The Rainmaker Podcast

What’s the real difference between a consultant, an agency, and a fractional CMO and how do you know which one your business actually needs?This week, Joe Grover joins me on the show for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of marketing leadership and the dynamics behind each of these roles.In this episode, Joe breaks down why so many companies hire a CMO too early and how to assess the real gaps in your growth strategy. We also discuss what founders should consider before bringing in external support, explore the emotional side of leadership, and unpack the pros and pitfalls of fractional roles plus the critical importance of execution when strategy alone isn’t enough.If you’re a founder, executive, or marketer thinking about building a team, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and offer a grounded framework for what effective marketing leadership really looks like.About JoeJoe Grover is a Managing Partner and the CMO for Amplēo. Joe has a unique blend of marketing and finance experience that gives him a unique perspective and skillset in the c-suite. He is a fractional CMO and marketing advisor to several consumer, services, and software companies.Before joining Amplēo in 2023, Joe was the CMO at Homie, a venture-backed real estate technology company. He led local and corporate marketing teams across five states. Under his leadership, the company was included on the Deloitte Fast 500, Inc500, Utah Business Fast 50, MWCN 100, and won a Gold Addy for the best guerilla marketing campaign of the year in Phoenix, Arizona, and was honored as CXO of the year by Utah Business Magazine in 2021.He was the president and CMO of Genesis Media, a New York City-based digital advertising software company. Before Genesis, Joe was the CMO and CEO of Altitude Digital, an ad tech startup in Denver, Colorado. Genesis Media and Altitude Digital merged in 2017.Joe spent seven years at Mercato Partners, a top-performing venture capital firm in Salt Lake City, UT, where he supported investments in several fast-growing software and branded consumer companies including Skullcandy, Stance, Fusion-io, and Goal Zero.Before Mercato Partners, Joe was the founder and CEO of a creative ad agency, where he led advertising and communication campaigns for Fortune 1,000 companies nationwide including consumer brands Comcast, T-Mobile, Zions Bank, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. Joe was involved in Junto Partners, an entrepreneurship incubator, and launched several startups over 24 months. He became the director of the program where he recruited, trained, and mentored hundreds of entrepreneurs.Connect with Joe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelgrover/Connect with VeronicaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

What if you could hand off your repeatable tasks to an AI team that sounds just like you?This week, I'm joined by Gemma Bonham-Carter, strategist for entrepreneurs who want to build a profitable online course business. She shares how she’s radically transformed her business using custom GPTs and why AI is no longer optional for modern entrepreneurs.In this episode, Gemma takes us behind-the-scenes of her “bot squad,” a team of over 20 custom GPTs designed to run everything from podcast production to social content to internal operations. We talk about what it means to build for freedom, how AI can amplify your team’s strengths instead of replacing them, and the mindset shifts required to fully embrace this new era of work.Whether you’re just starting to experiment with AI or ready to systemize your entire business around it, Gemma offers practical insight and a clear-eyed perspective on what’s possible and what’s next.About GemmaGemma Bonham-Carter is the go-to strategist for entrepreneurs who want a profitable online course business without being glued to their laptops 24/7. She’s all about building a business that fits your life, not the other way around.Since launching her education company in 2017, Gemma has built a sustainable 7-figure business, helping over 15,000 students turn their expertise into scalable digital products. She’s the creator of AI Unlocked, host of The Course Creator Show podcast, and an expert in online courses, email marketing, and leveraging AI for smarter business growth.Her insights have been featured in Entrepreneur, Inc., Fast Company, and in over 40 podcasts. When she’s not teaching entrepreneurs how to work less while earning more, you’ll find her chasing her kids, squeezing in a Pilates class, planning her next trip, or deep-diving into the latest AI trends.Connect with GemmaWebsite: www.gemmabonhamcarter.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/gemma.bonhamcarterThreads: https://www.threads.net/@gemma.bonhamcarterLinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/gemma-bonham-carter-78615943Podcast, The Course Creator Show: https://gemmabonhamcarter.com/podcast/Connect with VeronicaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

