Shows
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Your Partners Aren't Selling For You (And the Fix That Actually Works) | Missy TrumplerMost IT services companies trying to grow through partnerships hit the same wall. The partners are on board, the reseller agreements are signed, and nothing moves. Missy Trumpler, CEO of Agile AI Labs, built her growth engine almost entirely through IT services channel partnerships -- and she knows exactly why most of them fail.
The answer is not a better partner programme. It is not better sales enablement materials. It is making the partner use the product themselves before they sell it to a single customer. If they do not own the knives, they cannot sell the...
2026-04-2836 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy WeWork Failed and What the Next Generation of Flexible Workspace Gets Right | Alex PasslerWeWork changed the industry. Then it nearly destroyed it. Alex Passler spent 30 years inside Regus, CBRE, and WeWork — and left to build the thing they all got wrong.
WeWork changed the flexible workspace industry forever. It made co-working a household concept, built community into the office, and grew faster than almost any real estate business in history. Then it collapsed. Alex Passler watched all of it from the inside — at Regus, CBRE, and WeWork — and in 2021 he walked away from the corporate world to build Valest: a hospitality-driven co-working business that works the way the hotel industry has op...
2026-04-2136 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Your Personal Brand Will Outperform Your Business Brand in an AI World | Alex Whitelaw | Growth Focus PodcastRichard Branson has millions of personal followers. Virgin has hundreds of thousands. That gap is not a coincidence — and it is sitting between most founders and the growth they want right now.
Richard Branson's personal following dwarfs his company's. Alex Whitelaw noticed that gap and built his business around it. In this episode, Gary Lafferty sits down with Alex — former construction operations director, now AI consultant and founder — to talk about what it actually takes to grow an SME in a world full of AI-generated noise, fragmented tech stacks, and founders who are still hiding behind their busine...
2026-04-1436 min
The Growth Focus PodcastPrivate AI Agents, Regulated Industries, and the Desktop Revolution | Mark Heynen, KnapsackMost businesses are jumping between 15 open tabs, uploading their most sensitive data into three different AI platforms, and wondering why nothing sticks. Mark Heynen built Knapsack to solve exactly that — private, compliant AI agents for financial services, running on your machine, leaving no trace.
Mark is a five-time founder with two exits. His most recent company before Knapsack was Payjoy, a device financing firm. When Payjoy tried to implement AI and ran into data security walls, Mark saw the gap — and built the solution.
In this episode we cover what it actually means to run AI a...
2026-04-0831 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Most B2B Companies Have a Positioning Problem, Not a Growth Problem | Michael Baer | Growth Focus PodcastMost growth problems aren't growth problems. They're positioning problems sitting one layer underneath. Michael Baer, fractional CMO at Tech CXO with nearly 40 years of experience, on why strategy without story always breaks.
Most businesses that hit a growth ceiling don't have a lead generation problem. They have a story problem. If your pipeline is inconsistent, your website sounds like everyone else's, or your sales team can't articulate what you actually do for customers — this episode is for you.
Michael introduces "stratocution" — what happens when companies treat strategy and execution as two separate activities. The result is a...
2026-03-3136 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow MSPs Actually Grow in 2026: Niching, Exits, and Getting Out of Your Own Way | Ian Luckett One MSP lost his two biggest clients on the same day. No contracts in place. 60% of turnover gone before the month was out.
This is the kind of moment that should never be a surprise - but for most MSP owners, it is.
Ian Luckett co-founded the MSP Growth Hub alongside Stuart Warwick. They work with over 50 MSP businesses across the UK, coaching founders and their senior teams on what it actually takes to build a business that runs without them and sells for a number worth selling for.
Why 90% of MSPs were...
2026-03-2033 min
The Growth Focus PodcastCut Vendor Noise, Save 10–30% on Tech Spend | Dean Gartelos | The Growth Focus PodcastMost tech leaders are not struggling because they cannot buy technology.
They are struggling because the buying process is rigged for vendor outcomes, not business outcomes. In this episode, Dean Gartelos breaks down how to silence the noise, run a client-requirements-first selection process, and often uncover 10 to 30 percent savings without trading down on capability.
IN THIS EPISODE Dean explains his vendor-neutral model and why it changes the dynamic of tech buying, including why his clients are typically not billed directly for the work. We dig into why relationships and trust matter more now, not...
2026-03-0927 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Founders Sabotage Their Own Growth | Monica Swanson | Growth Focus PodcastIs your technology slowing your business down - and you don't even know it yet? If your CEO or CFO is still "owning" the IT decisions and the wheels are starting to come off, this episode is for you.
In this episode
What happens when your business outgrows the person running its technology? For most mid-sized companies, the answer is chaos - misaligned tools, wasted money, manual processes eating up hours every week, and leaders too deep in the weeds to see the real problem.
In this...
2026-03-0222 min
The Growth Focus PodcastYou Don’t Have a Lead Problem, You Have a Positioning Problem | Alan Gold | The Growth Focus PodcastIf you are a tech founder saying we need more leads, this episode cuts straight through the noise and shows what is usually hiding underneath that sentence: weak positioning, fuzzy ICP, and a pipeline you cannot see clearly enough to manage. Alan Gold, Partner at TechCXO, lays out a practical way to diagnose stalled growth, sharpen your story, and stop wasting money on activity that looks busy but does not move revenue.
In this episode
Gary and Alan break down what Alan looks for first when he walks into a growth company, why most early...
2026-02-2321 min
The Growth Focus PodcastAI Agents Are Changing Markets Faster Than You Think | Nishantha Ruwan | Growth Focus PodcastYou do not often hear a tech founder talk about AI like an economist, a builder, and a realist all at once. Nishantha went from economics and law to self-taught coding, then built an early AI platform in maritime and learned the hard lesson most founders dodge: the market does not care how smart your product is. This conversation gets into what actually creates growth in tech right now, why deep client relationships are still a competitive advantage, and how AI agents could reshape buying behavior faster than most companies are prepared for.
If you want more...
2026-02-1322 min
The Growth Focus PodcastAuthenticity vs. AI: The Content Challenge | Margee Moore BigOrange Marketing | Growth Focus PodcastIn this podcast epidsode, Gary Lafferty and Margee Moore discuss the challenges and strategies for competing with AI in storytelling and content creation. They emphasize the importance of personal engagement and practical tactics for creating meaningful content that resonates with audiences.
Takeaways
Competing with AI requires a unique personal touch in storytelling.Recording short videos can effectively engage your audience.Identify common questions from sales calls to create content.AI can generate content, but personal stories are irreplaceable.Utilizing simple tools like an iPhone can enhance content creation.Consistency...
2026-02-0629 min
The Growth Focus PodcastNavigating the Challenges of Startup Scaling | Nadav Schnall | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Nadav Schnall, CEO and co-founder of ProSentry, about founder-led growth and the integration of AI in building management. They discuss Nadav's background in real estate, the challenges of scaling a tech startup, and the importance of educating clients about technology adoption. Nadav shares insights on effective growth channels, the role of regulation, and the future vision for ProSentry as they expand their offerings and reach.
Takeaways
Founder-led growth requires identifying and solving real problems.ProSentry offers a risk mitigation platform...
2026-02-0324 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Importance of Strategic Alliances in 2026 | Haiphie Hua | Cloud Code | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Haiphie Hua, the Head of Strategic Partnerships at CodeCloud.
