Dash Talks Live

Mark Stern

Dash Talks Live is a fast-paced interview series hosted by Mark Stern, founder of Custom Box Agency, spotlighting founders, marketers, operators, and creators who are building, launching, and scaling with speed and intention. Built for founders who value speed, clarity, and strategic execution, Dash Talks Live features short, dynamic conversations with bold entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators who are actively building, launching, and scaling real businesses. Each episode cuts through the noise to explore what it actually takes to go to market fast — without losing intention, story, or structure. Unlike traditional long-form podcasts, Dash Talks Live is designed for momentum. These live, bite-sized interviews spotlight real-world launch strategy, brand storytelling, scalable systems, and decisive execution from people who’ve turned ideas into action. If you’re a founder, marketer, or creator who wants practical insight, sharper thinking, and real lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship, Dash Talks Live is where strategy meets speed. Topics include: Speed-to-market & launch strategyBrand storytelling that convertsSystems and operations for scalingMarketing, visibility, and audience growthBuilding memorable brand experiences Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, marketers, and creators who are serious about launching fast — and building brands that last. Real people. Real launches. Real momentum.

Épisodes

  1. -6 j

    Episode 3: From Facebook Ads to AI: 20 Years of Marketing Lessons with Janak Mehta

    marketing expert Janak Mehta, founder of Clients Online, to explore what nearly two decades in digital marketing has taught him about growth, focus, and staying ahead of industry shifts. From the early days of Google Ads and SEO to today's AI revolution, Janak shares how his company has consistently stayed ahead by anticipating where the market is headed—not simply reacting to it. Together, Mark and Janak discuss why niching down creates authority, how long-term client relationships become your greatest competitive advantage, and why AI should be viewed as an amplifier for your team rather than a replacement. Whether you're running an agency, scaling an online business, or preparing your company for the next wave of AI, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for building a business that lasts. In This Episode: Janak's entrepreneurial journey and nearly 20 years in digital marketingWhy focusing on one core competency helped Clients Online scaleHow identifying trends before they become mainstream creates massive opportunitiesThe importance of building authority through specialization instead of constant reinventionWhy AI-generated cinematic ads are changing paid advertisingThe evolution from service provider to platform ownerBuilding businesses designed for longevity rather than short-term winsThe importance of creating true win-win relationships with clientsWhy losing alongside your clients is better than winning at their expenseHow AI agents will transform employee productivityPractical ways every business can begin implementing AI todayWhy empowering employees with AI is a better strategy than replacing them Resources & Links Mentioned Books Built to Sell by John WarrillowMarketing principles from Dan Kennedy Connect with Janak Mehta Website: https://clientsonline.com/ LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram & X: @JanakMehta Connect with Mark Stern LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksternofficial/ Work with us: Customboxagency.com Instagram: instagram.com/customboxagency Want to Be a Guest on Dash Talks Live? Are you a founder, marketer, operator, or creator building something exciting? Apply to be a guest at: https://dashtalkslive.com/ Real people. Real launches. Real mom

    33 min
  2. 17 juin

    Episode 2: Your Offer Isn't the Problem — Your Positioning Is with Steven Larsen

    In Episode 2 of Dash Talks Live, Mark Stern sits down with entrepreneur, funnel strategist, and event pioneer Steven J. Larsen for a conversation about what it really takes to build and grow in the age of AI. From the evolution of online acquisition to why events remain one of the fastest ways to capture market share, Steven shares the frameworks, observations, and unconventional strategies that have shaped more than a decade in entrepreneurship. Together, they explore why AI isn't replacing entrepreneurs—it's amplifying them. The founders who thrive in this next era won't be the ones producing more content for the sake of it. They'll be the ones who develop clear positioning, build platforms instead of products, understand their processes, and have the confidence to share their unique voice. If you're a founder, marketer, or creator trying to navigate the changing landscape of business and technology, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to adapt, innovate, and build with intention. In This Episode:Why personal brand and authentic voice matter more than everThe surprising power of live events for accelerating growthSteven's concept of moving from offer thinking to platform thinkingWhy AI should enhance human creativity, not replace itThe shift from omnipresence to strategic positioning and messagingHow entrepreneurs can use AI to improve processes instead of creating "AI slop"The importance of understanding your customer journey before implementing AIThe difference between markets and customers, and why most businesses confuse the twoHow book funnels can dramatically improve acquisition economicsWhy the future belongs to right-brain thinkers and creative problem-solvers Resources & Links MentionedBooks Prediction Machines by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi GoldfarbA Whole New Mind by Daniel PinkDotCom Secrets by Russell BrunsonSteven's upcoming book: Red Ocean Blue Offer (working title) Connect with Steven J. LarsenWebsite: www.stevejlarsen.com Titans of Industry: www.titansofindustry.com/ Connect with Mark SternLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksternofficial/ Work with us: Customboxagency.com Instagram: instagram.com/customboxagency Want to Be a Guest on Dash Talks Live? Are you a founder, marketer, operator, or creator building something exciting? Apply to be a guest at: https://dashtalkslive.com/ Real people. Real launches. Real momentum.

    41 min
  3. 10 juin

    Episode 1: The Landing Page Test That's 25 Years Overdue with Paul Ace

    In the very first episode of Dash Talks Live, host Mark Stern sits down with entrepreneur and EverConvert AI founder Paul Ace for a conversation about the realities of building, scaling, and reinventing businesses over time. Paul shares his unconventional journey—from wedding singer and bridesmaid dress entrepreneur to fractional CMO and SaaS founder—and the lessons each chapter taught him about marketing, customer behavior, data, and growth. They discuss why founders should stop chasing shiny objects, the power of testing over guessing, how personal relationships can outperform mass marketing, and why some of the biggest business opportunities are hiding in plain sight. If you're building a business and looking for practical insights on acquisition, growth, and long-term entrepreneurial success, this episode delivers. In This Episode:Paul's entrepreneurial journey across multiple industriesLessons learned from scaling and nearly losing a businessWhy customer feedback is one of the most valuable growth toolsThe importance of grit, consistency, and experimentationBuilding relationships that open doors and create opportunitiesHow EverConvert AI helps businesses increase conversions automaticallyWhy testing landing page copy matters more than most founders realize Connect with Paul AceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulace/ EverConvert AI: https://everconvert.ai/ Connect with Mark SternLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksternofficial/ Want to Be a Guest on Dash Talks Live?Are you a founder, marketer, operator, or creator building something exciting? Apply to be a guest at: https://dashtalkslive.com/ Real people. Real launches. Real momentum.

    38 min

À propos

Dash Talks Live is a fast-paced interview series hosted by Mark Stern, founder of Custom Box Agency, spotlighting founders, marketers, operators, and creators who are building, launching, and scaling with speed and intention. Built for founders who value speed, clarity, and strategic execution, Dash Talks Live features short, dynamic conversations with bold entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators who are actively building, launching, and scaling real businesses. Each episode cuts through the noise to explore what it actually takes to go to market fast — without losing intention, story, or structure. Unlike traditional long-form podcasts, Dash Talks Live is designed for momentum. These live, bite-sized interviews spotlight real-world launch strategy, brand storytelling, scalable systems, and decisive execution from people who’ve turned ideas into action. If you’re a founder, marketer, or creator who wants practical insight, sharper thinking, and real lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship, Dash Talks Live is where strategy meets speed. Topics include: Speed-to-market & launch strategyBrand storytelling that convertsSystems and operations for scalingMarketing, visibility, and audience growthBuilding memorable brand experiences Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, marketers, and creators who are serious about launching fast — and building brands that last. Real people. Real launches. Real momentum.