Shows
The Growth SignalReality Is Malleable… How Perception Shapes Everything with Aviv Ben OrReality bends. Perception sells.Alyssa Nolte and Aviv Ben Or dig into why what people believe often matters more than what is true, and how that shapes the future of customer relationships. If you want to rethink how buyers see your brand, this conversation hits fast and hits deep.Alyssa and Aviv break down why some products win even when they’re not the best, why perception becomes reality, and how small cues shape trust, desire, and action. This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to understand the real forces behind customer behavior....
2025-12-1821 min
The Growth SignalAI Isn’t a Shortcut to Real Relationships with Dusty GullesonAI is not a shortcut. It will not fix broken systems or replace real human trust. Alyssa Nolte and Dusty Gulleson dig into why so many leaders get this wrong, and what it really takes to build a customer relationship that lasts.This episode is for you if you’re trying to use AI to speed things up, clean things up, or automate the “hard parts” of customer work... and it’s not working. Dusty challenges the idea that AI can replace people, and Alyssa pushes on what leaders miss when they rush into new tools without fixing t...
2025-12-1119 min
The Growth SignalThe Myth of Autonomous AI and the Cost to Humans with Chris HoodAutonomous AI? Not even close. Chris Hood joins Alyssa Nolte to break down why “agentic AI” is more hype than truth and what it really means for teams trying to serve real customers. If you care about rethinking the future of customer relationships, this conversation hits hard and clears the fog.Alyssa and Chris talk about the big claims companies make, why true autonomy isn’t here, and how sloppy AI use can actually push customers away. This is a sharp, practical look at what AI can do right now... and what it absolutely cannot.W...
2025-12-1027 min
The Growth SignalLeaders Who Evolve Win the Future with Melih OztalayAlyssa Nolte and Melih Oztalay rethink what it takes to lead in a world that never slows down.Change moves fast. Most teams can’t keep up. Alyssa Nolte and Melih Oztalay break down why the speed of innovation is overwhelming even early adopters, and what leaders can do to stay grounded while everything shifts around them. If you’re trying to make smart choices about new tech, AI, or customer needs without burning out, this conversation will help you rethink your approach.Why listen: Melih shares a clear way to decide which changes matter, whic...
2025-12-0926 min
The Growth SignalCrafting Authentic Presence in a Digital-First World with Russell Van BrocklenLearn how to show up as a real human behind the screen and build trust in a world where so much connection happens through Zoom. Alyssa Nolte and Russell Van Brocklen rethink what it means to make people feel seen, even when you’re miles apart.Alyssa and Russell break down why most digital communication falls flat and what actually creates connection. Russell shares the method he uses to help people show up with clarity, confidence, and a sense of self that cuts through the noise. If you work with customers, sell, or lead online, this will re...
2025-12-0523 min
The Growth SignalThe Secret Power of Tangible Experiences in a Digital World with Mark SternThe digital world is loud. Your customers are drowning in content. Alyssa Nolte and Mark Stern break down why physical experiences cut through the noise.Mark argues that digital distrust is growing fast. People question what they see online, and most brands look the same. His take is simple but bold… the most underrated way to stand out is to add something real and tactile back into your customer journey. Touch, sight, sound… real-world signals that your brand is worth their trust.This conversation is all about rethinking how we build customer relationships. If you’ve fel...
2025-12-0431 min
The Growth SignalStop Paying Twice for Your Own Book with Michele DeFilippoMost authors don’t realize they’re paying twice for their own book. Alyssa Nolte sits down with Michele DeFilippo to rethink what real self-publishing should look like and why so many authors fall into costly traps without even knowing it.Michele has been in publishing for more than 50 years, and she breaks down the truth behind hybrid models, print-on-demand myths, and why “just write a good book” is not a marketing strategy. If you’re dreaming about writing a book, building your brand, or using a book to grow your business, this episode shows you how to avoid t...
2025-12-0227 min
The Growth SignalThe Modern Web Is Held Together by Duct Tape with Matt DormanThe web looks fine on the surface, but falls apart under the hood.Matt Dorman joins Alyssa Nolte to unpack why so many sites feel like they’re held together with duct tape and what it takes to build something stable, fast, and easy to maintain. If your site loads slow, breaks when you update it, or feels messy after years of “just add this one thing,” this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way.Matt explains why teams keep patching their sites instead of fixing the real issues, and Alyssa pushes on how th...
2025-11-2522 min
The Growth SignalWhy AI Can't Fake Human Connection with Craig AndrewsAI can speed you up, but it can’t replace real human connection.Craig Andrews joins Alyssa Nolte to rethink why customer relationships break when companies hand them to AI. Craig’s hot take is sharp and a little uncomfortable, and it sparks a real conversation about what AI can do and what it absolutely cannot touch. If you care about trust, sales, or customer experience, this one hits fast.Craig shares stories from his life, his work, and even his time recovering from a coma. Alyssa reacts in real time. Together they pull apart the...