They discuss the importance of storytelling in business, the role of strategic partnerships in growth, common mistakes in e-commerce setups, and the impact of AI on business operations. Haiphie shares insights from her journey in performance marketing and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to e-commerce, highlighting that success requires more than just a good product.
The conversation concludes with advice for young entrepreneurs to enjoy their journey and embrace the challenges...
2026-01-3017 min
The Growth Focus PodcastIf You Build It, They Won’t Come: Adoption + Referrals | John LeRoy | The Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with entrepreneur John LeRoy about his journey in building Realay, a referral application aimed at improving the real estate industry.
They discuss the myth of 'if they build it, they will come,' the importance of advisory boards for bootstrap companies, and the challenges of user adoption in the real estate sector.
John shares insights on creating a trustworthy referral system and emphasizes the human element in technology. He concludes with valuable advice for founders navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Connect...
2026-01-1925 min
The Growth Focus PodcastMSP Marketing: Spent $100K on SEO? STOP! Fix Positioning First | Holly Mack | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of the Growth Focus podcast, host Gary Lafferty interviews Holly Mack, a fractional CMO and marketing leader for tech companies.
They discuss the common marketing mistakes made by tech founders, the importance of having a clear marketing strategy, and the foundational work needed for successful marketing. Holly shares insights on effective marketing strategies, the significance of founder-led marketing, and hard truths about the marketing landscape.
The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity, focus, and consistent execution in marketing efforts.
Takeaways
Holly Mack is a fractional CMO with 10 years...
2026-01-0921 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Future of Hiring: AI, Human Insight, and Building Teams That Actually Scale | With Macie Fellows | Growth Focus PodcastWhat if your hiring bottleneck isn’t a talent shortage but a decision-making problem?
Macie Fellows unpacks the biggest hiring mistakes growth-focused companies make and explains how blending AI with human expertise creates faster, smarter, and more reliable hiring outcomes.
Full Description
In this episode, Gary sits down with Macie Fellows of Axiom Path and Cognified to explore the challenges companies face when trying to scale their teams. From over-automated workflows to inboxes flooded with resumes, Macie explains why so many leaders still waste time, money, and energy trying to solve hiring problems wi...
2025-12-0213 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow a UX Leader 10X’d His Design Studio Using AI, Better Questions, and Smart Positioning | With KD Singharneja | Growth Focus PodcastWhat does it really take to grow a tech consulting studio 10x in two years?
KD reveals the strategy behind his rise and why most founders approach sales and UX completely wrong.
Short Description
This episode dives into KD’s journey from UX leader to founder, exploring how he built a fast-growing design studio through word-of-mouth, smart sales conversations, and AI-powered delivery.
Full Description
Gary sits down with KD Singharneja, founder of Neza Solutions, to explore the real story behind his rapid growth. KD grew his UX and design st...
2025-11-2524 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow to Land Enterprise Deals Without a Sales Team | Rick Goff, Routemize | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of the Growth Focus podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Rick Schott, an experienced executive in the SaaS and startup space. They discuss the challenges founders face when trying to grow their businesses, particularly when hitting growth plateaus. Rick shares insights on the importance of hiring the right team, creating a clear vision for the future, and leveraging AI to optimize business processes. The conversation also touches on customer acquisition strategies and the significance of reducing churn to ensure customer success. Rick emphasizes that founders must perceive the value of their product and be proactive in...
2025-11-1134 min
The Growth Focus PodcastBuilding real relationships post-COVID | Will Mazola | Growth Focus PodcastSummary
In this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Will Mazola, COO of Graytitude, about the importance of strategic partnerships in business growth, the nuances of mainframe modernization, and the launch of a new AI product. Will shares his journey from staffing and consulting to leading tech businesses, emphasizing the significance of relationships and the lessons learned from growth mistakes. The conversation also touches on the importance of founder-led visibility and the future goals of the company.
Takeaways
Strategic partnerships are essential for business growth.M...
2025-09-2430 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Time is a Founder’s Only Real Currency | Biju Ashokan of Radius Agent | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Biju Ashokan, founder and CEO of Radius Agent, about building a fast-growing tech company without relying on cold outreach.
They discuss the importance of white labeling, the unique value proposition of Radius, and effective growth strategies. Biju shares insights on the significance of having the right team, the role of founders in sales, and how to build trust with clients. The conversation emphasizes the need for profitability, efficiency, and the continuous evolution of products in the tech space.
Biju Ashokan is the founder and CEO of Radius...
2025-09-2430 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Time is a Founder’s Only Real Currency | Biju Ashokan of Radius Agent | Growth Focus PodcastWhat happens when a former Uber engineering leader takes on real estate? You get Radius Agent - an AI-powered platform transforming how agents grow, close, and scale.
In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, I sit down with Biju Ashokan, Co-Founder and CEO of Radius Agent, to talk about building a tech-driven real estate platform, leading through uncertainty, and why his team is betting big on community-powered growth.
Biju previously led mobile engineering at Uber and has now raised over $19 million to reshape real estate for the modern agent.
This is a...
2025-09-1630 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Biju Ashokan is Redesigning Homeownership | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode, Gary Lafferty talks with Biju Ashokan, CEO of Radius Agent about scaling a platform business, leading in chaos, and building a mission that matters.Radius Agent is on a mission to empower real estate professionals by giving them the tools, support, and AI-driven systems they need to grow, without sacrificing independence.This episode is for any founder serious about team leadership, platform thinking, and tech-powered growth.Inside this episode:Lessons for startup foundersWhy building trust is harder than building featuresHow Radius Agent...
2025-09-1531 min
The Growth Focus PodcastTurn Clients into Your Growth Engine with Jeff Ernst | The Growth Focus PodcastReferrals aren’t magic. They’re a system.On this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty sits down with Jeff Ernst, CEO and Founder of SlapFive, to explore the mechanics of building a predictable, referral-powered growth system for tech-based consultancies.If you’re a founder or CEO still relying on “word of mouth” without a clear ask, this episode could unlock thousands in hidden revenue. You’ll LearnWhy most referral programs flopHow to make the ask without sounding desperateWhat tech consultants must do diff...
2025-08-2235 min
The Growth Focus PodcastFixing Churn Before It Kills Your Growth – with Nick Fogle of Churnkey | Growth Focus PodcastChurn is the silent killer in SaaS. In this episode, Gary Lafferty speaks with Nick Fogle, co-founder of Churnkey, about why most subscription-based businesses lose customers faster than they grow—and how to fix it.You’ll learn:The psychology behind why users cancelHow to stop involuntary churn (failed payments)Why personalized retention flows work better than generic onesWhat most founders miss about real LTVFor founders and CEOs of tech consultancies and SaaS companies looking to grow sustainably, this episode breaks down how to stop...
2025-08-1430 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Real Strategic Partnerships Drive Real Growth with Will Mazola | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode, Gary Lafferty talks with Will Mazola, COO of Graytitude, about building a bootstrapped tech business that thrives on relationships, not just revenue.If you’re a founder or tech executive trying to figure out:How to build channel partnerships that actually convertHow to grow without overspendingWhat it really takes to launch an AI productAnd how to scale while staying lean......this episode gives you straight answers.Will shares lessons from starting three tech businesses, the trap of chasing booths an...
