The Sheer Growth Podcast Season 1

The Sheer Growth Podcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Business
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to The Sheer Growth Podcast - Season 1, where host James Sheerin sits down with founders, agency leaders, marketers, and innovators to explore how AI is transforming business growth. Discover practical strategies, real-world success stories, client acquisition tactics, automation insights, and the future of work. Whether you're an entrepreneur, agency owner, or business leader, you'll gain actionable ideas to grow smarter, scale faster, and stay ahead in the AI-driven economy.

Episodes

  1. Scaling a Marketing Agency in 2026: Insights from Gayle Kalvert of Creo Collective

    Jun 18

    Scaling a Marketing Agency in 2026: Insights from Gayle Kalvert of Creo Collective

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Gayle Kalvert, founder and CEO of Creo Collective, to talk about what it really takes to build and scale a modern B2B marketing agency. Gayle shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in New York to unexpectedly becoming a founder after being laid off, and how that experience shaped the way she built her agency culture today. The conversation dives deep into agency growth, AI, outsourcing, profitability, hiring, client relationships, and the realities of running a service-based business in 2026. We cover: How Gayle transitioned from corporate life into entrepreneurship Why traditional agencies often fail their people The importance of building a healthy agency culture How Creo Collective uses a hybrid freelance model Why subject matter expertise still matters in the AI era How AI is transforming agency operations and workflows Why profitability matters more than revenue The challenges of pipeline generation and agency growth How outsourced talent in the Philippines helped scale the business Why authenticity and transparency matter in leadership If you’re an agency owner, marketer, founder, or freelancer trying to grow a sustainable business in today’s AI-driven world, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical lessons. ⸻ 🎙️ About Gayle Kalvert Gayle Kalvert is the founder and CEO of Creo Collective, a B2B growth marketing agency focused on helping ambitious tech brands scale through strategic marketing and execution. Creo Collective works with B2B technology companies by combining experienced marketing talent with flexible, scalable delivery models. The agency specializes in: • B2B growth marketing • Content and copywriting • Partner marketing • Event marketing • Strategic marketing operations • Demand generation • Fractional marketing support Gayle is also the host of the podcast Work In Progress, where she shares honest conversations around entrepreneurship, growth, work, and life. 🌐 Website: https://gaylekalvert.com 🌐 Creo Collective: https://www.creocollective.io 🎙️ Marketing In Progress Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/marketing-in-progress/id1811403680 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/ ⸻ ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, and agency leaders on growth, AI, and the future of business. Hosted by James Sheerin. ⸻ 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: • Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows • Scale without bloated overhead 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

