
No Hacks: The Mindset Behind Digital Optimization and Growth
Welcome to No Hacks, the podcast where expertise meets creativity to revolutionize digital experiences. Hosted by industry veteran Slobodan (Sani) Manić, this engaging series tackles marketing, conversion rate optimization (CRO), and user experience (UX) without relying on gimmicks or shortcuts.In each episode, join Slobodan as he engages in candid conversations with top leaders and innovators from tech, business, and design fields. Discover real stories, lessons learned, and breakthrough moments that highlight how to create impactful and transformative online experiences.No Hacks goes beyond traditional best practices, challenging the status quo by exploring the psychology behind what truly works. Delve into real-world case studies and explore innovative strategies that push the limits of possibility in the digital landscape.If you are a developer, designer, marketer, or a digital enthusiast, No Hacks provides smart, thoughtful strategies for long-term success. Learn to think differently, innovate creatively, and build meaningful digital experiences.No shortcuts, just expert insights and genuine solutions. Subscribe now to join us one episode at a time as we unravel the true elements of designing transformative digital experiences.Two Formats, One Mission:🎙️ No Hacks Podcast (long-form interviews) – In these seasonal episodes, I sit down with top experts in marketing, tech, and business to discuss the principles and stories behind successful optimization. We go beyond the surface to explore what really works—and why, on Wednesdays.🍪 No Hacks Snacks (short-form insights) – Need quick, actionable advice? These under-10-minute episodes deliver practical tips and insights from a wide range of guests, on Mondays and Fridays.Subscribe and join No Hacks on this journey to make the internet a better, more thoughtful place, one episode at a time.
Latest episodes

Feb 19, 2025 • 9min
[SHORT] Navigating the Balance Between Product Clarity and Brand Voice with Lenka Stawarczyk
Lenka Stawarczyk, a brand strategy and tone of voice expert, dives into the intricate balance between product clarity and brand voice. She emphasizes that traditional tone guides may fall short and that adaptability in real-world interactions is key. Lenka discusses the necessity of collaboration between marketing and product teams to ensure messaging resonates with users while staying true to brand identity. She provides actionable tips for crafting clear communication that enhances user experience, especially during challenging customer interactions.

