Spark of Ages

Rajiv Parikh

The Spark of Ages podcast is about the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence through a marketing lens.  We are living in the middle of the most important "spark for the ages".   Our episodes are either about looking back to teach us what we can learn for this moment, or looking forward for where the next spark might be.We highlight the stories from business leaders at the intersection of marketing, technology and innovation.

  1. 6 天前

    GEO Fundamentals: Moving to Content for Machines/Rishi Mallik, Eric Nalbone - SEO, Author of Truth, FAQs ~ Spark of Ages Ep 46

    We explore the monumental shift from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) as AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity become the new front doors to the internet, fundamentally changing how customers discover businesses online. • Traffic patterns are transforming as users get answers directly from AI without clicking through to websites • Content optimized for AI interpretation requires different approaches than traditional keyword-focused SEO • Organizations must shift from optimizing for keywords to building comprehensive topic frameworks • Users coming from AI platforms are more informed and show higher conversion rates despite lower overall traffic • Measuring success requires new metrics beyond traditional organic traffic numbers • Authority signals are evolving from backlinks to expertise indicators and authoritative source citations • Quality content formatted properly for AI consumption can be picked up and highlighted within days • Forward-thinking brands are experimenting with FAQ formats and structured content that AI models prefer • The future belongs to specialists who demonstrate deep expertise in specific niches • Human oversight remains essential to prevent recursive loops of "AI generating content for AI" The digital landscape is experiencing its most significant transformation since the rise of Google, as AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity increasingly become users' first stop for information. This fundamental shift challenges everything we thought we knew about digital visibility. In this eye-opening discussion, we decode the evolution from traditional SEO to what experts variously call GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), AEO, or AIO. Our guests Rishi Mallik, Chief Growth Officer at Workato, and Eric Nalbone, client strategy lead at Position2, share frontline insights into how this transition is reshaping marketing strategies and customer journeys. The conversation reveals how forward-thinking organizations are adapting to a world where traffic patterns are dramatically changing. Rishi describes seeing approximately 20% of Workato's traffic now self-reported as coming from generative AI platforms.  Meanwhile, Eric challenges us to reconsider success metrics, asking provocatively: "If revenue is up but traffic is down, isn't that a win for everyone?" We explore the tactical shifts required to thrive in this new environment: moving from keyword-centric content to topic frameworks, optimizing content structure for AI interpretation, and rethinking how authority and expertise signals are communicated. You'll discover why FAQ formats perform well with AI models, how "borrowing authority" through explicit citation differs from traditional backlink strategies, and why creating comprehensive content hubs trumps isolated keyword-targeted pages. Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Rishi Mallik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishimallik/ Rishi Mallik is currently the Chief Growth Officer at Workato, an AI-driven integration platform that automates workflows across enterprises, recognized as a Gartner and Forrester leader in the automation space. He is an expert in growth marketing and go-to-market strategies, known for his ability to drive rapid transformation and is quickly becoming an expert in democratizing Gen AI within organizations. With over a decade at Workato and prior experience in mobile an Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    1 小時 20 分鐘
  2. 8月29日

    Product Launches in Minutes Not Months/Position2 - StudioX, 3d Democratization, Biryani ~ Spark of Ages Ep 45

