Authority in the Wild

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.AI is destroying authentic marketing—and most brands don't even realize it. In this episode, Caleb Roche, Marketing Professor and CEO of Group Creative, reveals why 99.9% of TV commercials are likely AI-written and what that means for the future of advertising.Caleb operates at the rare intersection of academia and real-world execution. As an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Oklahoma Baptist University, he teaches future marketers how to think strategically. As CEO of Group Creative, he's generated over $10 million in revenue for clients by building systems that actually perform. This dual perspective gives him unique insights into consumer behavior, particularly Gen Z trends, and what separates theory from results.We deconstruct why American companies catastrophically fail when entering international markets—Walmart lost $1-3 billion in Germany because they didn't understand that friendly greeters are creepy there. We examine why consumers can't remember video content from 7 days ago and what that means for brand building. Caleb shares the Red Napkin Theory for creating unforgettable customer experiences and explains why customer retention is now more valuable than acquisition in today's economic climate.This isn't motivational content. It's a diagnostic look at invisible mechanics: how AI has made marketing narcissistic, why "guaranteed leads" promises destroy industry trust, when to say no to prospects even when you need revenue, and how to extract real consumer insights instead of surface-level pain points.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Caleb Roche(01:52) One Foot in The Classroom and One in The Boardroom(03:52) Marketing Trends and Consumer Behavior(07:51) Challenges in Entering New Markets(14:59) The Role of AI in Market Research(20:55) The Importance of Humanity in Marketing(23:56) Understanding Pain Points in Business(25:19) In-Depth Conversations for Better Insights(27:14) Go-To-Market Strategy for Different Markets(31:34) Surviving Economic Challenges(36:41) The Red Napkin Theory in Marketing(39:15) Common Mistakes in Customer Relationships(43:07) Connect with Caleb🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy AI produces narcissistic marketing copy and how to spot itThe cultural disasters that cost Walmart billions in GermanyHow trends die in 7 days and what that means for your brandWhy customer retention beats acquisition in economic downturnsThe Red Napkin Theory for exceptional customer experiencesMarket entry strategies that don't require Walmart's budgetHow to extract authentic consumer insights through storytellingWhen guaranteed lead promises are destroying marketing trustWhy saying no to clients builds stronger agenciesThe shift from quality to quantity and how to reverse it🟪 About the GuestCaleb Roche, MBA, is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Oklahoma Baptist University and CEO of Group Creative. He helps entrepreneurs and consultants build data-driven marketing systems that generate measurable results. His agency has driven over $10 million in revenue for clients while launching entire product categories.🟪 Connect with Caleb RocheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-roche/Website: https://www.goclubcreative.com🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemarusca#AuthorityInTheWild #CalebRoche #AIMarketing #ConsumerBehavior #MarketingStrategy #CustomerRetention #InternationalBusiness #BusinessGrowthUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.Eric Dingler has spent over 30 years building and leading teams, and his approach to remote team leadership cuts through the noise. In this episode, he reveals why good managers often run businesses into the ground while great managers succeed because they refuse to change—and what that counterintuitive principle actually means for your team.Eric breaks down the invisible mechanics of recruiting and operating a remote team, drawing from five years of transitioning his leadership expertise from in-person to distributed work. This isn't about remote work tips or productivity hacks. It's about the fundamental leadership skills required to build a team that functions without constant oversight.The hiring framework that separates adults from people who need constant management determines your operational capacity and reveals why leadership isn't about getting it right, but about making adjustments—a reframe that changes everything about decision-making. Eric brings clarity to leading remote versus in-person teams through team laboratories where he experimented with different approaches to recruiting, training, and leadership, uncovering why talented managers can become organizational liabilities and whether you're building systems or just managing activity. If you've struggled to scale your team, wondered why your hiring process keeps producing the wrong people, or questioned whether remote work can actually deliver results, this episode deconstructs the systems that work—no motivational content, no philosophy debates, just field-tested principles for building authority through operational competence.