    36 min
  2. How Data-Driven Marketing Turns Customer Insights Into Growth

    Jun 17

    How Data-Driven Marketing Turns Customer Insights Into Growth

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Jim Harenchar, CEO of Response Marketing Group, to explore how data, analytics, and customer insight can turn marketing into measurable growth. Response Marketing Group is a data-driven marketing and analytics firm with nearly 40 years of experience helping brands improve acquisition, retention, cross-selling, attribution, and performance accountability. Jim shares how RMG evolved from the early days of direct mail and telemarketing into a modern analytics-led business helping clients understand not just who their customers are, but how to engage them more intelligently. We cover: • How Response Marketing Group has lasted nearly 40 years • Why data is still the foundation of effective marketing • How segmentation and predictive modelling improve performance • Why attribution matters more than ever • How brands can use data even without a large CRM • Why client relationships and retention drive long-term agency growth • How AI is changing analytics, modelling, and campaign execution • The future of RMG’s growth model in 2026 If you’re an agency owner, marketer, or founder looking to make marketing more accountable, this episode is packed with valuable insight. 00:00 – Introduction 00:42 – Jim’s background and RMG’s 40-year journey 02:15 – How RMG started with direct mail and telemarketing 03:45 – Using data to identify and target better customers 05:20 – How marketing has evolved across channels 06:50 – Working with clients at different sophistication levels 08:30 – Why ROI matters at every budget level 10:00 – What RMG does differently 12:15 – Making campaigns more targeted and accountable 14:00 – How RMG generates growth and referrals 16:00 – The challenge of awareness as a boutique firm 18:15 – Building relationships beyond transactional marketing 20:30 – How AI is changing data and analytics 23:00 – From seven-day modelling to seven-minute modelling 25:00 – The risks and opportunities of AI creative 27:00 – RMG’s growth vision for 2026 29:30 – SaaS model vs managed services 31:30 – Where to find Jim and Response Marketing Group ⸻ 🎙️ About Jim Harenchar Jim Harenchar is the CEO of Response Marketing Group, a data-driven marketing and analytics firm focused on helping brands turn customer insight into measurable growth. RMG helps clients with: • Customer segmentation • Predictive modelling • Attribution • Performance accountability • Campaign optimisation • Data-led growth strategy Website: https://www.rmg-usa.com YouTube: Search “Response Marketing Group” or “RMG USA” ⸻ ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, and agency leaders on growth, AI, and the future of business. Hosted by James Sheerin. ⸻ 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: • Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows • Scale without bloated overhead Website: https://www.sheer-ai.com

    30 min
  3. Why Great Agencies Still Need Human Expertise in the AI Era

    Jun 16

    Why Great Agencies Still Need Human Expertise in the AI Era

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Marissa Roper, founder of M. Riley Marketing, to talk about what it really takes to build a boutique marketing agency in today’s fast-changing digital world. Marissa shares her journey from Intel to agency life, how burnout pushed her to build her own business, and why she chose a high-touch, boutique model over the traditional volume-driven agency approach. We cover: • Why Marissa left the agency world to build M. Riley Marketing • The problems with outdated agency processes and poor client service • How she balanced a full-time job while launching her business • Why boutique agencies can win by staying close to the client • The power of brand storytelling and authentic content • Why video and reels continue to outperform static content • How AI is helping marketers work faster without replacing strategy • The importance of delegation, systems, and growing the right team • Marissa’s goals for scaling the business in 2026 If you’re an agency owner, marketer, or founder trying to grow without losing quality, this conversation is packed with valuable insight. ⸻ 🎙️ About Marissa Roper Marissa Roper is the founder of M. Riley Marketing, a digital marketing consultancy based in Scottsdale, Arizona. M. Riley Marketing helps businesses grow their online presence through: • Social media management • Content creation • Paid ads • SEO • Website builds and management • Email marketing • Brand strategy Marissa combines paid media, storytelling, and strategic execution to help brands show up more authentically and effectively online. 🌐 Website: http://www.mrileymarketing.com 📄 Services: https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/poplco.appspot.com/o/42957811711-file-1765484390659905962.pdf?alt=media 📝 Service Request Form: https://form.jotform.com/231876460652158?fbclid=IwY2xjawESR-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHae-d5lz_yPC1vTu46v8XlY80tB_h8cRiMAEGuT2rETXReDsFY9hmDJ2xQ_aem_4PiPnzS35b6-9p77oKJFUg 🔗 More Links: https://popl.co/card/GdHcKxlZ/1/s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaroper/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/M-Riley-Marketing/100095197162886/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.riley.marketing/ ⸻ ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, and agency leaders on growth, AI, and the future of business. Hosted by James Sheerin. ⸻ 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: • Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows • Scale without bloated overhead 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

    26 min

  4. Jun 15

    How Affiliate Marketing Drives 30% of Ecom Revenue (with Mike Barron)

