Response Drivers

Rick Rappe

This is the the Response Drivers podcast, where we feature top marketing minds and dig into their inspiring stories. Learn how these leaders think and find the big ideas to push your results and sales to the next level.

  1. 10/28/2025

    Using Psychology To Optimize Customer Experience and Marketing Effectiveness With Mark Levy

    Mark Levy is the Head of Consumer Product & Customer Experience at a leading US fiber internet provider connecting millions of homes and businesses with high-speed broadband. With over 25 years of experience driving product innovation and digital transformation at companies including Comcast, AT&T, Nokia, and Jaguar Land Rover, he has established himself as a thought leader in CX. His authored works include The Psychology of CX 101, The Accountability Team Handbook, and 365 Days of Accountability. In addition, he publishes two popular newsletters — Decoding Customer Experience and DCX AI Today, which are read by CX leaders around the world. In this episode… Most marketing teams focus on clicks, conversions, and creatives, but forget the real reason people buy: how they feel. In an age where trust is fragile and attention spans are short, understanding the psychology behind customer decisions can be the ultimate competitive edge. Can mastering a few key psychological principles completely change how customers perceive, trust, and respond to your brand? According to Mark Levy, a product and customer experience expert, the secret to driving performance lies in designing for clarity before creativity. He highlights that customers make subconscious judgments within milliseconds, meaning trust and simplicity must come first. By applying behavioral science to marketing and design, teams can reduce friction, boost conversions, and deepen emotional connection. Mark also emphasizes the ethical use of psychology, ensuring influence builds confidence and long-term loyalty, not manipulation. In this episode of Response Drivers, Rick Rappe sits down with Mark Levy, author of The Psychology of CX 101, to discuss how psychology can transform marketing effectiveness and the customer experience. They explore why clarity beats creativity, how cognitive fluency and loss aversion drive action, and the power of emotion in shaping loyalty. Mark also shares how AI and behavioral science are redefining modern CX.

    31 min
  2. 09/16/2025

    Using AI to 100X Your Leads and Sales After Losing It All With Scott Empringham

    Scott Empringham is the Owner and CEO of Empringham Media Group, a marketing agency that uses AI-powered strategies in digital marketing, social media, content, and coaching to help businesses grow. For over 21 years, he has worked with Fortune 50 companies to improve customer acquisition and retention through innovative campaigns. He once scaled the agency to over $10 million in revenue, then lost much of it, and rebuilt it in under three months using social media, AI tools, and relentless focus. Scott is a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization in Orange County and is known for his keynote speaking, training programs, and hands-on marketing coaching. In this episode… When life and business come crashing down, how do you find the strength to start over and build something even bigger? What steps can transform a crushing setback into a launchpad for unprecedented growth? And how can the latest marketing technology turn that vision into reality? According to Scott Empringham, a recognized authority on AI-powered marketing, the key is to take full ownership and act boldly even when nothing feels certain. He highlights how embracing imperfect action, narrowing his target audience, and delivering massive value helped him rebuild momentum after losing everything. By pairing his 10-step Elite Marketing Method with AI, he dramatically reduced costs, accelerated execution, and empowered businesses to create their own marketing success.  In this episode of Response Drivers, host Rick Rappe sits down with Scott Empringham, Owner and CEO of Empringham Media Group, to discuss using AI to 100X your leads and sales after losing it all. They explore how taking imperfect action fuels rapid recovery, why niching down and lead magnets drive growth, and how AI tools empower small teams to replace big agencies. Scott also shares the personal changes and lessons that reshaped his life and business.

    38 min
  3. 09/09/2025

    How To Create a Marketing Strategy That Doubles Growth With Rob Levin

    Rob Levin is the Fractional Head of Growth and Chief Marketing Officer at Chief Growth Advisor, a consultancy that delivers data‑driven growth marketing strategies tailored to SaaS and subscription businesses. He brings over 20 years of experience working with brands such as WWE, Priceline, Nickelodeon, GE, and Viacom, where he led efforts that doubled WrestleMania subscribers and boosted conversions by up to 64%. Rob's ROI‑focused approach emphasizes strategic planning, execution, and scalable frameworks that deliver real, measurable results. In this episode… Every company wants explosive growth, but most leaders struggle to move beyond scattered tactics and quick fixes. Without a clear strategy, marketing efforts often fall flat or fail to scale. So how do you design a strategy that not only works but doubles growth? According to Rob Levin, a seasoned growth strategist, the key lies in combining resilience with a structured, data-driven framework. He highlights that strong growth starts with defining core values, identifying the right KPIs, and prioritizing initiatives that truly move the needle. Rob explains that this method has helped clients unlock millions of dollars in incremental revenue within months, proving that clarity and discipline can transform marketing outcomes. In this episode of Response Drivers, host Rick Rappe sits down with Rob Levin, Fractional Head of Growth and Chief Marketing Officer at Chief Growth Advisor, to discuss how to create a marketing strategy that doubles growth. They explore why retention begins with onboarding, how to prioritize projects using a SaaS-focused framework, and the role of nurture marketing in scaling effectively. Rob also shares the book that shaped his approach to growth strategy.