2025-08-1130 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Data-Driven Decisions Break Revenue Ceilings with David Slavich | Growth Focus PodcastGary Lafferty sits down with David Slavich, co-founder of iCustomer, to explore how tech founders can break early-stage revenue ceilings by combining data-driven decision-making with creative go-to-market strategies.If you’re a founder or CEO of a tech consultancy, SaaS company, or enterprise IT firm, this episode will give you actionable insights into:Pivoting products to unlock new marketsLeveraging LinkedIn content that actually generates interestScaling smarter with decision intelligence platformsOvercoming founder bottlenecks and avoiding the “Field of Dreams” trapWhy Listen:Discover how real-w...
2025-08-0432 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling Tech Consultancies with AI & LinkedIn: Isaac Hicks on Breaking the $2M Plateau | Growth Focus PodcastWant to grow your tech consultancy to multi-7 figures without hiring a huge team? Isaac Hicks shares how he uses AI workflow automation, smart networking, and small speaking gigs to drive real growth.Summary:In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty speaks with Isaac Hicks, CEO of Autonomy, about how tech founders can:Streamline operations with AI to free up 30–40% of wasted timeBuild meaningful LinkedIn relationships that generate warm leadsAvoid the $2M to $5M growth plateau caused by operational chaosTurn conversations and sm...
2025-07-3029 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling Textla With SEO, PR Stunts, and No Ad Spend – Jeremy Boudinet (VP Growth) | Growth Focus PodcastThis week on The Growth Focus Podcast, I talk with Jeremy Boudinet, VP of Growth at Textla - the fastest-growing SMS platform in North America.We dive into how Jeremy helped Textla scale from zero to thousands of users using Reddit, YouTube listicles, and some of the scrappiest growth moves I’ve seen. You’ll hear how they ranked on Google without waiting years, used PR stunts to get backlinks and press, and why outbound completely flopped.If you're a founder or CEO of a tech-based consultancy or SaaS firm and you're serious about growing thro...
2025-07-2135 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe MSP Wake-Up Call: Why Recurring Revenue Is the Only Way Forward with Ned Fasullo | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode, Gary Lafferty sits down with Ned Fasullo—multi-exit founder and CEO of Apex Technologies—to deliver a blunt message for MSPs, VARs, and IT leaders: if your business is still relying on box sales or break/fix, you’re in trouble.Ned shares what most MSPs get wrong about recurring revenue, why Tier 1 helpdesk is about to disappear thanks to AI, and how smart founders are building businesses that are both profitable and sellable. You’ll also hear the truth about vendor licensing traps, why so many PE rollups fail, and how to stay relevant...
2025-07-0838 min
The Growth Focus PodcastData Coach Gravey: Why CEOs Must Lead Their Data (Even If They're Not Technical) | Growth Focus PodcastGary Lafferty speaks with Paul “Gravey” - founder of The Data Group and trusted data coach to enterprise CEOs. In this powerful episode, Gravey shares how to stop outsourcing your data leadership, why clean data fuels AI success, and how building real relationships (not selling platforms) drives long-term growth.This episode is a must-listen for founders and tech CEOs who want to:* Increase their company’s valuation with first-party data* Escape spreadsheet chaos and own their data strategy* Build a competitive edge using AI + clean data* Attract enterprise clients without...
2025-06-3032 min
The Growth Focus PodcastFrom Startup to Standout: How Tech Consultancies Grow with AI, Authority & Clarity | Growth Focus PodcastHow do tech consultancies grow when the market is crowded and noisy?In this episode, Gary Lafferty speaks with Mackenzie Ostrem, VP at Shift Interactive, about how they successfully transitioned into “startup mode” after separating from their parent company. Mackenzie reveals the sales, marketing, and AI strategies that are helping Shift grow—plus candid lessons from what didn’t work.️ Topics covered include:AI for sales and marketingFounder-led and human-centered marketingUsing Sales Navigator to target smartlyBuilding partnerships with referral multipliersAvoiding common tech marke...
2025-06-2533 min
The Growth Focus PodcastJessica Caudill on Growing a Lean SaaS with Inbound, Trust & Team-Led Revenue | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty chats with Jessica Caudill, COO of PlanningPod, about scaling a global SaaS company without venture funding. Learn how a focus on customer education, trust-building, and operational excellence turned a small team into a powerful inbound growth engine.This episode is a masterclass for SaaS founders, COOs, and tech leaders who want to:Create systems that scale trust and reduce churnBuild brand authority through educational contentEmpower ops and CS teams to drive revenue
2025-06-2031 min
The Growth Focus PodcastBuilding a 7-Figure GovTech Company with Adam Zucker | The Growth Focus PodcastWhat does it take to scale a GovTech startup in today’s competitive environment? In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Adam Zucker, CEO of Cloverleaf AI, on how they are revolutionizing government sales with intent data—and how a founder’s mindset shift from tech obsession to outcome obsession can drive business growth.Listen in as Adam shares: The shift from engineer to CEO and leader How Cloverleaf AI identifies early government buying signals Why founder-led sales and marketing still matter The...
2025-06-0936 min
The Growth Focus PodcastBuilding Tech Authority: Untangling Complex Growth Problems with Noah Landow | Growth Focus PodcastIn today’s episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty speaks with Noah Landow, the founder and CEO of Macktez, a technology consulting firm with nearly 30 years of success. Noah shares how he built a durable business by untangling complex tech challenges without needing massive teams — and why education, thought leadership, and building trust matter more now than ever for tech leaders.What You’ll Learn:Why curiosity is the secret to long-term tech successHow to grow beyond referrals through visibility and thought leadershipT...
2025-06-0937 min
Dark Finds PodcastBri Lafferty - What Happens When We Die?Brianna Lafferty shares her remarkable journey from a career in construction to becoming a death doula after a life-altering near-death experience. She discusses her struggles with myoclonus dystonia, a rare neurological disorder that affected her from a young age, leading to significant mental health challenges. Brianna's story highlights the importance of surrender, self-love, and the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual health, ultimately illustrating her transformation and healing through adversity. Brianna goes on to share her profound near-death experience (NDE) and the insights she gained about life, death, and the nature of existence. She discusses the various...
2025-06-051h 16
The Growth Focus PodcastBootstrapping, Authority, and Authentic Growth: Dennis Underwood on Founder-Led Success | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty sits down with Dennis Underwood, founder and cybersecurity innovator, to discuss how to scale a tech company without VC funding.Dennis shares:How he bootstrapped his company to $2M in salesWhy founder-led marketing beats traditional adsThe power of authentic thought leadership on LinkedInStrategies for B2B tech founders to build trust and authorityWhy organic growth wins over ad spend in a noisy cybersecurity marketLearn...
2025-06-0235 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow to Break Into Global Tech Without a Tech Background - Isabel Lugo’s $2.5M Strategy | Growth Focus PodcastWhat if the biggest tech growth lever wasn’t tech? Discover how Isabel Lugo scaled across continents without a tech degree—and what she believes most tech CEOs are missing. Episode Overview:On this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty welcomes JT Tech COO Isabel Lugo for an honest and strategic conversation about scaling fast, selling smart, and building influence as a non-technical founder.Isabel shares how she landed a £2.5M healthcare deal without a tech background, her method for breaking into new markets in Asia and Latin America, and why hirin...