🟪 About the GuestEric Dingler - Leadership expert with over 30 years of experience in team building, recruitment systems, and remote operations. Spent five years transitioning leadership frameworks from in-person to distributed teams.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Eric Dingler(01:26) Is the Future Remote?(02:12) Differences Between Remote and In-Person Leadership(04:28) Building a Remote Team Culture(10:23) Recruitment and Onboarding Strategies(16:21) Ensuring Remote Team Performance(20:40) Balancing Flexibility and Accountability(21:45) The Role of Leadership vs. Management(24:57) Principles of Remote Work(27:01) Remote Work in Various Industries(29:13) Hiring Strategies for Remote Teams(35:41) Project-Based vs. Hourly Work(37:55) Personal Journey and Purpose(43:29) Best Ever Advice Eric Got🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy "hire adults, not babies" is more than a hiring slogan—it's an operational frameworkThe leadership skill that matters more than getting decisions rightWhat separates remote team success from remote team chaosWhy great managers succeed by refusing to change (and what that actually means)The recruitment and training systems that produce self-sufficient team members🟪 Connect with Eric DinglerWebsite: ⁠https://ericdingler.com/inthewildLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/m/in/ericdinglerPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eric-dingler-leadership-podcast/id1724079001🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.What if everything you've been taught about wealth is wrong? Stoy Hall, founder and CEO of Black Mammoth, argues that wealth has nothing to do with the zeros in your bank account—and that money isn't just a tool, it's a partner.In this episode, Stoy breaks down his three-bucket wealth system that prioritizes mindset before mechanics, reveals why even billionaires can't build wealth alone, and shares the exact exercise he uses to help clients break through decades of money trauma. From growing up with a single mother working 14-hour days to discovering true wealth in a Tanzanian village, Stoy's journey challenges every assumption about what it means to be financially free.You'll discover why filling your emergency fund too quickly actually hurts you, how to use the red-green highlighting method to expose your real relationship with money, and why Stoy's own children will only receive 50% of their college tuition paid upfront. This isn't your typical financial advice—it's a complete reframe of how money, happiness, and legacy intersect.🟪 About the GuestStoy Hall is the founder and CEO of Black Mammoth, a modern family office built specifically for women and minority business owners who want to take control of their wealth and stop feeling alone in the process. A former college football player who traveled to Tanzania in 2011, Stoy spent 4.5 years working at the Boys and Girls Club before becoming a financial planner. He also hosts the No BS Wealth podcast.🟪 DisclaimerThis content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals before making financial decisions.🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy wealth is defined by happiness and freedom, not dollarsThe three-bucket savings system (short-term, mid-term, long-term)How to identify your first money memory and why it mattersThe red-green expense highlighting exerciseWhy you should fill your emergency fund slowly over 18 monthsMoney as a partner vs. a tool—and what that mindset shift unlocksBuilding trust structures for children that teach rather than enableStarting financial education at age 3Breaking generational cycles of financial traumaWhy rich people all have teams (and you should too)🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Stoy Hall(02:27) Defining Wealth(03:19) Personal Experiences Define Wealth Perspectives(05:02) Mindset and Financial Literacy(08:01) Stoy's Upbringing and Role Models(12:42) The Path to Financial Planning(14:25) How To Educate Yourself Financially(18:30) Mindset and Money Management(24:12) Breaking Down Emotional Barriers(25:44) Building a Short-Term Safety Net(26:30) Automating Your Savings(28:19) Filling Multiple Buckets Simultaneously(36:17) The Concept of Money as a Partner(40:02) Planning Your Legacy(44:09) Educating Children About Money(46:37) Words of Wisdom🟪 Connect with Stoy HallLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoyhall/Website: https://www.blackmammoth.com/Podcast: https://nobswealth.com/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to stop chasing leads, serve clients longer & enjoy freedom doing what you love, without burning out or breaking down.In this episode, Ivan Wanis Ruiz, author of 'End Boring' and a top-rated Coursera instructor, shares his insights on effective communication. He discusses the importance of simplicity in conveying messages and how simple anecdotes can be more convincing than complex evidence. Gabe's conversation with Ivan dives into real-life tactics for engaging people, breaking the ice at networking events, and improving presentation skills. Ivan emphasizes that effective communication is crucial for gaining a competitive advantage in the future and offers practical exercises to simplify complex ideas. The episode also touches on the emotional aspects of communication and how revealing personal experiences can build trust and open up conversations. Ivan's mission is to end boring presentations and ensure that great ideas do not get lost to yawns.