that a superior product guarantees success, and stresses the importance of finding a unique market position. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in business and the challenges of integrating strategic work into design processes.

Learn more about Alex's work HERE.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

74 - The Role of AI and IoT in Shaping the Future of Field Service Management with Simpro Software's Gary Specter

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Simpro Software, Gary Specter. Gary, with over 25 years of experience, shares insights into the complexities of the field service industry and how SaaS can address these challenges.

Gary explores the role of automation, AI, and IoT in transforming field services from reactive to proactive maintenance. The conversation also touches on the importance of adaptability and technology integration.

Learn more about Gary's work HERE.

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

73 - Navigating Startup Challenges: Insights on Effective Development and Staffing with FastCTO's Igor Belagorudsky

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of FastCTO, Igor Belagorudsky. Igor shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of clear communication between founders and developers. He discusses common pitfalls, such as misaligned expectations and costly mistakes, and advocates for early investment in design and planning. Igor also highlights the benefits of seeking guidance from experienced advisors like Fast CTO to navigate complexities and avoid wasting resources. The episode offers practical advice for building successful startups.

Learn more about Igor's work HERE.

Connect with Igor on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

72 - Finish Strong: Unlocking the Power of Completion in Startups with Memory My Way's Bill Boulden

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Interim CTO of Memory My Way, Bill Boulden. Bill emphasizes the importance of a "completionist" mindset, focusing on core functionalities to bring products to market efficiently. He discusses the challenges startup founders face, including limited budgets and the necessity of generating revenue. Bill also highlights the evolving roles in the tech industry, advocating for a broad skill set.

Learn more about Bill's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

71 - Mastering the Art of Startup Growth: Insights on MVPs, Funding, and Investor Relationships with Tactical Business Partners' Charles Berg

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Owner and Principal Consultant of Tactical Business Partners, Charles Berg. Charles shares insights on early-stage product development, funding challenges, and the importance of a clear business model. He emphasizes the need for a minimum viable product (MVP) and the value of adaptability and focus. He covers the evolution of technology, the impact of AI, and the personal commitment required from founders. Charles advises on genuine AI implementation and effective communication within teams, offering practical strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Learn more about Charles' work HERE.

Connect with Charles on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

70 - The Future of Venture Capital: Smaller Investments for Greater Impact in SaaS with Heartee Foods' Robert Imbeault

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CPO of Heartee Foods, Robert Imbeault. Robert shares his extensive experience in the SaaS industry, emphasizing the importance of user experience (UX) in product development. He discusses the origin of Ascend, focusing on simplifying compliance processes for supply chains. The conversation also covers the balance between sales and product development, insights into the venture capital landscape, and advice for entrepreneurs. Robert underscores the value of building products that genuinely solve user problems.

Learn more about Robert's work HERE.

Connect with Robert on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

69 - Navigating the Future of Product Development: The Role of User Stories and AI Integration with Planorama Lab's Matt Genovese

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Planorama Lab, Matt Genovese. Matt shares his expertise in software engineering, product leadership, and technology, focusing on AI and IoT. Matt discusses the evolving landscape of SaaS applications, emphasizing the importance of clear requirements for development teams and addressing specific user problems. Matt highlights the potential of AI in automating requirements gathering and enhancing user experience. He introduces Planorama's tool, Sinfonia, which aids in capturing and managing product scope. .

Learn more about Matt's work HERE.

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

68 - The Art of Balancing Immediate Sales with Product Quality in Startups with enäks' David Pop

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of enäks, David Pop. David emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes market research, consumer behavior analysis, and strategic marketing execution. He highlights the importance of balancing short-term wins with long-term goals and stresses the critical role of product quality. David also covers common challenges faced by startups, the value of collaboration, and future trends in marketing intelligence, particularly the impact of AI.

Learn more about David's work HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE

67 - Embracing Change: How AI and Adaptability Shape the Future of Business with Dream Vacations' Nick Mornard

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Owner of Dream Vacations, Nick Mornard. Nick shares his insights on the critical role of mindset in leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's "why" to overcome challenges. He discusses common pitfalls for entrepreneurs, such as prioritization struggles, and highlights the value of mentorship. The episode also explores the impact of AI on business and the diverse backgrounds of entrepreneurs entering the SaaS space. Nick's personal journey and professional experiences offer valuable guidance for aspiring leaders.

Learn more about Nick's work HERE.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

66 - The Power of Diversity: Why Different Perspectives Fuel Innovation with Strawberry Innovation's Jules Strickland

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of Strawberry Innovation, Jules Strickland. Julie, a mechanical engineer with experience at NASA and Northrop Grumman, shares her journey as a non-traditional student and discusses innovation and leadership in high-stakes industries like aerospace. She emphasizes the complexities of patents versus trade secrets, the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, and provides insights from her book, aimed at guiding innovators and leaders in navigating corporate landscapes effectively.

Learn more about Jules's work HERE.

Connect with Jules on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

65 - Understanding Customer Needs: The Key to Successful AI Integration and Product Development with Product Pursuits' Natasha Gorodetsky

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Product Pursuits, Natasha Gorodetsky. Natasha shares her extensive background in product management, including roles at SAP and her current focus on helping early-stage and venture-backed startups develop impactful products. She covers the challenges of integrating AI into product development, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs before adopting AI solutions. Natasha also highlights common pitfalls in AI integration, the critical role of effective onboarding processes, and her approach to consultancy, including community engagement and mentorship.

Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

64 - Transforming Digital Communication: Insights on Future of Email Management with NewMail AI's Yohann Abittan

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of NewMail AI, Yohann Abittan. Yohann shares insights into making AI safer and more trustworthy. He delves into the challenges of email overload and how NewMail AI aims to address this issue by using AI to prioritize and manage emails effectively. The host facilitates the discussion, exploring Yohann's professional background and NewMail AI's innovative solutions.

Learn more about Yohann's work HERE.

