Marketing Spark (The B2B SaaS Marketing Podcast)

Pricing in the world of Generative AI is still an open debate, with companies struggling to balance cost, value, and customer expectations. In this episode of Marketing Spark, pricing expert James Wilton, founder of Monevate and former McKinsey consultant, breaks down the challenges of monetizing AI-driven products. We discuss why traditional SaaS pricing models fall short, the mistakes companies make when introducing AI-powered features, and why a hybrid subscription-usage model may be the best approach. James also shares insights from his new book, Capturing Value, and reveals how AI companies can stay competitive while maximizing revenue.Tune in for expert pricing strategies that can help SaaS and AI founders future-proof their monetization models.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, I sit down with Yael Morris to discuss why truly understanding your customers is the key to effective marketing and sales. We explore how deep customer insights drive better messaging, positioning, and product decisions—and why so many companies get it wrong. Yael shares real-world examples of brands that excel at customer intelligence and offers practical strategies to gather and apply these insights. If you’re looking to sharpen your customer understanding and boost engagement, this conversation is a must-listen!

In this episode of the Marketing Spark Podcast, content marketing strategist and founder of Haus of Bold, Erin Balsa, takes us behind the scenes of her journey from early marketing days to becoming a freelance powerhouse. We dive into the evolving role of AI in content creation, uncover strategies to break through the digital clutter, and talk about the importance of consistency—without sacrificing creativity or risking burnout. Erin shares her go-to methods for smashing writer’s block, offers fresh perspectives on thought leadership and brand voice, and reveals how she measures success beyond clicks and likes. Finally, she looks ahead to what content marketing might look like in 2025 and offers the one skill that marketers need to own the future. If you’re hungry for practical tips, big-picture insights, and a spark of inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans talks to MagicPace's Nick D'Urbano about his expertise on navigating the challenges and opportunities of helping hiring international technology talent. From identifying the best markets for recruitment to overcoming legal and cultural hurdles, Nick provides actionable insights for businesses looking to build diverse, high-performing teams across borders. You'll also hear real-world examples, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to position your company as a top choice for global talent.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans chats with Michael Houlihan, co-founder of Barefoot Wine, about the accidental journey that led to one of the most recognizable wine brands in the world. Michael shares how creative grassroots marketing, a commitment to listening to customers, and a unique positioning strategy helped Barefoot thrive in an industry dominated by high-end, elitist brands. He reflects on the lessons that he and his wife, Bonnie Harvey, learned from building and scaling Barefoot, the challenges of distribution, and how they turned social advocacy into a powerful marketing tool.Michael also discusses life after Barefoot, including the creation of The Barefoot Spirit, a business adventure book and audio theater series. Tune in to discover Michael’s advice for entrepreneurs navigating today’s competitive markets and his insights on climate change-driven opportunities for the next generation of innovators.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans talks with Ramli John, founder of Delight Path and author of Product-Led Onboarding, about the secrets to effective onboarding and customer retention. They explore why retention efforts often begin too late, the three pillars of customer engagement, and the pivotal role onboarding plays in fostering long-term loyalty. Ramli shares actionable strategies for developing a retention-focused onboarding process and explains the "hyper-personalization" potential of AI in creating tailored customer journeys. Tune in to learn how to keep your customers excited, engaged, and loyal beyond the initial sale.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, host Mark Evans dives into the transformative world of podcasting with Tom Schwab, founder and CEO of Interview Valet. As a podcasting pioneer, Tom shares his journey of building a company that helps brands amplify their messages and expand their reach through targeted podcast guest appearances. Discover why podcast interviews are a potent marketing tool, the common mistakes companies make in leveraging podcasts, and how AI is shaping the future of on-demand content. Whether you're looking to boost your brand's visibility, build stronger relationships, or drive audience engagement, Tom’s insights provide actionable takeaways to maximize podcasting’s impact for any business. 

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans sits down with Ishveen Jolly, founder and CEO of OpenSponsorship, to explore how athlete sponsorship has been transformed by social media and digital platforms. OpenSponsorship, a marketplace that connects brands with athletes, has helped democratize sponsorship deals, enabling even small brands to work with sports stars across various niches.Ishveen shares her journey from sports agent to tech entrepreneur, detailing how her platform has evolved from a simple idea to a tech-enabled agency working with global icons like LeBron James and Tiger Woods. She provides insights into the shifting dynamics of the sports sponsorship industry, emphasizing how athletes are no longer just the faces of brands but partners in building powerful, authentic campaigns.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans sits down with seasoned marketer Linda Melone to explore how AI is transforming the marketing landscape. Linda shares her personal journey, from transitioning out of the fitness industry into content writing and copywriting, to embracing AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline her workflows. She discusses the challenges and opportunities AI presents, offering insights into how she selects and utilizes various AI-powered platforms to maintain authentic, high-quality content for her clients. The conversation dives into the importance of personalizing marketing in an AI-driven world, the balance between automation and human touch, and predictions for the future of AI in marketing. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to navigate this fast-evolving space.

Dale Harrison, an experienced marketer skilled in onboarding and customer success, shares invaluable insights on transforming customer onboarding into a loyalty-building powerhouse. He likens onboarding to a dating game, stressing the importance of first impressions and continuous engagement. Dale critiques traditional churn analysis and emphasizes the need for tailored strategies to keep users active. He also highlights how monitoring user engagement can proactively combat churn and enhance long-term retention strategies, essential for any SaaS business.