Welcome to Business Growth Spotlight, the podcast where we shine a light on innovative business leaders, cutting-edge strategies, and the latest trends shaping the world of business growth. Whether you're a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or online educator, this podcast delivers actionable insights and expert conversations to help you scale your business, increase revenue, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Join host Heidi Schalk as we dive deep into the stories and strategies of indus ...
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Hatchworks Podcasts

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Ep. 98 The Future of AI in Business: Insights from Hatchworks AI’s CEO
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29:17Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Brendan Powell, Founder and CEO of Hatchworks AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way companies operate and scale. Brendan shares valuable insights on: The role of AI in transforming business operations and driving efficiency. Adapting…
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Ep. 101 Efficiency Meets Empathy: The Tilt Approach to Leave Management
18:20
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18:20Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Jen Henderson, founder and CEO of Tilt, the HR tech company transforming how organizations handle leave management. Jen opens up about her personal journey that led to Tilt’s creation, the hurdles she faced as a female founder, and how her team is reshaping a…
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Ep. 100 Navigating ERP Growth Challenges: Insights from WM Synergy’s CEO
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21:21Show Notes: In the 100th episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Paul Tedford, CEO of WM Synergy, to dive into the critical factors manufacturers and distributors must consider when choosing the right ERP system. Paul outlines the 3 P’s of ERP success, Product, Partner, and Platform, and why overlooking any of them ca…
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Ep. 99 The Future of Global Food Systems: Insights from Alex Karzag and Producers Trust.
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37:35Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Alex Karzag, the VP of PMO at Producers Trust, to explore how mission-driven leadership and strategic partnerships are shaping the future of global food systems. Alex shares his unique journey from startup roles to leading operations at Producers Trust, empha…
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Ep. 97 How to Scale in a Crowded SaaS Market
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26:03Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Akash Mukherjee, Head of Product Management at Chartmetric, to explore the shifting landscape of the B2B SaaS industry. Akash shares his unique perspective on how SaaS companies can stand out in a highly competitive market, the growing impact of AI in softwar…
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Ep. 96 Inside NileBits: Lessons in Trust, Growth & Global Impact
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19:54
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19:54Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Amr Saafan, founder of NileBits, a leading software development company based in Egypt. Amr shares his journey in the tech industry, highlighting the importance of building trust with clients across different cultures, and the unique challenges of scaling a b…
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Ep. 95 How Commander AI is Revolutionizing Sales in Waste Management
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22:51Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with David Berg, Founder and CEO of Commander AI, to explore how he built a niche sales platform tailored to the waste management industry. David shares his perspective on what it really means to define success as a founder, the balance between AI-driven outre…
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Ep.94 Dog Training, Business Growth, and Franchising with Ryan Wimpey and Tip Top K9
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23:47Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk chats with Ryan Wimpey, founder of Tip Top K9 Dog Training, about building a thriving business in the dog training industry. Ryan shares his journey from starting out to creating a proven franchise model, tackling challenges in marketing, lead generation, and scaling al…
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Ep. 93 The Evolution of Customer Success in the Age of AI with Katie Mineck
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23:57Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Katie Mineck, VP of Customer Success at DigitalOwl, to dive into the future of AI, leadership, and customer success. Katie shares how DigitalOwl is leveraging AI to transform medical record summarization: not to replace people, but to empower them. She ex…
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Ep. 92 Building Sales Systems That Drive Growth with Jill Pederson and SalesStar
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43:13Show Notes: What does it really take to build a sales engine that fuels long-term business growth? In this episode, we sit down with Jill Pederson of SalesStar, who breaks down the strategies, systems, and mindset needed to make it happen. Jill shares: ✨ Why a strong, well-trained sales team is the backbone of growth ✨ How a compelling positioning …
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Ep. 91 Pitch Perfect: How Ryan O’Hara and Pitchfire are Reinventing Sales Prospecting
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42:12Show Notes: What happens when a creative intern with a knack for storytelling decides to shake up the way businesses connect with prospects? You get Pitchfire—a platform that’s reimagining how sales outreach is done. In this episode, Ryan O’Hara takes us on his rollercoaster ride from intern to founder, and trust us—it’s anything but boring. We div…
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Ep. 90 Scaling Without Stumbling: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in AI Integration with IKA
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32:52Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk interviews Carlos Mats, the founder of IKA, a company focused on leveraging AI to enhance customer relationships and automate business processes. Carlos shares his journey from being an artist and technologist to creating a pioneering AI platform that aims to revolution…