Connect with Yohann on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

63 - Building Trust in a Digital World: The Essential Guide to Internet Security for Professional Services with Simple Salt's Dylan Evans

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Workstream Owner of Simple Salt, Dylan Evans. Dylan clarifies the misconceptions between internet crime and internet security, emphasizing that many perceived cyber threats involve traditional crime tactics rather than sophisticated hacking. He critiques outdated security measures and stresses the importance of understanding real risks. Dylan discusses his work with high-trust professional services, offering a mix of free content, consulting, and software products to help businesses mitigate security risks.

Learn more about Dylan's work HERE.

Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

62 - Transforming Content Creation: How to Align with User Intent in a Changing Digital World with Otterly's Klaus-M. Schremser

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Otterly, Klaus-M. Schremser. Klaus shares his journey through the tech industry, highlighting his roles in startups like Wiki Docs and User Snap. Klaus delves into the effectiveness of TikTok as a B2B traction channel and the evolving landscape of SEO due to AI and large language models (LLMs). Klaus introduces Otterly, his current venture, which helps businesses adapt to these changes by understanding user intent and optimizing content strategies.

Learn more about Klaus-M's work HERE.

Connect with Klaus-M on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

61 - Demos That Dazzle: Transforming Product Presentations into Engaging Experiences with Navattic's Natalie Marcotullio

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Head of Growth and Operations at Navattic, Natalie Marcotullio. Natalie highlights the challenges founders face in showcasing their products effectively, particularly during the early stages. She emphasizes the importance of creating interactive demos to help potential customers understand the product better. Natalie introduces Nevada, a tool that allows users to create interactive demos without coding skills, and discusses the company's shift towards a self-serve model, enabling users to engage with the product independently.

Learn more about Natalie's work HERE.

Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

60 - Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Transforming Youth Through Technology with Next Gen Tech 360's Robyn Mussler

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and President of Next Gen Tech 360, Robyn Mussler. Robyn discusses her career and her initiative, Next Gen Tech 360. This award-winning platform aims to equip high school students with essential skills in technology and business. The conversation highlights Robyn's efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry, her unique consultancy model, and the importance of user experience in technology development. Robyn's passion for empowering youth and fostering future tech leaders is evident throughout the episode.

Learn more about Robyn's work HERE.

Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

59 - Building High-Performing Teams: The Key to Startup Success with Adam Weber Coaching's Adam Weber

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Executive Coach of Adam Weber Coaching, Adam Weber. Adam shares his journey and insights from his experience in high-growth startups, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, psychological safety, and personal growth for effective leadership. Adam covers the emotional challenges faced by founders, the evolution of HR towards a more strategic role, and the impact of generational values on workplace culture. Adam also highlights the significance of clarity in expectations and the benefits and challenges of remote work, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach to leadership and innovation.

Learn more about Adam's work HERE.

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

58 - Adapting to Short Attention Spans: The Key to Effective Knowledge Management with Workday Ninja's Alane Boyd

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Workday Ninja, Alane Boyd. Alane shares her professional journey, emphasizing her experiences in strategic marketing and leadership roles, including her time as president and chief product officer at Go Fan Base. She delves into the challenges of sales and product development in today's market, the importance of customer feedback, and the evolving role of AI. Alane highlights Arvo's mission to create engaging knowledge management systems and offers practical advice for businesses aiming to balance immediate needs with long-term vision.

Learn more about Alane's work HERE.

Connect with Alane on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

57 - Unlocking Startup Success: The Power of Problem-Centric Messaging with Startup Hypeman's Rajiv Nathan

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and Chief Pitch Artist of Startup Hypeman, Rajiv Nathan. Rajiv delves into the challenges tech startups face in effectively communicating their value propositions and go-to-market strategies. Rajiv emphasizes the importance of crafting clear and compelling pitches to attract investors and customers. He discusses common pitfalls in startup messaging, the significance of understanding core problems, and his structured approach to refining pitches. The episode also touches on Rajiv's creative project, an album blending hip-hop with entrepreneurial themes, aimed at inspiring and energizing startups.

Learn more about Rajiv's work HERE.

Connect with Rajiv on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

56 - Breaking the Innovation Mold: Empowering Every Employee to Contribute with IdeaScale's Nick Jain

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of IdeaScale, Nick Jain. Nick discusses large organizations and the innovation challenges that they face and how IdeaScale's platform addresses these by democratizing idea generation. Nick emphasizes the importance of tapping into the collective intelligence of all employees, not just executives, to foster innovation. He explains how IdeaScale allows users to submit, vote on, and refine ideas, creating a meritocracy. The episode also highlights the significance of leadership mindset, product-led growth strategies, and maintaining a culture of innovation for organizational success.

Learn more about Nick's work HERE.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

55 - Trusting the Machine: The Importance of Transparency in AI Applications with LinkedIn's Praveen Gujar

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, speaks to the Director of Product at LinkedIn, Praveen Gujar. Praveen is an experienced product manager who has worked for top tech firms like Huawei, AWS, Twitter, and currently, LinkedIn.

They explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in product development and user experience. Praveen highlights AI's long-standing presence in systems and its recent rise to prominence with generative AI models. The discussion covers AI integration stages, value creation, cost considerations, and the importance of transparency. Praveen also predicts future trends, including single-person companies and evolving job functions, emphasizing the need for AI literacy and continuous learning.

Connect with Praveen on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

54 - Mastering Local SEO: Essential Tips for Multi-Location Brands to Thrive Online with PinMeTo's Daniel Melkersson

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and Board Member of PinMeTo, Daniel Melkersson. PinMeTo is a company aiding multi-location brands in managing their local SEO and online presence. Daniel shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of failure and learning from his diverse background in music, sports, and digital development. He discusses the challenges that large brands face in maintaining consistent local information and how PinMeTo's centralized platform addresses these issues. Daniel covers user experience, leadership in SaaS, and the significance of customer feedback in product development.

Learn more about Daniel's work HERE.

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

53 - Designing Your Way to Success: The Art of Product-Led Growth with RKS Design's Ravi Sawhney

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of RKS Design, Ravi Sawhney. Ravi shares his extensive experience in product development and market validation, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer needs. He discusses the process of validating ideas, the role of design in enhancing user experience, and the concept of product-led growth. Ravi recounts notable projects, including a touchscreen interface at Xerox and a redesigned can opener, illustrating how thoughtful design can drive user satisfaction and market success. He encourages continuous learning and collaboration in the design and startup ecosystems.

