
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

Jan 16, 2025 • 7min
[SHORT] Unlocking the Secret to AI-Powered Copywriting with Chris Silvestri
Chris Silvestri, a B2B SaaS copywriting expert and host of the Message Market Fit podcast, shares invaluable insights into AI-driven copywriting. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs for creating empathetic content. Common pitfalls in AI use are discussed, along with the necessity of customer interaction for relevant outputs. Silvestri introduces his PATH framework to enhance copywriting and explores the evolving future of AI in B2B marketing, ensuring quality over quantity in content creation.

Jan 15, 2025 • 8min
[SHORT] Navigating the Future of Product Development: Opportunities for Solopreneurs with Iqbal Ali
As we step into 2025, the world of product development is undergoing a seismic transformation. Join Sani and Iqbal in this thought-provoking conversation as they dive into the rise of solopreneurship and explore how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the game. Discover how small teams—or even individuals—are outpacing traditional industry giants by leveraging agility, innovation, and the power of niche markets.In this video, you’ll hear Iqbal’s insightful take on how AI is breaking down barriers, enabling solopreneurs to build and iterate products faster than ever before. Sani shares his own experiences with Coheseo, highlighting how technology empowers entrepreneurs to tackle challenges once reserved for large corporations. From streamlining mundane tasks like authentication to filling the gaps overlooked by tech giants, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.🚀 What You'll Learn:How AI tools are lowering the barrier to entry for innovative product development.Why solopreneurship is becoming a powerful alternative to large corporations.The art of identifying and capitalizing on niche markets left untouched by industry leaders.Real-world examples of how individuals are leveraging technology to innovate and thrive.A glimpse into the exciting possibilities of running multiple ventures simultaneously.About the Guest:Iqbal Ali, a visionary in product development, shares his journey of leveraging AI to innovate and overcome personal knowledge gaps. His story is a testament to the potential of self-driven innovation and the power of technology to transform ambition into reality.👉 Ready to take the reins of your entrepreneurial journey? Watch now and start navigating the future of product development! 💡---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Dec 18, 2024 • 26min
Aligning Business Goals with OKRs & Experimentation Strategies with Bjarn Brunenberg
In a compelling discussion, Bjarn Brunenberg, Experimentation Lead at TomTom, shares his insights on aligning business goals with OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). He highlights the critical differences between OKRs and KPIs and the common pitfalls to avoid, such as vague objectives. Bjarn also shares lessons from his experimentation failures, including surprising pricing test outcomes. With practical tools like the KPI Tree, he demonstrates how teams can bridge ambitious goals with tangible actions, making this conversation a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance goal-setting strategies.

Dec 11, 2024 • 44min
Segmentation 101: Demystifying Email Marketing Myths with Tara Dinoski
Unlock the secrets to effective email marketing and smarter audience engagement! In this episode, Tara Dinoski, CEO of Indico Digital, shares practical strategies for making email marketing work without overcomplicating it. Learn how to create meaningful segments (hint: start with customers vs. prospects), why overusing buzzwords and gimmicks won’t get results, and how integrating email with other channels like paid media can be a revenue game-changer.Tara also debunks myths that hold brands back, including the idea that there’s a “perfect” time to send emails or that SMS marketing is always the better choice. Plus, she shares her unique perspective as a digital nomad, balancing client work while traveling the world and building a high-growth agency.Whether you’re just starting out with email or looking to optimize your current strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply today. And for fun, we get Tara’s take on the best Greek dishes and the biggest lessons she’s learned from living abroad.What you’ll learn in this episode:The first step to better email segmentationWhy “testing just to test” won’t get resultsThe smartest way to integrate email with other channelsHow to manage client work while living a digital nomad lifestyleSimple strategies to build your email listChapters:0:00 Introduction to Tara Dinoski and Indico Digital0:38 Strangest client call as a digital nomad1:59 How location and time zones affect client relationships3:40 Overcoming fear in email marketing5:18 The basics of segmentation: customers vs. prospects7:28 Real-world insights from segmentation (boots and colors example)9:52 Myths about email marketing: Testing and over-segmentation12:18 SMS vs. email: Costs, myths, and misconceptions15:42 The perfect time to send emails is a myth19:00 Integrating email marketing with paid media22:55 How reviews power smarter email campaigns28:12 Life as a digital nomad: Lessons from Greece and Medellín32:40 Balancing work, travel, and client expectations---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Nov 20, 2024 • 52min