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Ivan Wanis Ruiz(02:18) The Brain's Processing of Information(03:59) The Influence of Anecdotes Over Evidence(10:00) Exercises to Simplify Communication(15:37) The Dark Side of Communication Techniques(21:31) Using Anecdotes in Scientific Communication(24:02) Connecting Emotionally with Your Audience(27:44) The Power of Reciprocation(30:08) Networking Insights(36:07) The Realities of a Professional Speaker's Life(41:45) The Importance of Tactics Over Ideas(43:09) Connect with Ivan🟪 Connect with Ivan Wanis RuizThe End Boring Book: https://books2read.com/u/bPnaR7Website: https://publicspeakinglab.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/publicspeakinglab/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Smith, a USA Today bestselling author and sales conversion expert who wrote The Conversion Code.Chris breaks down why 85% of sales happen after the fifth attempt, yet 90% of salespeople quit before that point.He shares the five-minute rule that gives you 21 times better conversion rates and explains why speed matters more than you think.We explore how consumers now control privacy settings and why traditional cold calling is dying fast.Chris reveals how to train AI on your content to generate authentic ideas that actually sound like you.We discuss sales scripts that convert without sounding robotic, handling objections that mask real buying signals, and structuring calls for maximum results.Chris also predicts what will happen in sales by 2030. Don't wanna miss that part.Join us as we break down practical systems to increase your conversion rate and close more deals.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Chris Smith(02:23) The Changing Landscape of Consumer Behavior(05:28) Defining High-Quality Leads(09:37) Leveraging AI for Content Creation(14:47) Share Your Unique Story With AI(24:04) How to Turn Leads Into Customers(31:10) How to Make People Buy(34:44) Having Great Sales Conversations(40:42) How to Structure Your Sales Calls(46:30) Handling Objections and Closing Techniques(52:32) Increasing Conversion Rates(55:19) The Future of Sales?🟪 Connect with Chris SmithWebsite: https://www.theconversioncode.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_smth/X/Twitter: https://x.com/Chris_SmthTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@conversioncodechrisYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chris_smithLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conversioncodechris/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to stop chasing leads, serve clients longer & enjoy freedom doing what you love, without burning out or breaking down.In this episode, I chat with Anthony Pierri, co-founder of FletchPMM, a product marketing consultancy working with B2B tech startups.Anthony explains why hiding your prices wastes everyone's time and how transparency actually increases revenue over the long run.With over 400 venture-backed clients and $1.5M annual revenue at 60% margins, he shares the productization framework that changed everything.We discuss why custom consulting never scales, how to pick one specific thing to own in customers' minds, and the reality of building credibility.Anthony breaks down the three-month minimum investment for content to work and why outcomes don't stick but functional workflows do.We explore how AI startups can stand out by finding smaller ponds to dominate instead of competing on the word "AI" itself.Join us as we talk through practical positioning strategies, the innovator's dilemma for small businesses, and choosing your business model wisely.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing  Anthony Pierri(01:39) The Importance of Showing Prices Upfront(07:58) Productizing Your Business for Efficiency(14:31) Balancing Productization and Retainer Work(20:00) Specializing and Positioning for Success(23:26) Building Credibility and Personal Brand(28:20) Challenges and Strategies for AI Startups(35:27) Opportunities for Startups in Smaller Markets(39:26) Connect with Anthony Pierri🟪 Connect with Anthony PierriWebsite: https://www.fletchpmm.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypierri/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to stop chasing leads, serve clients longer & enjoy freedom doing what you love, without burning out or breaking down.In this episode, I chat with Ken Cox, President of The RiverCity Internet Group and seasoned entrepreneur with decades of technology experience.Ken explains how AI destroys traditional gatekeepers and empowers everyday people to build like never before.With experience deploying major internet infrastructure and building data centers, he shares practical insights about vibe coding and AI automation.We discuss how small businesses can replace entire departments with AI agents, why specialization is becoming obsolete, and the importance of playing with new tools.We also explore open source AI as humanity's safeguard against dystopia, micro oracles for communities, and why main street businesses matter more than ever.Join us as we talk through the rapid changes in technology and how to swim in the current instead of fighting it.