2025-05-2730 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow a Bootstrapped DevOps Company Competes with VC Giants - with Mike Goulis, COO of Inedo | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Mike Goulis, COO of Inedo - a bootstrapped software company competing globally with DevOps giants like JFrog and Sonatype.Mike shares what it's like transitioning from a VC-backed startup back to a founder-led business, the pros and cons of each model, and how Inedo's tools (ProGet, BuildMaster) win over developers with simplicity, value, and direct developer-led support.You’ll learn:How bootstrapped tech firms can still grow globallyWhat founder-led marketing and support really looks likeWhy aligning operations to...
2025-05-2334 min
The Growth Focus PodcastRob Drake: The $1M MSP Built on Trust, Not Spam | Growth Focus PodcastRob Drake, founder of Synchronized Solutions, shares how he scaled his MSP past $1M in just 9 months—not through ads, cold emails, or hacks—but by building authentic relationships.On this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast with Gary Lafferty, Rob breaks down: The hidden power of community-based lead generation Why empathy and simplicity are his sales superpowers How “Let's Sync Up” helps clients achieve business goals The biggest mistakes MSPs make in marketing Strategic planning for doubling revenue in 2025
2025-05-2233 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Power of Saying No: Building a Salesforce Consultancy That Stands Out with Dr Shannon Gregg | Growth Focus PodcastOn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Dr. Shannon J. Gregg, founder of Cloud Adoption Solutions, a Salesforce consultancy laser-focused on the life sciences space.You’ll discover how Shannon built her business by choosing clarity over complexity, ditching spray-and-pray lead gen, and becoming a true authority through YouTube education and founder-led marketing. She opens up about battling imposter syndrome, hiring with intention, and the campaigns that flopped before she found her groove.Takeaways:Why narrowing your niche accelerates growthHow CRM myths kill sa...
2025-05-2031 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Anand Chaturvedi Pre-Sold Caryfy.ai Before Writing a Line of Code | Growth Focus PodcastCan you sell your SaaS before it exists? Anand Chaturvedi did—and turned Caryfy.ai into a trusted platform helping Medicaid care providers streamline admin, save costs, and scale with confidence.In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty digs into Anand’s founder story—from leaving a corporate role to building a purpose-driven healthtech platform through empathy, deep market insight, and smart execution. Hosted by: Gary Lafferty More from Gary: [https://growthfocus.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gro...
2025-05-0728 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow RevOps Helps Tech Companies Scale Smarter with Kathryn Castle | Growth Focus PodcastIf your CRM and go-to-market systems aren’t aligned, you're losing growth. Kathryn Castle explains how RevOps helps tech founders scale without chaos.Summary:On this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty (GrowthFocus.io) welcomes Kathryn Castle, founder of CandyBoxCRM, to discuss how Revenue Operations (RevOps) is helping B2B tech consultancies scale cleanly and sustainably.Kathryn shares:Her journey from the UK to building a RevOps firm in MexicoHow tech partnerships and founder-led marketing fuel pipelineThe hidden costs of mi...
2025-05-0631 min
The Growth Focus PodcastFrom NFL Dreams to Saving Lives with Software – Ryan Seaberg, Founder of EIR Systems | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Ryan Seaberg, the founder of EIR Systems, a groundbreaking EMAR software provider serving drug treatment and behavioral health centers.Ryan shares his powerful journey from injured pro athlete to mission-driven tech founder. With no formal tech background, he taught himself to code and launched a startup tackling one of healthcare’s most underserved problems: safe, compliant, and efficient medication management. In this episode:Why Ryan sold his first startup to pivot into a bigger opportunityHow he bu...
2025-05-0631 min
The Growth Focus PodcastTrust Over Tech: How Rob Harles Helps Enterprises Grow with Purpose | Growth Focus PodcastGary Lafferty, founder of Growth Focus and The Authority Engine, sits down with Rob Harles, founder of DigHuman, to explore how trust, relationships, and customer context still win in a world flooded by AI, data, and digital noise. In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, you’ll discover:How Rob built teams and strategies at Bloomberg, Accenture, and now DigHumanThe overlooked human elements that drive growth for tech firmsReal stories that prove why personalization and context still matterTactical ways to break through no...
2025-05-0234 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling a Cybersecurity Company from Scratch to Acquisition with Bogdan Calapod | Growth Focus PodcastWhat does it take to stand out and scale in cybersecurity? Gary Lafferty sits down with Bogdan, a Romanian tech founder who built and sold a cybersecurity company serving MSPs—without the hype, without the fluff.This is a must-listen episode for founders, CEOs, and tech consultants who want to grow smarter, build a sustainable business, and lead with real authority in a saturated market. We cover business strategy, customer-led development, the dangers of chasing tech trends, and how to build trust through outcome-driven solutions. Key Topics Covered:Why most cybersecurity tools fail SM...
2025-04-3033 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow This MSP Grows by Saying No to the Wrong Clients – Mat Myers, SYSTEMSEVEN | Growth Focus PodcastMat Myers, COO of SYSTEMSEVEN, joins Gary Lafferty on The Growth Focus Podcast to reveal why customer satisfaction isn’t enough—and how their MSP scales by putting people first, even if it means walking away from easy revenue.We dive into how SYSTEMSEVEN has created a unique culture-driven model that prioritizes employee and client happiness, why trust is the new sales currency, and how founder-led marketing builds loyalty in the IT services space.Perfect for founders and CEOs of tech-based consultancies and MSPs looking to grow smarter—not just faster.Links & Resources:M...
2025-04-3031 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Power of Ethical Hacking, Authority Building, and Founder-Led Growth with Ted Harrington | Growth Focus PodcastWant to stand out in a crowded tech market? It starts with thinking differently.On this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Ted Harrington, ethical hacking expert, author of Hackable, and leader at ISE.Ted shares his journey of using founder-led marketing, educational authority building, and problem-solving over selling to grow his cybersecurity business—even in one of the most competitive fields.Learn how writing a book, delivering a TED talk, and thinking like a hacker can help you grow your tech consultancy faster, stronger, and with more authority....
2025-04-2929 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow David Young Scales Startups and Disrupts SaaS Pricing | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews David Young, founder and CEO of Federated Computer. They discuss why offering free users can destroy startup growth, how to build a focused tech product, and what truly drives scalable success in SaaS today. If you're a founder or CEO of a tech consultancy or enterprise, this episode offers essential strategies for scaling without wasting time or resources.Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to David Young 01:00 - David’s Unusual Journey into Tech Startups 03:50 - Fo...
2025-04-2831 min
The Growth Focus PodcastFrom Freelancer Noise to Authority Voice: Tarek's Blueprint for Tech Business Growth | Growth Focus PodcastAre you tired of competing on price? Wondering how to stand out in a sea of tech freelancers and service providers?In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Tarek, the founder of Tecziq Solutions, who scaled a tech company by ditching low-cost competition tactics and doubling down on authority positioning and relationship-based growth.If you're a tech consultancy founder, this episode gives you a playbook on:Replacing cold email with credibilityScaling via automation services in niche verticalsWinning high-value clients without racing...
2025-04-2530 min
The Growth Focus PodcastBreaking Out of the Expert Trap: Real Growth Strategies for Tech Leaders with Spencer Bradley | Growth Focus PodcastIf you're a founder or CEO of a tech consultancy, MSP, or SaaS business, this episode is for you.Spencer Bradley, VP of Business Development at Solutions Review, joins Gary Lafferty on The Growth Focus Podcast to talk about how to move from being another expert to becoming the authority in your space Key takeaways:The #1 mistake founders make when scalingWhy short, value-packed content outperforms long webinarsHow to combine personal and company branding on LinkedInProven tactics to grow your influence inside...
