INspired INsider Podcast

Marc Binkley is the President of the Calgary Marketing Association, a hub for Alberta’s top marketing professionals to gather, connect, and broaden their horizons. With a rich background in B2B tech, SaaS, and more, he serves companies as a Fractional CMO through his firm Quatical. Passionate about market orientation and strategy, Marc is dedicated to elevating the marketing community to a global standard of excellence. He also hosts The Sleeping Barber Podcast, where he delves into pressing marketing topics and interviews leaders in the field. In this episode… In today’s competitive landscape, building a marketing organization that excels on a global scale requires innovative strategies and a deep commitment to community engagement. So, how can one leverage the power of community involvement and strategic thinking to elevate a professional association? And what would it mean to shift from traditional methodologies to more evidence-based practices in marketing? Marc Binkley, an innovative marketing executive, delves into the essence of elevating the Calgary Marketing Association beyond a simple networking group to a beacon of world-class marketing. He reveals the five themes for achieving greatness and the unexpectedly simple shifts in perception that can catapult an organization to the forefront of its industry. With a unique perspective influenced by science and experience, Marc illustrates the power of market orientation and the pitfalls of benchmarking competition. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Marc Binkley, President of the Calgary Marketing Association, about shaping marketing communities and evidence-based strategies. Marc discusses the evolutionary growth of the Calgary Marketing Association, the key aspects of creating a world-class marketing association, and Quatical’s 595 rule and how it applies to capturing and building market demand.

Mike Krass is the Co-founder/Visionary of MKG Marketing, a digital marketing agency specializing in tailored solutions for SaaS and cybersecurity companies. With nearly 13 years of industry experience, Mike has guided MKG through multiple transformations, refining its focus to serve clients with long sales cycles and complex needs. He’s developed approaches like the “triangle assessment” to ensure strong client-agency alignment and build lasting partnerships in a highly specialized market. In this episode… In a fast-moving digital landscape, finding a unique focus can be the difference between standing out and getting lost in the crowd. But how does narrowing your scope actually drive deeper connections and success for a business? And why would an agency give up potential clients to specialize? According to Mike Krass, a seasoned digital marketing expert, niching down allows agencies to provide unparalleled expertise and build trusted industry relationships. By focusing on SaaS and cybersecurity, his agency was able to craft highly effective, tailored strategies that resonate with specific market needs. The result is a reputation for excellence that enables them to deliver impactful results, connect with key players in the industry, and add significant value to their clients’ growth. Mike emphasizes that this focus doesn’t just streamline services, but also strengthens long-term partnerships that drive mutual success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by Mike Krass, Co-founder/Visionary of MKG Marketing, to discuss the benefits of niching down to create a specialized agency. Mike shares how this strategy has allowed his team to cultivate deep connections within the cybersecurity and SaaS industries, amplify client trust, and provide niche-specific marketing solutions. He also talks about their unique "triangle assessment" that ensures client-agency fit.

Kesheyl van Schilt is the President, Senior Fundraiser, and Owner at Blakely, a strategic fundraising and marketing firm that works exclusively with the not-for-profit sector. Since purchasing the company in 2013, she has led Blakely to grow significantly, crediting the dedicated team and strong client relationships. Kesheyl started her nonprofit career at Kids Help Phone and credits her father's influence for her acumen in marketing and business leadership. Throughout her career, Kesheyl has remained committed to helping fundraisers succeed and has shaped Blakely's culture around transparent communication, continuous improvement, and innovation. In this episode… In today's rapidly evolving nonprofit sector, how can organizations bridge the gap between ambition and limited resources while ensuring donor satisfaction? Navigating philanthropy and fundraising can be daunting, but innovative leaders are uncovering successful strategies. Could the secret be a deep understanding of donor psychology and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences? Kesheyl Van Schilt, a prominent figure in the fundraising and marketing sector, shares how she transformed Blakely into a powerhouse in strategic fundraising for nonprofits. She emphasizes data-driven approaches, such as affinity surveys, to enhance donor engagement and tailor communications. By understanding donor motivations and aligning them with organizational goals, Kesheyl has led her team to make significant strides in the nonprofit sector. Her leadership fosters a culture of innovation that empowers her team to develop impactful strategies for their clients. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kesheyl van Schilt, President, Senior Fundraiser, and Owner of Blakely, about transforming nonprofit fundraising through strategic innovation. Kesheyl shares valuable insights into the intricacies of effective donor communication and the importance of leveraging data in decision-making processes. She highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between operational efficiency and creative marketing, providing practical strategies for nonprofits to enhance donor relationships.

