Traction

Lloyed Lobo
Traction

On the Traction Podcast, we bring you discussions with founders and CXOs of the fastest-growing companies in technology, covering everything from product, marketing, innovation, fundraising and more through proven strategies for rapid growth. Presented by: Boast.AI R&D Tax Credit Software - https://boast.ai Launch - https://www.launchacademy.ca Traction Community - https://tractionconf.io

  1. Why the Future Belongs to Agentic AI with Daniel Saks, Landbase

    2 APR

    Why the Future Belongs to Agentic AI with Daniel Saks, Landbase

    The companies that win the next decade won’t just adopt AI — they’ll redesign how work gets done from the ground up. Daniel Saks, CEO and Co-Founder of Landbase, returns to share lessons learned from scaling two companies across two major technology waves. Daniel explores how the path from SaaS to agentic AI is not just a shift in tools, but a complete rethinking of how businesses operate, compete and grow. Specifically, Daniel discusses: (03:35) Daniel had early conviction in SaaS and saw it reshape business. (07:48) How his approach today targets SMBs, and not enterprises. (10:04) The intense competition in AI and how Landbase differentiates through deep talent, data, and execution. (16:34) Why the infrastructure war in AI mirrors the early cloud era. (19:53) AI can replace outdated service-based businesses. (21:24) “Reclaim your day” reflects Landbase’s mission to let humans focus on creative, high-value work. (23:39) Why value creation and timing still win deals — regardless of the tech wave. (28:41) Relevance beats personalization in outbound. (30:36) Why “move fast and break things” doesn’t work in a world demanding trust, values and governance. (36:26) AI will run on autopilot — with humans in control. Resources Mentioned: Daniel Saks https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsaks/ Landbase | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/landbase/ Landbase | Website https://www.landbase.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #AgenticAI #SaaS #ArtificialIntelligence #DataDriven #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    41 min
  2. $5B in Venture Deals: What Founders Need To Know with Nick Washburn of Intel Capital

    19 MAR

    $5B in Venture Deals: What Founders Need To Know with Nick Washburn of Intel Capital

    Venture capital isn’t just about funding — it’s about making the right bets at the right time. Nick Washburn, Senior Managing Director of Intel Capital, shares insights on founder-investor dynamics, venture capital strategies and the evolving landscape of AI-driven business models.  Specifically, Nick discusses: (03:34) The move from law to venture capital. (10:46) Companies are bought, not sold — startups must plan ahead for acquisition. (15:47) Product-market fit sparks growth, but scaling is the real test. (19:55) Investing without deep market knowledge leads to failure. (26:01) Data pipeline optimization is costly but crucial. (33:20) AI growth looks impressive, but true revenue quality is uncertain. (44:13) The last mile — packaging, experience and distribution — matters most. (56:19) There’s no single playbook — success depends on product and buyers. (01:23:59) Building genuine investor relationships starts with patience and an open mind.   Resources Mentioned: Nick Washburn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-washburn-32216226/ Intel Capital https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelcapital/ National Venture Capital Association https://nvca.org Kauffman Fellows Program https://www.kauffmanfellows.org Intel Capital https://www.intelcapital.com This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #CloudInfrastructure #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    1h 26m
  3. The Rise of AI-Native Companies and Product Leadership with SC Moatti of Mighty Capital

    5 MAR

    The Rise of AI-Native Companies and Product Leadership with SC Moatti of Mighty Capital

    The most valuable asset in business today isn’t technology — it’s data. Those who control it, refine it and protect it will dominate their industries. SC Moatti, Managing Partner of Mighty Capital, shares insights on the evolving role of product managers, the impact of AI on product development and how businesses can leverage data to drive innovation and market leadership. Specifically, SC discusses: (2:50) Mighty Capital invests in top startups and connects them with 500,000 product managers. (5:08) Most waves of innovation, from the mobile era to AI and Web3, start with the same type of problem. (10:25) AI is reshaping patents and copyright laws, but machines will never own intellectual property. (11:58) Are we at a Napster moment with AI and how will it reshape business models? (16:04) Product managers will use AI agents to streamline work and decision-making. (20:05) Why product managers are now at the center of the data revolution. (24:17 The future of onboarding and why the best experience may require no onboarding at all. (32:15) The risks and opportunities AI presents in intellectual property, ownership and industry disruption. (37:08) The rising trend of AI-native companies and their capital-efficient business models. (40:12) The future of product managers is changing fast, with more growth ahead. Resources Mentioned: SC Moatti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmoatti/ Mighty Capital | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mighty-capital/ Mighty Capital | Website - https://mighty.capital Products That Count - https://www.productsthatcount.org Amplitude - https://amplitude.com This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com #ProductManagement #TechInnovation #DataDriven #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    42 min
  4. The Wealth Ladder: Unlocking Financial Freedom with Scott D. Clary

    19 FEB

    The Wealth Ladder: Unlocking Financial Freedom with Scott D. Clary

    Building wealth isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter. In this episode, Scott D. Clary, Founder and Host of Success Story Podcast, shares his journey in entrepreneurship, personal branding and wealth creation. He explains how building a personal brand can serve as a competitive advantage in an era where AI is reshaping industries and commoditizing work. With a social media following of over 1.7 million and an extensive email subscriber base, Scott breaks down the frameworks that helped him scale his influence and business. Specifically, Scott discusses: (04:09) A personal brand is a product — built on your ideas, experiences and expertise. (06:48) Shift from stability to agency for financial freedom. (16:07) Video content fuels organic growth and audience trust. (19:27) Niche content builds stronger, more engaged communities. (26:52) Mastery comes from repetition — put in the reps, learn and refine over time. (36:50) The best entrepreneurs solve niche problems they’ve lived and understand deeply. (41:00) Wealth grows in four stages: job, freelance, product and system. (50:26) Growth starts with questioning everything, even yourself. (01:24:49) Reverse engineer success by studying those who’ve done it.   Resources Mentioned: Scott D. Clary - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary/ Success Story Podcast | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/success-story-podcast/ Success Story Podcast | Website - https://www.successstorypodcast.com/ Personal.ai - https://www.personal.ai/ This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #Entrepreneurship #WealthCreation #ContentStrategy #Product #Marketing #Innovation #Startup #GenerativeAI #AI

    1h 27m
  5. From Zero to $180 Million in 6 Years by Turning Customers Into Influencers with Joseph Thompson, Kits.com

    5 FEB

    From Zero to $180 Million in 6 Years by Turning Customers Into Influencers with Joseph Thompson, Kits.com

    Building a lasting brand in a rapidly changing digital world requires adaptability, strong insights and an authentic customer connection. Joseph Thompson, Co-Founder and COO of Kits.com, shares insights on building and scaling brands in the evolving digital landscape. As one of the earliest speakers at Traction in 2015, he reflects on how branding strategies have changed over the years and what remains fundamental for success. Specifically, Joseph discusses: (02:24) How branding strategies have evolved over the last decade and what remains essential. (03:31) The role of powerful insights in shaping successful brands. (04:07) The impact of social media’s rapid monetization on brand building. (06:05) Why brands that focus on growth hacking without a solid foundation often struggle. (15:09) The importance of creating an authentic brand experience and engaging customers as influencers. (20:34) How Kits.com leveraged micro-influencers and social shopping to drive growth. (25:38) Removing cost barriers encouraged more people to try Kits.com and spread the word. (29:48) The effectiveness of localized marketing strategies in building community-driven brand awareness. (36:45) AI helps personalize marketing and optimize inventory, improving efficiency and customer experience. (38:12) How AI and AR will shape the future of marketing, branding, and eyewear technology. Resources Mentioned: Joseph Thompson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephanthonythompson/ Kits.com This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com #BrandBuilding #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    45 min
  6. 5 Lessons From Selling to Millions of Developers

    29 JAN

    5 Lessons From Selling to Millions of Developers

    Think marketing to developers is all about hoodies and hackathons? Think again. As the developer-led economy is poised to grow to a TRILLION dollars, companies that offer products for developers must refocus to a business-to-developer (B2D) model as developers become not only users of products, but key purchase influencers. In this episode, Nnamdi Iregbulem, Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, Joyce Lin, Head of Developer Relations at Viam, and Caroline Lewko, CEO of Revere Communications, reveal actionable insights for building and scaling developer relations programs that drive adoption, loyalty, and growth in a developer-led economy.  Specifically, you’ll learn: How to get developers to adopt and build on your platform – from APIs and SDKs to advanced ML and DevOps tools.What it takes to deliver an exceptional Developer Experience (DX) – aligning marketing and product teams to meet the unique needs of developers.Key ingredients of a winning Developer Relations program – from onboarding to advocacy and retention.How to stand out through community engagement – turning developers into loyal evangelists for your platform. Resources Mentioned: Nnamdi Iregbulem - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnamdiiregbulem/ Joyce Lin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-lin/ Caroline Lewko - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinelewko/ Lightspeed Venture Partners | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeed-venture-partners/ Lightspeed Venture Partners | Website - https://lsvp.com/ Viam | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/viaminc/ Viam | Website - https://www.viam.com/ Revere Communications - https://www.reverecommunications.com/ Tyler Jewell’s research on developer-led markets - https://tylerjewell.substack.com/p/the-developer-led-landscape-20-08-28 Stack Overflow Developer Survey - https://survey.stackoverflow.com/2024/ GitLab’s “Everyone Can Contribute” philosophy - https://gitlab.com/ “Developer Relations: How to Build and Grow a Successful DevRel Program” by Caroline Lewko and James Parton - https://www.devrel.agency/book This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada’s Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch’s programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #DeveloperRelations #BusinessToDeveloper #B2D #Product #Marketing #Innovation #Startup #GenerativeAI #AI

    32 min
  7. The Intersection of AI and Engineering Leadership with Farhan Thawar, Shopify

    8 JAN

    The Intersection of AI and Engineering Leadership with Farhan Thawar, Shopify

    Farhan Thawar, VP and Head of Engineering at Shopify, reflects on the evolution of remote work, hiring strategies and the role of artificial intelligence in engineering. Farhan shares insights drawn from his extensive experience, including founding and scaling startups and contributing to shaping Shopify’s engineering culture. Farhan discusses: 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - The evolution of remote work 05:41 - How Shopify integrates in-person connections 08:03 - Why structured in-office experiences benefit early talent 11:32 - Building trust in remote or hybrid work environments 12:30 - How Farhan leverages the advantages of remote work 13:35 - How to apply Shopify’s best practices to other companies 17:26 - Hiring generalists over specialists in early-stage companies 27:45 - How to set meaningful professional goals 35:18 - Why Shopify is hiring a thousand interns in 2025 38:23 - How Shopify is using AI in hiring 43:30 - How AI is transforming pair programming and coding interviews 48:09 - Cybersecurity today Resources Mentioned: Farhan Thawar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fnthawar/ Shopify | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopify/ Shopify careers - https://www.shopify.com/careers This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com #RemoteWork #HybridWork #EngineeringLeadership #Product #Marketing #Innovation #Startup #GenerativeAI #AI

    54 min
  8. 7 Proven Practices for Becoming a High Performing CEO with Mark MacLeod, Startup CEO Coach

    18/12/2024

    7 Proven Practices for Becoming a High Performing CEO with Mark MacLeod, Startup CEO Coach

    The biggest outcomes tend to be founder-led, and building anything great is a long and hard journey. In this episode, Mark MacLeod,, Startup CEO Coach and host of the Startup CEO Podcast, shares his framework for generating long term sustainable results without burning out and without sacrificing company performance. Mark has spent over two decades helping high-growth technology companies achieve their potential. As a former CFO for industry leaders like Shopify and FreshBooks, a venture capitalist, and the founder of an investment bank, Mark has navigated everything from failures to driving hundreds of millions in financing and exits. Mark balances his professional achievements with his passions as a yoga instructor, CrossFit enthusiast, and electronic music producer. Specifically, Mark discusses: - How founders can align personal and professional goals for sustained success. - The seven personal practices that foster peak performance for startup CEOs. - Why founders must reinvent themselves to match their company’s growth. - The importance of building intentional boundaries to balance work and life. - How to leverage senior leadership to amplify organizational impact. - Why connecting with peers and advisors is crucial for overcoming isolation. - The role of fun and personal passions in reducing stress and enhancing creativity. - Strategies for maintaining mental and physical health in high-growth environments. Resources Mentioned: ​​Mark MacLeod | Website - https://markmacleod.me/ Mark MacLeod | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/ Ikigai Explained - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai “Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker - https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144324 Five Minute Journal - https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com #startupleadership #founderjourney #ceoinsights #product #marketing #innovation #startup #generativeai #AI

    58 min

    About

    On the Traction Podcast, we bring you discussions with founders and CXOs of the fastest-growing companies in technology, covering everything from product, marketing, innovation, fundraising and more through proven strategies for rapid growth. Presented by: Boast.AI R&D Tax Credit Software - https://boast.ai Launch - https://www.launchacademy.ca Traction Community - https://tractionconf.io

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