Shows
All Dots ConnectedHow Brands Scale with Data‑Driven, Finance‑First Marketing — with Mark FriedmanZan Bennett sits down this week with digital marketing veteran Mark Friedman, who has shaped strategies for iconic brands such as Brooks Brothers and Steve Madden.In this conversation, Mark shares invaluable insights drawn from decades of navigating digital transformation, unpacking how brands should truly measure marketing effectiveness beyond generic benchmarks like ROAS and CAC. He emphasizes why first-time buyers shouldn’t be mistaken for loyal customers, the real strategic purpose of loyalty programs, and how capturing first-party data can unlock powerful consumer insights.Zan and Mark also dive in...2025-05-1446 minAll Dots ConnectedThe Growth Operating System: How $200M Brands Scale Using Strategic KPIs, with David ManelaHow do the world’s most successful omni-channel retail and D2C brands scale from startup to $200M and beyond? In this episode of All Dots Connected, Zan Bennett and David Manela explore the concept of a Growth Operating System—a structured approach that defines key performance indicators (KPIs), aligns cross-functional teams, and accelerates business growth.David breaks down his proven framework that top companies use to set the right strategic KPIs, balance short-term results with long-term goals, and leverage data to make smarter decisions. You’ll learn:What exactly is a G...2025-04-0232 min
OMAKASEOMAKASE 466, GOLD CODEOMAKASE, episode 466
Airdate: 12-01-2024
DJ: GOLD CODE
Recorded all the way live, September 13, 2024, At Spacewalk, Hawthorne, California
TRACKLIST: [Artist, Track Title, Label]
1. Jesper Dahlbäck, B1 JD Power Tools Vol. II (youANDme Edit), Cutz.Me
2. Chida, Dança, ESP Institute
3. Boof, Dinge Dig, Running Back
4. Count Zero, Silent Prayer #1, Musique Pour La Danse
5. Look Ahead Music, Unseen Forces, Look Ahead Music
6. The Backwoods, Breakthrough, Jolly Jams
7. David Holmes feat. Raven Violet, Necessary Genius (Decius Remix), Heavenly Recordings
8. Fear-E, Colonel, Super Rhythm Trax
9. Der Sexa, Gabi Plane, Duca Bianco
10. Billy Bogus, Bass, Slow Motion Records
11. Black Bones, The Re-fix, Black Bo...2024-10-111h 58
The Unlock Show#9 Paul Hurley: A Focus on Data-Driven GrowthPaul Hurley, and Zan Bennett discuss the need for good data systems that connect sales, marketing, and finance. They outline how robust data infrastructure is fundamental to scaling businesses efficiently.
Paul gives an example from his past work to show how using accurate data can lead to big growth and a strong competitive edge.
2024-07-0815 min
How th Unf**k Your StartupZan Bennett on Navigating the Startup Ecosystem: Insights for Investors & FoundersOn the latest episode of How to Unf**k Your Startup, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Zan Bennett, Principal at Exactius Capital Management. With a wealth of experience in growth marketing and leadership, Zan has collaborated with world-class executives, strategic capital, and global teams to accelerate growth-stage companies into hypergrowth. His expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, including Consumer, E-commerce, two-sided marketplaces, and B2SMB SaaS. Prior to his role at Exactius, Zan owned and ran a company focused on scaling social impact ventures, which built lasting businesses from scratch across industries such as healthcare...2024-06-1242 minThe Unlock Show#8 Dan Hurwitz: Aligning Teams and Strategies for Mastering Startup Growth“Why do startups drown in chaos? Misaligned teams," says Dan Hurwitz.
Dan Hurwitz, go-to-market expert and CRO, joins us to share his insights on scaling startups and aligning teams.
Dan discusses the common pitfalls in early-stage companies, the shift from outbound calls to thought leadership, and the crucial role of a Chief Revenue Officer. Learn his strategies for achieving product market fit and optimizing customer success.