    Position Squared introduces StudioX, an innovative 3D rendering platform designed specifically for marketers in consumer electronics, computing, and automotive industries who need high-quality product visualizations without technical expertise or lengthy production cycles. • Purpose-built to address the speed, accuracy, and consistency demands of product marketers • Democratizes 3D rendering by consolidating complex workflows into a single browser-based platform • Enables marketers to generate product angles, zoom into details, and create exploded views without specialized skills • Eliminates dependency on external design teams and multiple software platforms • Creates photo-realistic renders that properly showcase product design details, textures, and materials • Significantly reduces time from weeks to days or even hours for generating marketing visuals • Particularly valuable when physical products are still in production or limited prototypes are available • Ensures products always look authentic while maintaining creative flexibility • Future roadmap includes AI-assisted shot generation for rapid creation of lifestyle visuals Visit position2.com to learn more about Studio X and schedule a trial to experience how it can transform your product marketing visualization process. Studio X emerges as a game-changing solution for marketers struggling with the limitations of traditional product visualization methods. Born from Position Squared's own pain points in delivering high-quality 3D content to clients, this browser-based platform transforms how marketers bring products to life visually. The frustration is universal among product marketers: getting stunning, accurate product visualizations typically requires weeks of back-and-forth with specialized teams, multiple software platforms, and significant technical expertise. Studio X shatters these barriers by consolidating everything into a single, user-friendly interface that democratizes 3D rendering. Marketers can now generate photorealistic product images from any angle, create exploded views showing internal components, and highlight specific product features—all without specialized 3D skills. What sets Studio X apart from generic rendering tools is its industry-specific focus and enterprise-grade quality controls. As Vikram Raghavachari explains, "Your product is your hero. It has to look exactly or better than what it should be and accurate at the same time." Rajesh "M" Muthyalu:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeshmuthyalu/ Rajesh Muthyalu (or "M") is an award-winning creative professional with a 20-year track record in the digital space and currently our Experience Design team Position². M is a leader in transforming brands with creative excellence and strategic digital solutions. M has received multiple industry awards, notably being recognized as one of the 'Top 10 Chief Creative Officers' by CEO Insights. Vikram Raghavachari:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/raghavacharivikram/ Vikram leads our Computing Systems Business unit for Position2. Vikram possesses a deep understanding of how marketing and sales integrate to achieve ultimate growth potential. He was a senior Product Marketing Leader at Lenovo and Intel. He was our client before leading our client facin Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    1 小時 6 分鐘
  3. 8月14日

    Flipping the Information Game Banks Play/Brad Stroh - Achieve, Recession, Lacrosse ~ Spark of Ages Ep 44

    Brad Stroh, co-CEO and co-founder of Achieve, shares how he's built one of the most impactful fintech companies by taking a completely different path from the typical Silicon Valley playbook. Through bootstrapping rather than chasing venture capital, Brad and his co-founder have created a mission-driven business that has served over 1.5 million people and resolved $18 billion in debt since 2002. • Understanding the information asymmetry in financial services that disadvantages consumers making major financial decisions • How Achieve flips traditional asset management by focusing on liability management for the underserved • The evolution of consumer debt over two decades through multiple economic cycles • Applying AI to create "zero-click financial services" that automatically optimize consumer finances • The importance of saying no to opportunities that don't align with core mission • Brad's leadership philosophy centered on being intentional and deliberate • Making the shift from viewing monthly payments to understanding total cost of debt • How economic uncertainty and inflation are affecting consumer financial stability • The importance of balancing regulation with innovation in financial services When everyone else was chasing venture capital and quick exits back in 2002, Brad and his Stanford Business School classmate Andrew Hauser made the radical decision to bootstrap their company. Their reasoning was profound yet simple: they wanted to build something meaningful that would last decades, not just until the next funding round. This patient approach has paid extraordinary dividends. Brad shares how banks leverage vast data resources and experience to maximize profits from consumers who may only go through major financial transactions a handful of times in their lives. By flipping this dynamic and democratizing financial knowledge, Achieve helps struggling and striving families navigate their way to stability. The conversation explores how consumer debt has evolved through multiple economic cycles – from the dot-com bust through the Great Recession and pandemic. Brad offers fascinating insights on current economic conditions and the transformative potential of AI in financial services. If you've enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and comment on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Brad Stroh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordstroh/ Brad Stroh, the Co-CEO and co-founder of Achieve, starting the company back in 2002 out of Stanford Business School.  Over the past 20-plus years, Achieve has served over 1.5 million people, resolved over $18 billion in debt, and funded over $10 billion in loans. Achieve is approaching a billion dollars in annual revenue with over $7 billion in cumulative revenue and 2,800 employees. Before embarking on this entrepreneurial journey, Brad graduated from Amherst College in 1996 with majors in Literature and Economics, and then graduated from Stanford Business School in 2002. Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    1 小時 4 分鐘
  4. 8月1日

    How a CMO Transforms a SaaS Brand/Mandy Dhaliwal - Nutanix, Team Alignment, Perfect Pairings ~ Spark of Ages Ep 43

