Description

In this episode, host Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO of H2K Labs, dives deep into the intersection of leadership, innovation, and data-driven strategy with Paul Miller, CEO of Questex. Paul shares his journey of transforming Questex into a cutting-edge, data-centric organization, discusses key lessons in navigating remote leadership, and offers insights into building growth strategies in today’s fast-paced business environment. Whether you’re leading a team or looking to stay ahead in your industry, this episode delivers actionable takeaways and inspiration.

Key Announcement: Don’t miss RevvedUP 2025, happening February 25–27, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida! This exclusive, invitation-only event is designed for CEOs and their revenue-critical C-suite teams to explore strategies for leveraging data, AI, and digital innovations to drive growth. Learn more at h2klabs.com/revvedup.

Highlights:

Questex Evolution:

• Paul reflects on his six years as CEO of Questex, emphasizing a data-driven transformation to enhance products and customer engagement.
• The impact of the pandemic and navigating the shift to remote teams.

Data-Driven Innovation:

• Leveraging centralized data to guide editorial, product development, and business strategy.
• Paul shares examples of how Questex uses customer insights to steer content and events, such as tailoring healthcare event tracks to trending topics like drug affordability.

Private Equity and Growth:

• Paul's insights into evolving private equity metrics, focusing more on top-line growth driven by data.
• The role of clean, accurate databases in acquisition decisions and overall strategy.

New Revenue Streams:

• Launch of innovative events, such as a successful hotel-focused trade show co-created with the American Hotel Lodging Association.
• The integration of digital and live event strategies, such as leveraging social media for the beauty industry.

Challenges in the Go-to-Market Strategy:

• Post-pandemic sales challenges, such as engaging customers remotely and navigating longer sales cycles.
• Paul emphasizes back-to-basics sales training and understanding customer needs.

RevvedUp 2025 and Industry Collaboration:

• Heather and Paul discuss the importance of cross-industry learning to tackle m

About RevvedUP 2026
RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.

About Heather Holst-Knudsen
Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.

About Revenue Room™ CXO
Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.

Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.