Honest Ecommerce

Ashu Dubey is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gleen, a leading generative AI-based customer service solution. 

As a serial AI entrepreneur, Ashu previously was CTO and Co-Founder of 12 Labs, an early pioneer in AI-powered personalized health recommendations. 

Ashu led top of the funnel user growth at LinkedIn, where he significantly accelerated user growth and was instrumental in launching innovative products such as LinkedIn Events. 

Ashu has an MBA from UCLA, attended IIT Dhanbad, and consistently merges technology and innovation to shape industry landscapes.

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:40] Intro
• [01:47] Bridging Discord and Ecommerce gaps
• [03:08] The importance of reliable AI in business
• [04:25] Balancing AI risks and benefits
• [04:49] Limitations of ChatGPT integration
• [06:09] Aligning AI abilities with customer expectations
• [07:05] Improving your AI tool through feedbacks
• [07:35] Safeguarding customer information
• [08:35] Editing and customizing AI responses
• [09:43] Incorporating AI into help desks
• [10:26] Testing AI exposure levels on customers 
• [11:03] Seamless Setup with Gleen AI
• [12:10] Gleen’s quick turnaround for integration requests
• [12:27] Unified suite of AI services with Gleen AI
• [14:17] Gleen’s special offer for Honest Ecommerce listeners
• [15:01] The omnichannel capability of Gleen
• [15:50] Find Ashu on LinkedIn and Twitter/X

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Generative AI platform for customer success https://gleen.ai/
• Follow Ashu Dubey https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashudubey

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Mussayab Ehtesham, affectionately known as "Moose" within his circles, is originally from the vibrant streets of Pakistan. Moose grew up in a middle-class family, instilling in him the values of hard work, resilience, and self-reliance—pillars that would become the foundation of his entrepreneurial spirit.

The visionary mind behind DMOOSE, an e-commerce brand that emerged in 2017 with a global mission to empower everyday athletes, Moose has transcended mere numbers. His story serves as a testament to breaking barriers and achieving monumental success through the right mindset and unwavering perseverance. 

With a background in Mechanical Engineering and a track record as a Project Manager in the automotive industry, Moose brings a distinctive perspective on business, innovation, and leadership. Beyond the realm of business triumphs, Moose's narrative extends to overcoming personal health challenges, offering profound insights into the crucial connection between physical and mental well-being. 

He underscores the power of mindset in achieving goals, continuous learning, and growth. For Moose, a balanced life is the key, revolving around the principles of family, fitness, and freedom. 

As an entrepreneur, investor, and motivator, he is on a mission to assist others in finding clarity, knowledge, and vision in their lives. 

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:54] Intro
• [01:47] Personal health struggles inspire business idea
• [02:51] From one product to a one stop shop
• [03:38] Leveraging project management skills for business
• [05:28] Pouring revenue back into business growth
• [06:49] Delegating tasks and embracing a leadership role
• [07:53] Transitioning from side hustle to serious business
• [08:54] Finding and investing in skilled individuals
• [11:03] Episode sponsors
• [13:05] Amazon to Shopify: long-term vision & branding
• [15:39] Using a diversified business strategy
• [17:04] The continuous optimization process on Shopify
• [18:47] Three key metrics for Shopify success
• [21:27] Balancing between Amazon and Shopify
• [21:54] Avoiding overreliance on a single channel
• [22:36] Avoiding complacency & staying on top of your game
• [24:17] Striking balance between business & personal life
• [25:34] Learning from failure: The path to improvement
• [27:06] The power of long-term planning and envisioning
• [28:01] One stop shop for all your fitness needs

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• One stop shop for fitness dmoose.com/
• Follow Mussayab Ehtesham linkedin.com/in/mussayab
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Book a demo today at intelligems.io/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Brian Pedone took up boxing at the age of 13, and by 19, he had started his own boxing gym working with teenagers. 

Brian holds a BS in Computer Science and was featured by BusinessWeek in 2008 as one of the top 25 entrepreneurs 25 years and under in America. 

In 2013 he started the concept for Quiet Punch and has been at it now for over 10 years. His mission has been to make boxing accessible for all. 

He loves working with entrepreneurs and helping others get started.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:45] Intro
• [02:10] Quiet Punch: boxing in small spaces
• [03:18] Brainstorming the Quiet Punch model
• [04:29] Simplifying things to find the perfect design
• [05:41] Securing the right manufacturer
• [06:05] Shifting from boxing equipment to home fitness
• [07:18] Embracing the idea of a wider market
• [08:31] Overcoming minimum order requirements
• [09:28] Negotiating TV plans for mass market appeal
• [10:41] Prioritizing ownership and independence
• [11:17] Episode sponsors
• [13:26] Monetizing efforts for product investment
• [15:01] Encountering Ecommerce struggles and breakthroughs
• [16:09] Managing surge in sales and traction
• [17:00] Recognizing the "We're Onto Something" moment
• [17:25] Seizing unexpected opportunities
• [18:00] Sustaining momentum with accidental scarcity
• [19:00] Capitalizing on sustainable revenue
• [19:35] Anticipating success and accepting setbacks
• [20:42] Adjusting from increasing sales to slow growth
• [21:16] Transforming products into subscriptions
• [22:24] Building brand commitment through subscriptions
• [23:32] Testing what customers would like to pay for
• [24:20] Consumer interest on small group engagements
• [25:00] Building freemium relationships with customers
• [25:28] Idea vs. Execution: the critical combination
• [26:14] Managing expectations on startup success

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Smart home punching bag quietpunch.com/
• Follow Brian Pedone linkedin.com/in/brian-pedone/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Book a demo today at intelligems.io/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Jake Madoff is a full-stack growth marketing leader, specializing in growth marketing strategy, paid social, paid search, SEO, and CRO. 