Dara Ladjevardian is the CEO and Co-founder of Delphi, a digital cloning platform that captures how individuals think, enabling personalized interactions at scale. Delphi quickly gained traction, reaching over half a million dollars in annual recurring revenue within five months without any marketing spend. Dara focuses on leveraging AI technology to provide innovative solutions, including the development of digital clones that enhance learning experiences and scale personal interactions. In this episode… During a time when human touch feels increasingly absent from digital interactions, is there a way to foster personal connections without losing authenticity? Can technology capture the essence of human interaction and scale it to new heights? AI innovator Dara Ladjevardian introduces the fascinating world of digital clones, explaining how his digital cloning platform Delphi was born out of a desire to preserve human authenticity in an attentive world. He further illustrates how Delphi is employed in education, business, and personal legacy, enhancing learning, saving thousands of weekly emails, and offering new monetization methods. Dara shares the challenges faced in the early days, from the financial commitment to technology development hurdles and the importance of relationship-building in their startup journey. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Dara Ladjevardian, Co-founder and CEO of Delphi, and his AI clone, about digital cloning and scaling human interaction. From the ethical considerations of preventing unauthorized cloning to the strategic planning required in building a robust and innovative team, Dara dives deep into the melding of authenticity with tech, ensuring that human voices remain potent in an increasingly digital world.

Matthew Tsang is Co-founder of AndHumanity, an integrated, inclusive marketing and communications agency with a mission to serve people-first brands. Over his 15-year career in marketing communications, his work has been featured in numerous prestigious platforms such as Marketing Magazine and the Global American Marketing Association. Matthew is also the Principal and Growth Director at My Loud Speaker, an international award-winning full-service marketing agency based in Vancouver. He champions systemic change in the advertising world and believes in marketing’s responsibility to humanity. In this episode… The transformation of an agency into a force for inclusive marketing is a story of resilience, adaptability, and passion for long-term change. So, how does a marketing agency evolve to focus on inclusivity and justice while navigating challenges in the industry? Matthew Tsang, a marketing guru, shares how he’s championed inclusivity in the marketing world. He explains the philosophy behind using "JEDI” — justice, equity, diversity, inclusion — to reshape marketing strategies that represent diverse communities. Matthew recounts his sister’s story, demonstrating the deep psychological impact of underrepresentation and how it inspired their mission to build a more inclusive media landscape. By engaging with underrepresented communities and prioritizing their voices, his agency has fostered authentic connections and delivered impactful insights that other brands had previously overlooked. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Matthew Tsang, Co-founder of AndHumanity, to discuss inclusive marketing and community engagement. Matthew discusses the JEDI principles in marketing, the genesis of AndHumanity and its evolution from My Loud Speaker, and the recent backlash in the DEI space.

Maggie McTavish is the Founder of Mango Media, a web and SEO agency based in the Niagara region of Canada. With over 12 years of digital marketing experience, she specializes in helping businesses enhance their online presence. Maggie is known for her ability to combine stunning website design with effective search engine optimization. She is dedicated to helping clients grow their businesses through increased online visibility, bookings, and customers. As a new mom, Maggie has also mastered the art of balancing entrepreneurship with family life. In this episode… Running a business often means juggling multiple tasks and finding ways to stand out in a crowded marketplace. But what if there was a key area that businesses consistently overlook or mishandle? Could this be the very thing holding them back from achieving their full online potential? SEO expert Maggie McTavish offers a deep dive into the world of digital marketing, focusing on web design and SEO. She discusses the challenges businesses face when trying to rank on Google — such as slow website speeds and the neglect of local SEO opportunities — and shares practical solutions to overcome them. Maggie also touches on the importance of having a professionally designed website that draws in customers through organic search results. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Maggie McTavish, Founder of Mango Media, to discuss the bridge between web design and effective SEO. Maggie offers valuable insights into creating a website that not only looks good, but also ranks well on Google. She shares her experiences working with local businesses in the Niagara region, providing practical advice on improving website speed, selecting the right keywords, and leveraging Google Business Profile for better local search results.

Adrian Capobianco is the CEO and Co-founder of BILI, a platform designed to revolutionize the influencer and social commerce landscape. With over 20 years of experience as an executive in various advertising agencies, Adrian has a rich background in digital, CRM, and media. His expertise in leveraging data analytics and AI has positioned BILI as a pioneer in guaranteeing brand visibility and sales through influencer content. In this episode… Could the integration of commerce and social media be the next big frontier for brands and influencers? With the rapid growth of social commerce, influencers are no longer just content creators; they are evolving into powerful drivers of commerce. As social media platforms around the globe adapt to this trend, how is one company positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation? Adrian Capobianco of BILI (Because I Love It), is capitalizing on this trend by creating a platform that bridges the gap between brands and influencers, focusing on both content and commerce. Adrian shares how BILI helps influencers monetize their audiences by connecting them with brands in a performance-based model. With a database of over 20,000 social media influencers and 400 million impressions in North America, BILI is uniquely designed to encourage sharing and mutual success. Adrian draws inspiration from trends in Asia, where commerce is more integrated into social platforms, to develop strategic initiatives for North America. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz welcomes Adrian Capobianco, CEO and Co-founder of BILI, to discuss leveraging influencers for social commerce. He delves into how BILI’s platform operates on a performance basis, ensuring brands only pay for results. Adrian discusses the strategic approach to growing their creator community and brand partnerships, emphasizing the significant shift from content to commerce. They also explore the dynamics of influencer marketing, including the rise of influencer-driven sales and the importance of partnerships in expanding brand reach.

