Problem Solvers

Max DesMarais, Director of Strategy at Vital Design, offers insights on navigating the rapidly changing landscape of marketing. He discusses the rise of AI tools that provide hyper-specific recommendations, shifting the way businesses attract clients. DesMarais emphasizes the importance of adapting content and SEO strategies to meet these changes. He also highlights the necessity for brands to diversify their marketing approaches and redefine success metrics to stay relevant in today's digital space.

Marcus Lemonis built his reputation as the guy who could fix anything. It’s even in the name of his TV show The Fixer on FOX his new show following the success of The Profit on CNBC. But now, as he enters a new phase of leadership, he’s rethinking what it really means to lead. Lemonis has evolved. He’s leading from behind, pushing people harder than they’d push themselves, and even playing the villain if that’s what the business needs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Michael Jacobson joined his uncle’s flower shop to help close it down.  Instead, he uncovered industry-wide problems like outdated tech, inefficient supply chains, and reliance on costly middlemen. By solving them one by one, he grew the French Florist into a thriving franchise that’s redefining the floral business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The myth of the genius jerk founder has shaped startup culture for decades, but it’s wrong. Dr. Richard Hagberg and Tien Tzuo, co-authors of Founders Keepers, have the data to prove it. In this episode, they unpack the real traits that define high-performing founders, why bad behavior gets glorified, and how emotional intelligence and adaptability, not arrogance, drive lasting success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, the platform built to help anyone host and sell tickets to an event. But after years in the business, Julia and her team realized something surprising. Their biggest growth opportunity wasn’t with the people creating events, it was with the people searching for them. On this episode, Julia shares how Eventbrite rethought its product, reimagined discovery, and why, in an AI-saturated world, real human connection might just be the ultimate value proposition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Ania Smith, CEO of TaskRabbit, has spent her career building marketplace businesses. She shares the operational challenges of matching people who need tasks done with people who can do them and how TaskRabbit solves for the millions of unpredictable human variables that come with it. Balancing supply and demand at scale means identifying the patterns and solving the problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eynat Guez, co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, shares her entrepreneurial journey from near bankruptcy to building a $3.7 billion payroll platform. She discusses how confronting her worst fears transformed her business strategy, allowing her to leverage challenges as opportunities. Guez emphasizes the power of visualizing future success beyond adversity and the importance of a supportive workplace for tackling fears. Her insights highlight how embracing risks can unlock confidence and foster personal and professional growth.

Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg, co-founders of Story Kitchen, are on a mission to breathe new life into beloved video game characters for modern audiences. They discuss the challenges of reviving classics like Sonic the Hedgehog and the importance of nostalgia in their adaptations. Dive into their creative process as they unravel the intricacies of transforming brands like Toys R Us into compelling stories. The duo also emphasizes the vital role of fan engagement and storytelling in successfully adapting cherished childhood icons.

Cliff Hudson, former CEO of Sonic Drive-In and co-author of the book 'Bricks and Clicks', shares insights alongside Craig Miller, former CIO. They dive into the creation of the iconic 'Two Guys' commercials, highlighting how this simple yet transformative idea emerged through testing and real-time feedback. The duo discusses Sonic's evolution from the 1980s struggles to a 1990s powerhouse, emphasizing innovative marketing strategies, the shift to engaging humor, and consumer re-engagement during crises.

Arjan Singh, author and adjunct professor at SMU Cox School of Business, shares insights gained from working with top Fortune Global 500 companies. He discusses the importance of corporate war games in identifying strategic blind spots, using Nokia’s decline as a cautionary tale against complacency. The conversation dives into reassessing market assumptions and adapting strategies in the face of competition. With practical insights on wargaming techniques and scenario planning, Singh equips listeners with tools to build resilient business strategies.