    57 min
  4. 09/02/2025

    Building a Predictable Revenue Engine With Melissa Martin

    Melissa Martin is the Founder and Brand Revenue Strategist at Blackwood Impact Group, a boutique consulting firm that helps small and midsize businesses break through profit plateaus by aligning their sales, marketing, and operations for predictable revenue growth. She launched the firm in 2018 after seeing firsthand how companies of any size struggle with misaligned teams, inefficient processes, and stalled growth. With deep experience across marketing and sales in diverse sectors, Melissa specializes in building integrative strategies and guiding implementation to ensure lasting results. In this episode… Most businesses want to grow, but many end up stuck in cycles of inconsistent revenue and scattered marketing efforts. They rush into ads, social media, or new websites without fixing the gaps in their foundation. So what does it really take to build a system that produces steady, predictable growth? According to Melissa Martin, a revenue growth strategist, the key is aligning strategy, systems, and execution before scaling. She emphasizes that businesses often confuse activity with strategy, jumping into tactics without clear messaging, positioning, or a sales funnel that works. By introducing her Predictable Revenue Engine framework, she explains how setting goals, building infrastructure, and refining processes lead to consistent outcomes. Her insights show that when companies focus on the right order of growth, they save money, avoid chaos, and create sustainable success. In this episode of Response Drivers, host Rick Rappe sits down with Melissa Martin, Founder and Brand Revenue Strategist at Blackwood Impact Group, to discuss building a predictable revenue engine. They explore why strong foundations matter more than flashy tactics, how to avoid common marketing mistakes, and what data to track for better outcomes. Melissa also shares why businesses must embrace AI while staying rooted in authentic human connection.

    39 min
  5. 08/26/2025

    The Future of Retail Marketing Through Personalization and AI With Renae Scott

    Renae Scott is the Founder of Bee Collaborative, a fractional CMO consultancy that helps small- to mid‑sized retail and consumer-facing businesses grow through strategic, smart marketing leadership. She launched the company in 2022 after more than two decades of marketing leadership at national brands, including 16 years at Victoria's Secret. Renae brings clarity and focus to marketing by working closely with business leaders to set clear priorities, build aligned strategies, and drive measurable growth. In this episode… The retail marketing world is evolving at lightning speed. With customers demanding more relevant experiences and businesses juggling multiple channels, the challenge is clear: How do brands stand out and truly connect in a noisy market? Is personalization powered by AI the key to creating deeper customer relationships? According to Renae Scott, a seasoned marketing leader, personalization goes far beyond simply adding a customer's name to an email. It requires leveraging data, AI, and martech tools to deliver tailored experiences across every touchpoint. She highlights the importance of using both print and digital together, emphasizing that no single channel works in isolation. By combining disciplined testing, clean data, and predictive modeling, brands can scale smarter and more profitably. In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, host Rick Rappe sits down with Renae Scott, Founder of Bee Collaborative, to discuss the future of retail marketing through AI-driven personalization. She shares how testing and data unlock growth, why a balanced mix of print and digital drives stronger results, and what KPIs truly measure success. Renae also talks about the role of retesting strategies as businesses and customer behavior evolve.