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introduction of Ken Cox(02:19) The Evolution and Impact of AI Tools(07:21) Vibe Coding and AI Departments(15:30) The Importance of Small Businesses(18:27) Open Source AI and Its Potential(23:24) Automating Business Processes with AI(26:26) Building AI Tools for Business(29:21) The Vision for AI-Driven Communities(38:09) The Future of Business and Personal Branding🟪 Connect with Ken CoxMain website: https://kencox.com/Consulting: https://inlink.com/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to stop chasing leads, serve clients longer & enjoy freedom doing what you love, without burning out or breaking down.In this episode, I chat with Allyson Letteri, a marketing exec turned startup advisor and author of The Standout Startup.Allyson explains how speed to market with AI changes everything, yet core marketing fundamentals remain constant. With experience scaling teams at Thumbtack and Handshake from Series C to unicorn status, she shares frameworks founders can use immediately. We discuss the three Ps of messaging, why startups build products before finding buyers, and how to create social proof without customers.We also cover when to hire your first marketer, how to fire fast, and why founder personality must align with brand identity.Join us as we break down practical steps to stand out, gain traction, and stop wasting time on wrong strategies.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Intro(01:08) Startups and AI(03:42) Messaging and Positioning(06:56) How to Stand Out(15:06) Building Social Proof(18:19) Go-To-Market Strategies(25:29) Founder-Led Brand Building(37:05) Hiring and Team Building in Startups(43:40) Connect with Allyson🟪 Connect with Allyson LetteriWebsite: https://allysonletteri.comBook: https://allysonletteri.com/bookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonletteri/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to stop chasing leads, serve clients longer & enjoy freedom doing what you love, without burning out or breaking down.In this episode, I chat with Alan Lazaros, who turned personal tragedy into a mission for self-improvement and helping others. Alan shares his journey from a difficult childhood and a near-fatal car accident at 26, which led to a profound reevaluation of his life.Now the CEO of Next Level University, a global top 100 podcast, Alan discusses the fundamentals of goal-setting, the importance of self-belief, and the daily pursuit of meaningful achievements.Tune in to learn about the principles he applies in his coaching methods and the challenges of growing a personal development company.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Alan Lazaros(01:53) Alan's Early Life and Challenges(05:46) The Challenges with Personal Development(10:33) Facing Fears and Insecurities(17:19) Principles of Coaching and Fulfillment(23:10) Turning Passion into Purpose and Profit(25:11) Goals vs. Dreams(29:23) The Success Loop and Minimum Viable Actions(37:49)The Importance of Social Circles(39:33) Connect with Alan Lazaros🟪 Connect with Alan LazarosPodcast: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-university-podcast/Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/business-consulting/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gabemarusca.com ⁠⁠and learn each week for free, how to stop chasing leads, serve clients longer & enjoy freedom doing what you love, without burning out or breaking down.In this episode, I chat with Camille Diaz, a wealth strategist and optimization coach dedicated to helping 'zombie-preneurs'—entrepreneurs on the brink of burnout—revitalize their businesses and build sustainable, enjoyable wealth.Camille shares key strategies to avoid the zombie-preneur trap, including establishing priorities, effective scheduling, and maintaining accountability without judgment.She highlights the importance of having an emergency fund and discusses debt repayment while emphasizing the need to save for future retirement.Camille also dives into how entrepreneurs can set achievable goals and ensure they reward themselves to sustain motivation.She ends with practical insights on how to enjoy the entrepreneurial journey and not hesitate to seek help and ask questions.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Full Episode(01:06) Understanding the Zombie-preneur Phenomenon(03:00) Productivity PSA, The P(06:35) The S from PSA Framework(17:04) The A from the PSA Framework(19:31) Balancing Work and Family(23:21) Building Wealth as an Entrepreneur(28:42) The Importance of a Safety Net(34:54) Rewarding Yourself(38:33) Planning for Retirement(41:06) Final Thoughts and Resources🟪 Connect with Camille DiazInstagram: https://www.linkedin.com/CamUnfilteredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillediazWatch Camille's Free Masterclass: Get More Done and Make More Money WITHOUT Working More Hours at https://camilldiaz.com/masterclassDownload Your Free PDF: 6 Millionaire Habits Anyone Can Copy at https://camillediaz.com/habits🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!