2024-06-1029 minThe Unlock Show#7 David Manela: Optimizing KPIs for GrowthIn this episode, David focus's on the importance of setting the right KPIs at different stages of a company's growth. He explains how to transition from simple cost per click metrics to sophisticated lifetime value metrics and the strategic decisions behind them. Learn how to balance scalability and efficiency, and why aligning goals across departments is crucial.
2024-06-1023 minThe Unlock Show#6 David Manela: In-house vs AgencyWhen and where do agencies fit into your growth strategy?
David Manela, joins us to discuss the role of agencies in different stages of company growth. He breaks down the types of agencies, the integration of branding and performance, and the risks and benefits of outsourcing.
Listen now to learn how to maximize your agency partnerships and strategically integrate them into your growth plans.
David's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-manela-83b527/
Zan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-manela-83b527/2024-06-0714 minThe Unlock Show#5 David Manela: Converging Worlds of B2C and B2B MarketingZan Bennett and David Manela talk about the converging worlds of B2C and B2B marketing. In this episode we discuss the competitive landscape of various business types, and the impact of new technologies like AI on performance marketing.
2024-06-0713 minThe Unlock Show#4 David Manela: Data Modeling for GrowthDavid Manela and Zan Bennett explore the crucial role of data in making informed business decisions for growth. They delve into the concept of establishing a single source of truth, the challenges of attribution in marketing, and the impact of data on marketing strategies in the face of evolving privacy laws and technology.
2024-04-1717 minThe Unlock Show#3 Kyle Richless: How to Build a Sales TeamKyle Richless and Zan Bennett unpack how to build a sales team from scratch. Focusing on strategies for building and optimizing sales teams in both startups and established companies.
Join us for a deep dive into effective sales strategies, the intersection with marketing, and the future of the sales role, providing valuable tips for founders, sales leaders, and professionals in the field.
2024-04-1722 minThe Unlock Show#2 Paul Hurley: Opportunities in Growth Data 2024Paul Hurley and Zan Bennett discuss entrepreneurship and leveraging data for business growth.
The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by the current economic landscape, particularly the importance of data in driving efficient marketing strategies amidst tightening privacy regulations and changing technology landscapes.
2024-03-0614 min
The Unlock Show#1 David Manela: Scaling DTC companies in 2024In this episode, we delve into the essentials of scaling a business, focusing on the transformative role of data in driving growth.
Our discussion covers personal milestones in company scaling, the critical attributes of a top-tier growth leader, and the evolving landscape of consumer company expansion.
We explore the untapped opportunities in data utilization across various industries, identifying where companies commonly leave value on the table.
Additionally, we tackle the strategic timing for expanding data science teams and the leading indicators for such investments.
Through our conversation, we also pinpoint prevalent...2024-02-2111 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#28 Dan & Zan: Making Bold ChoicesDaniel and Zan talk about how to make an impactful life through changing how you see the world.
Show notes:
Introduction to Designing Life
The Importance of Conscious Life Choices
Life Changes and Insights
The Art of Friendship
Cultural Differences in Social Interactions
Choosing the Right City for You
The Impact of Environment on Lifestyle
Venture Capitalist Advice
Finding Depth in Your Locale
The Role of Adventure in Life
Decision Making, Intuition, and Leadership
Closing Thoughts
2023-11-1929 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#27 Daniel & Zan: Life FrameworksHand-picked frameworks that have personally helped us in life, and that we hope may help you.
0:00 - Intro
1:20 - The grass is greener mindset
3:40 - Don't make decisions when angry
5:10 - The 3-second rule for taking action
6:40 - Circle of competence
8:10 - 80/20 rule
9:30 - Attachment styles in relationships
12:20 - Do things that don't scale
13:50 - Map is not the territory
15:30 - $1000/hr test for priorities
17:00 - Turning work into play
18:40 - Big...2023-11-0931 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#26 Daniel Avnieli: DatingDaniel and Zan talk about hard-won lessons in dating, authenticity, and attraction. 2023-09-1617 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#25 Zan Bennett: PerspectiveLife's most intriguing 'what ifs', challenging listeners to rethink setbacks, success, and self-perception.2023-09-1605 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#24 Zan Bennett: Finding Meaning in an Endless UniverseFloating within an infinite space, we tend to look for a given "meaning". Yet many of the most fascinating among us craft our own purpose along the way. Through science and philosophy, this podcast liberates us from prescribed meaning. Our choices, not the void, shape our fleeting lives. This is a practice of shaping a perspective to define significance through boldly exercising agency in impermanence.
