Straight To Voicemail

Share Your Genius
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What are the best brands doing to stay relevant, build trust, and create content smarter? At Share Your Genius, we have the same questions, so we're tapping the best in the space for their answers—one voicemail at a time. Join us each week for quick hits of insights from b2b marketers and leaders.

  1. 3H AGO

    How can leaders intentionally balance personal growth and professional success? | Joe Whetstone, Founder, STRIVE

    Most people don’t lack ambition; they lack alignment. Too often, personal and professional growth are treated as separate paths. People spend years climbing the corporate ladder while neglecting their personal foundations, only to end up stuck in an unfulfilling cycle of work and responsibilities. So how can leaders bring their personal and professional goals into alignment? In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel hears from Joe Whetstone, Founder of STRIVE, to explore how leaders can design lives and careers that are purposeful, balanced, and deeply fulfilling. Joe shares why meaningful careers emerge not from relentless hustle but from intentionally shaping your life around what truly matters. You’ll learn: How personal priorities directly impact professional performance and long term successA simple framework for defining your own life pillars and making them actionableHow to set purpose driven goals that keep you accountable and aligned over timeJump into the conversation: (00:00) Why personal and professional growth are deeply connected (01:00) The turning point at 40 and redefining what matters (02:00) Building your personal pillars and living with intention (03:00) The idea behind STRIVE and its core values (04:00) Creating purpose driven goals with the 40 in my forties concept (05:00) Accountability, community, and sustained growth Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/  Follow Adam Sockel on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sockel/ Follow Joe Whetstone on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-whetstone-71a32235/ STRIVE https://striveonward.com/

    6 min

  2. APR 28

    What’s the biggest misconception about personal branding? | Ashley Schroeder, Co-Founder and President, Loob

    Personal branding without personal growth is just performance. Too many businesses mistake visibility for influence, skipping the internal work that creates true differentiation. In a world where everyone operates from the same baseline, standing out requires clarity, depth, and alignment, and yet most brands never get there. So what exactly are the common misconceptions businesses have about personal branding? In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Adam Sockel sits down with Ashley Schroeder, Co-Founder and President at Loob, to unpack what it really takes to build an authentic personal brand. Ashley explains that it all begins with a solid foundation, starting with understanding who you are, who you serve, the impact you want to make, and the values that guide you. You’ll learn: Why personal branding without personal growth turns into performance instead of differentiationThe difference between visibility and a true personal brand and why most people get it wrongHow defining your why and values becomes the foundation for standing out and guiding your businessJump into the conversation: (00:00) Why personal branding is widely misunderstood (01:00) The biggest misconception about personal branding (01:45) Why platforms and visibility are not the foundation (02:10) The role of purpose and values in standing out (02:40) Why everything feels like a commodity today (03:00) Simplifying brand strategy into something actionable (03:20) Showing up authentically without performing Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/  Follow Adam Sockel on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sockel/ Follow Ashley Schroeder on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/schroederashley/ Loob https://www.loobitup.com/

    4 min

  3. APR 21

    How can entrepreneurs design events that drive real ROI? | Jeremiah Berkheimer, Founder, Pact Haus

    The real ROI of events is built long before anyone walks through the door. Yet many entrepreneurs still define ROI by numbers—leads, pipeline, conversions—when not all returns are immediately quantifiable. So what does it take to design events that truly drive ROI?In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Jeremiah Berkheimer, Founder at Pact Haus, to talk about the secrets to event-driven ROI. Jeremiah challenges the idea that it’s all about the numbers, and explains why the real value is built through frictionless, meaningful connections. You’ll learn:Why traditional event metrics fail to capture true ROI How creativity enhances operational excellence in event planning How to design event experiences that foster real human connection Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Why event ROI is hard to prove(00:45) Rethinking ROI beyond data(01:30) Treating events like a brand or destination(02:00) The disney example of designed experience(02:45) ROI starts before the event(03:20) Designing connection during the event(03:50) Extending ROI after the event(04:20) Why emotion drives results(04:40 ) How creativity makes event operations more impactful(05:00) The real goal: Long-term relationships Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/ Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/ Follow Jeremiah Berkheimer on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eventnerd/ Pact House https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacthaus/

    6 min
  4. How can companies put people at the heart of tech marketing? | Winona Rajamohan, Product Marketing Manager, Seel

    APR 14

    How can companies put people at the heart of tech marketing? | Winona Rajamohan, Product Marketing Manager, Seel

    In a world increasingly powered by AI, human connection remains a powerful differentiator, and that’s especially true in tech marketing. While AI is reshaping the middle of the marketing funnel, the moments that build trust, capture attention, and influence decisions are still deeply human. So how can businesses create meaningful, human-centered experiences that stand out? In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey hears from Winona Rajamohan, Product Marketing Manager at Seel, to explore how businesses can put memorable human experiences at the heart of tech marketing. Winona explains why marketers should focus less on purely technical execution and instead tap into the fundamental human desires that drive trust and connection. You’ll learn: Why the rise of AI makes human connection even more valuable in marketingHow memorable experiences build trust and deeper customer relationshipsHow to balance human connection and technology across the buyer journeyJump into the conversation: (00:00) Rethinking B2B marketing in an AI-driven world(01:00) Why AI makes human connection more important(02:00) Creating memorable in-person experiences(03:00) Where trust is built in the buyer journey(05:00) A simple framework for human-centered marketing Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/  Follow Rachel Elsts Downey on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/ Follow Winona Rajamohan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/winonarajamohan/ Seel https://www.linkedin.com/company/addseel/