2025-11-1929 min
The Growth SignalWhy Salespeople Don’t Sell - Leaders Do with Joe CandidoWhat if the best salespeople aren’t really selling at all? Joe Candido says true sales success starts with leadership - not quotas. Alyssa Nolte and Joe rethink what it means to sell, lead, and build trust in a world where closing fast often matters more than doing what’s right for the customer.Joe shares why leadership culture drives every good sales outcome, how incentives shape behavior, and why putting the customer first always wins in the long run. Alyssa brings her own experience from years of customer research and dives into the gap betw...
2025-11-1226 min
Taking Back MondayAlyssa Likes to Talk (and That’s the Whole Point)When your high school coach tries to sum you up in a few words, "Alyssa likes to talk," it can feel like a punchline. But what if that label was actually the throughline?In this Field Note, Alyssa shares the story behind her umbrella brand, Alyssa Likes to Talk - a home for every conversation, project, and lesson that’s shaped how she builds, leads, and learns.She reflects on: The moment “Alyssa likes to talk” stopped being embarrassing and started making sense Why she’s never fit neatly into one lane (and why th...
2025-11-1004 min
The Growth SignalAlyssa Likes to Talk (and That’s the Whole Point)When your high school coach tries to sum you up in a few words, "Alyssa likes to talk," it can feel like a punchline. But what if that label was actually the throughline?In this Field Note, Alyssa shares the story behind her umbrella brand, Alyssa Likes to Talk - a home for every conversation, project, and lesson that’s shaped how she builds, leads, and learns.She reflects on: The moment “Alyssa likes to talk” stopped being embarrassing and started making sense Why she’s never fit neatly into one lane (and why that’s t...
2025-11-1004 min
Taking Back MondayRedefining Success: Choosing Joy Over Burnout feat. Eric NehrlichWhat happens when the thing you’ve been chasing suddenly doesn’t feel worth it anymore?In this conversation, Alyssa Nolte and Eric Nehrlich unpack the pressure to achieve constantly and the freedom that comes from saying no. Eric shares the story of how working 100-hour weeks at Google led to a total collapse and a life-changing realization: success means nothing if it costs your health, joy, and relationships. Alyssa reflects on her own “mirror moment,” realizing she’d been modeling the same burnout cycle for her kids.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever aske...
2025-11-1025 min
The Growth SignalAI Won’t Replace You - It’ll Free You to Do Better Work with Eric TurneyAI isn’t coming for your job...it’s coming for your busywork. Eric Turney joins Alyssa Nolte to talk about how small businesses can rethink automation, save time, and use AI to do the work that actually matters.Eric shares how his team transformed a 30-year-old company into a tech-driven, customer-focused business without losing the human touch. Alyssa pushes back on the hype, digging into where AI helps, where it still hallucinates, and how to start small without getting overwhelmed.Why listen: This conversation will change how you think about AI, efficiency, and what it r...
2025-11-0725 min
The Growth SignalBridging AI and Humanity: Building Teams That Think and Feel with Joanna ZhangWhat happens when humans and AI truly work together? Joanna Zhang believes the future of business depends on it. She joins Alyssa Nolte to rethink how technology and human connection can power growth - without losing empathy, creativity, or heart.Joanna shares how she built a business that blends automation with authenticity, and why the smartest teams of tomorrow will be part human, part AI, and all heart. This conversation is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by technology and wondering how to bring more balance, purpose, and joy back into their work.Why you should listen...
2025-11-0524 min
The Growth SignalMost Businesses Don’t Know What They’re Really Selling… with Sean ShannonMost companies think they know what their customers are buying...but they’re wrong. Sean Shannon joins Alyssa Nolte to rethink what drives real purchase decisions. It’s not your product, your features, or even your pricing. It’s the job your customer is hiring you to do… and most businesses haven’t figured that out yet.Sean shares how understanding this simple idea can change everything - from how you market and sell to how you build loyalty that lasts. Alyssa and Sean go deep on why emotional connection matters as much as results, and how to make yo...
2025-10-3025 min
The Growth SignalAI Won’t Replace You… It’ll Expose You with Wes TowersAI won’t replace you… it’ll expose you. That’s the bold take from Wes Towers, a designer and marketing strategist who learned firsthand what happens when automation outpaces human connection. Alyssa Nolte and Wes dig into how AI is changing the way we build trust, deliver value, and stay relevant in a world where anyone can “DIY” their way to average.If you’ve ever worried about being replaced by technology, this episode will make you rethink what actually makes you irreplaceable.Why listen: Wes shares how a painful business valuation forced him to rebuild aro...