Bridging Data and Decision-Making: Bhavik Patel’s Take on Analytics
Welcome to No Hacks – the podcast where experimenters and optimizers share their secrets about CRO, experimentation, and mastering analytics to create impact! In this episode, we’re joined by Bhavik Patel, Director of Experimentation and Analytics at Lean Convert and founder of CRAP Talks, a renowned cross-discipline tech meetup. Bhavik brings years of experience leading analytics teams at companies like Hoppin, Moo, and Gusto, and today he dives deep into the art of measurement and its role in driving meaningful change.Bhavik kicks things off by challenging the notion of measuring everything, advocating instead for purposeful tracking to focus on what truly matters. He explains the critical difference between product management and feature management, emphasizing how companies often lose sight of impact by failing to measure effectively. His mantra? “When you measure everything, you measure nothing.” This episode is a masterclass in aligning analytics with real business outcomes.Throughout the conversation, Bhavik shares insights into building and scaling experimentation programs, the challenges of poor data quality, and the importance of connecting product metrics to revenue. He illustrates the transformative power of experimentation, both in business and in personal growth, offering relatable stories and actionable advice. From his experience launching CRAP Talks to helping organizations bridge the gap between teams, Bhavik reveals how measurement serves as the foundation for innovation and accountability.The episode also explores Bhavik’s approach to applying analytics principles to personal life. He discusses how a simple metric tree helped him improve his health and build lasting habits, showcasing the value of measurement in achieving goals beyond work.We wrap up with a fun rapid-fire segment, where Bhavik shares his favorite analytics tools, memorable A/B tests, and even a hilarious CRAP Talks moment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical tips, personal stories, and fresh perspectives on making data-driven decisions that matter.00:00 Welcome to No Hacks01:18 Measuring with Purpose: Bhavik’s Philosophy03:42 From Product Management to Feature Management07:14 Connecting Metrics to Revenue: Why It Matters12:30 Scaling Experimentation Programs and Avoiding Pitfalls16:52 The Impact of Poor Data Quality20:14 Lessons from CRAP Talks and Building Community23:45 Applying Analytics to Personal Growth: Bhavik’s Story28:40 Rapid Fire Questions32:15 Career Advice for Aspiring Experimenters35:20 Closing Thoughts: Measurement as a Path to Impact---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Nov 6, 2024 • 29min
Experiment to Optimize: Balancing Risk and Growth with Gerda Vogt-Thomas
Gerda Vogt-Thomas, co-founder of Koalatative and CRO expert, shares fascinating insights on managing risk and fostering growth through experimentation. She highlights the importance of embracing failure as a key to success and the pitfalls of perfectionism for entrepreneurs. Gerda emphasizes self-awareness, suggesting that confronting personal beliefs can lead to better decision-making. With a focus on iterative testing, she advocates for launching ideas without fear, while balancing technology's impact on personal growth and well-being.

Oct 30, 2024 • 39min
The Best Ideas Aren't the Loudest: Experimentation & Diversity with Lucia van den Brink
In this episode of No Hacks Podcast, Lucia van den Brink, co-founder of Increase Conversion Rate.com, takes us inside the world of advanced experimentation and shares why the best ideas aren’t always the loudest. With 800+ A/B tests under her belt and 25M+ visitors impacted, Lucia knows what it takes to elevate experimentation programs.We explore her unique “Collaboration Bonus” philosophy, where every idea—whether from an intern or the CEO—adds value, fostering a culture of diverse insights that drive real results. Lucia shares her 1-2-4 Framework for brainstorming, designed to get the best ideas from everyone, introverts and extroverts alike. We also dive into scaling CRO without sacrificing quality, common pitfalls, and how to balance speed with meaningful outcomes.If you’re ready to rethink how your team approaches experimentation, or simply looking for fresh ideas on driving innovation, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights. Tune in to discover how Lucia’s approach to inclusivity in testing can take your strategies to the next level.00:00 Welcome to No Hacks Podcast01:07 Meet Lucia van den Brink01:50 The Role of Diversity in Experimentation06:37 The One, Two, Four Framework14:25 Implementing the Framework in Real Scenarios18:22 Scaling Experimentation Programs with Diversity20:18 The Importance of Humility in Optimization20:50 Shiny New Idea Syndrome22:01 Rapid Fire Questions24:41 Overcoming Insecurity and Embracing Feedback29:28 Applying Experimentation Principles to Real Life31:31 Balancing Multiple Interests and Projects35:50 Final Advice for Aspiring CRO Professionals---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Oct 16, 2024 • 34min
Balancing Pragmatic Change Management and Effective CRO with Tim Stewart
