In this episode of The Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod sits down with Steve Bajuvez, to uncover the power of customer support as a strategic advantage.Steve, a former FreshBooks employee with 14 years of tenure, shares the transformative impact of spending time in support roles for new hires and how it shifts their perspective and understanding of the product. Discover the unique support strategies at FreshBooks, the importance of empathy and problem-solving in support roles, and how Steve led his team to foster a culture where every member could shine. Learn about the balance between creating memorable customer experiences and the "effortless experiment" aimed at reducing support calls by solving issues proactively.---------------------------------------------Seeking valuable insights on startup success and leadership strategies for CEOs?🚀 SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/-----------------------------------------------------How many times a day do you think "This meeting could have been an e-mail"?Fellow is the only AI Meeting Assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and centralizes your meeting workflow by connecting to your calendar and existing productivity tools.Go to https://fellow.app/ and discover the best way to enhance productivity today!---------------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Seeking valuable insights on startup success and leadership strategies for CEOs?🚀 SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/----------------How many times a day do you think "This meeting could have been an e-mail"?Fellow is the only AI Meeting Assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and centralizes your meeting workflow by connecting to your calendar and existing productivity tools.Go to https://fellow.app/ and discover the best way to enhance productivity today!---------------In this episode of The Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod engages with Daniel Saks in an insightful discussion on leadership transitions and the future of AI in business.Daniel, who navigated a successful transition from CEO to president and board member at AppDirect, talks about the importance of leadership changes for company growth. He shares his experiences with technology startups, the role of AI in enhancing business productivity, and his vision for agentic AI. Learn from Daniel's perspectives on building market value, overcoming industry challenges, and leveraging digital tools for optimal operational efficiency.--------------------Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Stay updated on Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Get in touch with Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Seeking valuable insights on startup success and leadership strategies for CEOs?🚀 SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/----------------------------------How many times a day do you think "This meeting could have been an e-mail"?Fellow is the only AI Meeting Assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and centralizes your meeting workflow by connecting to your calendar and existing productivity tools.Go to https://fellow.app/ and discover the best way to enhance productivity today!------------------------------------In this episode of The Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod sits down with Mikita Mikado, co-founder and CEO of Pandadoc, to explore the journey of transforming a startup into a thriving business with over $100 million in revenue.Gain inspiration from Mikita's reflections on his entrepreneurial mission, his commitment to paying it forward, and the impact of therapy and emotional health on his leadership journey.--------------Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Stay updated on Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Get in touch with Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Looking to master the art of startup leadership and ace your CEO role? You're in the right place! 😎🔗 SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/------------------------------------Exhausted by endless meetings? Feel like some could be just emails?Meet Fellow – the AI Meeting Assistant that changes the game by transcribing, summarizing, and organizing your meeting workflow. It's time to let AI supercharge your productivity! 🚀Discover Fellow at https://fellow.app/ and take your efficiency to the next level! 🌟-------------In this must-watch episode of The Startup CEO Show, Mark MacLeod interviews Mikael Cho, CEO of Unsplash, as they unravel the mysteries of startup success.Mikael dives into the roller-coaster ride of Unsplash's journey, sharing hard-earned wisdom on overcoming challenges, iterating quickly, and managing cap tables. Get inspired by tales of skyrocketing growth, strategic acquisitions, and the art of aligning investor expectations. Mikael also sheds light on balancing work and personal life, all while keeping the entrepreneurial flame burning bright. 🔥Don't miss out on expert strategies for optimizing your startup adventure!--------------------Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Stay updated on Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Get in touch with Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Seeking ground-breaking insights on startup growth and leadership excellence? 🚀 SUBSCRIBE to Mark MacLeod's newsletter for exclusive tips and updates: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/-------------------------Ever thought, "This meeting could be an email"? We've got you covered!Meet Fellow: The AI Meeting Assistant that transforms your meetings by connecting to your calendar and productivity tools. Transcribe, summarize, and centralize your meetings like never before!✨ Discover the future of productivity: https://fellow.app/-------------------------Join host Mark MacLeod as he dives deep with Rob Khazzam, CEO of Float, in an unmissable conversation about redefining finance, navigating the fintech landscape, and leading high-growth startups.Rob shares his journey from Uber to fintech innovation, emphasizing the blend of intense execution and strategic foresight required for sustainable growth. Learn about best practices for hiring, building resilient teams, and leveraging financial strategies for long-term success. Plus, Rob offers a candid look at the Canadian market's potential and challenges, bringing you unmatched insights into fintech's future.-----------------Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Stay updated on Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Get in touch with Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Seeking valuable insights on startup success and leadership strategies for CEOs?🚀 SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/------------------------------How many times a day do you think "This meeting could have been an e-mail"?Fellow is the only AI Meeting Assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and centralizes your meeting workflow by connecting to your calendar and existing productivity tools.Go to https://fellow.app/ and discover the best way to enhance productivity today!----------------------------------In this episode of The Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod sits down with Josh Reeves, Co-founder and CEO of Gusto, to discuss Gusto’s values-driven approach, the intricacies of scaling an SMB, and the long-term vision for Gusto.Josh delves into critical topics such as Gusto's UI simplicity, building a warm customer experience, and maintaining company culture. He shares his unique leadership style, the importance of aligning values in hiring, and how he promotes a culture of kindness and honest feedback at Gusto.------------------------------------------------------Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/ Stay updated on X: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_ Get in touch with Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