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, host James Sheerin sits down with Mike Barron, Founder of Ikon Digital Media, a fast-growing affiliate and creator marketing agency helping brands unlock scalable revenue through performance-driven partnerships. With over 20 years in sales and business development, Mike shares how he built Ikon Digital Media from the ground up and why affiliate marketing is becoming one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) growth channels in eCommerce today. We dive into: 💡 How affiliate marketing can drive 20–30% of DTC revenue 💡 Why affiliate is shifting from conversion to discovery 💡 The evolution of Amazon’s affiliate ecosystem 💡 How to build and scale an agency from scratch 💡 The biggest challenges founders face in the early stages 💡 Why client retention is the #1 KPI for agency growth 💡 How AI is reshaping affiliate and creator marketing 💡 Mike’s approach to outbound and client acquisition Whether you run an agency, an eCommerce brand, or you're exploring affiliate marketing, this episode gives you a clear, practical breakdown of what’s working right now. ⸻ 🎙️ About Mike Barron Mike Barron is the Founder of Ikon Digital Media, a full-service affiliate and creator marketing agency specialising in managing performance-driven ecosystems for DTC and Amazon brands. With a background in scaling large affiliate businesses, Mike brings deep expertise in business development, partnerships, and performance marketing. Connect with Mike: 🔗 Website: https://ikondigitalmedia.com   🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-barron-53385540/ ⸻ ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast Smart conversations to help your agency grow faster. Hosted by James Sheerin, this podcast features agency founders, operators, and leaders sharing real insights on growth, client acquisition, and the future of marketing in the age of AI. 🔗 Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-sheerin   📩 Subscribe for weekly episodes: https://youtube.com/@TheSheerGrowthPodcast   ⸻ 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI Helping agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help agencies: • Generate predictable leads • Improve ROI with smarter systems • Replace tools with AI workflows • Scale without increasing overhead Learn more: 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com/

    23 min
  5. How Smart Agencies Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch (with Melody Bussey)

    Jun 12

    How Smart Agencies Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch (with Melody Bussey)

    Bussey, founder of Impact Creative, to unpack how branding, digital marketing, and AI-driven strategy are reshaping the future of creative agencies. Melody shares her journey from educator to creative strategist, how she built a business around storytelling and brand clarity, and why the real opportunity with AI is not replacing creativity but enhancing it. We cover: Why AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement How creative agencies can stay relevant in a crowded market The danger of commoditised creativity Why outcomes matter more than deliverables How branding, digital strategy, and AI can work together What clients still misunderstand about AI and creative work Why small businesses need accessible, strategic marketing Emerging opportunities like CTV and smarter campaign execution If you’re an agency owner, marketer, or founder trying to balance creativity with performance, this episode is packed with practical insight. 🎙️ About Melody Bussey Melody Bussey is the founder of Impact Creative, a business that combines branding, digital marketing, and AI-driven strategy to build brands that connect, convert, and grow. Impact Creative bridges the gap between creative storytelling and measurable results — because marketing should look good and work hard. What Impact Creative does: • Brand Strategy & Visual Identity • Digital Marketing Campaigns (Social, Email, Web, CTV/OTT) • AI-Enhanced Marketing & Analytics • Website and Funnel Development After years in creative strategy and brand development, Melody’s philosophy is simple: a logo isn’t a brand, it’s a starting line. A real brand has clarity, voice, and a plan. 🌐 Website: https://impactcreatively.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodybussey/ ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with agency founders, marketers, and business leaders navigating growth in the age of AI. Hosted by James Sheerin. ⸻ At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: • Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows • Scale without bloated overhead 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com/ 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI

    32 min
  6. How Data-Driven Fundraising & Digital Strategy Are Shaping Modern Politics (with Joe Goetz)

    Jun 11

    How Data-Driven Fundraising & Digital Strategy Are Shaping Modern Politics (with Joe Goetz)

