If 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.

Gary and Alan break down what Alan looks for first when he walks into a growth company, why most early sales efforts fail without air support, and how to spot weak positioning fast by looking at lead mismatch. They get into founder-led sales and the point where it stops scaling, plus the hard conversation leaders avoid: your offer may be ordinary in the market even if it feels special internally. They close on AI with a clean rule of thumb: use it as leverage for research and execution, not as a shiny feature that distracts from customer value.

Alan Gold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanegold
Gary Lafferty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthfocus

00:00 Intro: who Alan is and what TechCXO does
01:47 The first growth diagnostic: strategy before tactics
06:10 We need more leads: the three problems underneath it
08:14 What strong positioning sounds like in plain English
10:53 Founder-led sales: where it breaks and how to transition
15:42 The hardest conversation: your baby may be ordinary
18:31 AI in growth companies: leverage vs distraction
22:01 How to reach Alan

You 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 conversations like this on how tech leaders grow real companies, subscribe on YouTube and follow the show for weekly episodes on sales, positioning, and scale.

Nishantha shares how he moved from non-tech into building real products, why listening to the market matters more than personal conviction, and what he has seen work best in scaling a tech company over time. We dig into how tech firms can stand out when everyone sounds the same, what failure teaches when you are actually paying attention, and why AI agents may change the structure of markets, not just workflows. We also cover how founders can stay ahead of the curve by thinking clearly, staying specific, and keeping the human side of leadership intact as AI accelerates.

Nishantha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishantha-ruwan-15b301b2/

Gary Lafferty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthfocus

00:00 Welcome to the Growth Focus Podcast
00:27 Nishantha’s story: from economics and law to building in tech
02:22 What Nishantha’s company does and why it matters
03:21 Economics + technology: why both lenses matter right now
05:50 What has driven growth in his company
07:55 How to stand out when tech companies all sound the same
10:13 What has not worked: failure, rejection, and learning fast
14:12 AI agents: what changes when agents can transact and coordinate
17:48 How founders stay ahead of the AI curve
19:55 The next 12 to 24 months: what Nishantha is preparing for
21:38 One piece of advice: remain human
23:38 Best way to reach Nishantha

• (00:00:00) - Growth Focus: Gary Knows
• (00:02:29) - In the Elevator With Intuit CEO
• (00:03:19) - How economics and technology are affecting society
• (00:05:27) - MR Nish on Accelerating Growth
• (00:07:06) - What Makes Your Tech Company Different From Others?
• (00:09:29) - What's It That You've Learned From Your Failure?
• (00:13:21) - The Power of AI Agents in Running a Business
• (00:18:06) - Top Tech Companies' Future Plans
• (00:19:37) - Deepak On The Need to Remain Human
• (00:21:38) - Growing Focus: Learning From Giants

In 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 in content creation is key to building an audience.
Engagement through video can differentiate you from AI.
Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for effective messaging.
AI noise can be overwhelming, focus on authenticity.
Small, actionable tactics can lead to significant results.

Titles

Navigating AI in Storytelling
Authenticity vs. AI: The Content Challenge

Sound bites

"How can I compete against AI?"
"There is a lot of AI noise out there."
"Start recording short little videos."

Chapters

00:00 Intro and what this episode is about
01:36 Margee’s background and why she started Big Orange Marketing
03:39 What’s changed in visibility because of AI search
05:20 AI search vs Google search and what that means for buyers
07:29 What the data is showing on AI driven traffic and lead quality
08:18 How to make your site more AI searchable (long tail, proof, differentiation)
11:47 Why results often take 6 to 9 months and what to do in the meantime
15:59 StoryBrand and the biggest messaging mistakes in tech and MSPs
18:29 The real leak: follow up, conversion, and asking for the sale
21:06 What’s working now: outbound plus nurture and intent signals

• (00:00:00) - Growing Your Company
• (00:01:04) - Meet Margie Morse
• (00:02:24) - How to Gain More Insight in the AI Era
• (00:05:13) - Marcus On Becoming Solution Provider Aware
• (00:06:04) - What is AI Search and How It Affects Your Marketing?
• (00:08:06) - How to Make Your Website More AI Searchable
• (00:09:48) - What Do MSPs and Industrial Businesses Understand Most About Modern
• (00:10:35) - MSP Marketing: Consistency and the Modern Marketing
• (00:11:40) - SEO 101: Giving it Time to Get It
• (00:13:31) - Should an MSP Search Nationwide or Only in Ohio?
• (00:14:52) - What is Storybrand and How to Tell Your Story?
• (00:17:05) - What is the biggest leak in your company's sales and SEO
• (00:17:38) - The Biggest Leak in Companies Funnels
• (00:19:25) - Outbound, Outbound Sales: New for 2020
• (00:22:44) - In the Elevator With Steve Jobs
• (00:23:15) - How to Tell Authentic Stories in an AI World
• (00:25:56) - Growth Focus: New Year, New Direction

In 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 for building management.
Regulatory changes can create significant growth opportunities.
Educating clients is crucial for technology adoption.
Understanding client pain points leads to better solutions.
Building relationships through educational events enhances engagement.
Adaptability is key in scaling a startup.
Technology adoption in building management faces resistance.
AI can enhance predictive maintenance and analytics.
Confidence and persistence are essential for entrepreneurial success.