    50 min
  6. 08/19/2025

    How AI and Soft Skills Are Reshaping Marketing and the Future of Work With Stacey Force

    Stacey Force is a Fractional CMO at The Marketing Blender, a firm that provides executive marketing leadership and strategy to help B2B organizations build systems for predictable, sustainable growth. She brings over 20 years of experience in crafting impactful and innovative marketing strategies across the B2B landscape. Stacey also co-founded and serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Geminon, a platform that transforms employee contributions into verified, transferable micro‑credentials through AI‑assisted peer recognition. Throughout her career, she has driven growth initiatives for marquee brands including Korn Ferry, Honeywell, NEC, Philips, and Verizon. In this episode… How will AI and soft skills shape the future of work and marketing? As technology rapidly changes how we connect, sell, and collaborate, businesses face a choice: adapt and thrive or fall behind. Which strategies will truly help organizations stand out in a crowded market while empowering their people to succeed? According to Stacey Force, a seasoned marketing leader and innovation strategist, success in this evolving landscape depends on blending AI's power with essential human capabilities. She highlights the need to reframe AI as "collective intelligence" — a tool to enhance creativity, personalization, and differentiation rather than replace people. This approach not only sharpens marketing strategies but also drives more engaged, high-performing teams. Stacey explains how AI-assisted micro-credentials can validate soft skills, like communication and collaboration, helping leaders build smarter, project-based teams. She also emphasizes the importance of data-driven scorecards and customer personas to create targeted, resonant messaging. In this episode of Response Drivers, host Rick Rappe sits down with Stacey Force, Fractional CMO at The Marketing Blender, to discuss how AI and soft skills are reshaping marketing and the future of work. They explore rethinking AI as collective intelligence, using micro-credentials to build stronger teams, and leveraging data to refine marketing strategies. Stacey also shares advice for marketers on staying adaptable in a changing landscape.

    25 min
  7. 08/12/2025

    Why Timeless Marketing Principles Still Win in a Digital World With Brian Kurtz

    Brian Kurtz is the Founder and CEO of Titans Marketing, which helps businesses master direct response marketing by combining timeless principles with modern tactics. He spent 34 years at Boardroom Inc., helping grow its revenue to over $150 million. At Titans, he runs mastermind groups, consults, and educates marketers with his book Overdeliver. Brian is known for his expertise in list-building, copywriting, and relationship-driven marketing. In this episode… Some marketing trends come and go, but others seem to outlast every platform shift and media evolution. What makes certain strategies and frameworks timeless, and how do today's best marketers still use them to win in a digital world? According to Brian Kurtz, a veteran of over four decades in direct response marketing, timeless principles succeed because they're rooted in unchanging human behavior. He highlights that fundamentals like list segmentation, copy discipline, and offer clarity all apply whether you're sending mail or launching a digital funnel. These practices have stood the test of time because they focus on connection and measurable response, not just flashy tactics. Brian explains that while technology changes the tools, it never replaces the need for strategic thinking, rigorous testing, and customer-focused messaging. In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, host Rick Rappe sits down with Brian Kurtz, Founder and CEO of Titans Marketing, to talk about why classic direct marketing still drives results online. They break down Brian's 41-39-20 rule, the importance of lifetime value, and why "don't test whispers" should guide your creative. Brian also gives advice on turning proven principles into scalable, modern strategies.

    1h 10m
  8. 08/05/2025

    Building High-Impact Marketing Strategies on Lean Budgets With Candace Chapman

    Candace Chapman is the Fractional CMO at Pairaphrase, an AI-powered, cloud‑based translation management platform that helps businesses translate documents securely, fast, and efficiently. She excels in B2B marketing leadership, with expertise in demand generation, go‑to‑market planning, and team building for fast‑growing startups. In her role, Candace authors key company updates and thought leadership, including announcements about integrating new translation engines like DeepL into Pairaphrase's platform. In this episode… Many marketers feel the pressure to deliver big results with small budgets. How can you create high-impact campaigns, scale efficiently, and still stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving marketing landscape? According to Candace Chapman, a growth-focused B2B marketing leader, success begins with embracing resourcefulness and data-driven testing. She highlights the power of scrappy strategies that leverage AI tools and fractional teams to do more with less. By focusing on customer insights, zero-click marketing, and smart experimentation, marketers can amplify results without overspending. Her approach blends creativity with discipline, proving that lean budgets can drive measurable growth when paired with smart positioning and the right digital tools. In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, host Rick Rappe sits down with Candace Chapman, Fractional CMO at Pairaphrase, to discuss building impactful marketing strategies on lean budgets. Listeners will learn how to leverage AI for faster execution, use customer feedback to refine messaging, and embrace data-driven testing to maximize ROI. Candace also shares why zero-click marketing and the jobs-to-be-done framework are key to future-proofing B2B growth.

    23 min

About

This is the the Response Drivers podcast, where we feature top marketing minds and dig into their inspiring stories. Learn how these leaders think and find the big ideas to push your results and sales to the next level.