When you’re leading a small growth team, every time someone leaves it can feel like a gut punch. That’s what Connor Bradley, Director of Product Growth at Jobber, felt when a member of his team left at the beginning of the pandemic. And then another person exited and Connor felt lower than low.In this episode, Connor discusses the emotions he’s had to go through and process while building a growth team from scratch and overcoming the struggles, unexpected and otherwise, that comes with that path. Listen in to learn how you can build more tight knit teams and form solid connections to handle the ups and downs of a career in growth.In this episode, you’ll learn how:1. Approaching growth problems calmly allows you to remain focused on what’s most important for your company2. Vocalizing your feelings is critical in remote work since so much non-verbal communication is lost through video calls3. Building solid relationships at work helps you overcome the common problems of growthThings to listen for:[03:33] Why curiosity is critical to growth[06:44] The period of his career Connor’s most proud of [10:27] Hitting your lowest low and what comes next[14:24] Maintaining a 10,000 foot view[19:21] Advice for anyone feeling lonely or isolated[22:49] Struggling with self-doubt[26:55] Avoiding a reactive mindset[30:41] Being okay saying “not right now”Resources:- Connect with Connor on Linkedin- Connect with Andrew on Linkedin or Twitter- Learn more about Navattic- Learn more about Appcues

When you see someone with an impressive resume, it’s easy to think they’ve got it all figured out. But Patrick Moran, Head of Growth Marketing at Robinhood, shows that can be a pretty misleading indicator. Working at massive companies like Netflix, eBay, and Reforge has taught him valuable lessons that he carries with him to this day.In this episode, Patrick shares three things he’s learned from the different mistakes he’s made in his career. Listen in and realize that no one’s career is perfect and you aren’t alone in your struggle to find success in your growth role.In this episode, you’ll learn:1. Your relationship with your manager is definitely two-way2. The company shouldn’t guide or dictate your career - that’s in your hands3. Understanding first principles is crucial to your growth in a companyThings to listen for:[07:01] Realizing the importance of unit economics for growth roles[12:31] Learning the value of managing up[17:35] Balancing your career priorities with the company’s priorities for you[19:58] Understanding the value of first principles thinking[23:47] Adapting to a role you didn’t ask for[26:44] Knowing when it isn’t the right fit[30:12] Navigating doubts at workResources:- Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn or the Finding Market Fit podcast- Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or Twitter- Learn more about Navattic- Learn more about Appcues

Starting growth from scratch in your company is a big responsibility. Not only do you have to teach people about its processes, but you also have to evangelize it, letting them know why they need it in the first place. It has plenty of ups and downs. Lauren Schuman, former growth at Sidebar, Mural, and Mailchimp) knows all too well.In this episode, Lauren shares her story of starting growth from nothing at a growing company and how she’s learned to take feedback from other people. Listen to learn how you can effectively evangelize growth in your company while developing your internal relationships.In this episode, you’ll learn:1. Speaking a common language is essential to educating your team on the value of growth2. Finding a professional peer group provides you with the support you need to push through tough situations3. You shouldn’t apply every piece of feedback you receive, but know that each has some truth to themThings to listen for:[10:20] Starting growth from scratch at Mailchimp[17:40] The value of a professional peer group[19:51] Swallowing brutally honest feedback[21:32] Dealing with significant changes within a company[32:08] Being selective about the feedback you apply[35:17] Finding the company that meets your standards[36:42] Knowing when it’s time to move onResources- Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn- Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or Twitter- Learn more about Navattic

Working in a new company means your day-to-day responsibilities have to be tied to a larger goal. But when you’re fresh out of college in your first role, it’s hard to understand that perspective and how others work towards it. Claire Suellentrop, Co-Founder and COO of Forget the Funnel, knows the struggle.In this episode, Claire talks about how valuable an outside perspective would’ve been to her growth when she was starting out. Listen to learn how you can set up your network to create a foundation for your growth in the industry.In this episode, you’ll learn:1. Understanding how different people approach work will save you from miscommunications and wasted work2. The best people to give you advice are the ones who are only a few steps ahead3. An outside perspective of your problems will help you overcome them quickerThings to listen for:[04:25] How Claire fell backwards into growth[11:39] Learning to catch up to a company’s pace[14:47] The importance of learning from someone a few steps ahead[18:11] Understanding everyone’s working styles[23:46] Overcoming a skillset-company culture mismatch[27:58] Leaning into your strengths[30:23] Why heads of growth turnover so quicklyResources- Connect with Claire on LinkedIn or Forget the Funnel- Forget the Funnel book- Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or Twitter- Learn more about Navattic- Learn more about MadKudu

