Always Be Testing

In this episode of Always Be Testing, host Tye DeGrange welcomes Dan Darcy, Chief Customer Officer at Qualified, for a deep dive into growth, performance marketing, and the evolving role of AI in sales and marketing. Dan shares insights from his time at Salesforce and how Qualified has transformed from a live chat tool into an AI-powered platform helping marketers convert website visitors into leads. The conversation explores how Piper, an AI Sales Development Representative, is automating and personalizing lead engagement, the importance of speed to lead, and how AI-driven data insights are replacing traditional lead forms to improve conversion rates. Dan also discusses the challenges of scaling startups, the role of education in category creation, and why continuous testing and learning from failures are essential for growth. He highlights the power of face-to-face customer interactions and the impact of Qualified’s highly rated support team. The episode wraps up with personal insights from Dan, touching on his favorite tools, passion for hosting, and love for Bravo reality shows. Listen now to gain valuable lessons on AI, marketing, and building strong customer relationships.

We had an incredible conversation with Cornelius from Opinary, now part of Affinity, about the transformative power of AI in affiliate operations and the future of content monetization. 

Ian Martins, EVP and Managing Director of Zenith, dives into the complexities of fragmented marketing strategies. He discusses the tension between brand building and performance metrics, using Nike as a prime example. The conversation shifts to the importance of trust in media and the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. Ian also touches on the hybrid models of in-housing and outsourcing, touching on economic pressures and AI's potential to enhance marketing efficiency. Personal anecdotes about entertainment and creative passions add a relatable touch.

In this episode of Always Be Testing, I sit down with Nate Ivey from Impact to talk about what’s working in partner marketing today.We cover why diversifying partners is key, how trust and authenticity drive better results, and what brands need to know about Google’s crackdown on-site reputation abuse. Nate also shares insights on the shift to performance-based influencer models and why consistent recruitment keeps programs strong.We wrap up with some personal stories—including sports, family, and parenting. 

Ely Lerner delves into his role as an advisor, distinguishing it from consulting by emphasizing his focus on advising rather than delivery. He works closely with founders in software verticals such as consumer marketplace, fintech, SMB SaaS, enterprise SaaS, AI, and dev tools, but avoids hardware, DTC, biotech, and crypto sectors. Lerner highlights the importance of integrating product strategy, growth strategy, and go-to-market strategy, spending an hour weekly with each CEO to focus on key priorities and learning.

In this discussion, Mike McElhaney, COO of Round Bar Labs, dives into the world of affiliate influencer marketing and modern advertising strategies. He emphasizes the importance of low ego and high empathy in leadership, drawing insights from influential books. The conversation also explores the evolution of parenting and the role of accountability. Listeners will enjoy humorous anecdotes from family vacations and predictions for the Giants in 2025, making it both insightful and entertaining!

In this episode, Ty DeGrange sits down with Zoe Mackay, the strategic partnerships lead at TechnologyAdvice, to dive deep into the world of B2B tech guidance and affiliate marketing. 

Udi Ledergor's journey at GONG is a testament to the power of innovative marketing, human-centric strategies, and the importance of experimentation. His insights offer valuable lessons for marketers looking to make a significant impact in the B2B SaaS space. 

In this episode of the Always Be Testing podcast, Tye DeGrange introduces the show and its focus on growth, performance marketing, customer acquisition, paid media, and affiliate marketing. The episode features a panel discussion on leveraging AI for better marketing results, with insights from industry experts Alexis Contos (CMO of NEA), Cory Treffiletti (CMO of Rembrandt), Jennifer Barkley (VP of Commercial Marketing for Visa), and Tye DeGrange (CEO of Round Barn Labs).

Guiding you through the world of growth, performance marketing, and partner marketing.We sit down with growth and marketing leaders to share tests and lessons learned in business and life.Host: Tye DeGrangeGuest: Tyler CalderHype man & Announcer: John Potito