Learn more about Ravi's work HERE.

Connect with Ravi on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

52 - Building Better Support: The Role of User Feedback in AI Development with Inkeep's Nick Gomez

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Inkeep, Nick Gomez. Nick shares his journey from co-founding a machine learning company at MIT to leading Innkeep, which focuses on enhancing user experience through AI-powered chatbots. These chatbots help users navigate complex documentation efficiently. Nick covers the importance of user experience, quality assurance, and the innovative potential of AI in SaaS products. Nick emphasizes the need for high-quality support solutions and the role of continuous improvement in product development.

Learn more about Nick's work HERE.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

51 - AI and Product Development: What Every Founder Needs to Know with Jamaila Holder

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Leader turned Coach and Advisor, Jamaila Holder. Jamila shares her extensive experience in product management and her current role in advising early-stage tech founders. The discussion covers the importance of founder education, user research, and the differences between corporate environments and startups. Jamila emphasizes the need for understanding user needs, the strategic implementation of AI, and the qualities investors look for in founders. Her insights provide valuable guidance for early-stage founders navigating product development and securing investment.

Learn more about Jamaila's work HERE.

Connect with Jamaila on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

50 - The Anatomy of Effective Product Teams: Building Success from Within with David Pereira

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Coach, Author, and Keynote Speaker, David Pereira. David shares his expertise in product management in startups and scale-ups. He highlights common pitfalls, such as relying on opinions over evidence and the need for structured processes. David emphasizes fostering a culture of learning and experimentation, validating product ideas, and the importance of product teams. He introduces the "Opportunity Solution Tree" and advises on transitioning to modern product management. David concludes with practical advice for startup founders and invites listeners to explore his book, "Untapped Product Teams."

Learn more about David's work HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

49 - Mastering the Art of Data-Driven Personalization in Product Development with Summit Labs' Brian Childress

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Fractional CTO and Principal Technical Advisor of Summit Labs, Brian Childress. Brian explores the principles of product-led growth (PLG) for startups and scale-ups, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and leveraging data. Brian highlights the role of personalization in enhancing user experiences and discusses the integration of AI to streamline workflows. Brian covers the significance of team collaboration and effective communication, particularly through visual aids. Brian shares methodologies for testing and validating product features, stressing the need for data-driven decisions and meaningful AI applications.

Learn more about Brian's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

48 - Navigating Ambiguity: Essential Skills for Aspiring Industrial Product Managers with GLG's Moises Nava

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Senior Advisor of Innovation, Product, and Market Strategy at GLG's, Moises Nava. Moises shares insights on the evolution of product management, emphasizing its roots in physical product development and its integration with digital advancements. He discusses the importance of understanding physical and digital aspects, stages of innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. Highlighting examples like Zipline's use of AI in drone deliveries, Moises underscores the need for adaptability and continuous learning in navigating the complexities of product management in heavy industries.

Learn more about Moises's work HERE.

Connect with Moises on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

47 - Innovating with AI: How to Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Landscape with Mike Todasco

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at SDSU, AI Writer and Advisor, Mike Todasco. Mike's journey from finance to innovation, his patent experiences, and the role of AI in business. Mike shares insights on the monetization of generative AI, its future trends, and the importance of understanding customer needs. The conversation also touches on AI's limitations, security concerns, and Mike's involvement with Snickerdoodle, a blockchain-based advertising company.

Learn more about Mike's work HERE.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

46 - The Myth of Perfect Research: Why Customer Conversations Matter More with Harvard Innovation Labs' Rob Snyder

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Harvard Innovation Labs, Rob Snyder. Rob shares his experiences, highlighting the challenges faced after raising venture capital and the importance of understanding customer needs. He warns against relying too heavily on theoretical advice and the pitfalls of "larping" in startups. Emphasizing early customer interactions, Rob advocates for real-world feedback over abstract research.

Learn more about Rob's work HERE.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

45 - The Art of Intentional Design: Creating Products That Resonate with Users with Penlo Parc's Alexandra Candelas

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Penlo Parc, Alexandra Candelas. Alexandra shares her extensive experience in visual design, innovative technology, and user experience (UX). She covers the importance of differentiation in product design, the role of user experience, and the challenges of being a first mover versus a second mover in the market. Alexandra emphasizes intentionality and attention to detail in creating successful products, drawing from her work with Kodak and early online banking technologies. The episode offers valuable insights into navigating today's competitive landscape.

Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

44 - The Importance of Resilience and Community in Startup Success with Strongroom Solutions' Justin Nelson

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Strongroom Solutions, Justin Nelson. Justin discusses his early career as a consultant, founding Strongroom Solutions, and its eventual acquisition by AvidXchange. He shares insights on the challenges of starting a business, product management, and customer success metrics. Justin introduces his current venture, Menlo Park, an incubator aimed at supporting first-time software entrepreneurs.

Learn more about Justin's work HERE.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

43 - Securing the Future: Why Cybersecurity Should Be a Top Priority for Tech Founders with Cycore Secure's Kevin Barona

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of Cycore Secure, Kevin Barona. Kevin shares his journey from working as a legislative aide to becoming a cybersecurity expert. He emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity compliance for early-stage tech companies, discussing frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA. Kevin highlights startups' challenges in achieving compliance and advises them to integrate security measures early to build client trust. The episode underscores the need for proactive security practices to secure contracts and maintain credibility in the tech industry.

Learn more about Kevin's work HERE.

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

42 - Empowering Small Businesses Through Innovative Platforms with Jugl's Arun Prasad Jaganathan

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CTO of Jugl, Arun Prasad Jaganathan. Arun Prasad discusses the operational challenges small businesses face and how Jugl provides a comprehensive solution. Arun Prasad shares insights on Jugl's user engagement strategies, data analysis, and the importance of a seamless onboarding process. He also highlights the significance of transparency and effective communication within a SaaS product team. The episode concludes with a discussion of potential collaborations to enhance Jugl's UX design, emphasizing the platform's role in empowering small businesses.

Learn more about Arun Prasad's work HERE.