Kelly Sinclair is the President and CEO of KS&Co., a company dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in building their brands and increasing their visibility. With a strong background in public relations, Kelly has successfully worked with major organizations such as BP and National Public Relations, helping them navigate crisis communications and shift public perceptions. An advocate for relationship building and personalized strategies, she also hosts the Entrepreneur School podcast, providing education and inspiration for ambitious individuals. Her personal journey, marked by a transformative career shift after a family tragedy, highlights her commitment to balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. In this episode… Are you struggling to make your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace? Do you feel like your business is stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, unable to break through and connect with the right audience? How can entrepreneurs effectively engage with their audience to create meaningful and successful connections? Kelly Sinclair shares her journey from working in high-stakes corporate communications to becoming an advocate for entrepreneurs seeking to build strong brands. She emphasizes the importance of understanding audience perceptions and engaging with them to foster trust and authenticity. Kelly’s experience highlights the shift from traditional marketing to more personalized, audience-driven strategies, showcasing her journey from consultancy work to creating scalable online courses. Her approach is a blend of media relations, public engagement, and innovative marketing strategies, aimed at helping businesses achieve visibility and growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Kelly Sinclair, President and CEO of KS&Co., about building brand visibility and authentic connections. Kelly shares valuable insights into successful branding strategies that focus on understanding and engaging with your audience. She offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging relationships to grow their brands and emphasizes the importance of visibility and customized marketing strategies for achieving long-term business success.

Ben LeDonni is the Founder of BNP Engage, a B2B-focused marketing agency specializing in content strategy and marketing automation, and the CMO of BNP Media, a company driving industries forward with authentic content, unique communities, and powerful connections. Known for his concept of “engineering-led marketing,” he is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance marketing efficacy. Ben’s expertise includes aligning growth marketing strategies with custom web design and development to boost brand awareness, conversions, and revenue. In this episode… In today's fast-paced digital landscape, technological advancements are reshaping not only our daily lives, but also the very fabric of business marketing. Companies must adapt to the rapid pace of engineering innovations and emerging technology trends to remain competitive and relevant. How can companies stay ahead of the curve and use these changes to their advantage? Ben LeDonni, a marketing guru, shares his journey from starting a digital marketing agency to being strategically acquired, highlighting how technology has always been a catalyst for marketing evolution. He stresses the importance of understanding your client's needs through strategic planning and how he guided his agency through significant industry shifts. Ben introduces the “engineering-led marketing” philosophy, sharing intriguing insights about hiring the right team, prioritizing strategy, and adapting marketing teams to leverage new tools. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ben LeDonni, Founder of BNP Engage, about engineering-led marketing and agency growth. Ben shares an overview of BNP Engage and what it does, the evolution of its services, and the results of its integration with BNP Media.

Aytekin Tank is the Founder and CEO of Jotform, an online form-builder company that empowers users to easily create custom online forms. Under his leadership, Jotform has grown into a global SaaS powerhouse with over 25 million users. In addition to his business expertise, Aytekin is a bestselling author of Automate Your Busywork, a book that offers insights into productivity and automation strategies. He advocates for no-code solutions, enabling anyone to create functional forms and workflows. In this episode… In today’s fast-paced world of technology, streamlining processes is not a choice, but a necessity. Have you ever felt overwhelmed with mundane tasks, leaving little room for creativity and growth? How do successful entrepreneurs maintain focus on innovation while juggling day-to-day operational tasks? Aytekin Tank, a SaaS expert, reveals his strategy for scaling his business while remaining bootstrapped. He takes us through the evolution of Jotform's user-centric philosophy and how it shaped the simplicity and power of its online form builder. Aytekin dives into the significance of a freemium model, the intricacies of balancing the roles of founder and CEO, and why listening to user feedback is a game-changer for product development. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Aytekin Tank, Founder and CEO of Jotform, about leveraging automation to enhance business efficiency. Aytekin discusses how Jotform makes form creation effortless for anyone, how user feedback impacts product development, the strategic advantage of offering a free tier for a SaaS product, and how Jotform maintains a productive culture with hundreds of employees.