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Joe Goetz, the President and Founder of Winning Strategy Group—a specialized marketing and fundraising agency dedicated to helping right-of-center, conservative, and Republican clients achieve their organizational goals. Joe shares his fascinating journey from growing up in a multi-generational family kosher deli in New York to navigating the intense world of political campaigns, data-driven fundraising, and digital marketing. The conversation explores the mechanics of the United States' two-party system, how right-leaning non-profits (C3s and C4s) legally shape public policy, and why hyper-targeted direct response marketing is critical to sustaining modern political movements. We Cover: Joe’s journey from a multi-generational family kosher deli in New York to political marketing. The structural realities and challenges of marketing within a strict two-party system. How right-of-center non-profits (C3s and C4s) legally leverage fundraising to influence public policy. Direct response marketing secrets that convert casual followers into long-term, loyal donors. Managing and scaling a specialized agency while balancing ideological alignment with business operations. The importance of clean data hygiene and donor list retention in modern digital campaigns. Lessons in entrepreneurial grit and business endurance passed down through four generations. 🎙️ About Joe Goetz Joe Goetz, CFRE, is the President and Founder of Winning Strategy Group, a marketing and fundraising agency that specializes in helping right-of-center, conservative, and Republican clients achieve their organizational goals. With a background deeply rooted in his family’s entrepreneurial spirit and a lifelong passion for political strategy, Joe has built a practice focused on data-driven marketing, donor stewardship, and effective advocacy. Areas of Expertise: Political Fundraising Strategy Digital Marketing & Direct Response Donor Retention & Stewardship Non-Profit (C3/C4) Operations Political Advocacy & Communications Agency Leadership & Scaling ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, entrepreneurs, and agency leaders discussing growth, AI, marketing, business strategy, and the future of work. Hosted by James Sheerin. 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: Build predictable lead generation systems Improve campaign ROI Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows Scale without bloated overhead 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

    28 min
  7. How AI Is Transforming Copywriting, Advertising & Entrepreneurship (with Courtney Schwal)

    Jun 10

    How AI Is Transforming Copywriting, Advertising & Entrepreneurship (with Courtney Schwal)

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Courtney Schwal, founder of Social Script, advertising strategist, copywriter, and author of You Are The Sum Of Your Last Two Moves. Courtney shares how she transitioned from music therapy into entrepreneurship, how AI reshaped her business model, and why creative thinking remains one of the most valuable skills in today's rapidly evolving marketing landscape. The conversation explores AI, copywriting, Meta advertising, entrepreneurship, creativity, marketing strategy, ethical branding, and the future of service-based businesses. We Cover: Courtney's journey from music therapy to entrepreneurship How AI changed the copywriting industry Why creativity is becoming more valuable than execution Using ChatGPT and Claude as business tools How Meta advertising is evolving The importance of messaging and positioning Why many agencies are making costly AI mistakes Building ethical brands in a crowded marketplace The future of consulting and coaching businesses How AI can help entrepreneurs scale faster If you're a marketer, agency owner, entrepreneur, consultant, or creator trying to navigate the AI revolution, this episode offers practical insights on how to adapt and thrive. 🎙️ About Courtney Schwal Courtney Schwal is the founder of Social Script, a marketing strategist specializing in Meta advertising, copywriting, messaging, and brand positioning. She works primarily with ethical and non-toxic brands, helping them grow through stronger messaging, better advertising, and authentic brand storytelling. Courtney is also the author of: You Are The Sum Of Your Last Two Moves A book focused on helping entrepreneurs identify, leverage, and multiply their existing skills to create new opportunities in business and life. Areas of Expertise: • Meta Advertising • Copywriting • Brand Messaging • AI-Powered Marketing • Marketing Strategy • Entrepreneur Coaching • Ethical Brand Growth⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, entrepreneurs, and agency leaders discussing growth, AI, marketing, business strategy, and the future of work. Hosted by James Sheerin. 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: • Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows • Scale without bloated overhead 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

    28 min
  8. The Future of SEO: How AI Is Changing Search (with Anosh Vaswani)

    Jun 9

    The Future of SEO: How AI Is Changing Search (with Anosh Vaswani)