2025-10-2919 min
The Growth SignalOwn Your Weird: Why Authenticity Beats Algorithms with Jason ClarkTired of the same copy-paste “professional” posts on LinkedIn? Jason Clark says it’s time to own your weird. In this conversation with Alyssa Nolte, they rethink what it means to show up as your real self in business and why being a little strange might actually be your greatest advantage.Jason shares stories from his wild career path (from rave promoter to agency owner) and how hiding his quirks once held him back. Alyssa opens up about her own fear of letting her “freak flag fly” online and how authenticity builds real trust faster than any algorithm...
2025-10-2128 min
Taking Back MondayWhy Passion Isn’t Enough: Build a Life Around Meaning, Not Motivation feat. Alan LazarosWhen Alan Lazaros says passion isn’t enough, he means it. In this conversation, Alyssa and Alan dive deep into what it really takes to live a meaningful life, not just a busy or successful one. From near-death experiences to redefining what work should look like, Alan shares how he turned pain into purpose and why the key to fulfillment isn’t chasing what you love... it’s building a life around meaning.If you’ve ever wondered how to chase big goals without losing yourself, this episode will hit home. Alyssa and Alan get real about what suc...
2025-10-2031 min
The Growth SignalAre We Headed for More AI Friends Than Human Ones? with Raj SinghWhat happens when people start preferring AI over humans? Raj Singh joins Alyssa Nolte to explore a bold idea...that we may soon have more AI friends, coworkers, and companions than human ones. Together, they rethink what it means to build relationships, do meaningful work, and stay relevant in an AI-powered world.This conversation challenges everything we assume about technology, connection, and the future of work. If you’ve ever wondered how AI will change not just business, but being human, this one’s for you.Why listen: Raj is a serial entrepreneur and...
2025-10-1626 min
The Growth SignalThe Future of Customer Success Is Still Human with Dannah VaughanDannah Vaughan believes the future of customer success depends on something AI can’t replace… human connection. Alyssa Nolte and Dannah rethink what it means to build real relationships in a world obsessed with automation and efficiency.If you’ve ever felt the tension between scaling faster and serving better, this conversation will hit home. Alyssa and Dannah talk about what happens when companies trade empathy for automation, why churn keeps rising, and how to lead with heart in a tech-driven world.You’ll learn:Why chasing efficiency is hurting customer trustHow to balance AI tools...
2025-10-1526 min
Taking Back MondayYou Are Not Your Job: Redefining Success Beyond Titles feat. Angie CallenIn this episode, Alyssa sits down with Angie Callen, a self-described “recovering engineer who loves people,” to talk about the pressure we all feel to define ourselves by what we do instead of who we are. Angie shares how she walked away from a traditional career path to build a life and business that align with her real values. Together, they unpack what authenticity actually means and why it’s okay to admit that your priorities don’t always fit society’s version of success.This conversation is equal parts inspiring and grounding...a reminder that fulfillment isn’t foun...
2025-10-1327 min
The Growth SignalStop Letting Customers Define Value with Anthony DeShazorMost companies make the mistake of letting customers set the rules for value. Anthony DeShazor says that’s the fastest way to lose renewals - even when you’re driving real impact. Alyssa Nolte digs in with him on how to rethink value, measure it the right way, and lead customers to see the bigger picture.Anthony shares hard-won lessons from his time as Chief Customer Officer, where improving performance actually made the metrics look worse. Together, Alyssa and Anthony explore how to shift the conversation, set better expectations, and create customer relationships that last.Why...
2025-10-0928 min
The Growth SignalYour Brand Isn’t What You Think…It’s What They See with Rich KozakRich Kozak has spent nearly 50 years shaping brands, and his hot take will stop you in your tracks. He says your brand isn’t what you believe it to be - it’s the perception in the minds of the people you most want to impact. Alyssa Nolte sits down with Rich to rethink what branding really means and why most of us have been looking at it the wrong way.This conversation goes beyond logos, colors, and taglines. It’s about clarity, consistency, and building a brand that truly connects with people. If you’ve ever felt uns...
2025-10-0833 min
The Growth SignalNothing We Buy Is Logical: Why Emotions Drive Every Decision with Dr. Chris GrayEvery purchase, from a cup of coffee to a new car, is shaped by emotions first, logic second. Dr. Chris Gray joins Alyssa Nolte to unpack the hidden psychology behind why customers choose and what it means for anyone trying to build stronger relationships.This conversation is a must-listen if you want to rethink how you connect with your buyers. Alyssa brings her own background in psychology and marketing to the table, making it a real dialogue about the science and the practice of customer decisions.What you’ll take away:Emotions always lead- lo...