Titles

Unlocking Founder-Led Growth Strategies
Navigating the Challenges of Startup Scaling

Sound bites

"We set out to solve a problem."
"We try to educate our clients."
"Helping clients save money is key."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Founder-Led Growth
01:18 Nadav Schnall's Background and Journey
03:15 Identifying Pain Points in the Industry
05:05 ProSentry: Solutions for Risk Mitigation
06:02 Effective Growth Channels for ProSentry
07:55 Establishing Authority Through Education
09:59 The Importance of Educating Clients
12:11 Challenges in Scaling the Company
13:58 Overcoming Technological Hesitance
16:57 Integrating AI into ProSentry's Solutions
19:14 Future Vision and Expansion Plans
21:44 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
23:56 Growth Focus YouTube Video Intro (1).mp4

• (00:00:00) - Growing Focus: Founder-Led Growth
• (00:01:03) - Meet Pro Sentry's Founder and CEO Nadav Schnall
• (00:03:15) - Pro Sentry: The Problem of Water Leaks
• (00:04:58) - What is Pro Sentry and Who Is Their Ideal Client?
• (00:06:03) - What's Been the Most Effective Growth Channel for Your Company?
• (00:07:43) - Exploring the future of insurance with technology
• (00:08:40) - The Value of Compliance in Your Business
• (00:10:29) - Exploring the gray areas of insurance and AI
• (00:12:05) - What's Been Harder Than Expecting in Scaling Your Company
• (00:13:35) - Why Is Property Management So hesitant to Adopt Tech?
• (00:16:53) - What Does AI Do In Your System?
• (00:19:07) - Pro Sentry CEO on the Future
• (00:19:35) - What's the Challenge of Expanding Your Reach?
• (00:21:23) - Grow For Focused: Advice To Young Nirav

In 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 ahead.

Connect with Haiphie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/haiphiehua/

Connect with Gary - https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthfocus/

Key Takeaways

Storytelling is essential for standing out in business.

Understanding the 'why' behind a business is crucial.

Building strong relationships leads to successful partnerships.

E-commerce requires a complete infrastructure, not just a website.

AI can enhance business operations but won't replace jobs.

Success in e-commerce depends on knowing your target demographic.

The future of e-commerce is bright and full of opportunities.

Customer experience is key to retaining clients.

Young entrepreneurs should enjoy the journey and not stress too much.

A good product is just one part of a successful business.

Sound Bites

"There's a system and a process."

"You just have to do it right."

"E-commerce is not gonna go away."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Growth Focus Podcast

01:12 Haiphie Hua's Journey and Background

02:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Business

04:04 Role of Strategic Partnerships in Growth

06:53 Common Mistakes in Forming Partnerships

08:35 Building a Complete Business Infrastructure

10:52 The Impact of AI on Business

12:13 Future of E-commerce

15:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

• (00:00:00) - Growing a Company in Tech
• (00:00:57) - Meet Code Cloud's Guest Haifi Hua
• (00:01:26) - How Did I Get Started In What I Do?
• (00:02:33) - How to Tell a Story in a PowerPoint
• (00:03:46) - Head of Strategic Partnerships
• (00:04:49) - How To Grow Your Company Overseas
• (00:06:41) - What is the biggest mistake made by a business?
• (00:08:50) - How to Start and Grow a Business on Shopify
• (00:10:30) - Gorgeous on E-Commerce's Future With AI
• (00:12:52) - E-Commerce: Growth Prospects
• (00:14:32) - Enjoy The Journey

In 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 with John on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-leroy-160562278/

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthfocus/

Takeaways The myth of 'if they build it, they will come' is prevalent.

Advisory boards are crucial for startup success.

User adoption is a significant challenge in tech.

Referrals are essential for business growth.

Building trust is key in referral processes.

Technology should enhance human connections.

Perseverance is vital for entrepreneurs.

Success is defined by the entrepreneur's character.

Creating a network of trusted professionals is important.

Focus on user experience to drive success.