Connect with Arun Prasad on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

41 - Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Heavy Industries Through Technology with First Mode's Alex Bertram

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Growth Leader at First Mode, Alex Bertram. Alex discusses the application of technology in heavy industries, focusing on safety, cost, volume, and sustainability. Alex emphasizes the importance of meticulous testing and implementation of new technologies in harsh environments to avoid catastrophic failures. He also explores the role of effective communication, using storytelling and visual aids, to convey the benefits of new technologies to both business leaders and frontline workers. Alex highlights the complexities and opportunities in integrating technology within heavy industries.

Learn more about Alex's work HERE.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

40 - Bridging the Tech Gap: How AI Can Transform Traditional Industries with Ahmed Khan

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CTO, Sr. Manager, Lead, and Mobile Architect, Ahmed Khan. Ahmed discusses the evolving landscape of AI, particularly generative AI, and its impact on startups. He highlights the diverse perceptions of AI, the technological advancements that have enabled generative AI, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The conversation delves into building AI models, the critical role of data, and the distinction between AI and traditional software development. Ahmed also emphasizes the importance of bridging the knowledge gap between technologists and industry experts.

Learn more about Ahmed's work HERE.

Connect with Ahmed on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

39 - Sound Therapy: The Future of Mental Health and Personal Development with Steve Ardire

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the AI Startup Advisor, Steve Ardire. Steve discusses his work with Omega Human, a startup using neuromodulation through sound frequencies for personal growth and spiritual development. He explains the challenges of identifying successful startups, the importance of clinical validation, and the potential of software as a medical device. Steve highlights Omega Human's personalized audio experiences and their impact on mental health and wellness, emphasizing the transformative potential of their innovative approach.

Learn more about Steve's work HERE.

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

38 - Personalization at Scale: Using AI to Enhance Sales Engagement with xiQ's Usman Sheikh

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of xiQ, Usman Sheikh. xiQ is an AI-powered platform for B2B sales and marketing. Usman explains how xiQ integrates AI with behavioral science and psychology to create personalized sales communications. The platform leverages data about individuals and companies to help salespeople craft tailored emails and call scripts. Usman discusses the company's innovative culture, team structure, and product-led growth strategy. Usman emphasizes the transformative potential of their technology and encourages listeners to try out xiQ to enhance their sales effectiveness.

Learn more about Usman's work HERE.

Connect with Usman on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

37 - Accessibility Revolution: Transforming Products for Everyone with Meryl Evans

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO, Professional Speaker, Trainer, Global Accessibility Consultant, and Digital Marketing Consultant, Meryl Evans. Meryl is a deaf influencer and educator. She discusses the significance of accessibility and inclusive marketing. Meryl, who uses a cochlear implant and captions, shares her expertise on how businesses can enhance their products and marketing strategies to be more inclusive. She emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse abilities, the business benefits of accessibility, and the need for a cultural shift toward inclusivity. The discussion also covers success stories, the value of hiring people with disabilities, and the role of AI in accessibility.

Learn more about Meryl's work HERE.

Connect with Meryl on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

36 - The Best Strategies for Converting Free Users into Paying Customer with inLinks' Dixon Jones

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of inLinks, Dixon Jones. Dixon discusses his professional journey, the evolution of InLinks, and the strategic use of the freemium model in SaaS. Dixon explains InLinks' entity-based SEO approach, which focuses on understanding the context of terms rather than just keywords. He discusses how InLinks helps users improve internal linking and SEO through a knowledge graph. Dixon also highlights the importance of user feedback in refining products and adapting sales strategies to meet diverse customer needs.

Learn more about Dixon's work HERE.

Connect with Dixon on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

35 - Franchising 2.0: How AI is Revolutionizing Franchise Development with Sales Chatz' David Stein and Kylon Gustin

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder of Sales Chatz, David Stein, and the CTO and Co-Founder of Sales Chatz, Kylon Gustin. David and Kylon discuss their innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing for franchise brands. They explore the unique challenges of franchise marketing, emphasizing the importance of franchise development and recruitment. Sales Chatz's AI-driven platform, iAds, enhances targeting efficiency and ROI for franchisors and franchisees. The episode concludes with plans for future collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to leveraging technology for growth and innovation in the franchising industry.

Learn more about David and Kylon's work HERE.

Connect with David and Kylon on LinkedIn HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

34 - Transformational Roadmaps: Your Guide to Effective Product Development with Product Blocks' Piotr Kacala

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CTO at Displate, Product Coach, and Product Leader of Product Blocks, Piotr Kacala. Piotr Kacala is a seasoned web development and software engineering expert. Piotr, formerly the CTO of a European marketplace for metal posters, now advises tech companies and champion teams to apologize. Piotr centers on creating effective product engineering teams, viewing them as profit centers, and fostering cultural and strategic changes for innovation. Piotr shares insights on agile practices, strategic involvement, and the importance of internal capabilities.

Learn more about Piotr's work HERE.

Connect with Piotr on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

33 - Unlocking Restaurant Success: The Power of Data in Pricing and Promotions with JUICER's Ashwin Kamlani

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of JUICER, Ashwin Kamlani. Ashwin discusses his background in e-commerce and the challenges the restaurant industry faces in adopting technology. He explains how JUICER helps restaurants with data-driven solutions to optimize pricing and profitability. Ashwin covers the impact of COVID-19 on this sector, the complexities of digital channels, and JUICER's competitive intelligence tools. Ashwin also shares JUICER's future plans, including offering free competitive intelligence solutions to support smaller restaurants in their digital transformation.

Learn more about Ashwin's work HERE.

Connect with Ashwin on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

32 - Revolutionizing Payments: Changing the Game for Software Companies with Tilled's Caleb Avery

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Tilled, Caleb Avery. Caleb shares his extensive background in financial services and the journey that led to founding Tilled, a company that helps SaaS businesses monetize credit card transactions. The discussion covers the challenges vertical software companies face in payment processing and how Tilled's innovative solutions streamline this process. Caleb highlights the importance of customer feedback, the potential of "tap to phone" technology, and Tilled's strategy of white-labeling their platform to expand reach.