2025-04-2534 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Smart Graphics & AI Are Making the Web More Inclusive – with Heather Neff of Equivalent | Growth Focus Podcast In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Heather Neff, CEO and Co-Founder of Equivalent, a groundbreaking SaaS company transforming how we experience digital imagery through AI-powered, accessible graphics.Heather shares her journey from visual designer to disabled founder, how she turned personal adversity into innovation, and how Equivalent’s patent-pending "Smart SVGs" are solving the trillion-image accessibility problem. Why this matters: Global accessibility regulations are tightening (ADA, European Accessibility Act), and tech founders must future-proof now.In this episode, you'll learn:What makes trillions of online images ina...
2025-04-2326 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling Smart in Tech: Ari Leeds on Surviving the Services Rollercoaster | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Ari Leeds, founder of LeedsSource—a Salesforce consultancy that's thriving in one of the most competitive spaces in tech. Ari shares raw insights on growing a service business, avoiding burnout, building recurring revenue, and making strategic pivots in uncertain times. Whether you're just starting or scaling your consultancy, this conversation is packed with wisdom on staying relevant, becoming a trusted advisor, and winning the long game in tech services. Links:Ari’s Website: https://www.leedssource.com
2025-04-2333 min
The Growth Focus PodcastBuilding Scalable Tech Agencies with Founder-Led Sales – Christopher Clarke CEO of 'badpixel' | Growth Focus PodcastGary Lafferty sits down with badpixel’s Christopher Clarke to explore how to grow a modern tech agency in a crowded market without relying on cold outreach. Learn how Chris transitioned from LA’s film industry to founding one of Austin’s most forward-thinking dev agencies.This episode is packed with insight for founders and CEOs of tech consultancies, including:What operational awareness really means in a dev shopHow to stand out when every agency sounds the sameWhy roadma...
2025-04-1632 min
The Growth Focus PodcastFrom Lawyer to Legal SaaS Leader: Donata Stroink-Skillrud’s Journey with Termageddon | Growth Focus PodcastOn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty sits down with Donata Stroink-Skillrud, attorney and co-founder of Termageddon, to unpack how she turned legal frustration into a scalable SaaS company serving thousands of businesses globally.If you’re a founder, consultant, or tech leader growing in a regulated industry—this episode is for you.In this episode you’ll learn:How GDPR changed everything for TermageddonWhy law firms and web agencies are their biggest growth partnersWhat didn’t work i...
2025-04-1628 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling Global Communities with Rae Lambert (River): Founder-Led Growth, Go-To-Market Wins, and Building Authority | Growth Focus PodcastOn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty sits down with Rae Lambert, co- founder & CEO of River—an event platform built for global community scaling. Rae shares her journey from Wall Street burnout to launching a viral movement and raising $100K to build a business that empowers influencers to create offline impact.We dive into:Why most tech founders fail at go-to-marketHow to build in public, even without a huge audienceThe role of storytelling and founder-led marketing in early traction...
2025-04-1133 min
The Growth Focus PodcastAI, Hiring, and Founder Real Talk with Maryam Mahdaviani from Attesto | Growth Focus PodcastWhat if your hiring process was no longer a bottleneck but a competitive edge? Maryam shares how AI can make that a reality — while building a tech company the smart way.Description: In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty sits down with Maryam, founder of Attesto, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the hiring process for mid-to-enterprise tech companies. From leveraging AI agents for talent ops to dealing with the noise of startup growth, Maryam drops serious insights on scaling smarter, not louder.If you’re a foun...
2025-04-1124 min
The Growth Focus PodcastNSA to AI Startup CEO: Mollie Breen on Founder Sales, Pivots & Breaking into Enterprise | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty talks with Mollie Breen—former NSA mathematician turned tech founder—about building Perygee, a leading integration and automation platform. Mollie dives into the real challenges of product-market fit, the mindset shifts from public service to startup life, and what it takes to close Fortune 50 clients with zero brand equity. She also shares her outbound strategy using LinkedIn split testing and the power of founder-led sales.Top Takeaways:How to create direction during uncertain pivotsWhy early experimentation matters more than automation
2025-04-0930 min
The Growth Focus PodcastNavy SEAL to AI Tech CEO: How Ty Smith Built CommSafe AI to Serve the Enterprise | Growth Focus PodcastHow does a Navy SEAL become a tech CEO? In this episode, Gary Lafferty talks to Ty Smith about building enterprise-grade AI, leading with vision, and creating real growth in tech.Description:Ty Smith, founder of CommSafe AI and Hero Consulting, joins Gary Lafferty to share how he transitioned from Navy SEAL to building an AI company that solves high-stakes problems for enterprise clients.You’ll learn about:Preemptive AI solutions for insider threats and sentiment riskWhy founders should not always do customer interviewsThe difference be...
2025-04-0833 min
The Growth Focus PodcastExits, Fear, and Founder-Led Growth with Michael "Canz" Canzoneri | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty speaks with Michael "Canz" Canzoneri, co-founder of DataSquirrel, a neural symbolic data platform. From couch-surfing in college to tech exits and hypergrowth at Silicon Valley unicorns, Canz shares the raw reality of what drives growth.You’ll learn how fear can be a fuel, why mentors who tell the truth matter, and how to stop being the best-kept secret by embracing founder-led marketing. This is a must-listen for growth-focused founders, especially those leading tech consultancies and scaling software firms.Takeaways:Build au...
2025-04-0834 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Focus Builds Faster Companies with Patrick Rooney - Mahalo Hub CEO | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty talks with Patrick Rooney, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Mahalo Hub, about what separates successful tech founders from those who stall. Patrick breaks down the difference between building a services business and scaling a SaaS product, why client expectations have radically changed post-pandemic, and how founders can sell without “selling.”You’ll learn why “focus” is the most underused growth tool in tech, and how authenticity, founder-led marketing, and empathy are the true drivers of long-term success. Useful Links:Mahalo Hub: https://www.mahalo...
2025-04-0331 min
The Growth Focus PodcastStartup Growth, Early Adoption, and Scaling with Smart Partnerships with Dr. Gordon Jones | Growth Focus PodcastFrom launching health tech in the 90s to building blockchain-powered sports platforms, Dr. Gordon Jones shares raw lessons and real wins from the founder’s frontlines.Summary: In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty talks with Dr. Gordon Jones—founder of CloneYourself.cc and VP at PickleZone. They dive into the challenges of scaling in emerging industries, building authority in niche spaces, and how tech founders can avoid common startup traps.This episode is for founders and CEOs of tech consultancies and SaaS firms who want to build smarter, validate faster, and...
