The Growth Signal

Every purchase, from a cup of coffee to a new car, is shaped by emotions first, logic second. Dr. Chris Gray joins Alyssa Nolte to unpack the hidden psychology behind why customers choose and what it means for anyone trying to build stronger relationships.This conversation is a must-listen if you want to rethink how you connect with your buyers. Alyssa brings her own background in psychology and marketing to the table, making it a real dialogue about the science and the practice of customer decisions.What you’ll take away:Emotions always lead- logic just catches up. Learn why that matters for every sale.Disruption grabs attention, but relevance keeps it. Discover how to use both.The biggest trap in business: thinking you define what’s “relevant.” Your customer decides.Dr. Chris Gray shares decades of research and real-world stories that change how you see buying behavior. Alyssa Nolte adds her own lessons from building and testing new products. Together, they’ll help you rethink how to win attention, build trust, and create customer relationships that last.

Be Different or Be Dead Why blending in will kill your business... and what to do instead.Roy Osing joins Alyssa Nolte to challenge the way we think about customer relationships. He argues that most companies play it safe, repeat the same empty promises, and forget the one thing that truly matters: being different in a way customers actually care about.This isn’t theory. Roy took a startup to a billion in sales by focusing on what makes people feel seen, valued, and connected. Alyssa pushes on how this applies today, in a world obsessed with AI and trends, and the conversation delivers real lessons for anyone trying to grow.Why listen? Because if your brand sounds like everyone else, customers won’t notice you or stick around. This episode shows you how to rethink strategy, stop chasing buzzwords, and build loyalty that lasts.Key takeaways:Differentiation only works if it matters to your customer—not just to you.Needs are satisfied... cravings drive loyalty and premium growth.Emotional connection beats technology hype every time.

Flying Blind with Your Data? Most businesses collect piles of numbers but never know what to do with them. Philippa Gamse calls it “flying blind.” Alyssa Nolte digs in with her to rethink how we use analytics to drive real results.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dashboards, unsure which numbers matter, or worried you’re missing sales you can’t see... this episode is for you. Philippa shows how to cut through the noise and focus on the metrics that actually move your business forward.Why listen: Philippa Gamse has worked with top organizations to make their websites more profitable, and she’s sharing the same lessons with you. Alyssa Nolte pushes past the buzzwords to ask the questions every business leader needs to hear.Key takeaways:Collecting data without action is a waste—you need a plan or you’re just “flying blind.”Not all data is good data. The right 9 (or fewer) KPIs will give you more clarity than 90 random numbers.Your customer journey is more than traffic and sales. The “messy middle” behaviors may hold your best growth signals.

Ann Carden says the problem isn’t talent - it’s how you show up, price, and position yourself. Alyssa Nolte sits down with Ann to rethink why so many smart, skilled people are overlooked while others with less experience win the market.If you’ve ever felt invisible, underpriced, or unsure how to turn your expertise into the right kind of clients, this conversation will change how you think about your value.Why listen? Ann shares real stories from her work helping experts land $50k–$400k clients, while Alyssa opens up about her own journey of learning to charge for work that is worth doing.Key takeaways:Influence matters more than titles… you don’t need to be an “influencer,” but you do need influence.Confidence in your price sets the tone - clients feel it when you’re unsure.The right positioning attracts better clients who pay more, move faster, and respect your time.This episode is for anyone ready to stop playing small and start rethinking how expertise and customer relationships really grow.

The customer is in control. The old playbook doesn’t work. Too many companies are still surrendering instead of rethinking how they connect with buyers.Alyssa Nolte sits down with Brandi Starr to talk about why customer expectations have changed, what businesses are getting wrong, and how leaders can take back control without forcing buyers into outdated processes. If you’ve ever wondered why your sales and marketing tactics aren’t landing the way they used to, this conversation will hit home.3 key takeaways:Customers now control 80–90% of their buying journey before talking to sales.Old tactics like endless forms and scripted calls are creating friction, not results.Companies that rethink their customer journey can turn buyers into long-term champions.This is an honest look at how to stop surrendering and start building customer relationships that last.

James Mills believes growth doesn’t come from burning out. It comes from smarter systems, better strategy, and rethinking how we use our time.Alyssa Nolte and James dive into what it takes to build real customer relationships in a world that pushes us to be “always on.” This is for anyone trying to grow a business without losing themselves in the grind.Why listen: If you’ve ever felt pressure to hustle 24/7, this conversation will challenge that thinking. James shares lessons from coaching financial professionals and building his own firm, while Alyssa connects it back to the realities of startup life.Key takeaways:Why systems and strategy matter more than endless hustleHow to balance quick transactions with long-term relationshipsThe tools and tech that can give you back your freedom

Most leaders say they care about customers… but their actions tell a different story.Alyssa Nolte sits down with Ryan Rael to dig into the hard truth: many companies operate on assumptions, not real customer insight. They unpack why businesses ignore “lukewarm customers,” how assumptions kill growth, and what it really takes to build a culture that listens. If you’re rethinking how to connect with your customers before churn surprises you, this is worth the listen.What you’ll take away:Why most leaders don’t act like customer experience really mattersHow to spot and learn from your “lukewarm” customers before it’s too lateSimple ways to turn feedback into action so customers know you actually care

AI can help brands get off the ground fast. But will it keep customers around? Matt Mullenax believes the answer is no. Retention isn’t about bots or macros...it’s about people.Alyssa Nolte sits down with Matt, founder of Huron, to rethink what keeps customers coming back in a world where everything feels automated. From one-to-one calls to brand voice, Matt shows why the human touch is more than nice to have, it’s the real competitive edge.Why listen: If you’re building a brand, scaling a startup, or fighting churn, this conversation will make you stop and ask - are you leaning too hard on AI and losing the human element your customers crave?Key takeaways:AI can build a brand, but retention depends on real human connectionCustomers remember personal interactions more than marketing metricsClear personas and life-stage moments are powerful drivers of loyalty

What if the secret to growth isn’t more tools or trends, but simply believing in people?That’s the hot take Nicky Billou brings to his conversation with Alyssa Nolte. Together they explore how faith, generosity, and human connection shape business in ways no marketing tactic can. If you’re rethinking how to build customer relationships that last, this episode will challenge and inspire you.Why listen: Nicky’s story - fleeing Iran as a child, learning from an extraordinary father, and now coaching entrepreneurs - shows why belief in people isn’t soft advice. It’s the most powerful strategy for business. Alyssa brings her own lens as a founder to test, question, and connect these lessons back to today’s market.3 key takeaways:Believing in people is more powerful than any marketing trick or growth hackTrue generosity (giving without expecting payback) creates loyalty and opportunitySales done with conviction and care is an act of service, not pressure

Sales is broken and most people hate it. Nikita Vakhrushev says the real problem isn’t the pitch, it’s the experience. When buyers are ready to say yes, salespeople still stall, fumble, or disappear. Alyssa Nolte digs in with Nikita on why the art of sales is dying and what it takes to bring it back.This conversation will challenge how you think about sales, urgency, and customer trust. If you’ve ever been frustrated by slow deals or missed opportunities, this one will hit home.Why listen? Because rethinking sales is key to rethinking the future of customer relationships.3 Key Takeaways:Time kills all deals...urgency matters more than everSaying “no” can build more trust than saying “yes” to the wrong clientCustomers want ease, make it simple for them to give you money