2025-10-0730 min
The Growth SignalBe Different or Be Dead: The Only Strategy That Wins with Roy OsingBe Different or Be Dead Why blending in will kill your business... and what to do instead.Roy Osing joins Alyssa Nolte to challenge the way we think about customer relationships. He argues that most companies play it safe, repeat the same empty promises, and forget the one thing that truly matters: being different in a way customers actually care about.This isn’t theory. Roy took a startup to a billion in sales by focusing on what makes people feel seen, valued, and connected. Alyssa pushes on how this applies today, in a...
2025-10-0232 min
The Growth SignalFlying Blind Without Data: Why Most Businesses Miss the Mark with Analytics with Philippa GamseFlying Blind with Your Data? Most businesses collect piles of numbers but never know what to do with them. Philippa Gamse calls it “flying blind.” Alyssa Nolte digs in with her to rethink how we use analytics to drive real results.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dashboards, unsure which numbers matter, or worried you’re missing sales you can’t see... this episode is for you. Philippa shows how to cut through the noise and focus on the metrics that actually move your business forward.Why listen: Philippa Gamse has worked with top organizati...
2025-10-0125 min
The Growth SignalWhy Most Experts Are Underpaid and How to Fix It with Ann CardenAnn Carden says the problem isn’t talent - it’s how you show up, price, and position yourself. Alyssa Nolte sits down with Ann to rethink why so many smart, skilled people are overlooked while others with less experience win the market.If you’ve ever felt invisible, underpriced, or unsure how to turn your expertise into the right kind of clients, this conversation will change how you think about your value.Why listen? Ann shares real stories from her work helping experts land $50k–$400k clients, while Alyssa opens up about her own journey...
2025-09-3030 min
The Growth SignalBalancing Transactions and Relationships with James MillsJames Mills believes growth doesn’t come from burning out. It comes from smarter systems, better strategy, and rethinking how we use our time.Alyssa Nolte and James dive into what it takes to build real customer relationships in a world that pushes us to be “always on.” This is for anyone trying to grow a business without losing themselves in the grind.Why listen: If you’ve ever felt pressure to hustle 24/7, this conversation will challenge that thinking. James shares lessons from coaching financial professionals and building his own firm, while Alyssa connects it back to...
2025-09-2415 min
The Growth SignalBelieve in People: The Most Powerful Strategy in Business with Nicky BillouWhat if the secret to growth isn’t more tools or trends, but simply believing in people?That’s the hot take Nicky Billou brings to his conversation with Alyssa Nolte. Together they explore how faith, generosity, and human connection shape business in ways no marketing tactic can. If you’re rethinking how to build customer relationships that last, this episode will challenge and inspire you.Why listen: Nicky’s story - fleeing Iran as a child, learning from an extraordinary father, and now coaching entrepreneurs - shows why belief in people isn’t soft advice. It...
2025-09-1726 min
Taking Back MondayBelonging Starts with Language feat. Lori BakerIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Lori Baker to talk about language, belonging, and the hidden barriers people face at work. Lori went from engineer to English teacher for international professionals, and her story shows how much language shapes confidence and inclusion.This conversation is a reminder that work isn’t just about skills on paper. It’s about how we communicate, connect, and make space for people to bring their full selves into the workplace.Why listen: If you’ve ever worked across cultures, led a team, or wan...
2025-09-1524 min
The Growth SignalCustomers Are Killing Small Businesses with Kristen CorralSmall businesses are fighting to survive and customers may be making it harder.Kristen Corral shares why today’s consumers hold small business owners to impossible standards, and Alyssa Nolte explores how that pressure is reshaping customer relationships. Together, they rethink what it means to support local businesses in a world of instant reviews, social media callouts, and big-brand expectations.Why listen?If you’ve ever wondered why small business feels tougher than ever, this conversation will open your eyes. Kristen has built multiple restaurants and knows firsthand how customer behavior has shifted sinc...
2025-09-1125 min
The Growth SignalSales as Service, Not Sleaze with Brooke GreeningSales doesn’t have to feel slimy. What if selling could feel like serving? Alyssa Nolte and Brooke Greening rethink how we approach sales so it builds trust instead of breaking it.Brooke shares her hot take: sales is not a “necessary evil.” It can be one of the best ways to serve customers and grow a business...when done with care. Alyssa opens up about her own journey from “accidental seller” to someone who sees sales as listening, problem-solving, and building real relationships.If you’ve ever felt the ick factor in sales, this...