Most growth roles are difficult to grasp and manage which makes mastering “soft skills” like communication, vital.In this episode, Product Growth Advisor Rosie Hoggmascall shares her experiences around someone taking credit for her work, struggling with being put on the spot, and having the tough conversation about feeling stuck at work. Listen in to hear her tried and true phrases you can employ to avoid freezing in anxiety-triggering conversations at work and to be reminded why soft skills are what hard workers really need.In this episode, you’ll learn:1. Writing your thoughts on paper before a hard conversation at work can help you show up with confidence and clarity2. Communication and managing up are two soft skills you need to hone to be an effective head of growth3. You don’t have to accept all the feedback you receive but pay attention if you’re hearing the same things over and overThings to listen for:[11:35] Why you should always be applying for jobs [12:51] Dealing with disrespectful managers [15:51] Preparing for difficult conversations[19:16] Breaking your self-deprecating internal monologue[22:29] Speaking with your boss after a big mistake[26:55] Phrases to use to avoid freezing [30:15] Sifting through contrasting feedback[32:46] Honing your soft skillsResources:- Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn, Medium, or Growth Mentor- Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or Twitter- Learn more about Navattic- Learn more about MadKudu

Alignment is one of the most important parts of working in growth, whether it's being aligned with your company about your role or how well you connect with the new hire. Hillary Pitts Miller works the intersection of Product and Growth at Whimsical and she came to understand the power of alignment when she realized that her company wasn’t actually ready for a growth team yet.In this episode, Hillary shares her story of setting her ego aside for the sake of the company and her transition from her marketing background into growth (and back again). Listen in for Hillary’s insights and career advice on navigating the maturing but unpredictable growth landscape.In this episode, you’ll learn:1. That you shouldn’t be afraid to address the elephant in the room2. Why it’s important to take time and suss out the company culture fit, whether you’re interviewing candidates or interviewing for jobs3. Some companies might not need a growth role as much as they think they doThings to listen for:[03:45] Hillary’s Growth origin story[09:04] How to overcome a failed hire[14:50] Navigating impostor syndrome [17:07] How being honest builds trust[20:50] Setting your ego aside for the company’s needs[29:23] Advice for struggling job seekers[30:59] How to learn if a company is for youResources:- Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or Twitter- Learn more about Navattic- Learn more about MadKudu

Former growth expert Joseph Fitzgibbon shares his journey in the growth industry and offers tips for recognizing when a role doesn't fit. He advises leaving a job that doesn't feel right, understanding why the previous person was let go, and seeking clear and frequent feedback. Topics include average week at a growth consultancy, path to growth industry, identifying a role mismatch, value of clear feedback, setting expectations with manager, and managing the reality of business.

Daphne Tideman, Freelance Growth Advisor and Consultant at Daphne Tideman Ltd., shares valuable lessons on getting your voice heard, speaking executives' language, finding balance in life, and overcoming pressure in the growth industry. Learn how to resonate with others, get your ideas heard, and focus on what's within your control.

When you take the long-term perspective of your Growth career, it would be shocking if you didn’t get at least one bad performance review. That’s an insight Adam Fishman, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ResortPass and Executive in Residence at Reforge, has come to understand deeply.In this episode, he shares his story of being one of the early employees at Lyft and how he had to learn to manage a Growth team before many people knew what Growth really meant. Listen to hear about overcoming career mistakes, understanding how being yourself and being successful can happen simultaneously, and dealing with the anxiety and pressure of leading large teams when you’re inexperienced.In this episode, you’ll learn:1. The importance of seeking outside mentorship because bosses can’t always be your coaches nor do they have all the answers you need2. Why it’s best to be honest with your employers about what they can expect from you to help you decide as soon as possible whether a role is right for you3. When to use soft skills to gauge whether a responsibility is just enough to grow someone or too much for them to handleThings to listen for:[5:52] The pivotal moment in Adam’s career from a marketer to a Growth leader[11:11] A lesson from being the Head of Growth[13:04] Learning from a bad performance review[18:54] Why you should learn to ask for help[24:59] The anxiety and pressure from high growth companies[17:53] How to be yourself and be successful[32:38] Adam’s experience dealing with high pressure and anxietyResources:Subscribe to Adam’s NewsletterConnect with Adam on LinkedInConnect with Andrew on LinkedIn or TwitterLearn more about NavatticLearn more about MadKudu

Working in a Growth role for the first time is hard, especially since the field is always evolving.In this episode, Liam MacCormack, Senior Growth Marketing Manager at MadKudu, shares his career journey from growth manager to head of growth. Along the way, he talks about why therapy and support systems are crucial for anyone in Growth, the mistakes that have made him a better person, and his path toward becoming a Growth leader.In this episode, you’ll learn:1. The importance of a support system for anyone in growth2. How to deal with burnout and stress in a healthy way3. Mistakes are inevitable; internalize the lessons to continue improvingThings to listen for:[4:26] How Liam landed his first growth job[14:18] A career mistake that’s stuck with Liam [20:48] How to know you’re actually growing[26:49] The peaks and valleys of being in a growth role[37:20] Advice for dealing with burnout and overwhelm[40:45] Pushing through the challenges and adversity that come in growthResources:- Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or Twitter- Learn more about Navattic- Learn more about MadKudu