Feb 18, 2025 • 42min
[S03E01] Beyond Conversion Rates: The Ethics and Hidden Costs of Optimization with Maren Costa
In this powerful season three premiere, I sit down with Maren Costa, featured in Netflix's "Buy Now" documentary and former Amazon UX designer turned climate justice advocate.Maren shares her 15-year journey at Amazon, from the early days of helping build a user-friendly e-commerce site to her awakening about the hidden environmental and human costs of our digital convenience. She reveals how she co-founded Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, which successfully pressured the company to adopt climate initiatives – and ultimately led to her controversial firing.We dive into eye-opening discussions about:The concentration of power in big tech and the "tech broligarchs"How features like one-click purchasing and Amazon Prime have transformed from convenience to climate concernThe truth behind seemingly benevolent programs like Amazon SmileWhy tech workers should recognize their collective powerMaren makes a compelling case for why we all need to get "radically" engaged in creating change, emphasizing that it takes just 3.5% of a population to create meaningful transformation. Her message is clear: the time for individual action is over – we need collective power to address the urgent challenges facing our world.[00:00] Introduction to No Hacks Season Three[00:43] Maren Costa's Life Post-Documentary[02:12] Journey at Amazon[05:20] The Rise of Big Tech Oligarchs[10:20] Amazon Employees for Climate Justice[13:54] Power Dynamics and Employee Activism[17:46] Global Protests and Collective Action[19:49] Consumerism and Environmental Impact[20:27] Amazon's Strategy to Bypass Google[22:31] The Impact of One-Click Purchases[25:03] Prime and the Environmental Cost[28:26] The Ethical Dilemma of AI[32:06] Rapid Fire Questions[39:41] Call to Action for Tech Workers---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Feb 14, 2025 • 9min
[SHORT] Safe Spaces, Democracy, and Experimentation with Marta Mijatov
In the latest episode of No Hacks Snacks, I taked to Marta Mijatov about the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation within organizations. Marta explained the concept of 'safe spaces' for experimentation, emphasizing the need for an environment where team members feel encouraged to propose ideas, take calculated risks, and learn from outcomes without fear of criticism. She also highlighted the significance of having brave pioneers who challenge the status quo and introduce innovative thinking, backed by strong managerial support. We then talked 'failure' in experimental contexts, advocating that learning from unexpected results is a success in itself. In other words: You should listen to this one!And don't forget the first-ever No Hacks giveaway. See how to enter at the beginning of the video.P.S. Support the students in Serbia, they are showing us how to change the world 🇷🇸 ---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Feb 12, 2025 • 9min
[SHORT] Best Practices Are Almost Always Out of Date with Manuel Krähe
In this episode of No Hacks Snacks, I sit down with Manuel Krähe, a digital growth and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) expert and founder of notion.ch, to discuss the limitations of UX best practices as starting points for experimentation. Manuel shared his insights on why relying solely on these practices can be misleading and emphasizes the importance of individualized data analysis and forming proper hypotheses based on your specific audience and website metrics. He also touches upon the pitfalls of outdated best practice checklists and offers strategies for guiding clients through data-driven decision-making processes.Tune in to catch one of the best quotes in No Hacks history and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes and an exclusive giveaway for No Hacks listeners! ---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Feb 11, 2025 • 9min
[SHORT] What Startup Founders Can Learn from Product People with Moshe Mikanovsky
In this No Hacks Snacks interview, I talked to Moshe Mikanovsky, product director and host of not one, but two popular podcasts (🤯): Product for Product Podcast and Beyond the Product. Moshe shared some incredible insights on what startup founders can learn from seasoned product managers, emphasizing the importance of falling in love with the problem rather than the solution. Safe to say your host was very interested to learn about this 🧠 We also discussed some common pitfalls like over-relying on surveys and the critical role of stakeholder relationships. Some great book and podcast recommendations there as well!If you are not quite a product person but need to know some of the things product people know, I can list you 8 worse ways to spend 8 minutes of your life. :)---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Feb 10, 2025 • 9min
[SHORT] Minimizing Friction in E-commerce with Usability Testing with András Kobza
Welcome to the latest episode of No Hack Snacks! In this one, I was by e-commerce expert, András Kobza, to explore the crucial role of friction in shopping experiences. Should you always strive to reduce friction, or are there cases where a bit of friction adds value? Why do luxury brands like Ferrari and Rolex intentionally build friction into their processes to increase anticipation and value? Learn easy, actionable tips for reducing friction on your e-commerce website, the importance of user testing, and proven strategies for improving customer experience. ---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Feb 7, 2025 • 10min
[SHORT] AI in A/B Testing and Experimentation with Nils Stotz
In this episode of No Hacks Snacks, I sit down with product and experimentation expert Nils Stotz to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on A/B testing and experimentation.Nils shares his insights on how AI can transform the entire experimentation process, from idea generation and hypothesis creation to prioritization and design. He also raises critical questions about the potential for AI to replace human participants in experiments, discussing the ethical and motivational implications of such a shift. Next, we explore the future of AI in creative fields and digital optimization, emphasizing the importance of preserving human creativity while leveraging AI to handle more mundane tasks. Nils predicts how AI will be integrated into company processes three years from now, highlighting the importance of safe and compliant AI usage. He also introduces the concept of 'prompting parties,' workshops where teams brainstorm AI use cases to enhance their daily workflows. This episode offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at how AI could reshape the world of product development and experimentation. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion!All this in under ten minutes? Yep!---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Feb 6, 2025 • 9min
[SHORT] The CRO Evolution: From Add-On to Essential Service with Luka Nikolić
Luka Nikolić, a specialist in conversion rate optimization (CRO), dives into the significant transformation of CRO within digital marketing. He discusses how CRO is no longer an afterthought but a vital component, similar to PPC and SEO. Luka emphasizes the trend of agencies focusing solely on CRO services and the necessity for a structured approach beyond just A/B testing. E-commerce is driving this change, enabling businesses to optimize costs and enhance the buyer journey. He forecasts the rise of hyper-focused agencies dedicated to specific CRO aspects.

Feb 4, 2025 • 10min
[SHORT] Research Tips for Marketers and Product Builders with Brendan McNulty
Brendan McNulty, a CRO and product expert, shares his insights on accessible research methods for marketers and product builders. He highlights the importance of understanding customer behavior and using AI tools like SimilarWeb and GummySearch for quick insights. The conversation dives into analyzing competitor strategies and leveraging customer intent to refine marketing efforts. Brendan also emphasizes validating findings with multiple data sources, making this a treasure trove of practical tips for anyone looking to enhance their marketing strategies.

Jan 31, 2025 • 9min
[SHORT] How Conferences Fuel Career Success with Marcella Sullivan
In this episode of 'No Hacks Snacks,' we interview Marcella Sullivan from Women in Experimentation to discuss how digital professionals can advance their careers through conferences. Marcella shares insights on the importance of attending and speaking at conferences, building networks, and finding your professional tribe. She highlights upcoming events like the Women in Experimentation Summit and the TLC Summit, designed to help individuals with limited speaking experience gain confidence and professional coaching. The episode also touches on the evolution and goals of Women in Experimentation, offering opportunities for both men and women to grow and diversify their skill sets. Marcella emphasizes the significance of supporting and compensating speakers to foster a community that benefits everyone involve---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram
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