2025-04-0129 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling Tech Growth with Precision: Andrew Hewitt on Agile Agencies, Pricing Power & Sustainable Pipelines | Growth Focus PodcastOn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty is joined by Andrew Hewitt, CEO of YohDev, a fast-growing agile development firm. Andrew shares his full journey from heavy metal bands to high-growth development, and how his team helps tech-focused enterprises scale smarter.This episode is packed with practical strategies for tech founders, SaaS consultants, and DevOps leaders who want to grow consistently while keeping service quality high.You’ll learn:The truth about pricing power in techWhy smaller expert agencies are winning over bloated firms
2025-03-3141 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Founders Can Scale Sales Without Losing Control – Jean Templin | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty interviews Jean Templin, co-founder of Nayak.ai, about the challenges tech founders face when shifting from founder-led sales to scalable sales systems. Jean shares how to prepare sales teams with AI-powered tools, how to build trust at scale, and what founders need to know to create a repeatable sales motion.Whether you're a founder of a tech consultancy, SaaS platform, or B2B startup, this episode offers real-world insights into shortening sales cycles, improving demo performance, and building lasting customer relationships in a changing sales landscape.
2025-03-2636 min
The Growth Focus PodcastStartup Growth Without Ads: How NPC Labs Used Partnerships, Content & Founder-Led Marketing to Win with Bayo Okusanya | Growth Focus PodcastSick of spending on ads that don’t convert? Bayo Okusanya built NPC Labs into a fast-scaling startup by doubling down on relationships, events, and content that actually work. Episode Overview:In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty talks with Bayo Okusanya, CEO of NPC Labs, about how startup founders can grow faster by focusing on authentic networking, newsletters, and community-driven content. Learn how Bayo leveraged his background in VC and a strong founder brand to gain traction, build authority, and attract strategic partners — all without relying on paid ads.Perf...
2025-03-2633 min
The Growth Focus PodcastFrom Zero to Scalable: How Tech Founders Can Grow Smarter with Nick Tietz | Growth Focus Podcast In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Nick Tietz—Founder of ILT Academy and serial entrepreneur—to uncover why many tech startups struggle to scale and what separates the successful ones.Nick shares the lessons behind launching 7+ ventures, how underestimated founders can thrive without VC pressure, and why focusing on solving one powerful problem beats chasing massive valuations.Ideal for tech founders, startup CEOs, and enterprise consultants looking to accelerate growth with clarity, action, and authority.Episode Highlights:The “zero to one” mindset shift every founder must make
2025-03-2138 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Tech Founders Scale - What You They Don't Tell You...with Greg Moran | Growth Focus PodcastScaling a tech consultancy or startup past $10M? Here’s how. In this episode, Greg Moran, co-founder of Evergreen Mountain Equity Partners, reveals the 4 pillars of successful founders, strategies to break through growth ceilings, and how to navigate investor relationships effectively.Topics Covered: ✔ The biggest lessons from multi-million dollar exits ✔ How to adapt when the business outgrows you ✔ Why tech founders struggle with personal branding & authority ✔ The new future of SaaS pricing and AI-driven growth ✔ How to take back control of long sales cycles and demo loops
2025-03-2042 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Hidden Growth Levers That IT Founders Overlook with Darek Hahn | Growth Focus PodcastStruggling to scale beyond word-of-mouth referrals? In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty chats with Darek Hahn, CEO of AffinIT, about how he scaled his IT business with relationship-driven sales and a flexible operations mindset. Key Takeaways:The #1 mistake IT founders make when trying to growWhy focusing on tech over relationships kills dealsHow to break out of the "referral trap" and build a predictable sales systemThe right way to fire slow-growing employees to speed up growthHow mindset, team, and...
2025-03-1934 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow AI is Changing Digital Marketing & Business Growth with Dante Crescenzi | Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty sits down with Dante Crescenzi, a digital marketing veteran and AI entrepreneur, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing small business marketing.Dante shares his personal journey of resilience, from surviving a health crisis to leading the charge in AI-driven marketing automation. Learn why founders need to embrace AI, how to stand out in a noisy digital space, and what’s next for AI marketing in the next 12 months. What You’ll Learn:Why AI is no longer an option—it’s a must-have in marke...
2025-03-1916 min
The Growth Focus PodcastOld-School Marketing in an AI-Driven World with Angelo Rodriguez | The Growth Focus PodcastTech founders often fall into the "If I build it, they will come" trap. But what does it really take to scale a business and gain traction in today's crowded market?In this episode, Angelo Rodriguez, VP of Go-To-Market at ZeroTier, shares his journey from a Fortune 50 company to a Series A startup—and the key lessons he’s learned along the way. Key Topics Covered:Why transitioning from corporate to startup requires a mindset shiftThe #1 mistake founders make in go-to-market strategyHow freemium models can drive 10K+ orga...
2025-03-1931 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow to Scale Your Tech Business & Stand Out in a Crowded Market with Max Kryzhanovskiy | Growth Focus PodcastScaling to $1M? Here’s What No One Tells You…Everyone talks about hitting that first million like it’s a finish line. But what they don’t tell you?Each stage of growth brings a whole new set of challenges. Struggling to bring in consistent clients? Hiring the right people (and keeping them)? Communication breakdowns that slow everything down?Max Kryzhanovskiy knows this journey well. As the CEO of MOS Creative, he’s navigated the chaos of scaling a tech business—and he didn’t hold back in our latest Gro...
2025-03-1230 min
The Growth Focus PodcastYour Company Has a Culture - But Is It the One You Actually Want? with Tori Bradford | Growth Focus PodcastIf your team isn’t performing the way you expect… look in the mirror.As a founder or CEO, you set the foundation. You define the environment. You shape the culture—whether you do it intentionally or not.Struggling with disengaged employees?Frustrated with performance gaps?Wondering why retention is a challenge?Before blaming your team, ask yourself:Have I been intentional about the culture I’m building?In my latest episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Tori Bradford shares a powerful insight:"Every company has a cultur...
2025-03-1234 min
The Growth Focus PodcastUnlocking Hidden Revenue – Why Traditional Account Management is Broken with Ram Ganesan | The Growth Focus PodcastIn this episode, **Gary Lafferty** sits down with **Ram Ganesan**, founder of **Kaboom AI**, to explore why most tech businesses are missing out on massive revenue opportunities within their existing accounts. Ram shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, revealing how AI-driven insights are transforming account management. They dive into the biggest mistakes founders make when scaling, why data-driven decision-making is essential, and how AI is reshaping customer relationships. If you're a tech founder or CEO looking to optimize sales and unlock untapped revenue, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. **Wh...
2025-03-0526 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling Billion-Dollar Teams with Pankaj Srivastava | The Growth Focus PodcastWhat separates high-growth companies from those that never scale? It’s not just a great idea—it’s about building the right team, making quick decisions, and staying focused on what truly matters.In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty sits down with Pankaj Srivastava, a seasoned entrepreneur who has helped scale businesses from the ground up to billion-dollar success. He shares the exact strategies he uses to build top-performing teams, differentiate in crowded markets, and drive rapid business growth.Topics Covered:Why curiosity matter...
2025-03-0537 min
The Growth Focus PodcastBreaking the Mold - Most industries resist change...Estate planning is one of them. The Growth Focus Podcast with Bonnie FaucettBonnie Fawcett built a thriving law practice but saw firsthand how outdated processes drained time and profit. Instead of accepting the norm, she built a tech-driven solution to fix it.In this episode, we dive into:The challenges of disrupting a traditional industryWhy Bonnie transitioned from lawyer to tech founderHow automation increases efficiency without adding complexityWhat marketing strategies helped her gain tractionThe lessons she learned from outsourcing and building an in-house teamIf you’re a founder, CEO, or consultant looking to scale and systematize your business, this episode delivers insights you can apply today....