    Mandy Dhaliwal, CMO at Nutanix, shares her journey transforming a technical infrastructure company into a leader in hybrid multi-cloud solutions, driving market value from $5 billion to $20 billion through strategic marketing and positioning. • Simplifying complex technology messaging from "hybrid multi-cloud" to the customer-friendly "run anything anywhere" • Implementing agentic AI on the Nutanix website to provide 24/7 global customer support and real-time market feedback • Building credible brand identity by standing out with bold visual choices while focusing on substance and customer value • Aligning marketing with broader business objectives through cross-functional collaboration and shared revenue goals • Empowering internal technical experts and executives as marketing channels and amplifying authentic customer stories • Balancing work and family by taking five years off to raise her son while maintaining career momentum • Moving from imposter syndrome to "empowerment syndrome" by educating stakeholders about marketing's strategic value Ever wonder how a tech company transforms from a $5 billion infrastructure provider to a $20 billion cloud leader? The secret might just be in its marketing strategy. Mandy Dhaliwal, CMO at Nutanix, pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey reshaping how enterprises approach hybrid multi-cloud solutions and AI deployment. With 25 years of technology marketing experience and a Level Two sommelier certification, Mandy brings unique perspective to brand transformation and customer engagement. "When I arrived, everyone talked about hybrid multi-cloud, but I said 'I don't know a single CIO who wakes up wanting to buy that,'" Mandy reveals. Instead, she championed clear, customer-centric messaging: "One platform to run apps and data anywhere." This fundamental shift from technical jargon to value-driven communication helped quadruple Nutanix's market value. She shares candidly about elevating authentic customer voices, breaking through the "sea of sameness" with bold branding decisions, and building cross-functional alignment between marketing, sales, and product teams. Beyond marketing strategy, Mandy offers refreshing insights on work-life integration, including her decision to take five years off to raise her son without missing a career beat.  Check out Nyla, the AI agent at nutanix.com, and see how they're making AI deployment simpler for enterprises with our "run anything anywhere" platform. Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Mandy Dhaliwal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1mandydhaliwal/ As the Chief Marketing Officer for Nutanix, she leads the global marketing strategy.  She's been a key leader in Nutanix's remarkable progress, quintupling its market value from roughly $5B to $20B, proving that marketing, branding, positioning has a hand in driving valuation. Before joining Nutanix, Dhaliwal held the CMO position at Boomi and Fugue, and she has also been a senior marketing leader at BlazeMeter, SOASTA, EMC, and Legato Systems. She attended Simon Fraser University for undergrad and holds an MBA in Technology Management from Pepperdine University and notably, a level two certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    1 小時 1 分鐘
  5. 7月18日

    The Freemium Formula: Converting Fear Into 10X Growth/Bill Macaitis - Slack, PLG, Pivots ~ Spark of Ages Ep 42

    Subscribe now to get more insights delivered to your inbox from today's most innovative business leaders and marketing pioneers who are redefining how companies grow in the digital age. Bill Macaitis shares his expertise on Product-Led Growth (PLG), revealing insights from his time as CMO at Slack, Zendesk, and SVP of Marketing at Salesforce where he helped drive remarkable growth through customer-centric strategies. • PLG is about recognizing that people spend more time in products and infusing marketing, sales, and support directly into the product experience • Enterprise software often fails because it prioritizes features over usability, while successful PLG focuses on making products beautifully simple • Freemium models can transform free users into powerful marketing assets—at Slack, Bill saw 10 million free users as an extension of his marketing team • Teams need shared metrics beyond traditional funnel metrics to prevent "warfare" between sales and marketing departments • AI is transforming go-to-market strategies through personalization at scale, enabling outcome-based pricing, and lowering barriers for new businesses • Google faces a classic innovator's dilemma by clinging to search-based revenue while competitors deliver direct answers through AI • Successful PLG implementation requires company-wide commitment rather than just assigning a small "tiger team" Visit SaasCMOPro.com to access Bill's free educational content about product-led growth, freemium models, and modern B2B marketing strategies. When Bill Macaitis talks about product-led growth, he speaks from experience—not theory. As the marketing mastermind behind Slack's explosive expansion, Zendesk's IPO journey, and Salesforce's growth engine, Bill's insights cut through the noise of business buzzwords to reveal what actually works in today's tech ecosystem. Bill dismantles conventional wisdom about enterprise software sales, arguing that, "Most enterprise products suck. They're really hard to use." Bill makes a compelling case for freemium models, challenging the widespread fear of giving away products for free. At Slack, he viewed their 10 million free users not as lost revenue but as "a 10 million strong marketing team" who organically spread the word. The show also addresses the AI revolution reshaping marketing. From enabling personalized engagement at scale to facilitating outcome-based pricing models, AI is lowering barriers to entry for new businesses while forcing established companies to adapt. His assessment of Google's apparent reluctance to fully embrace AI answers ("a classic innovator's dilemma") serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of clinging to outdated business models. Whether you're a CMO wrestling with attribution models, a founder contemplating your first go-to-market strategy, or a business leader navigating technological disruption, Bill's insights will reshape how you think about growth in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Bill Macaitis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmacaitis/ Bill's was the CMO and CRO at Slack Before that, he was the CMO at Zendesk, guiding them through the through their IPO, and Bill served as SVP of Marketing at Salesforce. Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    1 小時 3 分鐘
  6. 7月3日

