In today’s world of constant emails, ads, and pop-ups, how can startups stand out without adding to the noise? In this episode of Growing Startups, I sit down with Esther Andries, Founder of Aestetik Agency, to talk about how to create memorable brands, engage your audience thoughtfully, and turn trust into long-term loyalty. We also explore the power of community, experiential events, and what it really takes to create authentic connection in the digital era.

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Evelyn Cools helps early-stage B2B startups take marketing from zero to one. Learn more at evelyncools.com

In this episode, I chat with Sarah Kuntsal about her journey from aerospace engineer to product marketer—and what she’s learned along the way. We swap stories about collaborating across departments, what really makes a case study effective, and how to position disruptive products in traditional markets. We also get into the culture side of growth, why early-stage startups are so rewarding, and what to ask if you’re thinking about joining one as a product marketer.

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What are the biggest mistakes that hold startups back from growing? In this episode of Growing Startups, I chat with Matt Tatum, VP of Business Development at TSC, about 8 of the most common GTM pitfalls—from poor positioning and muddled messaging to chasing the wrong market and underestimating brand. This conversation is full of practical advice for founders and first marketers building stronger growth foundations.

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Burnout is a huge problem in marketing—so how do we handle it? In this episode of Growing Startups, I sit down with Mariah Parker, Marketing Consultant & Startup Advisor, to unpack why marketers burn out, what to do when it happens, and how founders can create a healthier environment for their teams. Mariah also shares insights on growing a newsletter, the risks of relying on third-party platforms, and why investing in community is the best long-term play for marketers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your role or wondered how to build a more sustainable marketing career, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this episode of Growing Startups, I sit down with Bri Leever, Founder & Community Strategist at Ember, to talk all things community. Bri shares her journey helping entrepreneurs create purposeful and profitable communities, breaks down the four types of communities, and offers practical advice on how to start and grow one for your business. If you’ve ever wondered where community fits in your strategy or what it takes to build a successful one, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode of Growing Startups, Taylor Harrington, Head of Community at Groove, joins us to share her insights on thriving in remote work. We discuss how to re-create the energy of in-office environments, why an experimental mindset is the key to unlocking growth, and what to look for when evaluating startup culture and fit. Tune in for actionable advice and fresh perspectives on remote work, growth, and community building.

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In Episode 3 of Growing Startups, Evelyn sits down with Brandy Cerne, Brand & Content Strategist at Brand by Brandy, to explore the essentials of brand building for startups. They discuss how founders can leverage their personal brand in marketing strategy and share creative ideas for experimenting with new channels and content.

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In the second episode of Growing Startups, Evelyn is joined by Emi Agg, Growth Marketing Consultant and Founder at Do it right marketing. They dive into the mindset and culture required for startup growth, how to hire your first marketer, and key considerations for those interviewing for marketing roles at startups.

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In the first episode of Growing Startups, host Evelyn Cools introduces the podcast and shares her journey in startup marketing. She also reveals three essential marketing tips that have guided her career, setting the stage for the practical advice and insights to come in future episodes.

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