APAC's B2B Growth Podcast

Joining Shahin and Vinnie is marketing legend, Mark Ritson, Founder of the Mini MBA.

From almost buying Kylie Minogue's house, to consulting, and building a global brand, Mark shares with us the journey of his Mini MBA.

🎥 Prefer to watch the conversation?

We've got a link for you: https://youtu.be/FEVkez18g44

This episode also covers...

• Why small brands struggle
• Why "trust" doesn't actually matter for strong branding
• How pricing is the real key to profit (not revenue)
• The 95-5 rule
• Why salespeople should not create content (and who should)
• Mark's take on personal branding

About Mark...

Mark has a PhD in Marketing and spent 25 years working as a marketing professor. He was an Assistant Professor at London Business School and the University of Minnesota, an Associate Professor and then Adjunct Professor at Melbourne Business School, and Visiting Professor at MIT and SMU.

He’s also worked as a global brand consultant for clients that include Baxter, Loewe, McKinsey, Subaru, Donna Karan, Westpac, Shiseido, Flight Centre, Johnson & Johnson, De Beers, Sephora, Benefit, Amgen, Ericsson, Penfolds, Jurlique, Cloudy Bay and WD40. 

For thirteen years, Mark served as the in-house brand consultant for LVMH - the world's largest luxury group - working in Paris with senior executives from brands like Louis Vuitton, Dom Perignon and Hennessy. 

He’s been a columnist for 20 years, writing a weekly column for Marketing Week. On five occasions, he’s been voted Columnist of the Year at the PPA Press Awards, the highest award for magazine journalism in the UK. Mark’s also been the British Society of Magazine Editors Business Columnist of the Year in 2018, 2022 and 2023. More scholarly publications include articles in the Sloan Management Review, Harvard Business Review, the Journal of Advertising and the Journal of Consumer Research. 

These days, Mark focuses on his Mini MBA courses at his home base in Tasmania.

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Vinnie Romano, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

Every day, the macro environment continues to shift. Geopolitical conflicts disrupt supply chains, economic shifts shake industries, and new business pressures emerge overnight. 

So we spoke with General Manager of Factiva, Traci Mabrey, who shared how AI is transforming risk management.

🎥 Prefer to watch the conversation?

We've got a link for you: https://youtu.be/9gwL9GMrqKI

This episode covers...

• The biggest risks businesses should be tracking right now
• How predictive AI is helping companies see risk before it happens
• A real-world example of how an oil company avoided massive losses
• Why tariffs, supply chains & compliance are the next big things you should keep an eye on
• How financial services shaped modern risk management
• The practical steps businesses must take now to protect their future

About Traci...

Traci Mabrey is General Manager of Factiva, a business intelligence platform owned by Dow Jones. She has commercial oversight for the Factiva portfolio and since joining Dow Jones has led the strategic reimagination of the Factiva experience for the next generation of decision-makers. She is also tasked with infusing AI into the entire Dow Jones portfolio, starting with financial products.

Traci has deep expertise in financial services technology and wealth management. Previously, she was the head of wealth solutions, global technology and operations for Broadridge Financial Solutions, where she governed a suite of top-tier wealth management and market data solutions.

As a recognised thought leader and content contributor, Traci is a frequent speaker at industry events and an author of several articles and white papers. She lives in New York and is active in professional women’s organisations, as well as nonprofits committed to financial coaching and skill-building for the next generation.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Letters to a Young Poet
• Satya Nadella
• Christina Brady

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

What does a brand crisis look like? In an ever-changing industry, anything can happen, so it helps to be prepared for whatever, whenever. So that's why we sat down with CMO of Packserv Australia, Julia Casey, to chat about how businesses can effectively manage their brand to prepare for, and rise from, a brand crisis.

This episode covers...

• What can cause a brand crisis?
• What businesses have risen from a brand crisis, and how did they do it?
• What does proactive crisis management look like?
• Marketing’s role in crisis management

About Julia...

Julia brings over 20 years of experience in senior marketing roles, leading global teams across manufacturing, data management, and logistics. As the CMO of Packserv, she specialises in brand differentiation and positioning in highly competitive markets. Her expertise in driving business growth has earned her multiple marketing awards.

Julia is currently completing a PhD at Macquarie University and holds a Master of Research (High Distinction), a Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing), and a Bachelor of Health Science. She is also a published author in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• 18 Minutes - Peter Bregman
• Greg Kihlstrom
• Seth Godin

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

"What buyer actually wants to talk to a salesperson?" That's what Amanda Kahlow, CEO & Founder of 1mind, asked Shahin in this AI versus Sales chat. Find out how Amanda closed a $200,000 deal with the help of AI and why she thinks AI can completely take over the sales cycles with no human involved.