    The Ecosystem Growth Playbook That Works for Canva/Indy Sen - Cha-Ching, Zen, Batman ~ Spark of Ages Ep 41

    Indy Sen, ecosystem marketing lead at Canva, shares his journey through tech giants like Salesforce, Box, MuleSoft, Google, and now Canva, where he's applying his unique "messaging as an API" philosophy to build an ecosystem that serves as a powerful multiplier for the entire company. • Canva's mission of empowering the world to design has evolved from consumer beginnings to enterprise solutions • The ecosystem functions as a multiplier, helping source innovations from third-party developers and technology partners • Growth from zero to approximately 700 apps in just two years demonstrates the platform's appeal as a distribution mechanism • Design principles encourage developers to create experiences that can be completed in no more than five steps • The human connection will remain the ultimate competitive advantage even as AI transforms technology • Technical enablement must be paired with commercial enablement for ecosystem success • Creating psychological safety enables teams to work at their highest point of contribution • Zen leadership balances strategic thinking with empowering teams to navigate ambiguity • Building trust requires making decisions rather than prolonging indecision • Small acts of kindness cost nothing but are remembered far longer than professional achievements What makes a technology ecosystem thrive in today's rapidly evolving landscape? For Indy Sen, the answer lies at the intersection of technical excellence and human connection. At the heart of his philosophy is what he calls "messaging as an API"—treating company messaging like clean, well-structured code that can be consistently deployed across an organization. This approach has proven incredibly effective in creating clarity around ecosystem value, both internally and externally. As Indy explains, "Ecosystem is a multiplier. It helps engender brand new innovations, source them from third-party innovators like developers and technology partners, and it's also a multiplier for the business." The conversation goes through practical go-to-market strategies, from Canva's developer experience principles to Indy's legendary "Cha-Ching" program at Salesforce that transformed how sales teams engaged with partners. We explore how modern platforms balance technical enablement (making APIs accessible) with commercial enablement (helping partners achieve business success), all while nurturing genuine human connections. Perhaps most compelling is Indy's perspective on leadership in the age of AI. His "Zen leadership" approach emphasizes psychological safety, decision-making amid ambiguity, and helping team members work at their "highest point of contribution." As he puts it, "Ambiguity is okay, indecision is not." Whether you're building a platform, leading a team, or simply interested in how technology ecosystems evolve, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating lasting value through human-centered innovation. Plus, don't miss Indy's surprisingly impressive performance in our Batman trivia challenge! Indy Sen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indysen/ Indy's Sen started on the ground floor of the Salesforce AppExchange.  From there, he helped Box take on SharePoint, led developer relations at MuleSoft, did a tour of duty at Google Workspace, and even helped WeWork completely overhaul their product marketing be Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    1 小時 22 分鐘
  7. 6月20日

    How US Defense Could Fight at Machine Speed/Matt Bigge - DefenseTech, X-Bow, F.I.R.E. ~ Spark of Ages Ep 40