    8 min

  5. APR 7

    What are successful companies doing to grow their brands? | Ryan Shapiro and Rachel McDougall, President and Founder, peomg

    The brands people remember rarely play it safe, and in industries where most companies follow the same path, success often comes from doing something different. So, what’s the most effective way to grow your brand? In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Ryan Shapiro and Rachel McDougall, President and Founder of peomg, to discuss the strategy that fueled their growth and how prioritizing authenticity has become their competitive advantage. You’ll learn: How breaking industry norms can drive brand growthWhy audience value real, human brands over synthetic marketingHow authenticity helps B2B brands standout in a saturated marketJump into the conversation: (00:00) Setting the stage for meaningful innovation (00:27) Meet the guests: The minds behind the conversation (00:48) Why going against the industry playbook works(01:17) Choosing authenticity over synthetic branding (01:33) Inside peomg’s holiday campaign (01:58) Key takeaways and final insights Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/  Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/    Follow Ryan Shapiro and Rachel McDougall on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanshapiro/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmcdougall1/ peomg https://www.linkedin.com/company/peomg/

    3 min

  6. MAR 31

    How can companies build meaningful innovation that creates lasting impact? | Darrian Mikell, Director of Finance and Strategy, Humanly

    Innovation without direction is a liability. Ideas alone don’t move the business forward. Sustainable companies know that to create real value, innovation must serve customers, solve meaningful problems, and drive revenue. So how do you build innovation that delivers lasting impact? In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Amanda Smith hears from Darrian Mikell, Director of Finance and Strategy at Humanly, about how companies can turn innovation into tangible business outcomes. Darrian emphasizes that it starts with listening to customers and translating insights into measurable results. You’ll learn:                        • Why innovation without a clear purpose can hurt more than it helps• How to think about innovation differently from simply growing a business• How innovation connects directly to revenue and cash flow                     Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Darrian Mikell(01:13) Innovating with purpose vs. innovation for its own sake(01:53) Using micro-experimentation and synthesizing customer feedback(02:51) Balancing cash constraints with incremental growth Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights. https://shareyourgenius.com/blog/ Follow Amanda Smith on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-alexander-smith/ Follow Darrian Mikell on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darrianmikell/ Humanly https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanlyhr/

    4 min

  7. MAR 24

    How can you create a culture of entrepreneurial thinking as you scale? | Nick Smarrelli, Professor and Director of Entrepreneurship, Butler University

    It’s a classic story: an exciting vision and a bold team making it big with their entrepreneurial spirit… and as soon as they scale, it starts to fade. Decisions take longer, everything gets bogged down in approval processes, and the culture? It turns into a cycle of meetings, endless back-and-forth, and the dreaded “we’ll follow up next quarter.” What was once a fast, agile team now feels like it’s stuck in neutral. In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Downey hears from Nick Smarrelli, Professor and Director of Entrepreneurship at Butler University. Nick shares how to keep entrepreneurial thinking alive through growth, highlighting the importance of speed over perfection, enthusiasm as a force multiplier, and embracing risk-taking. Nick’s approach shows that scaling isn’t about avoiding mistakes but learning quickly and adapting. You’ll learn: Why speed is more important than perfection when scalingHow to use enthusiasm to drive culture and team engagementWhy celebrating mistakes can foster innovation and growth Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Nick(00:15) The importance of speed over perfection in scaling(01:00) How enthusiasm drives team engagement and culture(02:00) Normalizing risk-taking and celebrating failures(03:00) Why compounding small efforts leads to bigger outcomes(04:00) How adaptability is the key to success in scaling(05:00) The importance of learning and adapting as you scale Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights.

    6 min
  8. What are the biggest mistakes companies make when they're scaling or buying other businesses? | Andrew Thompson, Co-Founder, West2East

    MAR 17

    What are the biggest mistakes companies make when they're scaling or buying other businesses? | Andrew Thompson, Co-Founder, West2East

    Scaling a business is thrilling… until you realize you’re chasing every opportunity and losing sight of what really matters. Too many companies spread themselves too thin, making mistakes that could have been avoided with sharper focus. In this episode of Straight to Voicemail, Rachel Elsts Downey hears from Andrew Thompson, Co-Founder of West2East, about the biggest mistakes companies make when scaling or acquiring businesses. Andrew shares how success comes from sticking to a proven process and focusing on what works, not reinventing the wheel. His advice is clear: stay strategic, focus on growth, and always optimize, don’t complicate. You’ll learn: The importance of staying committed to your growth processWhy you shouldn’t try to reinvent the wheel when acquiring a businessHow focusing on growth rather than perfection ensures long-term successJump in the conversation:(00:00) Why we wanted to hear from Andrew Thompson (01:44) Lack of process commitment (02:00) Over-expecting and reinventing the wheel (02:20) Predicting success via proven models (02:39) Protecting profitability during acquisitions Straight to Voicemail is for CMOs, CEOs, and Heads of Marketing in B2B tech who want insights from the people who’ve been there. Each episode centers on one big question answered like a voicemail you’ll want to play again. Don’t miss this conversation! Follow Straight to Voicemail and explore our big little wins newsletter for more B2B content strategy insights.

    4 min
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5
out of 5
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What are the best brands doing to stay relevant, build trust, and create content smarter? At Share Your Genius, we have the same questions, so we're tapping the best in the space for their answers—one voicemail at a time. Join us each week for quick hits of insights from b2b marketers and leaders.

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