🎥 Prefer to watch the conversation?

We've got a link for you: https://youtu.be/WflyXGLcjz0

This episode covers...

• Why AI Agents that do the small, simple tasks don't move the needle.
• What jobs will be obsolete and what new jobs will emerge?
• What will happen to the human relationship during the buying cycle?
• The next wave of AI (fully autonomous buying and selling)

About Amanda...

Amanda Kahlow is a visionary entrepreneur and a pioneer in AI-driven sales transformation. As the CEO and Founder of 1mind, she is redefining the future of B2B go-to-market strategies by replacing and enhancing sales teams with AI superhumans—intelligent, human-like AI agents that engage prospects, qualify leads, and close deals with unparalleled efficiency. 

A seasoned leader in the AI and SaaS space, Amanda has a track record of building category-defining companies. Prior to 1Mind, she was the founder and CEO of 6sense, where she spearheaded the account-based marketing (ABM) movement, leveraging AI to revolutionise B2B demand generation and predictive sales. Under her leadership, 6sense became an industry leader, fundamentally changing how enterprises identify, engage, and convert high-value accounts.

Amanda’s leadership is fueled by a mission to create technology that drives efficiency and innovation while elevating the human experience. She continues to push the boundaries of AI and go-to-market strategy, helping enterprises navigate the new era of intelligent revenue growth.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Greatest Salesman in the World - Og Mandino
• Y Combinator Podcast
• Lenny's Podcast

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

Standing out isn't just about being "the best" - it's about being different. And no one knows how to "Get Different" than no other than bestselling author and marketing guru, Mike Michalowicz.

🎥 Prefer to watch the conversation?

We've got a link for you: https://youtu.be/4zPDm1f4gVE

This episode covers...

From finding out why he wrote his book, Get Different, to tactics on how you can stand out, we also dived into...

• How to use his DAD framework for marketing - Different, Attractive, and Direct
• The challenges small businesses face when trying to get noticed
• Building an Attention Plan over a Marketing Plan
• What the ideation process looks like

About Mike...

Mike Michalowicz is the entrepreneur behind three multimillion-dollar companies and is the author of several business books, including Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan and his newest book, All In. Mike is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and business makeover expert for MSNBC. He regularly travels the globe as an entrepreneurial advocate

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mike's Website
• The World Almanac and Book of Facts
• The Go-Giver - Bob Burg
• Brainfluence - Roger Dooley
• FRICTION - Roger Dooley
• The One Thing - Jay Papasan & Gary Keller
• Malcolm Gladwell

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

What's it like to chat with the Ad Contrarian, Bob Hoffman? You're about to find out, as we get down to business discussing hypocrisy and the fundamentals in the marketing and advertising industry.

🚨 This episode uses explicit language 🚨

🎥 Prefer to watch the conversation?

We've got a link for you: https://youtu.be/OAHVU-MWFDg

This episode covers...

• Making an impression
• The importance of being skeptical
• Building your brand
• and His book, The Three Word Brief 

About Bob...

Bob is a writer and speaker. He has written seven books about advertising, each of which has been an Amazon #1 seller.

Before leaving the advertising business, Bob had been the chief executive of two independent ad agencies, and the US operation of an international agency.

Bob's blog, The Ad Contrarian, was named one of the world's most influential marketing and advertising blogs by Business Insider.

His commentary has appeared in the BBC World Service, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, MSNBC, The Financial Times, The Australian, New Zealand Public Broadcastng, Fox News, Sky News, Forbes, Canadian Public Broadcasting, and many other news outlets throughout the world.

Bob has served on the boards of the Advertising and Marketing International Network, the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education, and the PGA Foundation of Northern California. He spent one year as Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Ad Contrarian Newsletter
• The Three Word Brief - Bob Hoffman
• The Long and Short of It - Les Binet & Peter Field
• A Complete Unknown - Film

People to watch in the space:

• Dave Trott
• Mark Ritson
• Byron Sharp
• Karen Nelson-Field
• Orlando Wood
• Brian Jacobs

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

Join Vinnie and his chat with Head of Marketing for ANZ, and ESG Specialist of OneAdvanced, Brynne Beetge, to uncover how ABM can bridge the gap between Sales and Marketing.

This episode also covers...

• The importance of relationship building in all roles
• How to deal with rejection as a salesperson and marketer
• Why Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) is important

About Brynn...