Titles

Breaking the Myth: Building for Success The Power of Advisory Boards in Startups Sound Bites "You can't do it alone." "User adoption is extremely difficult." "Perseverance is key for entrepreneurs."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Growth Focus Podcast

01:05 Meet John LeRoy: Entrepreneurial Journey

02:08 The Drive to Build: Leaving Retirement Behind

05:10 Core Lessons from Past Exits

07:52 The Importance of Advisory Boards

11:33 User Adoption Challenges in Real Estate

14:20 The Referral System Gap in Real Estate

18:42 Building Trust Through Technology

22:18 Advice for Founders in the Messy Middle

• (00:00:00) - Growth Focus: If They Build It, They Will Come
• (00:01:34) - John Leroy
• (00:05:26) - John Walsh on Lessons Learned From His Past Exits
• (00:08:11) - Bootstrapping: The Importance of Advisory Boards
• (00:11:40) - John Feuerstein on Real Estate
• (00:14:05) - Real Estate: The Referral System
• (00:21:40) - Perseverance in the Business
• (00:24:41) - Growth Focus: Episode 40

In 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 of experience in tech marketing. Many tech companies struggle with unclear messaging and differentiation. Founder-led chaos often leads to inconsistent marketing execution. Chasing shiny new marketing trends can dilute focus and effectiveness. SEO and referrals are key channels for generating leads. Foundational work is essential before launching marketing campaigns. Outsourcing marketing without internal accountability often leads to failure. Consistency in marketing efforts is crucial for success.

Engaging on LinkedIn can significantly enhance visibility and networking. Focusing on one or two marketing channels can yield better results than spreading efforts too thin.

Connect with Holly https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollymack/

Titles

Unlocking Marketing Success in Tech

The Common Pitfalls of Tech Marketing

Sound Bites

"SEO is our highest ROI channel." "Start with foundational work." "Post something on LinkedIn."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Growth Focus Podcast 12:25 The Importance of Founder-Led Marketing 21:18 Growth Focus YouTube Video Intro (1).mp4

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthfocus/

You already invest time and money getting prospects to the table. The real leverage is in what happens once they are on Zoom with your team.

If you would like a clear view of how well your sales conversations are working today, the next step is a Conversion Audit.

It is a focused twenty minute session where we plug in your real numbers, stress test a few recent “good calls” and identify the one or two changes that could lift your win rate.

If there is a strong case for working together, I will show you what that could look like. If not, you leave with more clarity than you have now.

Book your Conversion Audit here: https://calendly.com/growth-focus/conversion-audit

Explore the Podcast Channel and other episodes - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrowthFocus

• (00:00:00) - Interview
• (00:00:56) - How to Get to Know Your CMO
• (00:01:52) - The Most Common Marketing Mistakes in Tech and MSPs
• (00:05:08) - Have Tech Founders Tried This?
• (00:07:02) - Why Marketing Isn't Working For MSPs
• (00:08:41) - What Works to Generate Leads?
• (00:11:16) - What Makes Your Business Different?
• (00:12:59) - How to Remove the Founder from Marketing?
• (00:14:58) - No Agency Will Save You From Marketing
• (00:15:48) - 5 tips for getting out of your Rut
• (00:17:38) - What Would You Do If You Were Active on LinkedIn?
• (00:18:55) - Growth Focus: One takeaway for business owners

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.

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 with the wrong tools.

She shares how her team blends staffing, advisory services, and AI automation to streamline hiring and give companies real clarity. Instead of drowning in options, leaders get better insights, faster decisions, and stronger long-term team performance.

We also dive into Macie’s transition from hospitality to tech, her passion for relationship-driven partnerships, and her predictions for how AI will reshape hiring in the next three years. If you lead a growing company, this conversation may change how you think about talent, tools, and the role of human connection in the AI era.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciefellows/
Website: https://axiompath.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthfocus/
Email: gary@growthfocus.io

00:00 Opening
00:43 Who is Macie Fellows
01:33 Axiom Path + Cognified explained
02:51 Over-automation and the limits of AI tools
03:53 How hiring problems show up in fast-growth companies
04:47 Why leaders struggle to find the right people
05:21 The hidden cost of sifting through 400 resumes
06:47 The blend of AI + advisory that makes them different
07:49 Avoiding bad hiring decisions
08:33 Macie’s unexpected path into tech
09:32 What’s coming next in the industry
11:16 AI's role in hiring for 2026–2027
12:40 Why training and human oversight matter
13:23 One piece of advice for every founder

• Your next best hire comes from insight, not volume
• AI accelerates the process but human judgment drives success
• Over-automation creates blind spots that stall growth
• Bad hiring decisions compound faster than leaders realise
• Saying yes to expert help moves a company forward

Check out more podcast episodes at Growthfocus Podcasts
Thank you for tuning in!

#HiringStrategy #AIEnabledTeams #LeadershipGrowth #GrowthFocusPodcast

• (00:00:00) - Growth Focus Podcast
• (00:00:51) - In the Elevator With Cognified's Chief Innovation Officer
• (00:01:31) - In the Elevator With Axiom Path's CEO
• (00:02:40) - What is the biggest problem that your company solves?
• (00:03:28) - What Is Your Ideal Client?
• (00:05:43) - WSJD Live: What Makes Your Firm Different?
• (00:06:39) - In the Elevator With ROI
• (00:07:30) - Macy's Day in the Tech Industry
• (00:08:28) - How AI Is Affecting Your Clients' Business
• (00:11:36) - Growth Focus: On Leading With Passion