On the Record by Leadpages

What do Taylor Swift and top-performing brands have in common? A deep understanding of the power of story. In this episode of On the Record, Ryan and Michael sit down with brand and CX expert Sue Woodard to unpack how emotional connection, storytelling, and smart brand curation can transform leads into passionate brand evangelists. From the re-release of “Red (Taylor’s Version)” to the customer experience strategies of brands like Chewy and Delta, we break down the tactics that help businesses build loyalty, create memorable first impressions, and scale authentic customer relationships. If you’re looking to improve your brand strategy, stand out in a crowded market, or create lasting impact with your audience, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of On the Record, we reveal how we added $100K in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) in just one month by leaning into customer segmentation, aligning product strategy with actual usage data, and making bold internal shifts that paid off. From redefining our ideal customer to running pricing experiments and navigating team buy-in, we break down the real-world tactics that helped us achieve rapid SaaS growth—while drawing surprising inspiration from Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. If you’re scaling a SaaS startup, rethinking your pricing model, or trying to grow MRR fast, this behind-the-scenes look at how we made it happen is packed with insights for product-led growth, revenue operations, and customer retention strategy.

What does it take to build and sustain a high-growth team? In this episode, Michael and Ryan sit down with Thomas Knoll, a startup veteran and leadership coach, to explore the secrets behind successful, fast-growing companies. From his time at Zappos to launching multiple startups, Thomas shares insights on company culture, curiosity, and investing in people as the foundation of growth. They also dive into the role of AI in leadership, the power of perspective, and why hard conversations are key to building strong teams. Plus, a unique tie-in to Extreme’s Three Sides to Every Story and its lessons for leadership.

Can AI-generated content truly replace human hosts? The discussion dives into the rise of botcasting and how it reshapes the podcasting landscape. They explore the efficiency versus authenticity debate and tackle the ethical implications of AI in media. There’s a fascinating look at how small teams can leverage AI for scalable content. Plus, they connect the conversation to Queen’s iconic album, blending music with technological themes. Is botcasting the future or just a passing trend? Tune in for insights!

What can marketers learn from Beyoncé’s Lemonade? In this episode, Ryan and Michael break down the album’s surprise launch, storytelling genius, and multi-channel strategy, revealing key marketing insights. Special guest Josh Becerra, founder of a Minneapolis-based digital marketing agency, joins to discuss winning strategies, the balance of core vs. edge marketing, and the role of data in decision-making. From audience expansion to overcoming fear in marketing, this episode is packed with lessons on bold risks, strategic execution, and long-term success.

Season 2 of On the Record kicks off with a bold challenge to Google’s dominance in marketing. Inspired by MF Doom’s Take Me to Your Leader, we explore the risks of over-reliance on paid search and the rewards of diversification. We discuss the rising costs of PPC advertising, diminishing ROI in Google’s ecosystem, and why diversifying your marketing strategy is critical for long-term success. If you’re looking to future-proof your digital marketing strategy, boost ROI, and grow beyond Google, this episode is for you.

Discover the secrets of enduring brands in this episode of On the Record. From Coca-Cola's timeless nostalgia to Spotify's personalized connections, we explore how brands evolve, build trust, and captivate audiences. Plus, we draw parallels to The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and the elusive quest for staying power. Whether you're a marketer or brand enthusiast, tune in for actionable insights and fresh perspectives!

In this bonus episode, Michael, Ryan, and Stacy look into their crystal ball to explore what’s ahead for marketing in 2025. Through the lens of David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, they discuss navigating market shifts, actionable insights in revenue operations, the evolution of influencer marketing, and AI’s transition from buzzword to practical tool. The team also tackles the ethical challenges of AI, lessons from Bowie’s iconic album, and how embracing the unknown can inspire optimism and adaptability in business. Don’t miss this glimpse into the future of marketing and beyond!

Is your marketing too dependent on Google Search? Join Ryan, Michael, and Stacy as they explore the rising costs of paid search, the shift toward social media as the new search engine, and the power of diversifying acquisition channels. Packed with insights, actionable tips, and inspiration from Public Enemy’s groundbreaking messaging, this episode is for marketers ready to challenge convention and embrace innovation.

We dissect the pitfalls of marketing attribution, from flawed models to the growing challenges of tracking in a privacy-focused era. We explore how over-indexing on data risks stifling creativity and why attribution often fails to capture critical interactions like word-of-mouth. Inspired by the layered brilliance of Paul’s Boutique by the Beastie Boys, this episode offers practical tips for marketers to balance data with storytelling and embrace imperfection in the customer journey.