In this enlightening discussion, Tobi Lütke, the visionary CEO and Co-founder of Shopify, shares insights into his unique leadership approach. He emphasizes the importance of continuous self-improvement and maintaining balance to combat burnout. Tobi reflects on his unexpected rise in tech, the role of motorsport in his life, and how it parallels business challenges. He advocates for the value of celebrating wins within startup cultures and explores the intricate relationship between personal happiness, ambition, and contentment.

Seeking valuable insights on startup success and leadership strategies for CEOs?🚀 SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/-----------------------------------------------How many times a day do you think "This meeting could have been an e-mail"?Fellow is the only AI Meeting Assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and centralizes your meeting workflow by connecting to your calendar and existing productivity tools.Go to https://fellow.app/ and discover the best way to enhance productivity today!----------------------------------------------In this episode of The Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod sits down with Nicholas Reichenbach to discuss the journey of Flow Alkaline Spring Water, from its unique inception to becoming a public company. Nicholas dives into key topics such as building strategic partnerships, the challenges of raising capital in Canada, and driving sustainable business practices. Learn how Flow distinguished itself in the competitive water market, the importance of long-term vision, and the role of serendipity and positive energy in startup success. Nicholas also shares his experiences with celebrity endorsements and the impact of maintaining strong entrepreneurial leadership.------------------------------------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Russ Heddleston, former CEO of DocSend and a seasoned pro in tech acquisitions, shares his journey from VC funding to selling his company to Dropbox. He discusses the art of building relationships with potential buyers and competitors. The conversation explores product-led growth and capital efficiency. Russ also dives into the challenges faced during the acquisition process, emphasizing the importance of trust and adaptability in the tech landscape. Plus, he unveils a new initiative aimed at revolutionizing professional online identities.

Seeking valuable insights on startup success and leadership strategies for CEOs?🚀 SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/--------------How many times a day do you think "This meeting could have been an e-mail"?Fellow is the only AI Meeting Assistant that transcribes, summarizes, and centralizes your meeting workflow by connecting to your calendar and existing productivity tools.Go to https://fellow.app/ and discover the best way to enhance productivity today!-----------In this episode of The Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod sits down with David Hauser to discuss optimizing routines, building processes, and achieving startup success. David, a multi-time founder, angel investor, and author, delves into crucial topics such as the importance of morning routines, building a high-performing team, integrating values into company culture, and sending regular updates as a predictor of entrepreneurial success. Learn how to apply discipline and data-driven marketing across various industries, as well as insights into bootstrapping versus raising venture capital.----------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/