2025-03-0435 min
The Growth Focus PodcastHow Tech Founders Can Scale Faster & Avoid Costly Mistakes | Edward DuCoin |The Growth Focus PodcastDescription:Growing a tech company is tough. Scaling it profitably is even harder.In this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty sits down with Edward DuCoin, a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold multimillion-dollar companies, including a NASDAQ-listed business.Edward shares hard-won lessons from his decades in business, revealing what most founders get wrong and how to fix it. What you’ll learn in this episode:Why most tech founders fail to scale—and how to fix itThe #1 financial mistake that cost Edward $50K and how you can...
2025-03-0427 min
The Growth Focus PodcastStanding Out & Scaling Smart with Alexander PfeifferIn today’s episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty sits down with Alexander Pfeiffer, co-founder & CEO of Terralytiq, to uncover the realities of launching and scaling in a crowded market. From his days at McKinsey to building a sustainability-focused startup, Alexander shares hard-earned lessons on standing out, avoiding costly growth mistakes, and winning enterprise deals. What you'll learn in this episode: How to differentiate your company when competitors all claim to do the same thing The biggest mistake startups make when scaling—and how to avoid it Why pers...
2025-02-2532 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Brutal Truth About Bootstrapping & Scaling a Tech Consultancy | Mike Rispoli | Growth Focus Podcast️ Hosted by Gary LaffertyGuest: Mike Rispoli, CTO & Co-Founder of Cause of a KindWhat happens when your thriving tech agency suddenly loses its biggest clients? How do you survive a financial freefall and rebuild stronger than before?In this eye-opening episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Mike Rispoli shares his raw and unfiltered journey from bootstrapping a million-dollar tech agency to nearly going under—and then making an epic comeback. He reveals:✅ The BIGGEST financial mistakes most tech founders make (and how to avoid them) ✅ Why cash flow management is the real...
2025-02-2538 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Growth Focus Podcast – How to Stand Out & Scale in a Saturated Market with Zak CorbridgeIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty sits down with Zak Corbridge, CEO & Co Founder of 88 Tech, a tech entrepreneur who pivoted from Disney strategy to real estate to tech, building a hybrid outsourcing model that’s changing the game for software development. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The #1 mistake startups make when hiring developers ✅ How to stand out in a crowded market (without sounding like everyone else) ✅ Why niching down actually expands your business ✅ The power of partnerships over transactions for long-term success ✅ How Zak bounced back from losing all his funding overnight ✅ The future of ou...
2025-02-2434 min
The Growth Focus PodcastMastering Startup Finance: How to Manage Cash, Hiring, and VC Expectations with Jeff ChalmersRunning a tech business? Cash flow, hiring, and venture capital are make-or-break factors.In this episode ofThe Growth Focus Podcast,Gary Lafferty sits down withJeff Chalmers, VP of Finance & Operations atSight Machine, to dive deep intofinancial planning, sustainable growth, and the reality of working with VCs.Jeff sharesinsider knowledge on financial strategy, hiring best practices, and the hidden challenges of scaling too fast. Whether you’re atech founder, SaaS CEO, or CFO, this episode delivers actionable insights to help youmanage risk, optimize cash flow, and make smarter growth decisions.The #1 financial metric every fo...
2025-02-1231 min
The Growth Focus Podcast How to Scale with Inbound & Build Game-Changing Partnerships – with Milind KattiIn this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty interviews Milind Katti, a pioneer in the tech industry, discussing his journey from India's economic liberalization to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They explore the importance of inbound marketing, the transition to digital strategies, and the significance of partnerships in today's business landscape. Milind shares valuable insights on consistency in publishing, lessons learned from marketing strategies, and the future of AI innovations. He emphasizes the need for founders to listen to their customers and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Takeaways
...
2025-02-0638 min
The Growth Focus PodcastScaling, Standing Out & Selling Your Business – with Russ BadgettSummary
In this episode of the Growth Focus podcast, Gary Lafferty interviews Russ Badgett, co-founder and president of Radiant Hub. They discuss Russ's journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and how Radiant Hub differentiates itself in the crowded Salesforce consultancy market. Russ shares insights on building relationships, strategic alliances, and the importance of exit planning. He emphasizes the need for setting proper expectations with clients and the value of slowing down to build a solid foundation for business growth.
Takeaways
2025-02-0638 min
The Growth Focus PodcastMastering Sales & Growth in Tech: Ben Nelson’s Blueprint for Scaling IT & AI BusinessesIn this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty sits down with Ben Nelson, VP at ABM Technology Group, to uncover the proven strategies behind scaling IT & AI businesses, closing more deals, and standing out in a competitive market.
Ben shares how his company transformed from a traditional print business into a fast-growing IT & AI powerhouse, leveraging smart sales processes, client profiling, and authority marketing.
If you’re a tech founder, SaaS CEO, or IT leader looking to generate more leads, build trust faster, and grow your business sustainably, this episode is packed with in...
2025-01-2935 min
The Growth Focus PodcastWhy Government Contracts are AttractiveIn this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty speaks with Matt Selbie, founder of Oberon3, about his journey from the oil and gas industry to creating a successful SaaS company. They discuss the importance of finding the right niche, the challenges of long sales cycles, and the unique opportunities within government contracts.
Matt shares valuable insights on building trust with clients, empowering them in the buying process, and the significance of grit in entrepreneurship. He concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before making business decisions.
2025-01-2735 min
The Growth Focus PodcastFrom Survival to Scaling: Brian Strong’s Blueprint for GrowthHow do you transform a struggling business into a thriving, scalable success?
In this episode, Brian Strong, CEO of TenHats, shares how he led a 650% growth turnaround and what it takes to break through growth ceilings. From delegating effectively to leveraging tech trends like AI and compliance, Brian’s insights are a game-changer for tech founders and leaders.
Key Topics Covered:
The difference between growth and scaling.
How to delegate and let your team thrive.
Preparing for the future: AI, data, and compliance tr...
2025-01-2539 min
The Growth Focus PodcastTech Innovation & Leadership with Michael Petter | Growth Focus PodcastHear how Michael Petter transformed startups into global enterprises with recurring revenue strategies and leadership innovation .
Summary:
Join Gary Lafferty ️ in this insightful episode of The Growth Focus Podcast as Michael Petter takes us on his entrepreneurial journey. Learn about his approach to recurring revenue , trust-building with clients, and fostering a lifestyle business ️. If you’re a tech leader, founder, or CEO, this episode is tailored for you!
Key Takeaways:
How to succeed with recurring revenue models.
Building and scaling client relationships globally.
Leadership lessons from tech enterp...
2025-01-1035 min
The Growth Focus PodcastThe Expert CTO on Unlocking Tech GrowthWhat separates startups that scale from those that stall? On this episode of The Growth Focus Podcast, Gary Lafferty is joined by Ram Prasad, a fractional CTO who has helped countless SaaS companies break through growth ceilings and achieve sustainable success.
Drawing on decades of experience, Ram uncovers the hidden challenges tech founders face at every stage of growth—from hitting $1M in revenue to scaling past $10M. He shares why founder-led marketing and sales are game-changers, why many startups plateau, and how to overcome these obstacles with the right systems, leadership, and mindset.
If yo...