2025-09-0929 min
Taking Back MondayBig Decisions Beat Habits: How to Change Your Life Trajectory feat. Apollo EmekaAlyssa sits down with Dr. Apollo Emeka for a powerful conversation about the choices that shape our lives. Apollo shares his journey from high school dropout to Green Beret, FBI agent, entrepreneur, and coach. Together, they explore why big decisions (not habits) are the true turning points. This episode will challenge how you think about discipline, shortcuts, and creating the life you want.Why listen? If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing habits or grinding through routines that don’t get you closer to your goals, this conversation will give you a new lens. Alys...
2025-09-0832 min
The Growth SignalThe Future Belongs to the Fearless with Ken CoxAI is moving faster than anyone expected. You can either stand back and watch, or jump in and start creating. Ken Cox and Alyssa Nolte rethink what it means to live, work, and build in a world where the tools of the future are already in your hands.Ken’s hot take: now is the time to play. Whether it’s music, film, code, or art...AI has lowered the barrier to entry so far that the only thing holding you back is fear.Why listen?If you’ve been waiting for the “right mo...
2025-09-0429 min
The Growth SignalStart High, Slide Easy: The Power of Pricing Bias with Lynn WhitbeckIn this episode of The Growth Signal, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Lynn Whitbeck, known as the Joyful Sales Queen, to talk about an unconventional truth: start high when it comes to pricing.You see, too many people believe they need a cheap offer to get people in the door, but Lynn explains why that can actually hurt you in the long run. Together, Alyssa and Lynn break down how to use pricing bias, give customers the right choices, and prove value early so renewals become easy.This is a conversation full of practical strategies...
2025-09-0225 min
The Growth SignalGrow Yourself, Grow Your Business with Gabrielle MillsIn this episode of The Growth Signal, Alyssa Nolte sits down with entrepreneur and business owner Gabrielle Mills for a candid conversation on why your business can only grow as much as you are willing to grow yourself.Gabrielle shares her journey of building a company with her mother, the lessons learned from hard seasons, and the practical framework she uses to help leaders scale without burning out. Alyssa and Gabrielle dig into the balance between confidence and complacency, why systems matter more than expansion, and the power of asking instead of assuming.This episode...
2025-08-2827 min
The Growth SignalYou Don’t Have to Be the Loudest to Lead with Emily JacksonIn this episode of The Growth Signal, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Emily Jackson to talk about what it really takes to lead in sales. Emily’s hot take is simple but powerful: you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact.Together, Alyssa and Emily dive into why quiet leadership matters, how introverts can thrive, and what leaders can do to create space for every voice to be heard. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the stereotype of a “natural salesperson,” this episode will change the way you...
2025-08-2725 min
Taking Back MondayBooked, Not Busy: Why Strategic Rest Fuels Better Leaders feat. Dr. Erin WilsonIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Dr. Erin Wilson, co-author of Strategic Rest in Leadership. Together they dive into why rest isn’t a luxury...it’s a leadership strategy. From Erin’s own story of burnout to her framework for “strategic rest,” this conversation challenges the way you think about hustle culture, success, and what it means to truly show up as your best self.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to do more, be more, and stay “busy” just to keep up, this episode will help you reframe. It’s not about workin...
2025-08-2528 min
The Growth SignalWhy Personas Are Dead with Andy HalkoIn this episode of The Growth Signal, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Andy Halko to talk about why traditional marketing personas no longer work and what should replace them. Andy’s hot take is clear...static personas are a waste of time. Instead, he makes the case for “buyer twins” powered by AI that evolve, interact, and give real feedback.If you’ve ever created a persona that ended up buried in a Google Drive and never used again, this conversation will hit home. Alyssa and Andy dig into how leaders can shift from a one-and-done persona...
2025-08-2126 min
The Growth SignalSales Is Easy...If You Just Call the Damn Leads with Drewbie WilsonIn this episode of The Growth Signal, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Drewbie Wilson, the man behind the “Call the Damn Leads” movement. Drewbie’s hot take is bold: Sales is easy. Most people just aren’t doing the work. Together, Alyssa and Drewbie dig into why fear of rejection holds so many back, how to build real confidence, and why serving beats selling every time.This is a must-listen if you’ve ever avoided picking up the phone, struggled to connect with prospects, or felt stuck in your sales process. Drewbie’s no-nonsense approach will make you ret...
2025-08-2025 min
Taking Back MondayWhen Leadership Protects Comfort Over People feat. Kimberly HardenIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Dr. Kimberly Harden to explore a hard truth: too many leaders build for their own comfort instead of building real connection. Kimberly shares her experiences in corporate America, the moments that pushed her to write Cultural Intelligence: A Blueprint for 21st Century Leadership, and why servant leadership is more important than ever. Together, Alyssa and Kimberly dig into what it takes to create workplaces where everyone can thrive...not just survive.If you’ve ever questioned why leadership often feels out of touch, or wo...
