C-Suite Secrets

Heather Parsons
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

C-Suite Secrets is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs ready to scale smarter and lead stronger. Hosted by Heather Parsons—Fractional CFO, business strategist, and real estate investor—each episode features candid conversations with high-performing founders and C-suite executives. Get real-world strategies on cash flow, operations, leadership, and growth from experts who’ve been in the trenches. It’s not just theory—it’s the secrets behind sustainable success.

  1. 5H AGO ·  VIDEO

    The Truth About Marketing ROI Every Business Owner Needs to Know

    Show Notes:     What actually drives results in marketing today is not more activity. It is better strategy. In this episode of C Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons sits down with Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital, to break down what truly moves the needle for business growth after working with tens of thousands of businesses. Shannon shares the realities behind scaling a marketing company over 17 years and why most businesses struggle to see ROI from their efforts. From defining what success actually looks like to building a marketing plan that aligns with real business goals, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what works. They dive into the gap between learning and implementation, why consistency matters more than intensity, and how business owners can simplify marketing without sacrificing results. Shannon also explains how to approach AI as a tool without losing authenticity and why most companies are using it incorrectly. If you are trying to grow your business but feel overwhelmed by too many options, unclear results, or inconsistent marketing, this episode gives you a practical framework to regain control and start seeing traction. Bio:     Founder & Client Success Officer, AKA “#HeadHoneyBadger”   Shannon Kinney is a seasoned startup Founder and Executive with over 30 years of experience. She is considered a thought leader in the online space, and is a highly sought after keynote speaker, advisor and consultant. With deep experience in sales, marketing, online product development, and leadership, this is her third nationally-scaled digital marketing solution company. She founded Dream Local Digital in 2009 “to bring the power of online marketing to small and medium sized businesses”, and also to master the craft of how to make SMBs successful on social media. She has a wide and highly engaged network of leaders in media, technology, and startups worldwide, and has developed Dream Local Digital to be a widely recognized brand as best of breed social media fulfillment. Dream Local Digital has helped over 90,000 businesses nationwide grow and scale with digital marketing. To connect with our guest, click on the links below:  linkedin.com/in/shannonkinney https://dreamlocal.com/ shannonkinney.com 🎁Grab your free Marketing Plan Guide:  https://dreamlocal.com/ebooks/marketing-plan-guide/   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links https://oneroomhq.com/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    43 min

  2. MAY 5 ·  VIDEO

    The Hidden Revenue Cost of a Confused Brand and How to Fix It

    Show Notes:     What if your marketing problem isn’t your tactics but your strategy? In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with T.K. Douglass, founder of Fidelis Creative Agency, to unpack the real reasons businesses struggle to generate consistent growth from their marketing. With nearly two decades of experience, T.K. shares why many companies unknowingly create “Frankenstein brands,” how misalignment between leadership and marketing teams kills ROI, and why treating marketing as a cost center is one of the most expensive mistakes a CEO can make. They also dive into the role of AI in modern marketing, where it helps, where it hurts, and why experience and strategic thinking are becoming the true competitive advantage in a world driven by speed. If you’re a founder or executive trying to scale profitably, this conversation will challenge how you think about branding, marketing investment, and long-term growth. Bio:   TK Douglass, CEO, is a lifelong Texan, Fightin’ Texas Aggie ’05, husband, and father to three children. He founded Fidelis as a media operation in 2007 but always believed that Fidelis could be so much more than a production studio. TK launched that dream, the new version of Fidelis, as a full-service creative agency with a special emphasis on brand-led marketing in 2016. TK wears his cowboy boots almost everywhere all the time – dentist appointments, taco joints, bar mitzvahs, church baptisms, baseball games, weddings, and the pool in July. He reads (almost exclusively) business books, watches what can only be described as ‘B-grade’ sci-fi, and helps make sure his wife’s garden is well planned, mulched, and watered year after year. He loves telling jokes, Waylon Jennings records, and bourbon. One day he will buy and wear a cowboy hat, but he insists on owning at least two cows so he won’t be ‘all hat, no cattle.’ He will play a round of golf with anybody who mentions a passing interest in setting up a tee time.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: IG: @fideliscreativeagency LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fidelis-creative-agency   fideliscreative.com  Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://oneroomhq.com/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    35 min

  3. APR 28 ·  VIDEO

    The Data-Driven Approach to Business Growth

    Show Notes:   In this episode, Heather Parsons sits down with Ramsey Sweis, founder of Aqaba Digital, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a modern digital agency. From starting in his living room to operating globally, Ramsey shares hard earned lessons on systems, data driven decision making, and why most businesses fail to align marketing with profitability. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramseysweis/  https://www.facebook.com/AqabaTech   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links https://oneroomhq.com/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    41 min