2025-01-0639 min
The Growth Focus PodcastTransforming a Disney Reseller's BusinessIn this episode of the Growth Focus Podcast, host Gary Lafferty interviews Siddharth Sinha, founder of Dresma, a visual content producing software that leverages generative AI to streamline content creation for online sellers. Siddharth shares his journey in tech, the challenges of content creation in e-commerce, and how Dresma addresses these issues. He discusses a case study of a Disney merchandise reseller that significantly reduced content costs and time using Dresma's platform. The conversation also explores AI trends, the importance of education in tech, and key lessons learned in entrepreneurship, including the value of networking and building a strong team.
/ sid...
2025-01-0234 min
The Growth Focus PodcastContinuous learning and being open to feedback are essential for growth and success.Dario and Julian from Null Platform io discuss the challenges faced by engineering teams in the tech industry and how their platform helps organizations streamline their processes and reduce complexity. They emphasize the importance of integrating different tools and creating a simple environment for developers while maintaining security and compliance. The key trends they see in the industry include the increasing complexity of technology in traditional industries and the need for companies to incorporate AI. They also highlight the value of having a team that is connected to the business and the importance of psychological safety and continuous learning.
...
2025-01-0236 min
Whole Man AcademyEP084 - GARY LAFFERTY - INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERThis week's pod sends us over to Tampa, Florida as we speak to International speaker, best-selling author, and sales & mindset mentor Gary Lafferty.
Gary gives a great account of life lessons from his time speaking on stage, building and selling a business, entrepreneurship, and diving with sharks.
You can check out Gary via his website here
Also, men, if you haven't already, join the hundreds of guys around the world who are reading our game-changing weekly eLetter.
Just hit www.wholemanacademy.com/movement to get on board.
And remember, t...
2021-11-181h 08Whole Man AcademyEP084 - TEST DRIVE WITH GARY LAFFERTYThis week on the Whole Man Academy podcast we sit down with international speaker, author, and sales & mindset mentor Gary Lafferty
What an excellent chap!
Here's a 2-min snippet for you to test-drive - wohooo
Full podcast released on Friday
Also, men, you can sign up for our game-changing weekly eLetter by hitting this link.
2021-11-1801 min
The Coode Street PodcastEpisode 565: On work published after the author‘s deathWelcome to episode 23 of Season 12 of The Coode Street Podcast. This week, after a brief and mostly irrelevant discussion of whether the proposition that Ray Bradbury as the quintessential October writer means anything at all outside North America, Jonathan and Gary actually try to focus on an important question: whether posthumous publications actually do anything to enhance an author’s reputation.
We make distinctions between works that the author clearly wanted to be published (like Philip K. Dick final four novels), works that the author clearly did not intend for publication (like some late Heinlein manuscripts), and wo...
2021-10-241h 08
Tales From The East StandTFTES 174There's another late, late show in Inchicore to talk about, an interview with ex-Hoops defender Dan Lafferty ahead of Derry's visit to Tallaght and In Memoriam: Jimmy Keane, AKA Big J, the former Rovers director who lead the KRAM campaign along with the late Brian Murphy.
2021-09-302h 16The Coode Street PodcastEpisode 561: Science fiction, influence, and moreWelcome to episode 19 of Season 12 of The Coode Street Podcast. This time out, Jonathan and Gary return, sans guests or much of a plan. They do manage to touch upon a number of significant issues, such as the work of newly minted World Fantasy Life Achievement winner Howard Waldrop, whether Waldrop could be viewed as a regional author (a Texan in particular), and which other writers might be thought of a representing particular regional voices (R.A. Lafferty, Andy Duncan, Christopher Rowe, Daryl Gregory?), and how regional voice may show up even in the work of hard SF writers l...
2021-08-221h 08
Against All AverageThree Steps: Going From Average to Expert with Gary LaffertyOver the last 15 years, Gary Lafferty has mentored tens of thousands of people across six continents not only on what to say but how to say it, in such a way that inspires confidence, builds trust, and elevates your authority.He is the founder of an international personal achievement company. His products and programs simplify the process that entrepreneurs have to do to become sought after and the go-to person in their industry. He is a sought-after Expert Strategist and consults with some of the world's largest Personal Development and Training companies. As a speaker Gary has...
2021-04-2754 minThe Coode Street PodcastEpisode 440: Ten Minutes with Terry BissonTen minutes with... is a special series presented by Coode Street that sees readers and booklovers from around the world talk about what they're reading right now and what's getting them through these difficult times.
Gary joins Hugo and Nebula-winning author Terry Bisson to talk about historical fiction, R.A. Lafferty’s most important novel, James Salter, reading Shakespeare’s history plays, the Globe Theater, Cecelia Holland, The Blair Witch Project, Terry’s own classic short stories "Bears Discover Fire" and "They’re Made of Meat," and his brilliant but overlooked novel of the 1960s, Any Day Now....
2020-06-0615 minThe Coode Street PodcastEpisode 433: Ten Minutes with Jack DannTen minutes with... is a special series presented by Coode Street that sees readers and booklovers from around the world talk about what they're reading right now and what's getting them through these difficult times.
Today Jonathan spends ten minutes or so talking with the Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning 'Hermit of Binghampton", Jack Dann, who checks in from his home in coastal Victoria to talk about life, art, books, and more.
Books mentioned include:
Shadows in the Stone by Jack Dann
Pluche or the Love of Art by Jean Dutourd
The Best of R...
2020-05-3017 min
Tales From The East StandTFTES 102We talk the home wins over Drogheda and Waterford from the past week, Rovers For The Cup, Daniel Lafferty and Bohs, there's an interview with Mark Keating plus: Pico Lopes v Sean Callan in the QFTES quarter-final.
2019-08-291h 13The Coode Street PodcastEpisode 330: Books, reading and wolves...This week’s episode ranges from a discussion about the growing importance of novellas and their advantages both for readers and writers, the difficult question of which story you might pick to introduce a new reader to a favourite author, the importance of distinctive voices in both short fictions and novels, the upcoming 87th birthday of the great Gene Wolfe, and James Cameron's new TV documentary on SF, which features appearance from several SF writers and critics, including Gary.
Then Jonathan springs on Gary the question of what his favourite book is, so Gary tossed it right bac...
2018-05-061h 08The Coode Street PodcastEpisode 170: Live with Neil GaimanNeil Gaiman is always wonderful to sit down and talk to about how great stories are created, and is always ready to discuss how the great writers of the past have influenced him and his work.
During an extra special episode of the Coode Street Podcast, Neil joins Gary and Jonathan in a rare quiet moment at the Brighton World Fantasy Convention, to discuss the work of the late great R.A. Lafferty.
Lafferty is one of fiction's great originals, a teller of tall and extraordinary tales that puzzle and delight. The timing for this conversation was perfect, wit...
2013-12-1445 minThe Coode Street PodcastEpisode 169: Live with Paul McAuleyThis October the Coode Street commentary team travelled to Brighton, England for the 2013 World Fantasy Convention. In amongst too much drinking and late night conversation, they managed to record two engaging conversations for your enjoyment. The first of these was with long-time Coode Street favourite, Paul McAuley.
Over the period of about an hour, while hotel airconditioning worked hard to overcompensate for a mild UK autumn, hard science fiction, the state of science and much, more was discussed. Our sincere thanks to Paul for his time.
As always, we hope you enjoy the podcast. Next week: Neil Gaiman dis...
2013-12-0759 min