2025-08-1827 min
The Growth SignalAI Won’t Save Your Brand...You Will with Ruth van VierzenIn this episode of The Growth Signal, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with B2B sales consultant Ruth van Vierzen to talk about the risks and rewards of using AI in sales and customer service. Ruth’s hot take: AI can be a powerful tool, but if you let it replace the human touch, you risk losing your brand’s value and your best customers.Alyssa and Ruth dig into why so many companies rush to “slap some AI on it” without thinking through the bigger picture. They share real-world examples of AI gone wrong, the hidden costs of...
2025-08-1429 min
The Growth SignalGetting the Sale Doesn’t Mean Getting the Customer with Eli WeissIn this episode of The Growth Signal, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Eli Weiss, a longtime customer experience and retention leader, to challenge everything you think you know about keeping customers.Eli’s hot take? Retention isn’t a dashboard metric or an email flow. It’s about understanding who your customer is and making sure they never regret trusting you.This is a must-listen for anyone in SaaS, eCommerce, or CX who wants to stop chasing short-term wins and start building long-term loyalty. Alyssa and Eli unpack what most companies get wrong, why over-engineered journe...
2025-08-1327 min
Taking Back MondayWhen Being a Badass Becomes a Burden feat. Kirstin CareyIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Kirstin Carey to explore what happens when your strength becomes your biggest obstacle. From growing up in a “walk it off” culture to burning out while helping others heal, Kirstin shares how her identity as a high performer masked deeper patterns of overgiving, undercharging, and self-sacrifice.Alyssa and Kirstin talk about what it means to lead, price, and live with integrity - especially for women who were raised to prove their worth by carrying more than their share.If you’ve ever felt like y...
2025-08-1129 min
Taking Back MondayVisibility Is the Real Currency feat. Christelle BiigaIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Christelle Biiga - speaker, coach, and founder of Exposure Maven - to explore the unexpected power of visibility and the journey that led her to podcasting as a path to purpose.Christelle shares her unbelievable origin story, from arriving in the U.S. without speaking English to being wrongly detained for nine months, and how that experience shaped her mission to help others find their voice. Together, Alyssa and Christelle unpack why visibility isn’t about ego...it’s about impact.If you’...
2025-08-0531 min
Taking Back MondayYou Don’t Have to Earn Rest feat. Johanna SanchezIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Johanna Sanchez to talk about what it really means to build a business—and a life—on your own terms.From working 70-hour weeks in child protection to building a six-figure business and still burning out, Johanna shares the pivotal moment that forced her to rethink everything. Together, Alyssa and Johanna explore how to set real boundaries, reject hustle culture, and redefine what success looks like.If you've ever felt like rest had to be earned, this episode will challenge that mindset. It's a re...
2025-07-2822 min
The Growth SignalCustomer Success Isn’t a Department...It’s the Whole Company with Christine LawtherIn this episode of The Growth Signal, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Christine Lawther to challenge the traditional role of Customer Success. Together, they explore why retention can’t be owned by one team and how companies need to reframe CS as a company-wide operating system. Christine shares her perspective on internal misalignment, the emotional drivers behind B2B buying decisions, and what it really takes to create customer value. This is a conversation for anyone tired of seeing CS play defense in a game that should be won company-wide.Key Takeaways:Retention isn’t a CS p...
2025-07-2225 min
Taking Back MondayUnreasonable Belief: What It Really Takes to Bring an Idea to Life feat. Jenny De LeonIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Jenny De Leon—IT consultant, reluctant inventor, and founder of Repeatable Travel Systems—to unpack what it really takes to bring an idea to life...especially when no one else sees the vision.From small-town hardware stores to fighting the U.S. Patent Office for six years, Jenny shares the gritty truth about staying the course when the odds (and your own self-doubt) are stacked against you. Together, Alyssa and Jenny explore what it means to take yourself seriously—even before the world does.K...
2025-07-2125 min
The Growth SignalStop Rewarding the Wrong Work in CS with Katie YagodnikCustomer Success doesn’t need a rebrand—it needs clarity.In this episode, Alyssa Nolte talks with Katie Yagodnik about the credibility gap facing CS teams and how to fix it from the inside out. They unpack the disconnect between CS’s actual impact and how it’s perceived across the business, then get tactical about how to prove value without sacrificing trust.We cover:Why CS has a branding problem (and how that’s hurting internal influence)The difference between CSQOs and CSQLs, and how to start tracking them todayHow t...