    Matt Bigge, partner at Crosslink Capital and former 10th Mountain Division infantry officer,  shares his unique perspective as a venture capitalist, military veteran, and deep tech investor on the revolution happening in defense technology & how modern defense technologies are evolving to meet today's security challenges. His MIR framework—modular, interoperable, responsive—offers a blueprint for effective military innovation in an era where asymmetric threats and machine-speed warfare are becoming the norm. • Using low-cost expendable systems like drones against expensive platforms as demonstrated in Ukraine • Building defense tech that's modular (plug and play), interoperable (communicates across systems), and responsive (quick development cycles) • Moving from human-speed to machine-speed operations through AI and automation • Overcoming hollowed-out supply chains through innovations like X-Bow's 3D-printed rocket motors • Partnering emerging defense tech startups with legacy prime contractors for mutual benefit • Investing in "plausible science fiction" that may seem futuristic but has overcome core scientific challenges • Using the F.I.R.E. framework (Fun, Interesting, Rewarding, Entrepreneurial) for career and investment decisions • The value of leadership skills developed through military or team-based experiences • Creating systems with "five nines" reliability when lives depend on your technology • Understanding how to see the world through others' eyes to engage in mutually beneficial transactions As Ukraine demonstrates the stunning effectiveness of low-cost drones against multi-million-dollar platforms, Matt explains why the future of warfare demands operating at machine speed rather than human speed, and how AI-powered automation is making this possible. We dive deep into fascinating case studies from Matt's investment portfolio, including X-Bow's 3D-printed rocket motors that can be manufactured in shipping containers anywhere in the world, and DarkHive's drone swarms that deliver reconnaissance capabilities at a fraction of traditional costs. These innovations aren't just disrupting defense—they're addressing critical gaps in America's industrial base and creating new possibilities for battlefield responsiveness. Throughout, he emphasizes why leadership—the ability to set and achieve goals in a team-based setting at an elite level—remains the most crucial trait in founders he backs. Whether you're fascinated by defense technology, interested in the venture landscape, or simply curious about how innovation happens at the intersection of multiple disciplines, this episode offers rare insights from someone who has viewed these challenges from nearly every possible angle. Matt Bigge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigge/ Matt's been in Venture Capital for over 25 years – he's backed winners like Verodin (sold to FireEye), ArcSight (sold to HP), and CloudShield (sold to SAIC). He was even a founding investor and Chair of MeshNetworks, which Motorola snatched up. Before he was writing checks and building tech empires, he was serving our country as an Infantry officer in the 10th Mountain Division. Armed with degrees from Georgetown and Harvard Business School, and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Matt's also deeply committed to giving back through The Honor Foundation, helping Special Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    1 小時 8 分鐘
  8. 6月5日

    Building a Growth LM That Actually Gets Your Business/Position2 - Arena, Calibrate, LSTM ~ Spark of Ages Ep 39

    In this eye-opening conversation, join host Rajiv Parikh as he unveils Arena AI – their revolutionary platform that's transforming how marketing campaigns are planned, executed, and optimized. Sajjan Kanukolanu (VP of Global Operations) and Vikrant V.(CTO) walk us through how their team has embedded 20 years of marketing expertise into a system that combines project management, unified analytics, and AI agents that execute real marketing work. • Arena includes project management specifically designed for marketing workflows • The Calibrate interface provides unified dashboards pulling data from 130+ platforms • RPA technology connects even to custom platforms without APIs • AI co-pilot powered by multiple agents that execute specific marketing tasks • Built on what Position Squared calls their "Growth Language Model" • Platform incorporates 20 years of industry-specific marketing expertise • System provides 95% accurate predictive analytics using LSTM neural networks • Campaign strategies incorporate industry data and competitor analysis • Human oversight remains crucial at decision points for optimal results • AI agents work together to handle everything from ICPs to ad creation The marketing technology landscape has exploded with specialized tools, leaving marketers buried under mountains of disconnected data and endless manual tasks. What if there was a way to harness artificial intelligence not just for insights, but to actually do the work? The most fascinating aspect of Arena isn't just its ability to connect data from hundreds of platforms (even proprietary ones without APIs), but how it deploys specialized AI agents to handle specific marketing tasks. Unlike generic AI tools that provide broad recommendations, Arena's Growth Language Model understands the nuances of different industries and buyer personas, delivering highly targeted strategies that have historically driven results. What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how openly the team discusses their journey from service provider to software company.  Their practical approach demonstrates that effective AI implementation isn't about theoretical capabilities, but about solving real problems that marketers face daily. Sajjan Kanukolanu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajjank/ Sajjan serves as Vice President of Global Operations & Strategy at Position². He has experience as a digital marketing, growth & digital experience strategist and previously led strategy & growth at Ogilvy, & Wunderman. Sajjan is an AI Advisor and Speaker, having accepted a role on the AI Advisory Board at the University of San Francisco School of Management. He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing, an MBA, and an MS Electrical Engineering.  Vikrant V.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikrantv/ Vikrant V is the Chief Technology Officer at Position². Prior to his current role at Position², he served as Chief Technology Officer at TiLa from July 2020 to September 2023. Vikrant has led large ecommerce and analytics teams at Amazons and Moneyview, a fast growing fintech company. Vikrant holds an MS in Software Systems from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/ Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/ Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/ Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

    56 分鐘
5
(滿分 5 顆星)
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簡介

The Spark of Ages podcast is about the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence through a marketing lens.  We are living in the middle of the most important "spark for the ages".   Our episodes are either about looking back to teach us what we can learn for this moment, or looking forward for where the next spark might be.We highlight the stories from business leaders at the intersection of marketing, technology and innovation.

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