In this episode of the No Hacks Podcast, Tim Stewart shares his wealth of knowledge from 25+ years of consultancy, breaking down what Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) really means for businesses today. Tim doesn’t just focus on the numbers—he dives into the balance between experimentation and perfection, and how making data-driven decisions can transform a business.You'll hear practical strategies for digital optimization, insights on navigating market shifts (like the rise of low-cost competitors such as Temu), and tips for mastering stakeholder communication. Plus, Tim brings his love for Star Wars into the mix, using mentors like Obi-Wan and Yoda as metaphors for personal and professional growth.Whether you’re a business owner, digital consultant, or just passionate about CRO, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and stories you won’t want to miss.00:00 Welcome to No Hacks Podcast01:47 Experimentation Elite Event03:32 The Role of CRO in Business Strategy07:24 The Pragmatic Approach to Testing09:57 Measurement and Analytics in CRO13:36 Fixing the Funnel: A Pragmatic Approach18:54 Challenges in CRO and Business Strategy19:28 Identifying Problems and Providing Solutions20:11 Delivering Hard Truths to Clients20:48 Persuasion Techniques in Business24:08 Sales Skills for Optimizers28:23 The Importance of Soft Skills30:23 Rapid Fire Questions from the Audience33:04 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Oct 8, 2024 • 45min
Understanding User Research: Surveys, Myths, and the Role of AI with Els Aerts
Are you passionate about user research and UX optimization? Then you won't want to miss our latest episode featuring the incredible Els Aerts, a user research legend, if there ever was one!In this episode, Els talks about her straightforward, data-driven approach to user research, tracing its evolution from the 1990s to today. With decades of experience, she offers a fresh perspective on how user research has transformed, especially with groundbreaking technologies like AI reshaping the landscape.What You'll Learn:The Evolution of User Research: Discover how methodologies have changed over the years and what that means for today’s UX professionals.The Importance of Expertise: Els stresses the need for deep knowledge and warns against the pitfalls of "research theater" – where research is done more for appearances than for real insights.Ethical Considerations: Learn about the risks of synthetic research methods and why genuine human interaction is crucial for meaningful data.Practical Tips for Beginners: Get actionable advice on crafting effective surveys and avoiding common mistakes with flawed tools and techniques.Dynamic Approaches to Personas: Explore why traditional personas might fall short and how frameworks like Jobs-to-Be-Done can offer more flexibility and accuracy.Els also shares her personal journey, focusing her career on user research and offering candid thoughts on the trend of democratizing this essential practice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and real-world insights to elevate your user research game.🔍 Why Listen?Gain expert knowledge from a leader in user research and UX optimization.Understand the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of user experience.Get inspired by real-world stories and practical advice to enhance your professional journey.If you want to learn about user research from the best, this is the episode for you 🚀---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Oct 2, 2024 • 32min
Embrace the Fear: Courage in Leadership and Experimentation with Luiza de Lange
In this episode of No Hacks podcast, we explore the concepts of fear, courage, and leadership with Luiza de Lange, a prominent figure in digital experimentation and CRO at LeoVegas. Luiza recounts her incredible journey of building in-house teams at major firms like Electrolux and Tele2 and working with a diverse array of clients at the award-winning agency, PrecisDigital.Luiza discusses the importance of vulnerability in leadership, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry like data analytics. She shares her experiences of making bold career transitions, traveling to 45 countries, and living in six, all driven by a blend of fear and courage. Luiza emphasizes the value of mentors and a supportive network, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.Additionally, we explore how Luiza fosters a culture of experimentation, encouraging her teams to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. She shares tactics for motivating teams and ensuring everyone feels included and valued.On a personal level, we talk about how an experimenter's mindset is applied outside of work, whether it's learning a new language, tackling fears like the fear of flying, or even engaging in activities such as gaming. Luiza's insights on leadership, self-awareness, and personal growth offer a compelling and inspiring message for anyone looking to overcome their fears and lead with courage.Join us as we unpack Luiza's powerful message about leveraging fear and courage in both professional and personal realms, offering key takeaways that resonate beyond the workplace.Experimentation Elite is on December 10th in London, get your ticket at experimentationelite.com and use code NOHACKS10 to save 10%00:00 Welcome to No Hacks Podcast00:45 Meet Luiza de Lange01:13 Experimentation Elite02:05 Luiza's Journey and Career Transitions04:43 Embracing Fear and Courage06:37 Mentorship and Networking08:04 Fostering a Culture of Experimentation12:38 Leadership Insights and Diversity17:13 Applying Experimentation Mindset to Life19:50 Travel and Personal Growth24:48 Overcoming Fear of Flying30:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!No Hacks websiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagram