Electrifying Growth

Edison Partners
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

There are moments in a company's growth journey that are undeniably electric. We're here to celebrate those moments and the visionaries behind them. This is Electrifying Growth–an original show from Edison Partners sharing stories to spark inspiration and accelerate growth.

  1. Sep 16

    Adopting AI Isn't the Same as Winning With AI

    Adopting AI is easy. Proving it works is the hard part. In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, breaks down why companies need to move beyond AI adoption and start measuring whether it is actually improving the business. Chris explores the gap between widespread AI usage and meaningful financial impact, arguing that successful companies will not be those that simply deploy more tools, but the ones that build AI into their operating model with clear ownership, alignment, and measurable returns. He walks through the three stages of AI maturity, from siloed experimentation to systemic adoption, and explains why the best results come from AI working alongside people, not replacing them. This one's for leaders trying to separate AI progress from AI activity, for teams questioning whether their adoption strategy is delivering real ROI, and for anyone looking to build a culture where urgency accelerates growth without creating burnout. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI adoption without ROI is just expensive activity The difference between siloed AI use and systemic adoption How AI can amplify culture, for better or worse Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) The AI adoption paradox (02:12) Why usage is not ROI (06:59) Measuring AI's real return (07:56) The three stages of AI maturity (14:09) Why AI needs human judgment (16:28) Building healthy urgency with AI (19:24) The human side of AI adoption

  2. Sep 2

    The Founder Mistakes That Can Derail Growth

    The real challenge of building a successful company is knowing which mistakes are recoverable and which decisions can fundamentally change the trajectory of the business. In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden talks with Kevin Chern, entrepreneur and founder of Sanguine Strategic Advisors, to zoom in on the lessons from more than 30 years of entrepreneurship. Chern's journey spans building a law firm across 22 states, bootstrapping Total Attorneys beyond $30 million in revenue and growing Upright Law into the largest consumer bankruptcy law firm in the U.S. The conversation explores the decisions that shaped those businesses, including navigating regulatory pressure, taking venture debt, selecting a private equity partner and bringing in an outside CEO. Kevin also shares how those experiences changed his approach to executive hiring, including a recent CTO search that used AI to evaluate a pool of more than 750 applicants. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why choosing the right business matters more than just making money The hidden risks of hiring the wrong CEO or investor How AI is changing the way leaders make decisions Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (02:19) From lawyer to entrepreneur (05:30) How Google pay-per-click created a new business opportunity (07:57) The challenges of scaling and delegation (11:17) Choosing the right capital partner (12:26) Venture debt and regulatory pressure (14:24) What went wrong with the hired CEO (16:43) Removing emotion from executive hiring (17:47) Using AI to build a rigorous CTO hiring process (22:02) Why domain expertise matters in executive leadership (24:07) Building Upright Law and rethinking founder success (26:28) The idea behind Sanguine Strategic Advisors (28:52) How Sanguine vets solution providers (30:55) Turning referrals into recurring revenue (32:38) Building Introzy to scale referral partnerships (35:34) Aligning the business model around measurable ROI (36:47) Building an agentic business advisor (38:35) Making small mistakes without making catastrophic ones (40:13) How founders should evaluate investors

  3. Aug 19

    AI Won't Fix a Broken Business Model

    Is growth without profit growth at all? In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners and host of Sit Down with Sugden, makes the case that growth at all costs has always been fool's gold, and that AI isn't going to change that math. Chris walks through three decades of market cycles, from the dot-com bubble to the pandemic-era free money era, arguing that the businesses that win are the ones that pair growth with real cash flow and margin, not the ones that grow the fastest. He also pushes back on both extremes of the AI conversation: it isn't the miracle fix some are promising, and it isn't the threat to human contribution others are predicting. This one's for any leader trying to figure out whether their AI rollout is delivering real results, or just making the wait for results feel shorter, and for anyone who wants a clear-eyed gut check on growth versus profitability before the next board meeting. In this episode, you'll learn: Why AI might be speeding you toward the wrong outcome The uncomfortable math behind growth without profit How AI adoption can become a culture problem Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (01:45) The fear-based narratives around AI (02:36) AI's real impact versus the hype (03:55) Why growth at all costs was fool's gold (05:52) The financial metrics that still matter most (08:15) Two ways companies are adopting AI (11:24) Closing thoughts on AI adoption pressure

  4. Aug 5

    The First 90 Days: How Great Leaders Earn Trust

    Why do some executives earn an organization's trust almost immediately while others struggle despite impressive credentials? In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden is joined by Neill Marshall, Board Chair and Co-Founder, and Kurt Mosley, Association Practice Leader at HealthSearch Partners. Drawing on decades of experience recruiting and advising healthcare executives, they explain why hiring the right leader is only the first step and how the first 90 days often determine long-term success. Neill and Kurt unpack the concept of earned authority, exploring why trust, credibility, and cultural understanding matter more than quick wins during a leadership transition. They also share practical lessons on executive onboarding, coaching, and the small leadership actions that can create lasting influence. Leaders stepping into new roles, hiring senior talent, or guiding organizational change will gain actionable insights for building trust and driving meaningful impact. In this conversation, you'll learn: How new executives can build trust before driving organizational change Why the first 90 days often determine long-term leadership success What earned authority looks like and how leaders can build it through everyday actions Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Meet Neill Marshall and Kurt Mosley (03:25) Why executive search doesn't end with hiring (06:58) What earned authority really means (09:14) Building trust during the first 90 days (12:27) Setting realistic expectations for new executives (15:10) Listening before leading: a CEO success story (22:05) Coaching leaders for long-term success (29:23) AI, emotional intelligence, and executive leadership (34:17) Executive search lessons and hiring mistakes (40:03) Supporting leaders beyond the placement (42:10) Career advice and the value of relationships

