Interview with Stephen Halpin, Founder, PortfolioXD

In this episode, Ben Morrell and Stephen Halpin dive into the world of fractional leadership and its rising importance for startups. They discuss how fractional leaders bring specialized expertise, mentorship, and flexibility—helping companies scale without the cost and commitment of full-time hires. The conversation explores the role of investor perspectives, founder dynamics, and the key triggers that prompt businesses to embrace this model. Stephen also shares practical advice for professionals looking to transition from corporate roles into fractional leadership, highlighting the value of relevant experience and the ability to deliver impact quickly.

Interview with Mark Stanton, CRO, Shorthand

In this episode, Mark Stanton reflects on his journey from a technical background to leading SaaS teams across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. He shares insights into the incredible diversity of APAC markets, the importance of understanding local cultures, and why tailored strategies are essential for success. Mark emphasizes the power of relationship-building, the necessity of local presence, and the value of strong partnerships. He also offers practical advice on operational planning, travel strategies, and how trust and authenticity shape business outcomes. The conversation wraps up with key lessons for companies aiming to expand into the APAC region.

Interview with Margaret Davies, VP Sales & Marketing, Synamedia

In this episode, Ben Morrell and Margaret Davies dive into the complexities of sales and go-to-market strategy, with a special focus on the startup landscape. Drawing on her deep experience in B2B technology sales and marketing, Margaret shares the foundational building blocks for scaling effectively—from understanding customer needs to implementing strong sales methodologies. They discuss the vital role of sales operations in driving transparency and accountability, while also unpacking common pitfalls that sales teams face. The conversation underscores the importance of continuously refining both sales processes and value propositions to achieve sustainable growth.

Interview with Shirin Shahin, Founder and Product Marketing Consultant at Shirin Shahin

In this episode, Shirin Shahin draws on her extensive background in product marketing to share lessons from her journey spanning corporate roles to consulting. She unpacks the evolution of the function, emphasizing the power of narrative, positioning, and messaging, as well as the growing relevance of founder-led sales. Shirin highlights why early investment in product marketing matters, the value of reflection for founders, and the ongoing practice of continuous improvement. She also explores how shifting buyer behavior and heightened competition are reshaping the product marketing landscape.

Interview with Mark Little, CEO and Cofounder at Subcast

In this episode, Mark Little shares his journey from a successful corporate career in FMCG to founding the fintech startup Pynk, built around the power of crowd wisdom in investing. He opens up about the challenges of navigating regulation, the importance of raising capital, and the complexities of co-founder dynamics. Mark reflects on the emotional toll of failure, the lessons learned from fundraising, and why timing is everything when securing venture capital. He also discusses the role of crowdfunding in building community, the balance founders must strike between technology and commercial realities, and why authenticity is crucial in sales and pitching.

Interview with Luke Gaydon, CEO and Co-founder at Youdo

In this episode, Luke Gaydon, CEO and co-founder of Youdo, takes us through his entrepreneurial journey—from the early days of launching the company to the hard-won lessons of finding product-market fit. He reflects on the pivotal shift from a B2C model to a B2B approach centered on sustainability and the importance of aligning with the right audience. Luke also shares how funding influences strategic choices, the personal growth that comes with building a startup, and why having a purpose beyond profit is essential for long-term success.

Interview with Meredith Tretiak, Founder and CEO at RYLA

In this episode, Meredith Tretiak explores why building a strong community is a cornerstone of any go-to-market strategy. Drawing on her experience in mobile apps and Web3, she highlights how communities can drive marketing impact, deepen audience engagement, and shape valuable product feedback. Meredith shares practical advice for entrepreneurs on pinpointing their core audience, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, managing community culture, and balancing organic growth with strategic initiatives. She also emphasises the iterative nature of community development and the importance of tracking the right metrics to measure long-term success.

Interview with Andy Feinberg, Managing Partner, Argon Ventures

In this episode, Andy Feinberg breaks down the critical role founders play in shaping the go-to-market strategy of early-stage companies. He shares why patience in product development matters, how deeply understanding customer needs can set the foundation for success, and why founder involvement in early sales is non-negotiable. The conversation explores the value of pilot programs, the traits that define successful founders, and the risks of hiring a VP of Sales too soon. At its heart, this discussion underscores the importance of building a product that truly fits the market before shifting focus to scaling revenue.

GTM Expertise Interview with Tomer Azenkot, CEO of Vee24

In this episode, Tomer Azenkot, CEO of Vee24, opens up about what it really takes to build and scale a high-performing sales team. He shares why hiring the right people goes far beyond resumes, how to keep teams motivated beyond compensation, and why patience is a critical ingredient in the sales process. Tomer also explores the role of meaningful conversations and authentic relationships in driving success, the ongoing challenge of hiring true A players, and the essential feedback loop between sales and product. His perspective underscores that winning in sales isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about deeply understanding customer needs and fostering a collaborative, growth-focused team culture.