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Ep. 89 How Tailwind Scaled: Customer Feedback, AI in Marketing, and Startup Growth Insights
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41:19Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host, Heidi Schalk, interviews Danny Maloney, CEO of Tailwind, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, business growth, and marketing innovation. Danny shares how Tailwind has evolved through strategic pivots, the critical role of customer feedback in shaping product development, and w…
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Ep. 88 The Future of Healthcare Outsourcing: Culture, AI, and Startup Success with Lilit Azatyan
19:41
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19:41Show Notes: In this episode, Heidi Schalk sits down with Lilit Azatyan, co-founder of Pogos, takes us inside her entrepreneurial journey in the tech and healthcare outsourcing industry. She opens up about the real challenges of leadership—building trust, learning to delegate effectively, and navigating the fast-changing world of healthcare technolo…
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Ep. 87 From Startup to Scale: Streamlining Communication for Impact with David Daneshgar
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20:13Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with David Daneshgar, founder of Whippy AI, to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and what it takes to scale a business effectively. David shares lessons learned from his startup journey, emphasizing the critical role of sales processes, strong documen…
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Ep. 85 The Evolving Game of E-Commerce: Adapt or Fall Behind with Jonathan Silverstein
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46:03Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Jonathan Silverstein, founder of Mobile1st, about the critical role of website optimization and data analytics in accelerating business growth. Jonathan delves into the challenges businesses face in today’s fast-changing digital marketing environment, offering p…
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Ep. 86 From Paperwork to Precision: Modernizing Insurance with AI
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23:02Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Hari Srinivasan, founder and CEO of iCover, about how technology is reshaping the life insurance landscape. They explore the innovative use of AI and predictive analytics to simplify underwriting and improve the overall buying experience. Hari shares key insight…
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Ep. 84 Embracing AI: The Key to Business Growth and Innovation with Raghu Bala
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32:54Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Raghu Bala, co-founder of Synergetics, about how businesses can harness the power of AI to drive growth and innovation. Drawing from decades of experience in the software industry, Raghu explores the transformative potential of AI in corporate training and beyon…
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Ep. 83 Alejandro Rivas-Micoud on UX, Culture, and Competing in a Crowded Market
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35:03In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, we sit down with Alejandro Rivas-Micoud, CEO of Userlytics Corporation, for a powerful conversation about why user experience (UX) is no longer optional—it's mission-critical. Alejandro breaks down the evolution of usability testing, from manual processes to today’s cutting-edge, AI-driven research tool…
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Ep.82 Empowering Creatives Through Community and Technology with Christina Hawatmeh
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33:22Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Christina Hawatmeh, founder of Scopio, a platform designed to bridge the gap between global creatives and major brands. Christina shares the vision behind Scopio, detailing her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she faced as a woman navigating the tech s…
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Ep. 81 Innovating Across Borders: Leading Through Global Complexity with Daniel Peña
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22:47
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22:47Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Daniel Peña, co-founder and CEO of DevSavant, a specialized software development firm. Daniel shares his unexpected path from the legal world to the tech industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the founding of DevSavant and the principles that guide it…
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Ep. 80 Collective Entrepreneurship: Leveraging AI and Equity with Anthony Bay
31:34
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31:34Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Anthony Bay, founder of Techquity, who brings decades of experience in technology and media to his latest venture. Anthony shares the story behind Techquity’s creation—a partner-driven collective dedicated to helping businesses harness technology for both growth…
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Ep. 79 The New Era of Financial Intelligence for Growing Companies with Trevor Greenway and interVal
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23:31Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Trevor Greenway, co-founder and CEO of interVal, to explore how AI is transforming the way business owners and financial advisors understand and act on business valuation. Trevor shares the story behind interVal’s development and how the platform empowers use…
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Ep. 78 More Than a Product: Building a Brand That Inspires a Lifestyle with Jennifer Mcknight
45:34
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45:34In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight podcast, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Jennifer McKnight of Cobb International, who shares her unique transition from the world of luxury brands to leading an outdoor cooking company with a global vision. Jennifer discusses how aligning internal team values with a brand’s mission can drive long-term …
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Ep. 77 The New HR Playbook: Culture, Strategy, and Remote Teams with Jenny Morehead
50:36