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Anosh Fazwani, founder of Ignite Marketing, to discuss his journey from corporate marketing roles to building a successful agency serving small and medium-sized businesses. After being laid off twice during his corporate career, Anosh saw an opportunity to help businesses that needed expert marketing support but couldn't justify hiring full-time in-house teams. The conversation explores agency growth, lead generation, SEO, paid advertising, entrepreneurship, client acquisition, and the realities of running a marketing agency in today's competitive landscape. If you're an agency owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to improve lead generation and grow sustainably, this episode is packed with practical insights and lessons learned from eight years of agency ownership. We Cover: How Anosh transitioned from employee to agency owner Why being laid off became a turning point Building Ignite Marketing from the ground up The evolution from SEO services to lead generation Facebook Ads and Google Ads strategies How agencies can better serve small businesses Client acquisition and agency growth lessons Entrepreneurship, resilience, and long-term success The challenges of scaling a marketing business What founders should focus on in 2026 🎙️ About Anosh Fazwani Anosh Fazwani is the founder of Ignite Marketing, a Dallas-based marketing agency specializing in lead generation, paid advertising, and digital marketing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. After building his career in corporate marketing, Anosh launched Ignite Marketing to help companies access high-quality marketing services without the cost of a full in-house team. Areas of Expertise: • Lead Generation • Google Ads • Facebook & Instagram Advertising • SEO • Digital Marketing Strategy • Small Business Growth • Marketing Consulting ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features smart conversations with founders, marketers, agency leaders, and entrepreneurs discussing growth, AI, sales, marketing, and the future of business. Hosted by James Sheerin. 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: • Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Replace unnecessary tools with smarter workflows • Scale without bloated overhead 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

    19 min
  9. Growing a Modern PR Agency: Lessons From 15 Years in Communications (with Brandi Sims)

    Jun 8

    Growing a Modern PR Agency: Lessons From 15 Years in Communications (with Brandi Sims)

    In this episode of The Sheer Growth Podcast, James Sheerin sits down with Brandi Sims, founder of Brand Inc. PR, to discuss what it takes to build and grow a modern public relations and communications agency. Drawing from more than 15 years of experience in communications, Brandi shares insights into agency growth, brand positioning, media relations, client success, and how PR continues to evolve in today's digital and AI-driven landscape. The conversation explores the realities of agency ownership, building long-term client relationships, creating meaningful brand visibility, and why trust remains one of the most valuable assets any business can build. We cover: • Brandi's journey into public relations and communications • Building and scaling Brand Inc. PR • The importance of strategic communications • How PR impacts business growth • Media relations and brand visibility • Agency leadership and client management • The changing role of PR in the digital age • How AI is influencing communications and marketing • Building credibility and trust with audiences • Lessons learned from 15 years in the industry If you're a founder, marketer, agency owner, or business leader looking to improve your brand presence and communication strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience. ⸻ 🎙️ About Brandi Sims Brandi Sims is the founder of Brand Inc. PR, a communications and public relations agency helping businesses strengthen their brands, build credibility, and increase visibility through strategic communications and media relations. With more than 15 years of experience in public relations, branding, and communications, Brandi has helped organizations develop impactful messaging, build strong reputations, and connect with their audiences more effectively. ⸻ ⭐ About The Sheer Growth Podcast The Sheer Growth Podcast features conversations with founders, marketers, agency leaders, and entrepreneurs discussing growth, AI, leadership, marketing, and the future of business. Hosted by James Sheerin. ⸻ 🚀 Powered by Sheer AI At Sheer AI, we help agencies grow with AI-powered client acquisition. We help marketing and advertising agencies: • Build predictable lead generation systems • Improve campaign ROI • Automate repetitive processes • Scale without increasing overhead 🌐 https://www.sheer-ai.com

    42 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Sheer Growth Podcast - Season 1, where host James Sheerin sits down with founders, agency leaders, marketers, and innovators to explore how AI is transforming business growth. Discover practical strategies, real-world success stories, client acquisition tactics, automation insights, and the future of work. Whether you're an entrepreneur, agency owner, or business leader, you'll gain actionable ideas to grow smarter, scale faster, and stay ahead in the AI-driven economy.

Information