  4. APR 21 ·  VIDEO

    From Near-Death Business Moments to Long-Term Success

    Show Notes: In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Nacho Guzmán, founder of Latin Brand, a multinational advertising agency specializing in multicultural and Hispanic markets. With nearly two decades in business, Nacho shares the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship—from near-death business experiences to navigating industry disruption, building international teams, and staying relevant in the age of AI. This conversation goes beyond surface-level strategy and dives into what actually sustains long-term success: resilience, humility, adaptability, and human connection. Bio:   Nacho Guzmán has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising. He has worked with multicultural and multinational brands across different categories, including public, non-profit, and government entities. His leadership and strategic skills have helped a wide range of brands and companies reach their goals and objectives   Nacho leads all marketing-related activities at LatinBrand. Clients he has currently and previously partnered with include: PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Constellation Brands, Mars, Tito’s, Stoli, ALDI, Inc., among others   He offers strategic insights for regional, nationwide, and international campaigns targeting consumers with varying levels of acculturation.   Nacho has won numerous Industry Awards and is a member of various trade associations.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: FB https://www.facebook.com/LatinBrandUS IG https://www.instagram.com/latinbrandus/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/latin-brand-agency Website:  https://westcoastcontent.com/ Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links https://oneroomhq.com/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    43 min

  5. APR 14 ·  VIDEO

    Why Answering the Phone Is the Fastest Way to Grow Your Business

    Show Notes:   In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with digital marketing veteran Marilyn Jenkins, who has been building and scaling businesses since the early days of the internet. Marilyn shares what most business owners get wrong about marketing and why the real problem is rarely lead generation, it is what happens after the lead comes in. From missed phone calls to lack of follow up, she breaks down how simple operational gaps are quietly costing businesses revenue every single day. The conversation dives into the realities of scaling a service-based business, including why discipline matters more than environment in remote work, how founders become the biggest bottleneck in their own growth, and what it actually takes to turn marketing into a predictable revenue engine. Marilyn also explains how to leverage Google Business Profile, AI-driven search behavior, and Meta ads without overspending, along with practical strategies to nurture leads, increase conversions, and build long-term client relationships. If you are a founder trying to grow without burning out, this episode is packed with actionable insights on delegation, systems, and the metrics that truly drive revenue.   Bio:   Marilyn Jenkins is a digital growth strategist and founder of MJ Media Group & Law Marketing Zone®, specializing in helping service-based businesses scale their business. Since the early 90s, she has developed strategic digital marketing plans spanning paid ads, SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and bilingual call center services. Her expertise has generated remarkable results, including some clients exceeding seven-figure annual revenues and achieving a return on investment over 14x.   An expert in her field, Marilyn hosts the top 3% podcast, *Leadership In Law*, where she interviews prominent legal professionals on topics vital to growth and team building. Her cable TV show, The Marketing Zone, is on NowMedia.TV networks. She is also a published author of multiple books available on Amazon   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynjenkins/ https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.jenkins.1232 https://www.instagram.com/lawmarketingzone/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJaVjBx5VrfFLQNJlPIURJw https://lawmarketingzone.com Amazon Author page: https://amzn.to/4h6j4ra https://mjmediagroup.co    Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links https://oneroomhq.com/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    33 min

  6. APR 7 ·  VIDEO

    Leadership Communication Secrets Every Founder Should Know

    Show Notes: Communication is one of the most underestimated leadership skills in business today. In this episode of C Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with leadership expert Kim Bohr, incoming CEO of SparkEffect, to discuss the critical role communication plays in building trust, scaling organizations, and leading through change. Kim shares insights from national research on leadership trust, the challenges of merging company cultures, and the behavioral dynamics that influence how leaders communicate under pressure. From navigating mergers and organizational change to managing stress driven communication breakdowns, this conversation provides practical leadership insights for founders, executives, and business owners who want to build stronger teams and more resilient companies.   Bio:   Kim Bohr is CEO of SparkEffect, where she leads the firm in helping Fortune 1000 companies and emerging enterprises navigate disruption without fracturing trust.  With over 25 years of executive experience, Kim and her team partner with leaders, Boards, and CEOs on strategy, talent, and organizational performance, building trust, accelerating change, and delivering measurable outcomes. Central to this work is SparkEffect Trust Elasticity™ framework, a research-backed model designed to evaluate and fortify trust during periods of change, whether it be AI integration, leadership turnover, or restructuring.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbohr/ https://sparkeffect.com/ https://sparkeffect.com/sparkeffect-podcast-courage-to-advance/ 🎁sparkeffect.com/csuite - we will have the trust report and organizational guide for listeners to download.    Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links https://oneroomhq.com/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    36 min