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50:36Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Jenny Morehead, CEO of Flex HR, who shares her unique journey from a background in sales and marketing to leading a human resources company. Jenny discusses how HR, often seen as an administrative function, can actually serve as a strategic engine for business g…
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Ep. 76 Authenticity Sells: Building Brands Through Story and Connection with John Brubaker
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42:40Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk chats with John Brubaker, founder of Hats by Bru, who shares his unconventional journey from being a speaker and author to launching a hat business. John reflects on the power of storytelling, the role of vulnerability in building meaningful relationships, and how authentic…
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Ep. 75 Authenticity Over Algorithms: Staying Relevant in a Changing Market
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38:46Show Notes: In this episode, Heidi sits down with Joyshree Reinelt, co-founder and “business humanizer” at Innate Motion, for a powerful conversation about putting people back at the heart of business. Joyshree unpacks what it really means to humanize a brand and why empathy isn’t just a buzzword but a strategic advantage. She dives into how compan…
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Ep. 74 Mission Reimagined: Navigating the Shift from Military to Civilian Work
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46:16
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46:16Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Anthony Garcia, a combat veteran turned entrepreneur, who shares his powerful journey from military service to founding Purepost—a company committed to helping veterans successfully transition into civilian careers. Anthony discusses the often-overlooked challen…
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Ep. 73 Authenticity in Automation: SMS Marketing That Connects with Phil Portman
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46:33Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Phil Portman, serial entrepreneur and founder of Textdrip, to explore the power of SMS marketing and the evolving role of automation in business communication. Phil shares his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into the highs and lows of building and …
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Ep. 72 How Mythica is Revolutionizing Game Development with AI
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36:19Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Slater Victoroff, co-founder of Mythica, a company on a mission to transform video game asset production through AI and open-source collaboration. Slater shares his entrepreneurial journey, offering a candid look at the challenges of the gaming industry and how …
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Ep. 71 Redefining Retirement: How Dr. Letizia Alto Found Freedom Through Real Estate
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40:41Show Notes: In this episode, Heidi sits down with Letizia Alto and takes us behind the scenes of her inspiring journey from practicing family medicine to building a life of freedom through real estate investing. Letizia shares how she transitioned from the demands of the medical field to a version of semi-retirement that’s not about slowing down, b…
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Ep. 70 Culture as Catalyst: Building Impactful Businesses with Heart
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21:35Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk welcomes Carolin Zeitler, founder of the Impact Collective, for a conversation about “leading with love” in business. Carolin explores how a values-driven company culture fuels growth and why purpose-driven entrepreneurs face their own set of challenges. She delves into the…
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Ep. 69 Bridging the Gap: How Tomorrow’s Talent is Preparing Students for the Future Workforce
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47:29In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi sits down with Ginger Ontiveros, President and CEO of Tomorrow’s Talent, to explore the widening gap between education and workforce readiness and what it will take to close it. Ginger shares why internships, early career exposure, and real-world experience are essential for students navigating a …
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Ep. 81 Innovating Across Borders: Leading Through Global Complexity
22:47
22:47
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22:47Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Daniel Peña, co-founder and CEO of DevSavant, a specialized software development firm. Daniel shares his unexpected path from the legal world to the tech industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the founding of DevSavant and the principles that guide it…
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Ep.68 Tech for Troops: How One Nonprofit Is Changing Veterans’ Lives
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40:18Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Mark Casper, President and CEO of Tech for Troops, to explore how his organization is bridging the digital divide for veterans. Mark shares the powerful mission behind Tech for Troops—providing refurbished technology, digital skills training, and career suppo…
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Ep.67 Scaling Smarter: Leveraging Outsourced Medical Billing with Peg Kinda
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27:36Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Peg Kinda, founder of Reliable Billing, about the critical role of effective billing in the healthcare industry. Peg shares how she got started in medical billing and discusses the major challenges healthcare providers face when managing revenue cycles and claim…
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Ep.66 Reimagining E-Commerce: Innovation, AI, and the Road Ahead with CEO of Launchcart, Greg Writer
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42:14Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Greg Writer, CEO and founder of Launch Cart, to explore the future of e-commerce and the tools transforming how businesses scale online. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, Greg shares why Launch Cart is emerging as a high-impact alternative to platfo…
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Ep. 65 From Data to Decisions: Optimizing Business Operations for Impact with Outset