What does it take to lead a resilient business in a world that won’t stop shifting?This week, strategist and consultant Carlyn Bushman joins me for a real, unfiltered conversation about what female founders are up against in 2025 and how to lead through the chaos with clarity, data, and confidence.Carlyn shares her perspective on why too many women are letting external pressures like tariffs, tech disruptions, and economic uncertainty dictate the future of their businesses.We explore how to separate emotion from strategy, why data should be your first stop when making decisions, and how to find opportunity in relationships you’ve been neglecting.This conversation is part wake-up call, part tactical blueprint. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or reactive in your business, Carlyn’s insights will help you shift into a more grounded, intentional role as a founder and leader.About CarlynCarlyn Bushman is the founder of Carlyn Bushman Consulting and the powerhouse behind POP Academy—a no-fluff, all-strategy learning hub for product-based business owners who are serious about scaling smart and staying profitable. With a background in corporate leadership and real-life entrepreneurial grit, Carlyn brings the kind of strategic know-how that turns marketing into momentum.She’s obsessed with helping founders ditch the guesswork, master their numbers, and finally build the business they’ve been dreaming about—with practical tools, real talk, and data that actually drives growth.Connect with Carlynhttps://www.instagram.com/carlynbushmanconsulting/https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlynbushman/Connect with VeronicaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

What does it really take to cut through the noise in today’s marketing landscape and what if everything we thought we knew about attention is wrong?In this episode, Veronica sits down with Paulo Salomao, the founder and agency leader behind King Ursa, to unpack how the media landscape is shifting, why trust matters more than ever, and how a single viral moment turned into a surreal Ellen DeGeneres cameo.From navigating the post-pandemic reality for agencies to leading with vision in an era of uncertainty, Paulo brings both humor and deep insight to the future of advertising, tech, and leadership. He also shares his thoughts on creative intuition, what really builds long-term brand impact, and why podcasting is the most intimate platform we have.Whether you're in media, marketing, or building your own creative business, this conversation is full of perspective shifts and practical wisdom.About PauloA unique cross-platform thinker, he continues to push the boundaries of his leadership mindset facilitating collaboration from all silos of the industry.An entrepreneur at heart, he is the co-founder of 3 successful businesses, introducing not only unique operational solutions but also leading their brands to conquer influential and purposeful positioning.Today, he’s the sole owner of King Ursa, a 50+ person-strong full service advertising agency. With a focus on end-to-end service, King Ursa brings research and analysis, strategy, creative, content production and media all under one roof.Never one to rest on his laurels, Paulo continues to share his learnings by speaking at marketing conferences, presenting his thought provoking theses and running workshops at colleges and universities.Connect with Paulohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/salomaopaulo/Connect with VInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/

“Leadership shouldn’t still be the number one workplace issue—but it is.”In this episode, I sit down with culture and leadership expert Megan Kuiper, who spent 21 years at Target leading teams and turning around broken store cultures.Now, she helps organizations of all sizes build intentional, people-first leadership from the inside out. If you’ve ever wondered why good leadership still feels so rare despite all the TED Talks, bestsellers, and workshops, this conversation delivers both the why—and the how to do better.Whether you’re leading a team or working under someone who is, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership—and help you build something better.About MeganI am a passionate and energetic individual dedicated to making the most out of every day. With a clear vision for my life, I teach others how to tap into their own fire and achieve their goals. I balance many roles, including being a wife, mom, and former Target Corporate Director turned entrepreneur. As a keynote speaker, consultant, and coach, I bring 21+ years of culture and leadership development experience to help others find their own energy and desire. My mission is to spread positivity and energy to anyone interested in discovering their own potential.Connect with Meganhttps://www.instagram.com/meganmkuiper/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-kuiper-44371a6/ Connect with VInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/ 

Think email marketing is old news? Think again.In this episode, I sit down with email strategist and marketing expert Allison Hardy to unpack the future of email marketing in a world dominated by social media and AI. From debunking the myth that "email is dead" to breaking down why authentic urgency beats fake scarcity every time, Allison shares practical strategies for making your emails work harder without losing trust or authenticity.We dive into the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make in their email marketing, how AI can (and should) support your writing process, and why the future belongs to brands with strong points of view. If you've been wondering how to make your email list your most valuable business asset in 2025 and beyond, this conversation is your roadmap.