2025-07-1729 min
Taking Back MondayStop Waiting to Be Chosen feat. Andrea MohamedIn this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Andrea Mohamed, co-founder of Quantum Bloom, to explore what it really takes to build a career, and a company, on your own terms.From boldly quitting her boss (but not the company) to helping early-career women in STEM navigate systems that weren’t built for them, Andrea shares personal stories and powerful insights on how to lead with courage, clarity, and self-worth. Together, Alyssa and Andrea unpack why women are still waiting to be chosen...and how to stop doing that.Key Ta...
2025-06-3032 min
The Growth SignalHow to Turn CX from Lip Service to Real Strategy with Emma SopadjievaEveryone says they care about customer experience but most companies stop at the annual survey. In this episode, Emma Sopadjieva joins Alyssa Nolte to break down what it really takes to turn customer experience into a revenue-driving strategy. They talk about why CX is a team sport, how to move past vanity metrics, and what happens when sales, legal, finance, and product finally get on the same page. Emma shares how she builds CX strategy teams from the ground up, what most companies get wrong about incentives, and why "fixing the ow" isn’t enough...you also need to br...
2025-06-1230 min
The Growth SignalWhat Top CSMs Know That You Don’t (Yet) with Chad HorenfeldtCustomer Success isn’t what it used to be and that’s a good thing.In this episode of The Growth Signal, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Chad Horenfeldt to unpack how the best CSMs are evolving their approach. From ditching the “firefighter” mentality to mastering internal politics and asking tougher questions, Chad reveals the mindset shifts and practical habits that separate strategic CS leaders from the rest.If you’re still leading with adoption metrics and hoping for renewals, you’re already behind. Chad shares how top-performing teams build trust, deliver real business value, and c...
2025-06-1130 min
The Growth SignalNo Surprises: The Secret to Trust, Retention, and Real CX Impact with Gary MarraWhen your customer doesn’t get their retirement check on time, “oops” doesn’t cut it. In this episode, Gary Marra, a financial services veteran and host of Your Customer, Your Success, joins Alyssa Nolte to unpack what it really takes to build trust in high-stakes, high-compliance industries.They explore why “no surprises” is more than a nice-to-have...it’s a core operating principle that separates trusted advisors from transactional vendors. From the myth of the perfect KPI to the power of early transparency, this conversation goes deep on how to create experiences your customers (and employees) can actually c...
2025-06-0532 min
The Growth SignalStop Pretending You’re Customer-First with Brad DavisBrad Davis joins Alyssa Nolte to call out the gap between customer-first talk and customer-first action. From wearing a panda head at conferences to redefining what success looks like in early-stage startups, Brad shares how bold moves (and humility) can reshape customer relationships. He unpacks how tiered offerings, human KPIs, and free leadership habits drive real growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of lip service and ready to build companies that actually serve.About Brad: Brad Davis is a customer success executive and founder of Success Panda, a one-stop platform for C...
2025-06-0437 min
Taking Back MondayStop Chasing Customers, Start Attracting Them feat. Charles BrowneWhat if your customer growth problem isn’t a product issue but a people one?In this episode, Alyssa Nolte sits down with leadership strategist Charles Browne to unpack why so many organizations chase the wrong customers, build bloated offerings, and burn out their best people in the process. From his early days in martial arts and the Navy’s nuclear program to leading transformational change at Los Alamos, Charles shares how clarity, consistency, and personal values are the real accelerators of growth.They explore why high-performing teams start with empowered individuals, how to build trus...
2025-06-0236 min
The Growth SignalAI Won’t Replace You But Mediocrity Might with Maria TryslaWhat if the real threat to your job isn’t AI...it’s apathy?In this episode of The Growth Signal, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Maria Trysla - two-time SaaS CEO and brand strategy powerhouse - to unpack what it actually takes to grow in the age of automation. From launching mobile data at Sprint to advising today’s fastest-growing startups, Maria shares why curiosity, courage, and critical thinking still matter more than ever.They explore the difference between slapping "AI" on a slide and building something that lasts, how to define your ideal custom...
2025-05-2928 min
The Growth SignalThe One Question That Defines Real Customer Centricity with Laura PattersonWhat does success look like—for your customer?In this episode, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Laura Patterson, co-founder of VisionEdge Marketing and a pioneer in customer-centric growth strategy. Together, they unpack the one question too many companies overlook—and why answering it could be the difference between transactional sales and long-term loyalty.Laura shares what decades of working with complex B2B organizations have taught her about value, trust, and why most customer experience strategies fail to deliver. If you're tired of vague talk about “putting customers first” and ready for a concrete framework that dri...
2025-05-2829 min
The Growth SignalThe Real Work Starts After the Sale: Why Adoption Needs a Human Strategy with Shannon GreggWhat if the biggest barrier to adoption isn’t the tech but the humans using it? In this episode, Shannon Gregg joins Alyssa Nolte to break down why so many software implementations fail after the deal is closed. They unpack the generational dynamics at play, the importance of building around actual user behavior, and how to rescue a rollout that’s gone off the rails. Guest Bio:Shannon Gregg is a sales productivity expert, Salesforce evangelist, and professor with a PhD focused on CRM adoption. She brings a rare blend of academic insight and h...