Learn more about Caleb's work HERE.

Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

31 - Leveraging Venture-Driven Growth and Removing Barriers to Scale with Apollo 21's Danny Nathan

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Apollo 21, Danny Nathan. Danny shares insights on fostering innovation within organizations, emphasizing the need for dedicated resources and a collaborative culture. He discusses Apollo 21's approach, which combines product design, venture building, and management consulting to help companies overcome barriers to innovation. Key themes include the importance of C-suite buy-in, avoiding "innovation theater," and navigating economic challenges. Danny also highlights the role of emerging technologies like AI and the necessity of aligning incentives between service providers and clients.

Learn more about Danny's work HERE.

Connect with Danny on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

30 - The Power of Agile: Transforming Product Management and Technical Support with DISA Global Solutions' Sharlene Cooper

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Sr. Director of Products at DISA Global Solutions, Sharlene Cooper. Sharlene discusses her journey into product management, emphasizing the importance of agile methodologies and building strong teams. She shares insights on transitioning to agile practices, overcoming initial resistance, and fostering a collaborative culture. Sharlene also highlights the significance of continuous learning, certifications, and empowering women in technology.

Learn more about Sharlene's work HERE.

Connect with Sharlene on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

29 - Navigating the Evolving Dynamics of Digital Marketing with Kalicube's Jason Barnard

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of Kalicube, Jason Barnard. Jason discusses the evolving landscape of digital marketing, and provides a wealth of insights into the importance of productizing services, understanding Google's algorithms, and the strategic approaches necessary for effective digital marketing.

Jason emphasized a significant shift in Google's algorithms from "strings to things." This change means that Google is moving away from merely matching keywords (strings) to understanding the actual entities (things) those keywords represent. This evolution has profound implications for search engine optimization

Learn more about Jason's work HERE.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

28 - The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the Shift from Sales-Led to Product-Led Growth with Dealfront's Vincent Jong

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product of Dealfront, Vincent Jong. Vincent emphasized the importance of a fundamental mindset shift when moving from a sales-led approach to a product-led approach. In a sales-led company, product usage data often exists but is not integrated into the go-to-market strategy. In contrast, a product-led approach places product usage data at the core of decision-making processes.

To integrate product usage data, ensure that it's not siloed but actively used to inform marketing, sales, and product development strategies. Adopting a customer-centric approach involves shifting the focus from pushing sales to understanding and enhancing the customer experience through the product.

Learn more about Vincent's work HERE.

Connect with Vincent on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

27 - The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurship: Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Success with Simplero's Calvin Correli

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Simplero, Calvin Correli. Calvin shares insights on the intersection of spirituality and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of aligning business with one's life purpose. He discusses his journey from a software developer to creating an integrated platform for courses and coaching, driven by a spiritual realization. Calvin highlights the significance of intimacy and avoiding burnout in business. He also touches on the evolution of spiritual awareness in entrepreneurship and the need for community and connection.

Learn more about Calvin's work HERE.

Connect with Calvin on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

26 - Unleashing the Power of Data and Design: Strategies for Sustainable Growth with Prefect Technologies' Sarah Bedell

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Director of Growth Marketing at Prefect Technologies, Sarah Bedell. Perfect Technologies is a workflow orchestration tool designed to help technical teams manage their code more efficiently. Sarah highlights the importance of open-source products in the developer tooling space, noting that open-source can significantly enhance product adoption and community engagement.

A growth team's primary goal is to drive product signups and generate leads for sales. Sarah emphasizes the importance of data in achieving these goals efficiently. Growth teams must leverage data to inform their strategies and decisions, involving close collaboration with data teams to understand user behavior and identify growth opportunities. They should focus on key metrics related to acquisition, activation, and monetization, as these metrics provide a clear picture of the product's performance and areas for improvement.

Learn more about Sarah's work HERE.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

25 - Revolutionizing Clinical Trials: Harnessing the Power of AI with TrialKey's Saurabh Jain

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Executive Chairman of TrialKey, Saurabh Jain. Saurabh Jain's career trajectory is a testament to the power of diverse experiences. Starting as a software engineer, he founded a tech startup that he later sold to Telstra, Australia's equivalent of AT&T. His journey took an unexpected turn into sales, where he spent a decade before returning to the technical side of his career. This blend of technical and market-facing roles uniquely positioned him to bridge the gap between product development and sales.

Learn more about Saurabh's work HERE.

Connect with Saurabh on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

24 - Navigating the Complexities of Finding the Right Outsourcing Partners with Outforce's Sean Languedoc

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Outforce, Sean Languedoc. Sean, an experienced entrepreneur and sales CEO, shared his deep understanding of outsourcing, the critical nature of product-market fit, and the nuances of different service providers. Outsourcing can be both beneficial and challenging for many companies. While it offers cost savings and access to specialized skills, it also presents its own set of difficulties.

One major issue is the lack of time. Companies often rush into outsourcing without thoroughly vetting potential service providers, leading to suboptimal partnerships and project delays. Another problem is insufficient data. Without adequate information on service providers, companies may make uninformed decisions, resulting in mismatched expectations and poor outcomes. Additionally, improper processes can lead to communication breakdowns and project mismanagement.

To overcome these challenges, Sean emphasized the importance of a thorough vetting process. Outsourced AI employs a multi-step approach to ensure the right fit between companies and service providers. This includes data scraping to collect extensive information on potential service providers, validation through interviews to verify the accuracy of the data and assess the providers' capabilities, and cultural fit assessment to ensure alignment with the client's values and working style.

Learn more about Sean's work HERE.

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

23 - Understanding the Job to Be Done: A Key to Successful Product-Led Growth with Winning by Design's Dave Boyce

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Executive Chairperson of Winning by Design, Dave Boyce. Dave highlights the rapid evolution of the PLG landscape. Despite its significant impact on the industry, there is still a considerable gap in understanding and documentation of PLG strategies. This gap presents an opportunity for companies to gain a competitive edge by adopting and mastering PLG principles.

PLG helps reduce the escalating costs of acquiring and retaining revenue by automating and streamlining processes traditionally handled by humans. By focusing on the user experience, PLG fosters a deeper connection with customers, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, PLG enables companies to scale their growth efforts more efficiently by leveraging the product to drive user acquisition and engagement.

