The Revenue Room™, by H2K Labs

Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO, H2K Labs
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Welcome to The Revenue Room™, brought to you by H2K Labs. Our podcast is designed for CEOs and their revenue-critical executive teams leading media, events, data/info, and marketplace businesses. We focus on boosting revenue, enhancing profitability, and elevating enterprise value. Each episode delves into cutting-edge data-driven strategies to accelerate revenue, manage risks, and establish scalable, predictable processes. We also discuss elevating revenue to the core of operational excellence, empowering you to consistently outperform your competitors. 

  1. From Fragmented Events to Category Powerhouses: Inside Hyve’s Growth Engine

    FEB 9

    From Fragmented Events to Category Powerhouses: Inside Hyve’s Growth Engine

    In this episode of The Revenue Room™ Podcast, Heather Holst-Knudsen sits down with Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group, to unpack how Hyve has built a portfolio of market-leading, founder-led events backed by private equity while maintaining performance, culture, and long-term growth. Mark shares Hyve’s acquisition philosophy, why protecting founder vision matters, and how events are shifting from floor space and sponsorships to data-driven meetings, performance guarantees, and year-round ecosystems. The conversation also explores navigating economic downturns, scaling brands globally, and why public markets often undervalue events businesses. WHY LISTEN If you’re responsible for scaling revenue in events, media, or information services, this episode offers a rare, operator-level view of what growth really looks like at scale. You’ll gain insight into: How to scale through acquisitions without losing culture or quality Why events must shift from transactions to performance-based revenue How data-driven meetings and curated experiences prove ROI How to hedge risk during economic uncertainty Why long-term thinking often requires private ownershipThis episode is essential listening for leaders building durable, defensible growth in experience-led businesses. CONNECT WITH MARK : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shashoua-956b8b12/ About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    48 min
  2. Why Capital Alone Is Failing Event Founders and What Actually Builds Scalable IP

    FEB 3

    Why Capital Alone Is Failing Event Founders and What Actually Builds Scalable IP

    In this episode of The Revenue Room™ Podcast, Heather Holst-Knudsen is joined by Marilu Paez, managing director and co-founder of Events Venture Group (EVG), for an insightful conversation on why operational know-how and strategic guidance are just as critical as capital for early-stage event ventures. Marilu shares how she transitioned from 17 years in senior leadership roles across major tech companies in Mexico to building EVG in Miami—a nonprofit consortium connecting event founders with seasoned operators and investors. She breaks down how EVG evaluates ventures, the signals investors watch for, and what makes an events business truly investment-ready. Drawing on her experience scaling Intuit in Mexico and advising early-stage founders, Marilu explains why collaboration accelerates growth, how founders can avoid common mistakes, and the strategic play behind EVG’s four standout investments: Quantum World Congress, Deep Tech Momentum, Explor, and Stable Con. WHY LISTEN This episode is essential listening for CEOs, founders, and event entrepreneurs who are: Seeking guidance on scaling early-stage events with limited capital and resourcesNavigating operational, strategic, and investor expectationsLooking to build sustainable, profitable, and investable event businessesCurious about how mentorship, community, and strategic capital intersect in the events ecosystemInterested in actionable lessons from industry veterans who have built and exited major eventsIf you’re a founder, investor, or operator in the events, media, or data-driven experience industries, this episode offers practical insights and frameworks for turning a passionate idea into a scalable, revenue-generating business. CONNECT WITH MARILU: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilu-paez/ About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    44 min
  3. Why LinkedIn Rewards Clear Leadership, Not More Content