2025-05-2224 min
Taking Back MondaySanta in the Bushes and Other Lessons in Letting Go feat. Rebecca LinkWhat do falling holiday decorations, dirty dishes, and single parenthood have in common? For Rebecca Link, they became unexpected metaphors for letting go of perfection, surviving the unimaginable, and rewriting the rules of leadership.In this episode, Rebecca gets real about grief, toxic positivity, and what it actually takes to rebuild after everything changes. From therapy breakthroughs to the surprising power of delegation, she unpacks the invisible standards we chase and how to finally put them down.If you've ever felt like you’re failing at an impossible game, this one’s for you.
2025-05-1926 min
Taking Back MondayThe Death of Coffee’s for Closers: Helping Beats Hustling feat. Tom WhalenTom Whalen didn’t set out to be in sales - he just needed a job. Fast forward a few decades, and he’s built his entire career (and even a college course) around it. In this episode, we talk about how modern sales has evolved past cheesy scripts and high-pressure tactics. From building trust with customers to staying human in hybrid teams, Tom shares real stories and practical wisdom on what it means to lead, teach, and sell in today’s world.Key Takeaways:Why reluctant sellers often make the best long-term sales leadersHow to keep r...
2025-05-1225 min
Taking Back MondayWhole-Ass People: The Case for Purpose at Work and at Home feat. Luisa AndersonWhat do immigration law, spiritual awakenings, and Zoom meetings have in common? For Luisa Anderson, they all revealed one truth: we’re not meant to live fragmented lives. In this episode of Taking Back Monday, we talk about what it means to live and work in purpose - not just have purpose at work.From translating legalese for her immigrant community to launching a podcast after the end of a decade-long marriage, Luisa shares how she stopped compartmentalizing and started living as a whole-ass person. No more splitting yourself between work-you and real-you. It’s all one life...
2025-04-2822 min
The Growth SignalHigh-Consequence Leadership: How Growth Leaders Can Make Faster, Smarter Decisions with Charles BrowneWhen the pressure’s on, most leaders default to speed—but moving fast without thinking clearly is what gets companies stuck. In this episode of The Growth Signal, Alyssa Nolte talks with Charles Browne, a seasoned executive and leadership coach, about the overlooked cost of rushing to solutions. Drawing from decades in the Navy, nuclear ops, and national labs, Charles shares a framework for slowing down strategically, aligning your values, and empowering your team to make better calls—faster. If you're leading a growth-stage org, this is your playbook for sustainable scale.Guest Bio:Charle...
2025-04-2436 min
Taking Back MondaySoft Skills, Big Impact: Leadership Lessons from the Wiz feat. Tajiri BrackensWhat does it take to build a workplace people actually want to be part of? Dr. Tajiri Brackens - aka the Workplace Wizard - joins us to unpack the underrated power of soft skills, intentional energy, and relationship-driven leadership. From decades of experience across industries (and a surprisingly brilliant take on The Wiz), Tajiri shares how simplicity, storytelling, and self-awareness can drive real results inside organizations.Key Takeaways:→ Why relationships, not just results, are the secret to retention and performance → How to identify personality styles using candy (yes, candy!) to manage teams bette...
2025-04-2127 min
Taking Back MondayTalk Less, Lead More: Building Rapport and Real Influence feat. Scott HarveyWhat do hostage negotiation and leadership have in common? A lot more than you'd think. In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Scott Harvey shares what 20 years in law enforcement taught him about communication, influence, and why good leadership starts with listening - not talking.Whether you’re leading a team, managing tough conversations, or just trying to show your people you give a damn, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful storytelling.3 Key Takeaways:→ Silence without rapport feels like you don’t care, why trust is built long before it’s t...
2025-04-1426 min
The Growth SignalTrusted Advisors Drive Revenue Too: The Human Side of CS with Sabina PonsIn this episode of The Growth Signal, host Alyssa Nolte welcomes Sabina Pons, CEO & Chief Customer Officer at Growth Molecules, for a real, human conversation on the evolution of customer success—and why being a trusted advisor doesn’t mean avoiding revenue.Sabina shares her unconventional journey from PR to SaaS leadership, the gut-punch of getting laid off during the 2008 recession, and how that moment sparked a career grounded in empathy, adaptability, and operational rigor. From scaling CS orgs to building a million-dollar consultancy, Sabina brings the receipts.You’ll hear:Why “Customer Success is Dead”...
2025-04-1024 min