Dave predicts that the adoption of PLG will grow exponentially as companies recognize its efficiency and effectiveness in revenue generation and customer engagement. The shift towards self-service experiences in both personal and business contexts will drive this growth, as products become seamlessly integrated into users' workflows.

Learn more about Dave's work HERE.

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

22 - Revolutionizing Sales and Product Awareness: A Startup's Path to Success with Gartner's David Yockelson

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Distinguished VP of Gartner, David Yockelson. David defines PLG as a strategy that emphasizes the product as the primary driver of customer acquisition, expansion, and retention. However, he clarifies that PLG is not solely about self-serve models. Instead, it often involves a hybrid approach that integrates product-led tactics with traditional sales and marketing efforts, especially in B2B contexts where deals are larger and audiences more complex.

Learn more about David's work HERE.

Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

21 - Exploring the Reliability and Flexibility of Ad Tracking Solutions with CPV One's Julia Draghici

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of CPV One, Julia Draghici. Julia's companies, CPV One and CPV Labs are ad-tracking platforms designed for performance marketers. These platforms help users track, optimize, and test their marketing campaigns, providing a comprehensive view of their marketing efforts. CPV Labs is a self-hosted solution where users need a server hosting provider to install the software, while CPV One is a cloud-hosted solution where the hosting is managed by the company, offering the same tracking capabilities but with added convenience.

Julia's insights into product-led growth and the development of CPV One and CPV Labs offer valuable lessons for any business looking to implement PLG strategies. By focusing on user-centric design, comprehensive onboarding, and maintaining a balance between features and usability, businesses can create products that drive growth and customer satisfaction.

Learn more about Julia's work HERE.

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

20 - Unleashing the Power of Product-Led Growth in B2B Enterprises with Zuora's Dana Yobst

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Head of Growth of Zuora, Dana Yobst. Dana emphasizes that the growth department is a unique entity that sits at the intersection of product, marketing, and sales. This department is crucial for driving a go-to-market motion that effectively combines these three groups. Product Management focuses on understanding the market and customers to build successful trials and products. Marketing generates leads and creates awareness about the product. Sales converts leads into paying customers.

Dana elaborates on the various growth motions in the B2B space, ranging from self-service product-led growth to pure sales-led approaches. She highlights the importance of incorporating product management and marketing to cater to different personas within the B2B sales cycle. The key growth motions include Self-Service Product-Led Growth, where users can sign up and start using the product without any sales intervention; Sales-Led Growth, a traditional approach where the sales team drives the customer acquisition process; and a Hybrid Approach, which combines elements of both self-service and sales-led growth to cater to different user personas.

Dana points out the potential friction between sales and marketing, which often stems from misaligned goals and communication gaps. To bridge this gap, she suggests aligning goals to ensure that both sales and marketing teams have shared objectives and KPIs. Regular communication should be fostered to discuss lead quality and conversion strategies. Collaborative tools that provide visibility into the entire customer journey, from lead generation to conversion, should be utilized.

Learn more about Dana's work HERE.

Connect with Dana on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

19 - Mastering the Mindset: Empowering Product Managers and Product Owners through Deep Thinking and Credibility with Jason Dadah

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Fractional CPO, Automation Champion in AI enablement, and Product-led Growth, Jason Dadah. Jason brings a unique perspective to the table, having served as a chief product officer at Gate List, a mortgage AI company, and as a product owner at various companies. His journey through the startup landscape and his focus on SMB growth strategy has equipped him with invaluable knowledge.

Jason emphasized that taking the time to thoroughly contemplate the company, product, and industry is essential for building credibility and trust with your team, stakeholders, and customers. He shared practical methods for engaging in this intellectual exercise, such as creating mind maps and actively seeking feedback from colleagues and executives.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

18 - Unveiling the Power of Product Ops: A Deep Dive into Enhancing Product Management with HCSS' Tiffany Murphree

Tue, 28 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Operation Manager of HCSS, Tiffany Murphree. Product Ops, or Product Operations, is a term that's gaining traction, yet it's defined differently across various organizations. At its core, Product Ops serves the product management department, aiming to streamline efficiency and enhance communication among teams. Tiffany emphasized the importance of focusing on people, processes, and tools—the three key pillars of Product Ops—with a particular emphasis on the human element.

Learn more about Tiffany's work HERE.

Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

17 - Designing for Impact: Unleashing the Potential of Product-Led Growth with Alison Ostendorf

Tue, 21 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Design, Usability, and DesignOps Consultant and Co-chair of Women In Product, Houston, Alison Ostendorf. Alison peeled back the layers of Product-Led Growth (PLG) and its transformative impact on the tech industry. Alison brings a fresh perspective from the design world, challenging the status quo of sales-led strategies.

Alison candidly shares her initial skepticism about PLG, stemming from her commitment to crafting products that captivate users on their own merit. She draws a compelling parallel between PLG and human-centered design, underscoring the necessity of creating products that users find inherently valuable.

Learn more about Alison's work HERE.

Connect with Alison on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

16 - The Evolution of Startup Funding: Navigating Trends and Challenges with Foundersuite's Nathan Beckord

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Foundersuite, Nathan Beckord. Venture capital is not a game of chance; it's a strategic decision-making process guided by a VC's thesis. This thesis is the bedrock of their investment choices, influenced by industry trends, personal expertise, and market predictions. Nathan shed light on the importance of aligning your startup with a VC's thesis to increase your chances of securing funding. He emphasized that demonstrating traction, customer acquisition, and solid unit economics are key to proving your startup's worth to potential investors.

Learn more about Nathan's work HERE.

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

15 - The Most Affordable and Effective Psychometric Assessments for Hiring and Development with TRG International's Rick Yvanovich

Tue, 07 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of TRG International, Rick Yvanovich. Rick's journey is nothing short of remarkable. He discussed his experiences from the early days of computing, a time when technology was in its nascent stages, to the current era dominated by cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS). His story is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the foresight needed to stay ahead of the curve.

Learn more about Rick's work HERE and HERE.