    FEB 3

    Why LinkedIn Rewards Clear Leadership, Not More Content

    In this episode of The Revenue Room™ Podcast, Heather Holst-Knudsen is joined by Lia Bliss, CEO of Bliss Magic Consulting, for a timely and eye-opening conversation on why LinkedIn has become one of the most misunderstood yet most powerful revenue platforms in the digital economy. Lia breaks down how executives are still treating LinkedIn like a digital resume or announcement board and why that mindset is quietly limiting reach, credibility, and enterprise value. Drawing on proprietary LinkedIn algorithm research and hands-on experience training global sales teams and CEOs, Lia reframes LinkedIn as the modern boardroom where conversations drive relationships, trust influences valuation, and visibility translates into revenue. WHY LISTEN This episode is essential listening for CEOs and revenue leaders who are: Using LinkedIn as a resume or announcement channel instead of a growth engineNavigating algorithm and AI-driven changes in visibility and reachLooking to convert executive presence into credibility and enterprise valueRethinking how conversations, not broadcasts, drive growthBuilding authority in a market where trust is digital-firstIf you’re a CEO, CRO, CMO, founder, or operator responsible for growth in a data- and AI-driven economy, this episode offers a clear, practical framework for turning LinkedIn into a strategic revenue asset rather than a passive platform. CONNECT WITH LIA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liabliss/ About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    40 min
  4. Truth, Trust, and Experience: Protecting Brand Value in the Age of Deepfakes with Philip Thomas

    FEB 3

    Truth, Trust, and Experience: Protecting Brand Value in the Age of Deepfakes with Philip Thomas

    In this episode of The Revenue Room™ Podcast, Heather Holst-Knudsen sits down with Philip Thomas, Chief Creative Officer at Informa PLC and Chairman of Cannes Lions, to unpack why creativity, experience, and human connection have become some of the most powerful revenue levers in today’s data- and AI-driven economy. From the transformation of Cannes Lions into a global brand ecosystem, to why public markets consistently undervalue event businesses, Philip shares a candid, operator-level view of what actually drives long-term enterprise value in B2B media and events. This conversation explores how innovation must be paired with process, why not every business should chase a 365 model, and how AI will ultimately increase, not replace, the value of in-person connection. Why Listen This episode is essential for leaders who are: Rethinking creativity, experience, and brand as core revenue driversNavigating the shift from transactional events to experience-led ecosystemsManaging complex global portfolios across media, events, and communitiesBalancing innovation, process, and scalability in growth strategiesEvaluating when 365 engagement models make sense — and when they don’tUnderstanding AI’s role in trust, authenticity, and human connectionIf you’re a CEO, CMO, CRO, or revenue-critical executive building for 2025 and beyond, Philip’s insights offer clarity, perspective, and a grounded framework for creating long-term enterprise value. CONNECT WITH PHILIP THOMAS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-thomas-127a541/ About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    50 min
  5. Why Scaling Leaders Don’t Build Alone—and What Isolation Costs with Jason Bateman

    FEB 3

    Why Scaling Leaders Don’t Build Alone—and What Isolation Costs with Jason Bateman

    In this episode of The Revenue Room™ Podcast, Heather Holst-Knudsen sits down with Jason Bateman, Vice President of Community at XPRIZE, for a deep exploration of what it truly takes to build, scale, and sustain high-impact communities. Jason brings more than 25 years of experience designing and growing elite membership organizations, from Vistage to XPRIZE. He shares hard-earned insights on why community is not a “nice-to-have,” but a strategic growth engine when executed with intention, discipline, and care. This conversation goes beyond surface-level engagement tactics and dives into the mechanics of trust, curation, retention, and long-term value creation. This episode is a masterclass in community as infrastructure: how purpose-driven networks compound value, how diversity strengthens group dynamics, and why leadership, curation, and accountability determine whether a community thrives or fails. WHY LISTEN This episode is essential for CEOs, founders, and revenue-critical leaders who are: Building executive communities, networks, or membershipsStruggling with churn, engagement, or long-term retentionRethinking community as a business model, not a side projectLooking to align purpose, growth, and measurable impactExploring how innovation ecosystems actually scaleIf you’re a leader who believes community can drive both economic and societal outcomes, this conversation offers practical frameworks, real-world lessons, and a powerful reminder: the right people, curated with care, can change everything. CONNECT WITH JASON: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbateman/ About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    50 min
  6. From Beanie Babies to Big Data: Why Your Company’s "Dormant" Assets Are Worth More Than Your Core Business

    JAN 12

    From Beanie Babies to Big Data: Why Your Company’s "Dormant" Assets Are Worth More Than Your Core Business