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Introduction
Humans' brief existence compared to Earth's history
Dinosaurs' lengthy reign on Earth
Earth's age since formation
When life began on Earth
Human genetic similarity
Human population bottlenecks
Current population...2023-09-0409 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#23 Zan Bennett: ImaginationA framework to build a vision for your career, finding love, and building the life you want. 2023-06-1711 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#22 Zan Bennett: How to scale a businessPractical frameworks to understand what growth strategies work depending on your business type. I have worked as an operator and strategist helping dozens of companies deploy strategies to scale, everything from startups that have yet to decide on their product, to companies worth billions in enterprise value.
This podcast is a high-level, beginner's manual to thinking about playbooks for growth.
Add me on LinkedIn here2023-06-1716 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#21 Zan Bennett: FriendshipsHow to be intentional about friendships.
2023-06-1609 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#20 Zan Bennett: One way ticket to Australia, & Mistakes in Shark-Infested WatersThe time I bought a one-way ticket to Australia, a dangerous situation at a shipwreck, and some life lessons that shaped me. 2023-06-1619 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#19 Zan Bennett: The Winning MindsetThis is a solo podcast by Zan where he discusses "The Winning Mindset" uncovering the raw, honest truths about success with authentic, real-world strategies.
Let's face reality, together.2023-05-2516 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#18 Daniel Avnieli: Having Balance While Living a Life That Outlives YouWelcome to the main character podcast, where we dive deep into the quest for happiness and how to achieve balance in our lives. In today's episode, we explore the delicate balance between ambition, legacy, and personal fulfillment. We'll unravel the enigma of living a life that outlives us, yet remains grounded in the present moment.
Follow Daniel on LinkedIn here.2023-04-2716 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#17 Zan Bennett: Mastering the Success MindsetZan discusses the mindset of success. In this episode, he uses the example of 'how to think about pursuing your vocation' and walks you through both the frameworks he would use and specific examples. This is a great episode to listen to if you are considering a career shift or are wondering where to start on a personal journey and would like to hear about a structured, and battle-tested approach.
@maincharacters.us2023-03-2913 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#16 Sam Feldman: Taking Risks, From Being Broke to Earning over a 100K in a Month and How to Live a Meaningful LifeSam does things differently. He tells his story, of growth and overcoming the odds. He shares with us how he was completely broke and in a month made over $100,000 by seeing something no one else saw. We discuss the many definitions of self and of success and how the answer to happiness is not getting what you want, but eliminating the "want" in the first place.
You may follow Sam on Twitter at @sam_feldman_2023-03-291h 42
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#15 Josh: Life on the edge, and creating greatness in yourselfJosh talks about starting a business at a young age and the career path it leads him down. We talk about the importance of setting a goal in life and working towards the things that really matter.
If you would like to reach Josh, you can't.
But send me a message and I will make sure it gets to him. 2022-11-271h 41
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#14 Julia Yanowitz: The Dutch word "Gezelligheid", sales, music, travel and the secret magic of yellow carsJulia has a wonderful way to see the world. We talk about many things, including her life and the path that lead her to a job she loves in a city full of people she cares about. We talk about living a life where luck happens more often and how assigning meaning to everyday things can create a world full of purpose and positive reminders.
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliayano or on LinkedIn2022-11-2736 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#13 Lili Garzon: Traveling, being a connector, the art of losing (and then finding yourself), and chasing orcasLili talks about life growing up in Mexico City, the pros and cons of traveling, and why she chases orcas around the world.
Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgarzon/2022-10-0543 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#12 Hannah Waldner: Traveling the world, navigating relationships and following passion despite imposter syndromeHannah tells her story of traveling the world. We discuss life-changing moments, type-2 fun, and our visions of the future. Hannah is one of the rare wonderful people that speaks with her heart. She's a connector, a visionary, and an adventurer to the core. 2022-10-0454 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#11 Kelly Conway: How to build a multi-million dollar business, find your vocation and live the life you want to live.Kelly Conway is a friend and a mentor of mine. When he was 27 his wife was pregnant with twins and he took out a second mortgage on his house to start a business. Kelly developed into a world-class salesman, a seasoned CEO, and a compassionate leader. He sold his first business for tens of millions, then built and sold his second business for 4X his first. In this podcast, we talk about what it means to find your vocation, what it takes to be a leader, and strategies to build a world-class team. 2022-09-2246 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#10 Keith Hodges: Believing in yourself, real-life education, taking more risks, designing clean rooms, hacking passive income and traveling the worldKeith talks about setting ambitious goals, learning and growing throughout life, taking more risks, and getting over the fear of failure.2022-08-2058 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#9 Daniel Schoester: Everything you need to know about professional content writing and tips for moving to a new country and building a networkDaniel lives in Lisbon, Portugal, and works remotely as a professional personal finance writer. His articles regularly get tens of thousands of views and he has learned the art of monetizing an audience through writing content. We discuss specific frameworks, how to get started, and the journey of hacking a digitally remote lifestyle.
Daniel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dschoester/
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dschoes/?hl=en2022-08-2040 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#8 Jessica Mills: Mindset, bipolar disorder, salesforce, living your dreams and figuring out what life is all aboutJessica tells her story of incredible fortitude, strength, and perseverance from overcoming anxiety to being lost in a broken healthcare system to finding her vocation and building frameworks that have guided her towards a path of happiness and success.
Jessica on Twitter: @jlynn_mills
Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalmills/2022-08-201h 12
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#7 Zachary Wolgemuth: How to stay fit while traveling the worldHow to think about fitness and develop a winning routine while traveling the world. 2022-08-0944 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#6 Hannah Joy Roane: Changing how you see the world, living in a new city, Sims 3 and starting overHannah and I met in a coliving house in 2021 in Austin, Texas. We talk about what it's like to move to a new city, the path to reinventing yourself, and the many stories and tribulations of figuring out what life is all about. 2022-07-3150 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#5 Eleah Miner: Growing up in a cult, and forging a life of independence.Eleah and I talk about her life growing up in a cult and what it was like to forge a life of independence and generally the adventures of life. 2022-07-3045 min
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#4 Keith Hodges, Kait Norris and Avery Meeker: Gun rights, Anti-terrorist crows and consciousnessKeith Hodges is an engineer who recently quit his job to travel the world. Kait Norris and Avery Meeker are a couple who have been traveling through national parks in a custom-built van on the tail end of a trip around the world. Kait works for HR of a popular European dating app. Avery is an ornithologist (a scientist that studies birds) and an entrepreneur, launching the world's first bird-friendly small-batch coffee company, Big Year Coffee. In this podcast, we discuss gun rights, government programs that train crows, and the meaning of consciousness.
EPISODE LINKS:
Big...2022-04-231h 07
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#3 - Lio Slama: The Art of CommunicationLio Slama is a french architect, an artist, and the CEO and founder of AskNeo, a New York tech company that is building more authentic communication tools for B2C businesses. In this podcast, we discuss his life, from what it was like growing up in France, to becoming the head Architect for the International Labor Organization, a part of the United Nations, then going to Columbia University, and how that drove him to start his own SaaS startup.
EPISODE LINKS:
Lio Slama’s website: http://lioslama.com/
Lio Slama’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l...2022-01-241h 45The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#2 - Scott King: Climate ChangeScott King is the founder and chief climate advocate of Mission Zero. He is building a movement to address climate change. He is also one of the founders of Ready Talk, a full-stack cloud communications platform that was sold in 2018.