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27:03Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk talks with Daren Lauda, CEO of Outset, about his journey as an entrepreneur and the realities of scaling SaaS companies in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Daren discusses the critical role operational efficiency plays in growth, along with how AI and automation are reshapi…
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Ep. 64 Legacy in Motion: Planning the Future of Family Businesses with The Beringer Group
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46:52Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Ted Beringer, founder of The Beringer Group, to explore the often-complex world of family business transitions. With decades of experience in investment banking and consulting, Ted shares his deep insights on how legacy businesses can successfully navigate le…
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Ep. 63 Eliminating Friction: Smart Strategies for Seamless Service With Bill Price
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38:01
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38:01Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Bill Price, founder of DRIVA Solutions and former Amazon executive, to explore the pivotal role of customer service and loyalty in driving sustainable business growth. Bill shares insights from his journey starting at Amazon and evolving into launching his ow…
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Ep. 62 From Manuscript to Market: Streamlining Publishing with PageMajik
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27:35Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Ashok Giri, CEO of PageMajik, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is reshaping the publishing industry. He opens up about the challenges of scaling a business in a sector that's often slow to adopt new technologies, and how PageMajik is using AI to streamline workflows, reduce operatio…
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Ep.61 Scaling with Strategy: Leadership, Data, and Digital Growth
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32:17Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk chats with Asmir (Seb) Muminovic, founder of WebConvert, a Shopify-focused conversion rate optimization (CRO) agency. Seb unpacks the critical role CRO plays in boosting e-commerce performance and navigating the increasingly competitive digital landscape. The conversation e…
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Ep. 60. Toxic No More: Cultivating Healthy Mindsets for Success
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36:38Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Elizabeth Louis, a high-performance consultant dedicated to helping leaders and teams break free from toxic mindsets and reach their full potential. Elizabeth dives into the mental traps that often hold high achievers back, such as perfectionism and fear, and ex…
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Ep.59 From Smiling and Dialing to Digital PR with Marika Flatt
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49:35In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk welcomes Marika Flatt, co-founder of PR by the Book, for a deep dive into the changing world of public relations. Marika unpacks how PR has transformed in the digital era, common pitfalls companies fall into, and why compelling storytelling remains at the heart of every successful camp…
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Ep. 58 Family, Finance, and the Future: How One Wealth Advisors Is Redefining Wealth Management
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46:46Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with brothers, David and Jonathan Steele to discuss the journey of One Wealth Advisors, a family-run financial planning firm. They explore the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of creativity and agency in business, and the transition from…
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Ep.57 The Power of Connections: Building Trust Through Human-Centered Leadership with Carole Robins of Leaders In Tech
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41:04Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Carole Robin, co-founder of Leaders in Tech and widely regarded as the “queen of touchy-feely,” about the crucial role of interpersonal skills in effective leadership. Drawing from her acclaimed curriculum at Stanford, Carole explains how emotional connection…
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Ep. 56 Fueling Innovation: How AI and Community Shape Startups with Nick Honegger
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42:43Show Notes: In this episode, Heidi Schalk sits down with Nick Honegger to explore the challenges early-stage startups face and how Geekdom plays a vital role in offering support and fostering community. Nick highlights the value of collaboration, mentorship, and being receptive to feedback as essential components of startup success. They delve into…
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Ep. 55 Coaching vs. Consulting: What Growing Companies Really Need with Sara Ellis Conant
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40:58Show Notes: In this episode, Heidi sits down with Sarah Ellis Conant and they dive into the transformative impact of coaching on both individuals and organizations. Sara breaks down the difference between coaching and consulting, and explains how coaching can elevate leadership, strengthen team dynamics, and drive sustainable business growth. Sara …
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Ep. 54 The Pink Tax and Beyond: Why Financial Systems Fail Women
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29:38Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight podcast, host Heidi Schalk is joined by Dr. Barbara Provost, founder of Purse Strings, for a powerful conversation on financial empowerment for women. They explore the unique financial challenges women face, the societal narratives that contribute to money-related stress, and the mindset …
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Ep. 53 The Heart and Hustle of Nonprofit Leadership with Christy Hamilton
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34:18In this episode, Heidi Schalk sits down with Christy Hamilton to unpack the unique challenges of leadership in the nonprofit sector, especially when private equity enters the picture. They explore how nonprofit leaders must navigate competing priorities—balancing stakeholder expectations while staying true to their organization’s mission. Christy d…
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