    In this episode of The Revenue Room™, Heather Holst-Knudsen sits down with Janice Liu, the Mantis Group CEO reveals why "every company is a data company" whether they like it or not. Janice breaks down her proprietary methodology for appraising data assets—often proving they are worth more than a company's traditional operating business—and explains how this valuation can radically increase M&A multiples. We dive deep into "shadow inefficiencies," the mechanics of brokering data deals with Large Language Models (LLMs), and why ethical consent is the single most critical factor in future-proofing your revenue. If you think your data is just a compliance risk, this conversation will change your entire balance sheet.  WHY LISTEN This episode is essential for leaders who are: Leading transformation inside legacy or scaled organizationsManaging growth through acquisitions or portfolio complexityAligning leadership teams during periods of uncertaintyUsing data to drive clarity and confidence in decision-makingNavigating AI disruption without losing organizational trustBalancing performance, culture, and long-term value creationIf you’re a CEO, CMO, CRO, or senior operator steering an organization through change, this episode delivers grounded, experience-driven perspective. CONNECT WITH JANICE LIU: linkedin.com/in/janice-liu-89905620 About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    49 min
  7. Media for Equity: How Media Companies Can Fuel Growth in Consumer Brands with Diana Florescu

    12/29/2025

    Media for Equity: How Media Companies Can Fuel Growth in Consumer Brands with Diana Florescu

    In this episode of The Revenue Room Podcast, Heather Holst-Knudsen sits down with Diana Florescu, Founder and CEO of Media for Growth, to unpack one of the most powerful alternative funding models reshaping consumer brand growth and media monetization today: Media for Equity. With more than 25 years of global precedent and recent expansion from Europe into the U.S., Media for Equity is gaining momentum as media companies and brands rethink capital efficiency, valuation, and long-term growth. Diana explains why this model is accelerating now, how it transforms underutilized media inventory into equity value, and why it offers a compelling path for both media owners and high-growth consumer brands. WHY LISTEN  This episode is essential for executives who are:  Exploring Media for Equity as a revenue or investment strategyDiversifying media revenue beyond traditional ad salesSupporting challenger brands without increasing cash burnTreating brand as a growth driver, not a cost centerNavigating valuation, liquidity, and exit pathsTurning underutilized media inventory into long-term equity valueIf you’re a CEO, CRO, CFO, investor, or corporate development leader operating at the intersection of media, consumer growth, and capital strategy, this episode provides a practical framework for understanding Media for Equity and its role in modern revenue growth. CONNECT WITH DIANA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaflorescu About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    55 min
  8. Lose Slowly or Lose Suddenly: The Uncomfortable Truth About Relevance

    12/10/2025

    Lose Slowly or Lose Suddenly: The Uncomfortable Truth About Relevance

    In this episode of The Revenue Room™, Heather Holst-Knudsen sits down with Christine Shaw, CEO and President of Naylor Association Solutions, to explore how modern associations are transforming their business models in a data-driven, AI-accelerated world. Christine shares how her leadership was shaped in high-velocity environments at PennWell and Future PLC, why clean data is the ultimate stabilizer in disruption, and how she built the business analyst role that now powers insights and decision-making across every organization she leads. Christine breaks down the complexity of Naylor’s multi-line business—from member communications and job boards to AMS technology platforms—and explains how associations can stay relevant as generational shifts reshape how people consume information, learn, and build community. She also offers a candid look at how AI is transforming internal workflows, client-facing products, and the future of year-round member engagement. Why listen This episode is essential for leaders who are:  • Navigating the shift from legacy business models to intelligence-driven operations  • Building scalable, privacy-aware data foundations  • Managing complex multi-line revenue organizations  • Reimagining sales, marketing, and community engagement in an AI-first world  • Leading multi-generational teams through disruption  • Seeking a practical roadmap for modernizing associations, media companies, or membership-driven businesses If you’re a CEO, CMO, CRO, association leader, or revenue-critical executive building for 2025 and beyond, Christine’s insights offer clarity, direction, and a blueprint for sustainable growth. CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE SHAW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineashaw/ About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage. About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™. About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation. Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Revenue Room™, brought to you by H2K Labs. Our podcast is designed for CEOs and their revenue-critical executive teams leading media, events, data/info, and marketplace businesses. We focus on boosting revenue, enhancing profitability, and elevating enterprise value. Each episode delves into cutting-edge data-driven strategies to accelerate revenue, manage risks, and establish scalable, predictable processes. We also discuss elevating revenue to the core of operational excellence, empowering you to consistently outperform your competitors. 

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO, H2K Labs
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Revenue Room™, by H2K Labs
  • Show Website
    The Revenue Room™, by H2K Labs