EPISODE LINKS:
Scott King’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-king-boulder/
Mission Zero's website: https://missionzero.io/
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: https://www.zanbennett.com/
2022-01-171h 11
The Main Character Podcast with Zan Bennett#1 - Paul Grignon: Climate ChangePaul Grignon is a climate change advocate, and COO of Mission Zero. His early career in the oil industry led him down a path towards renewable energy and the fight against climate change. Paul speaks with passion, knowledge, and often frustration on the economic consequences of our current energy system.
EPISODE LINKS:
Paul & Kelly Grignon's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/5f66742c
Paul Grignon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-grignon-31921b1a7/
Mission Zero's website: https://missionzero.io/
Documentary "Here Comes the Sun": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr...2022-01-121h 50
The Network Effects#10 Philip DiStefano - Chancellor of CU Boulder | TNEToday's guest is the chancellor of C.U. Boulder. He has worked for C.U. for over 45 years as a professor, a dean and as chancellor. Now he is leading the effort to respond to the covid-19 crisis.2020-04-1317 minThe Network Effects#9 Kelly Conway - Cardinal Solutions | TNEKelly Conway was the founder President and CEO at Cardinal Solutions which is an IT Digital Innovation firm that specializes in designing and building custom Cloud, Data, Mobile and Web solutions for Fortune 1000 companies. Kelly took cardinal solutions from the ground up to a multi-million dollar acquisition and that was not the first time he successfully created a company.2020-04-1245 minThe Network Effects#8 Jame Rolin - Cowboy Cricket Farms | TNEJames Rolin is the co-founder for Cowboy Cricket Farms LLC. Cowboy Crickets grows crickets for human consumption as well as researches innovative processes for the rearing of commercial insect populations.2020-04-1218 minThe Network Effects#7 Dan Caruso - Zayo | TNEDan Caruso is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Zayo Group, a global provider of communications infrastructure. As founder of the business, he has led the company from startup to IPO to a company with a multi-billion dollar equity value.2020-04-1016 minThe Network Effects#6 Michael Marcoux - CU Boulder Startup Club | TNEMichael Marcoux is the president of the CU Boulder StartUp club.2020-04-1034 minThe Network Effects#5 Jay Prassl - Automox | TNEJay Prassl is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Automox, a company with a cloud-based solution to endpoint management.2020-04-1032 minThe Network Effects#4 Toby Murdock - Kapost | TNEToday's guest is an active boardmember, mentor, and CEO. After co-founding Kapost and running it for over 9 years, he recently sold his company to Upland software. Please welcome, Toby Murdock.2020-03-0233 minThe Network Effects#3 Brennie Pellegrini - Contrary Capital | TNEHe has experience in venture capital, fintech, and startup space. He's interested in philosophy, music, and everything tech.2020-03-0219 minThe Network Effects#2 Will Herman - Author of Startup Playbook | TNEThroughout his life, he has been an active angel investor with over 80 investments, a corporate director, an author, and a startup mentor. He was previously a serial entrepreneur, having started 5 companies - mostly successes, but a couple of miserable failures. He lives and works mostly in the Boston area.2020-03-0238 minThe Network Effects#1 Kent Dickson - Yonomi | TNEKent Dickson is a technical and business leader of software companies with a bent toward entrepreneurialism. He loves building great teams and disruptive products. He has a particular passion for Cloud Computing as well as the "Internet of Things".2020-02-2635 min
Swoony Boys PodcastYoung Adult Books Hotties of the MonthHere are our picks for the Hotties of the Month: Soren from Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller Jake Connelly from The Risk by Elle Kennedy Jack from The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett Aiden Emerson from When Summer Ends by Jessica Pennington Here's our list of Honorable Mentions: Loom from The Cursed Sea by Lauren DeStefano Oliver from Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway All of the Guys from the Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy Vane Weston from Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger Hayden Tremblay from Just One of the...2019-03-2100 min