You hit the milestone. You achieved the goal. You checked every box—and yet… something still feels off.In this episode, I sit down with holistic leadership coach Kasey D’Amato for a powerful conversation about what happens after success. We unpack the emotional aftermath of reaching a big milestone—like publishing a book—and the uncomfortable questions that come next.From navigating burnout to redefining ambition, Kasey shares her approach to aligned leadership and how to reconnect with purpose in a season of transition.If you’re feeling aimless, unmotivated, or quietly questioning what’s next, this episode will help you find clarity, calm, and a new path forward. Whether you’re in the middle of a reset, craving an off-season, or exploring new possibilities—this conversation will meet you right where you are and offer the tools to realign your life and business on your own terms.About KaseyKasey D’Amato is a business strategist, executive life coach, and aligned empire builder who helps high-achieving business owners create success without sacrificing fulfillment. With 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical sales, dermatology, entrepreneurship, and real estate, she has built multiple businesses, a global skincare brand, and a diverse investment portfolio—all while maintaining a thriving personal life.Kasey specializes in diagnosing the roadblocks that hold leaders back in both business and life, blending self-mastery, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth to create real, lasting success.By addressing mindset, leadership, and personal well-being, she empowers entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses while improving relationships, energy, and overall joy—proving that success and fulfillment can go hand in hand.

Join Brian Mikula, a personal brand strategist and educator, as he shares insights on building a compelling personal brand without needing to be an expert. He tackles common fears like judgment and burnout that hold many back from expressing themselves online. Discover practical strategies for content creation and how students can navigate brand identity in today's competitive landscape. Brian emphasizes the importance of perspective in sharing personal stories and offers tips to enhance visibility while ensuring mental well-being in the workplace.

“You can't teach give-a-shit.”That quote sums up the conversation I had with seasoned marketing executive Anne Marie Benard.Anne Marie shares her journey across industries. From Target and energy sponsorships to media, healthcare, and now higher education at the University of Utah. But this isn’t just a résumé rundown, it’s an honest, insightful and often hilarious deep dive into how to make bold career moves, lead with EQ, and navigate professional pivots without losing your identity in the process.Whether you're a rising professional trying to stand out in a crowded market or a seasoned leader in your own season of reinvention, Anne Marie brings equal parts strategy and soul.About Anne:Anne Marie Benard is an accomplished marketing and communications leader with a proven ability to build high-performing teams and drive significant results in large, complex organizations. Her career spans diverse sectors, including retail, energy, media, healthcare, and higher education, where she has consistently exceeded expectations in developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies.Starting with a foundation in retail analytics and brand strategy at Target Corporation, Anne Marie has progressed to lead teams, manage multi-million-dollar budgets, and consistently achieve ambitious financial and campaign goals. Her expertise in strategic planning, brand management, sponsorship negotiations, digital and traditional media, public relations, team building, and stakeholder management makes her a highly effective leader in dynamic, fast-paced environments.Connect with Veronica:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Think you need a big, dramatic life moment to tell a powerful story?In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author, master storyteller, and 61-time Moth StorySLAM winner Matthew Dicks to explore the magic of everyday storytelling—and how the smallest moments often carry the biggest impact.From his life-changing “Homework for Life” practice to the science of what makes a story stick, Matthew walks us through the exact tools and mindset shifts that can turn anyone into a better storyteller—on stage, on camera, or around the dinner table.Whether you’re a speaker, entrepreneur, or someone who just wants to communicate more powerfully, this episode will transform the way you see your own story—and help you share it in a way that truly connects.About Matthew: Matthew Dicks is the internationally bestselling author of six novels and three nonfiction titles:Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Artof StorytellingSomeday Is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Strategies to Propel Your Creative LifeStories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and BrandHis novels have been translated into more than 25 languages worldwide.Matthew is a record 62-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 9-time GrandSLAM champion whose stories have been featured on their nationally syndicated Moth Radio Hour.His solo show “You’re a Monster, Matthew Dicks” debuted at Theater Works in Hartford, CT in 2023.He has also performed in the New York City Comedy Festival in 2022 and 2023. Teacher of the Year and a Connecticut Teacher of the Year finalist.Matthew’s client roster includes Google, Salesforce, Amazon, Microsoft, Smucker’s, the FBI, The Eric and Wendy Schmitt Foundation, Yale University, MIT, and many more. He also works with Olympic athletes, world-class mountaineers, standup comedians, magicians, attorneys, breast cancer survivors, the children of Holocaust survivors, world champion memorizers, the clergy, and more.Matthew is also the CEO of Storyworthy — a company that creates and distributes online education on storytelling, marketing, sales, and branding. He is also the founder and artistic director of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization that produces storytelling shows throughout New England.Connect with VeronicaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vromney/If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.