Connect with Rick on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

14 - Navigating the Dynamics of Change Management in Driving Organizational Change with SAP's S V Prasad Gandhikota

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Compliance Ambassador and Senior Business Advisor of SAP, S V Prasad Gandhikota. Prasad's professional odyssey began in 1995 after graduating with a technology degree from Bombay University, India. His early career was rooted in supply chain management and manufacturing, which laid a solid foundation for his subsequent MBA in marketing and information technology. With an industry-leading SAP certification, Prasad transitioned into SAP consulting, where he has been instrumental in advising companies on their digital and business transformation journeys.

Learn more about Prasad's work HERE.

Connect with Prasad on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

13 - Exploring the Importance of Incorporating Accountability into the Digital Space with The Authenticity Alliance's Wes Kussmaul

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of The Authenticity Alliance, Wes Kussmaul. In 1981, long before the term "social media" entered our lexicon, Delphi Corporation began an ambitious project to create a digital encyclopedia. Wes Kussmaul recounted the company's fascinating evolution from a knowledge repository to a social media platform, complete with bulletin boards, email, and chatrooms. Delphi's strategic partnerships with computer hobbyist magazines and its competition with industry giants like CompuServe and Reader's Digest were instrumental in its success.

Wes took us on a journey back to a time when graphics were limited by modem speeds, and the internet was still a project under the National Science Foundation. He shared anecdotes about the pre-internet X25 protocol and networked BBS systems, painting a vivid picture of the social networks of the 1980s. It was a time of rapid evolution, leading to the commercialization of the Internet in the early '90s.

Wes introduced us to "Moai," an innovative concept representing "My Own Information." This personal information vault empowers individuals to control their data, allowing them to license specific information to entities like tire vendors or insurance companies while maintaining their privacy. He explained the role of Osman's attestation officers in verifying identities under legitimate circumstances, ensuring protection and control for users.

Learn more about Wes's work HERE.

Connect with Wes on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

12 - Understanding the Power of Neuromarketing in Product Design with RemotelyMe's Bill Reed

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Board Director of RemotelyMe, Bill Reed. Bill broke down marketing into three distinct areas: demand generation, product marketing, and strategic marketing. Demand generation encompasses social media, advertising, email marketing, and SEO, all aimed at creating awareness and attention. Product marketing, on the other hand, focuses on understanding market needs, and competition, and ensuring the right messaging. Strategic marketing, often at the executive level, involves long-term planning and direction for the company.

For a product to achieve success, it's crucial for marketing to play an integral role in its development. Bill emphasized the importance of product marketers being in sync with the product management team. This collaboration ensures that the company's offerings are aligned with customer feedback and market trends. Creating a messaging guide is a pivotal step in this process, as it ensures consistent and effective communication of the product's value proposition.

Learn more about Bill's work HERE.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

11 - Exploring the Impact of Hyper-Focused Product Management with Product Houston's Wade Pinder

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Product Houston, Wade Pinder. Wade's path into product management is a testament to his dedication to the Houston community. He shared the unique challenges and solutions that the city presents, highlighting the differences in product management methodologies. But what stood out was the emphasis on storytelling in product management—a skill that can make or break a product's success.

Wade shared his belief in experience-led growth, noting that even century-old companies in Houston share a common thread—the user or customer experience. He gave a relatable example of trash collection, an often-overlooked service, yet one that provides a customer experience at every interaction. Wade's insights underscored the potential for improvement in every product experience, no matter how mundane it may seem.

Wade's passion for community building shone through as he described his efforts in fostering the Houston product community. He applied product thinking to create a space for product managers to connect and share knowledge. His key performance indicator for the community's success? Whether meaningful connections and interactions occur.

Connect with Wade on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

10 - Innovating Webinars: Exploring the Evolution of Product and Design Collaboration with Hubilo's Shailesh Hegde

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product and Design of Hubilo, Shailesh Hegde. Shailesh's story is particularly inspiring. Starting with an engineering degree, Shailesh cut his teeth in the software testing realm, working for giants like Siemens and Nokia. Shailesh's pursuit of growth led him to a master's degree in the US and a stint at a startup that was later acquired by Cisco. It was during this time that Shailesh discovered his passion for product management.

The transition from a testing role to product management wasn't a walk in the park. Shailesh embarked on an 18-month course while working at Blue Jeans, a startup that eventually offered him a role as a product manager. This was the beginning of his love affair with the challenges and excitement of product management. From owning small parts of a product to handling larger segments, speaking on stages, and collaborating with marketing teams, Shailesh's experiences have been diverse and enriching.

Now, as the VP of Product and Design at Hubilo, Shailesh is at the forefront of innovation in the virtual events space. Hubilo isn't just another webinar tool; it's a platform designed to make webinars more effective for marketing teams. While there are numerous webinar tools focused on execution, Hubilo aims to enhance the outcomes—be it lead generation or content repurposing.

Learn more about Shailesh's work HERE.

Connect with Shailesh on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

9 - Exploring the Evolving Landscape of E-commerce and AI in Strategy and Design with Kendra Scott's Brad Power

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Senior Director of Digital Product and User Experience of Kendra Scott, Brad Power. Brad's journey into the realm of product management is a testament to the power of customer-centric thinking. His career began in a call center, where he honed his skills in customer retention. This experience laid the foundation for his marketing roles and eventually led him to the intersection of technology, customer needs, and business goals. As a director of digital product at Kendra Scott, Brad now leverages his background in technology, UX, and product management to drive the company's success.

Learn more about Brad's work HERE.

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

8 - Unlocking the Power of Data: A Game-Changer for Understanding Customer Behavior with Funnelytics' Mikael Dia

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Funnelytics, Mikael Dia. Mikael's journey with Funnelytics started when he was running a marketing agency. He identified a clear market need for a tool that visualizes marketing strategies and data while tracking the intricate paths customers navigate across various online platforms. This led to the inception of Funnelytics, a software designed to map out traffic sources, pages, and conversions, providing a detailed view of the customer journey.