Brynn Beetge is the Head of Marketing for Australia and New Zealand and an ESG Specialist, with over a decade of leading marketing across consulting services, SaaS, financial services, commercial real estate, and renewable energy.

He specialises in driving brand growth, partnerships, and ESG integration through ABM, channel partnerships, brand management, and PR.

Holding a diploma in ESG, Brynn is passionate about leading teams and using data-driven insights to optimise growth and brand positioning. With extensive experience in stakeholder management and leadership, he drives strategic relationships to support sustainable growth.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Produce Marketing Alliance
• Fiona Tipping
• Serena Leith

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Vinnie Romano, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

Shahin is joined by CEO of VOLTAGE, Corey Morris, to discuss his book, The Digital Marketing Success Plan and the creation of Corey's START framework.

This episode covers...

• How to avoid misalignments
• Large Language Models (LLM) and SEO
• How to build a solid strategy for your tactics to actually work
• Impostor syndrome and the future of AI

About Corey...

Corey is author and founder of Digital Marketing Success Plan™ and the President/CEO of VOLTAGE digital agency. He has spent 20 years working in strategic and leadership roles focused on growing national and local client brands with award-winning, ROI-generating digital strategies. His industry leadership, client success, and community-focused work made him recipient of the KCDMA 2019 Marketer of the Year award.

In addition to leading VOLTAGE, he has served as an officer on the global trade association board. He also previously led a local initiative in Kansas City founding the KC Search Marketing Conference and prior to that co-hosted a local marketing and tech radio show.

He is currently a contributor to Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land and Forbes, among other publications. He speaks throughout North America on SEO and digital marketing topics including at SMX and Digital Summit events.

Corey has created the START Planning process featured in his new Amazon best-seller book, the Digital Marketing Success Plan which you can find at thedmsp.com.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sell with Authority Podcast
• Rand Fishkin
• Wil Reynolds

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

Shahin is joined by VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot and the man behind the MarTech 5000 supergraphic, the Godfather of MarTech, Scott Brinker.

This episode covers...

• Composable tech stacks
• The role of AI Agents in workflows
• ‘Service as a Software’ (not your usual SaaS model)
• And the future for marketers in this space

About Scott...

Scott Brinker, dubbed the "Godfather of MarTech" by AdAge, has been analysing marketing technology and its impact on marketing organisations for more than 16 years as the editor of the chiefmartec.com blog.

He serves as VP Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot, helping to grow and nurture the company's community of technology partners. He also authored the best-selling book Hacking Marketing and co-authored the recent best-seller The New Automation Mindset.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ethan Mollick
• OfferFit

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth

Shahin is joined by ANZ Regional VP of LogicMonitor, Caerl Murray, to chat about the nuances of developing a go-to-market strategy in ANZ as well as how to approach building a strong, successful team.

This episode also covers...

• How to achieve messaging alignment between marketing and sales teams
• How to stand out to your customers
• And how team sport can help you approach business resilience and motivation

About Caerl...

Caerl Murray is an accomplished technology leader with over 20 years of experience in IT operations, cloud computing, and sales management across various industry verticals. Currently serving as the ANZ Regional Vice President at LogicMonitor, he is responsible for driving business operations and strategic growth in the region. Under his leadership, LogicMonitor’s observability platform empowers organisations to enhance visibility across their technological landscapes, enabling them to focus on innovation rather than troubleshooting.

Prior to this role, Caerl was the ANZ Sales Director at Alibaba Cloud, where he led a team dedicated to helping customers navigate the cloud ecosystem, particularly in Asia and China. His extensive experience also includes serving as National Sales Manager at Ricoh IT Services, where he managed a team of 16 sales professionals, focusing on strategic planning and business growth.

With a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate of Management from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Caerl combines academic expertise with practical experience. His career is marked by a commitment to customer success and a passion for leveraging technology to drive business results.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mindset - Carol Dweck
• The Brutal Truth - Brian Burns

_________________

🗞 Join our newsletter: https://forms.gle/NaN6W8qj1qQsfpTe9

📚 Get your copy of the latest ABM in APAC Report here: https://xgrowth.com.au/abm-report/

Hosted & Produced by Shahin Hoda, Allysa Maywald & Alexander Hipwell, from xGrowth.

🚨 We would love to get your questions, ideas and feedback about Growth Colony, email [email protected]

Or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/ybDTyjEreR1WiUg16

And for all our other socials visit: https://mtr.bio/xgrowth