  7. MAR 31 ·  VIDEO

    Investor Marketing Is the Missing Link in Your Capital Raise

    Show Notes:   In this episode of C Suite Secrets, host Heather Parsons sits down with Jason Fishman, a leading expert in investor marketing and capital raising strategy. Jason shares how founders can shift their mindset from simply raising money to building a scalable marketing engine that attracts investors consistently. Jason explains why most fundraising efforts fail due to a lack of structured marketing, not a lack of opportunity. He breaks down how digital campaigns, content funnels, and strategic outreach can drive both investor acquisition and brand momentum. The conversation dives into different capital raising pathways including Regulation D, Regulation CF, and Regulation A plus, highlighting how each model works and when to use them. Jason also unpacks the importance of traffic, conversion rates, and social proof in building a successful raise. Heather and Jason discuss the emotional and strategic side of investing, emphasizing that investors are driven by trust, excitement, and belief in the founder just as much as financial return. They also cover common mistakes founders make when they are under pressure to raise capital, including giving up too much equity or failing to plan for long term growth. Jason introduces his eight point marketing framework, a structured approach to planning and executing a successful investor campaign. He emphasizes that preparation, consistency, and visibility are the key drivers of success. The episode wraps with actionable advice for founders who are planning to raise capital in the future, including building partnerships early, creating a strong marketing foundation, and understanding the full investor journey.   Bio:   Jason Fishman is the CEO of Digital Niche Agency, a marketing firm specializing in investor acquisition for equity crowdfunding campaigns. Over the past decade, Jason and his team have helped more than 500 startups raise nine figures in capital through strategic digital marketing. Jason is also the host of the Test Optimize Scale podcast, where he interviews founders and growth leaders about the strategies behind building and scaling companies.   To connect with our guest, click on the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jafishman/ http://digitalnicheagency.com https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency   Connect with me:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ https://heatherparsons.com/links https://oneroomhq.com/   Join the C-Suite Insiders Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders   🎁Get your free checklist to Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth  https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    41 min

  8. MAR 24 ·  VIDEO

    Think like a CFO: What Profit Is Actually Telling You

    Think Like a CFO: What Profit Is Actually Telling You  Most business owners think profit will tell them if things are working. CFOs know better. In this episode of C-Suite Secrets, Heather Parsons breaks down what it actually means to think like a CFO—even if you don’t have a finance background. Because here’s the truth: Profit isn’t something you manage in real time. It’s the result of decisions that have already been made. If you’re waiting on profit to tell you what’s working, you’re already behind. Heather walks through how CFOs actually look at revenue, cost, and decision-making—focusing on what creates profit, not just the number itself. You’ll learn how to break down your offers, identify where money is being lost, and start making decisions that make your business more profitable and easier to run. This is the shift from operator to financially minded CEO. What You’ll Learn Why profit is a result, not a strategy Why more revenue won’t fix a broken model The difference between tracking numbers and understanding them How to break down your offers to see what’s actually profitable The 5 key areas that drive profit before it shows up Why founders become the bottleneck (and how to spot it) How to identify where money is being made—and where it’s being lost The one question to simplify your decisions: What would make this business easier to run? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to C-Suite Secrets 00:44 Understanding Your Business Finances 01:43 The Role of Profit in Business 05:41 Shifting Perspectives: Thinking Like a CFO 07:14 Top Areas to Improve Profitability 11:30 Making Informed Decisions for Profit   💬 Connect with Heather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-parsons-cfo/ All Links: https://heatherparsons.com/links https://oneroomhq.com/ 👥 Join the C-Suite Insiders Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/csuiteinsiders 🎁 Free Resource Turn Your Business Success into Lasting Wealth Investment Readiness Checklist: https://info.thesummitcfo.com/investment-readiness-checklist

    13 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

C-Suite Secrets is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs ready to scale smarter and lead stronger. Hosted by Heather Parsons—Fractional CFO, business strategist, and real estate investor—each episode features candid conversations with high-performing founders and C-suite executives. Get real-world strategies on cash flow, operations, leadership, and growth from experts who’ve been in the trenches. It’s not just theory—it’s the secrets behind sustainable success.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Parsons
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    C-Suite Secrets