Mikael emphasized the importance of visualization in understanding customer behavior. Funnelytics sets itself apart as an analytics tool that seamlessly integrates with other platforms, enabling users to link their CRM and page builders to track customer activities. This integration means businesses can incorporate Funnelytics without the need to abandon their existing tools, such as HubSpot or ClickFunnels.

Learn more about Mikael's work HERE.

Connect with Mikael on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

7 - The Casino Conundrum: Navigating Innovation and Regulation with Caesars Sportsbook & Casino's Thomas Palaio

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Operations Lead of iGaming of Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Thomas Palaio. Thomas's career trajectory is a testament to the evolution of a tech professional. Starting with hands-on roles such as help desk support, he quickly moved into the realm of DevOps and cloud technologies at a time when continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) were just gaining momentum. His passion for solving complex problems and creating value for both customers and businesses led him to the product space. The satisfaction derived from the feedback loop of identifying and resolving issues is what keeps him motivated in his current role.

As the COO overseeing product strategy and operations for the online casino division at Caesars Entertainment, Thomas is responsible for delivering iOS, web, and Android casino experiences across five states in North America. He highlighted the unique challenges of working within a heavily regulated industry, where every product move must be approved by state boards and comply with longstanding laws.

One might assume that innovation is stifled in such a regulated environment, but Thomas provided a different perspective. The online gaming industry is relatively young, and there's a wealth of product development opportunities before hitting regulatory constraints. His focus is on delivering significant value to customers through innovation within the existing framework.

Learn more about Thomas's work HERE.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

6 - Understanding the Problem Space: Key to Successful Product Development with Applied Systems' Vijay Rengarajan

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Director of Product Management of Applied Systems, Vijay Rengarajan. Vijay's journey began in programming and evolved through a business analyst role at Tata Consultancy Services. His experience in the insurance domain laid the foundation for his customer-centric approach. In 2016, he transitioned to product management, where he could apply his skills to both new product development (0 to 1) and scaling existing products (1 to n).

The first step in product development is recognizing a genuine need. Vijay shared an example of creating a network management system for insurance agencies, where no existing product met their unique requirements. The key was to conduct extensive user research and engage directly with potential users to understand their pain points.

Connect with Vijay on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

5 - Unleashing the Power of Heart-Centric Branding: A Paradigm Shift for Businesses with Viim's Steph Hilfer

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Owner and Creative Director of Viim, Steph Hilfer. Steph spoke on what heart-centric branding truly means. It's an approach that goes beyond the transactional aspects of business and focuses on creating a genuine connection with consumers. Heart-centric branding is about tapping into the authentic core of a brand and sharing that truth with the world. It's not just about selling a product or service; it's about resonating with customers on a deeper level, through shared values and beliefs.

When asked for an example, Steph highlighted industries where trust is non-negotiable, such as financial advising or healthcare. In these fields, heart-centric branding can be the differentiator that builds trust by authentically communicating a business's values and mission. This approach isn't just about what you offer but who you are as a business and how you connect with the needs and values of your clients.

A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of internal alignment within an organization. Steph emphasized that a staggering 80% of brand work should be focused internally. The rationale is simple: for a brand to be perceived as genuine, the people within the company must live and breathe the same values that the brand projects to the outside world. This internal-external consistency is what makes every customer interaction feel authentic.

Connect with Steph on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

4 - The Significance of Empowering Product Owners and Proactive Stakeholder Communication with Slalom's Charles Jessup

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Management Consultant of Slalom, Charles Jessup. Charles' entry into product management was somewhat serendipitous, beginning with his work in building digital products for an oil and gas company. His career trajectory took an exciting turn when he transitioned to product coaching and consulting at Slalom, guiding new product teams to understand the multifaceted role of a product manager.

One of Charles's notable projects involved a pharmaceutical company's transition from a project-based to a product-based approach. He detailed the challenges of empowering product owners to make decisions that create value for users and customers. It's a testament to the importance of organizational changes and incentives that support such a significant shift.

Connect with Charles on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

3 - Navigating the Challenges of Digital Transformation in Product Management with Justin Hunter

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product and Technology leader, Justin Hunter. Justin's story is a testament to the fluid nature of career paths. Initially setting his sights on events management, he found himself drawn to the structure and impact of infrastructure and project management. His transition was not just a change in job titles but a fundamental shift in mindset. Justin emphasized that to thrive in product management, one must adopt a product mindset. This involves aligning vision, setting clear priorities, and fostering a deep understanding of the end-user.

Justin referenced a pivotal book that reshaped his approach to product management. The book's core message, focusing on outcomes over outputs, became a guiding principle for him. It's about driving behavioral change, not just delivering features. This insight is crucial for product managers who aim to create products that truly resonate with their users.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas' work at 3Leaf Consulting.

2 - The Importance of Developing Products Aligned with User Feedback with EPS Optic(s)' Ryan Weiss

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Your host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of EPS Optic(s), Ryan Weiss. Ryan's product is a testament to the powerful synergy between people and process. He shared the foundational vision of his SaaS solution, which is to seamlessly integrate these two elements. The goal? To create a platform that not only functions efficiently but also aligns with the users' needs.

Transitioning from a mere concept to a scalable product is no small feat. Ryan candidly discussed the initial hurdles they faced, emphasizing the need to simplify the user experience. It's a common pitfall for SaaS products to become overly complex, but Ryan's focus was clear: streamline the process to make it as user-friendly as possible.

One of the most impactful strategies Ryan implemented was leveraging customer feedback. This wasn't just about listening to what customers had to say but actively incorporating their insights into the product development process. By using their system to document processes, Ryan's team revitalized the customer journey, leading to a more engaging and satisfying user experience.

Learn more about Ryan's work HERE.

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Learn more about Thomas' work at 3Leaf Consulting.

1 - Unleashing the Power of Innovation: Insights from Product Led Growth Leaders with 3Leaf's Thomas Watkins

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In the inaugural episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence interviews the show's host and creator, Thomas Watkins.

Thomas, a UX practitioner, plans to share insights from product leaders and encourage innovative thinking. Josh and Thomas invite listeners to subscribe, share, and even apply to be guests on the show.

He also shares his experience working with diverse clients, from large industry players to startups, across sectors like video gaming, crypto, NFT, and industrial verticals.

Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.