  5. Jul 22

    Healthy Urgency in the Age of AI

    Is AI accelerating your company, or accelerating its problems?  In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, explores the "AI Paradox" and why simply adopting AI doesn't lead to stronger business performance. Drawing on insights from the 2026 Edison Growth Index, Chris explains how AI acts as an amplifier, accelerating the strengths and weaknesses that already exist within an organization. Rather than viewing AI as a silver bullet, Chris shares why alignment, efficiency, and sustainability must come before technology. From boardroom alignment to executive ownership, he outlines how growth-stage leaders can build the organizational foundation needed to unlock real value from AI while avoiding burnout, misalignment, and wasted investment. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why AI adoption alone does not predict financial performance How alignment, efficiency, and sustainability work together to drive durable growth Why CEOs must lead AI strategy while empowering functional leaders to execute How to measure organizational readiness before scaling AI initiatives Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) The three pillars of healthy urgency (03:33) Why the CEO must be the Chief AI Officer (05:14) How misalignment leads to inefficiency and burnout (07:56) The risks of uncoordinated AI adoption (11:55) A simple test to measure organizational alignment (13:42) Why alignment, efficiency, and sustainability must work together (14:40) Defining healthy urgency in the age of AI

  6. Jul 8

    The Growth Advantage AI Can't Create

    What separates companies that thrive from those that struggle to keep pace in a rapidly changing market? In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden talks with Ben Laufer, Principal at Edison Partners and lead author of the 2026 Edison Growth Index. With experience as both an operator and investor, Ben brings a unique perspective on what drives sustainable growth, organizational performance, and long-term value creation. Ben shares key findings from Edison's latest research on healthy urgency, a framework built around alignment, efficiency, and sustainability. Whether you're leading a growth-stage company, building a go-to-market organization, or evaluating the impact of AI on your business, this conversation offers practical insights backed by real data. In this conversation, you'll learn: How healthy urgency drives stronger financial outcomer Why customer retention has become a critical growth metric What separates AI compounders from companies still experimenting Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Meet Ben Laufer (02:27) The 2026 Edison Growth Index (04:46) Defining healthy urgency and its three pillars (08:39) Why alignment, efficiency, and sustainability work together (14:16) Retention as the new Rule of 40 (14:51) The metrics most correlated with financial performance (18:36) How proactive customer health improves retention (26:38) The AI paradox and what the data revealed (27:30) Why AI is a compounder, not a growth strategy (33:05) Classifying your organization's AI adoption (35:44) Applying ROI discipline to AI investments (37:57) Key takeaways from the 2026 Growth Index (39:35) Why customer conversations remain essential for growth

  7. Jun 24

    The Future of Work Is Human and Machine

    Is AI changing how companies price and grow?  In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, explores how growth-stage companies are adapting to AI-driven changes in business models, pricing, and productivity. As AI tools reshape workflows and customer expectations, Chris explains why success comes from aligning AI initiatives with measurable business outcomes rather than chasing the newest technology. While some leaders worry about AI-driven job loss or automation replacing humans, Chris argues that the real opportunity lies in enhancing human productivity and restructuring pricing to match consumption and value. From deal discovery to customer service, he shares insights from portfolio companies on where AI drives measurable ROI and how CEOs can guide adoption strategically. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why subscription and usage-based pricing must evolve with AI How AI adoption affects productivity without replacing human expertise What types of workflows and data create lasting competitive advantages How to align AI investments to business outcomes for maximum impact Key moments: (00:00) Introduction (00:58) AI and workforce impact (02:48) Productivity gains in deal discovery and portfolio companies (05:38) Measuring ROI and finding deeper moats (09:11) Shifts in pricing models and consumption-based strategies (12:22) Subscription plus consumption hybrid approach

  8. Jun 10

    Cost of Software is Heading to Zero

    What does it take to build not just a product, but a thriving company in today's fast-paced, data-driven world?  In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden talks with Tommy Cotter, Director of Data Products at Benzinga. With a strong background in building high-impact API products and leading cross-functional teams, Tommy has delivered innovative solutions for top financial institutions, combining technical expertise with strategic insight to solve complex business challenges.  Tommy shares his insights on product management, innovation, and go-to-market strategy for fast-growing companies. He discusses how businesses can create transformative, scalable products by aligning teams with business goals and focusing on human-centered growth. Whether you're scaling a startup or transforming a legacy business, Tommy's approach to leadership will inspire you to rethink growth.  In this conversation, you'll learn: How to build purpose-driven products that drive lasting growth The key to aligning teams for faster, more effective growth Why balancing AI and human touch fuels innovation and success Jump into the conversation: (00:00) The rise of software cost reduction to zero (00:55) Introduction to Tommy Cotter and his background (02:48) Tommy's journey from basketball to the auto industry (05:13) Key lessons learned from Coach Campy (06:45) Why Tommy left the auto industry for new opportunities (09:26) What Benzinga does and its role in the market (11:39) Tommy's role as Director of Data Products at Benzinga (12:39) Aligning product management with go-to-market strategy (15:38) Leveraging AI to power data-driven products (17:50) The importance of human oversight in AI-driven products (21:22) Practical steps to start using AI in your business (23:37) The innovative culture that drives success at Benzinga (26:02) Navigating token costs and pricing models in AI (28:02) The SaaS reset and adjusting to the new market norm (29:32) Career advice: networking and finding opportunities

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4.2
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About

There are moments in a company's growth journey that are undeniably electric. We're here to celebrate those moments and the visionaries behind them. This is Electrifying Growth–an original show from Edison Partners sharing stories to spark inspiration and accelerate growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Edison Partners
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Edison Partners 2022
  • Show Website
    Electrifying Growth

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