He’s led growth at three multi-million dollar startups—Bespoke Post, Sealed, and Everytable and founded three startups of his own.

Through his 8-year freelance career, he has worked with over 100 brands like HUM Nutrition, Home Chef, Renaissance Capital, Kindo AI, Strategic Coach, Threadbeast, Jean Dousset, Partake Foods, TradeMark Engine, and many more, ranging from small ($5K-$10K monthly spend) to large-sized media budgets ($2M+ monthly spend). 

He helped these brands to optimize and scale their existing paid media campaigns, improve funnel conversion rates, evolve their creative strategy, and diversify their paid media marketing mix across different paid channels.

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:47] Intro
• [01:46] From affiliate revenue to lead growth
• [03:24] Embracing an omnichannel approach
• [04:38] Perfection delays progress in marketing
• [06:52]  crafting high-value lookalikes
• [08:29] Optimizing pixel insights &  conversion API
• [09:09] Creating compelling cinemagraphs
• [09:48] Understanding channel personalities
• [11:07] Maximizing Shopify's ad targeting capabilities
• [12:38] Taking enterprise-Level expertise to freelancing
• [14:10] Converting results across different sectors
• [14:48] Sharing expertise: offering tips and strategies
• [15:22] Exploring the roles of a growth marketer
• [17:00] The holistic approach of growth marketing
• [18:38] Maximizing ROI with limited ad budgets
• [20:53] Tailoring testing approach to ad spend
• [21:39] Balancing growth and acquisition costs
• [23:34] Determining the right time to add channels
• [25:21] Using organic & paid efforts on different channels
• [27:03] Reach out to Jake Madoff

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Increase your revenue with growth marketing jakemadoff.io/
• Follow Jake Madoff linkedin.com/in/jake-madoff-8a191070/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

As Chief Marketing Officer, Kiran oversees marketing, brand, channel and product strategy along with creative services with a goal of expanding ButcherBox's reach and communicating its authenticity to consumers. 

Prior to ButcherBox, Kiran served as the CMO at iRobot and as the CEO of Arnold Worldwide. Kiran earned her B.A. in Computer Science from Bucknell University and an MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:44] Intro
• [01:29] Navigating the world of consumer packaged goods
• [02:45] The multi-faceted role of a CMO
• [03:39] Maximizing impact through integrated planning
• [04:26] Setting long-term goals in marketing
• [05:58] Adapting to business structures for team-building
• [06:47] Driving shared incentives in affiliate marketing
• [08:31] Nurturing genuine influencer relationships
• [10:13] Tailoring affiliate offers based on their audiences
• [10:52] Episode sponsors
• [15:06] Adding value & embracing growth in every role
• [16:31] Leveraging ecosystem support for growth
• [18:32] Building a culture of continuous improvement
• [19:45] Thriving in a Test and Learn environment
• [21:10] Quality meat subscriptions from ButcherBox
• [21:34] Kiran Smith's message to aspiring entrepreneurs

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Your meat and seafood solution every day of the week https://www.butcherbox.com/
• Follow Kiran Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiransmith/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts https://electriceye.io/connect
• Book a demo today at https://www.intelligems.io/
• Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process https://www.portless.com/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Shizu Okusa is the Founder & CEO of Apothékary, a plant-based farmacy that couples traditional medicine with modern day ailments, offering natural alternatives to over-the-counter drugs and beauty products. 

The company was established in 2019 and has since expanded their business beyond the US and now in 22+ countries worldwide. 

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:52] Intro
• [01:39] Transforming No’s into a business idea
• [02:53] From Aha moment to a wellness journey
• [03:37] Modernizing Eastern apothecary
• [04:2] Gathering storefront insights for Ecommerce
• [05:41] Maximizing data-driven marketing
• [07:39] Embracing a remote and global team
• [08:22] The wave of mental wellness trends during COVID
• [10:24] Seizing the Shark Tank opportunity
• [11:50] Behind the scenes of Shark Tank filming
• [12:45] The numbers behind the Shark Tank pitch
• [14:03] Episode sponsors
• [16:06] Battling a hacking incident
• [18:16] Reflecting on social media best practices
• [19:05] Prioritizing email and owned media
• [21:19] The rise of wellness as gifts
• [22:46] The importance of targeted investor outreach
• [24:00] Clean, effective herbal remedies at Apothékary

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• More natural way of life through vetted herbal remedies apothekary.co/
• Follow Shizu Okusa linkedin.com/in/shizu-okusa-87a25415/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect
• Book a demo today at intelligems.io/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Mischa is a dynamic force in the world of digital marketing; empowering heart-centered entrepreneurs to amplify their message into the market and elevate their authority, their impact, and their income. No need for throwing money away on Facebook ads, Mischa has got a better strategy up his sleeve!

With a track record of 20 years in old-school sales, Mischa marries tried-and-true strategies with the cutting-edge tools of the digital era. He has made over a million phone calls, run massive flier campaigns, and pounded the pavement door-to-door and business-to-business. 

Mischa and his team generated over 1.5 billion dollars in loans funded. After a brief retirement to guide his two boys through high school and enlighten others through yoga teaching, Mischa's now back in the game and his superpower is building influence.

As the founder of the "Influence Army" and host of the “Table Rush Talk Show”, he's all about sharing his expertise and inspiring others to put their voice out there in a big way. 

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:49] Intro
• [02:17] Building business on a budget using earned media
• [03:58] Using podcast tours in brand promotion
• [05:50] Tapping into diverse podcast audiences
• [07:15] Leveraging CTAs and catchy URLs
• [08:44] Crafting impressions for host recommendations
• [09:53] Enriching your network through podcast
• [10:57] Leveraging podcasts for collaborations
• [12:00] Podcasts as platforms for affiliate partnerships
• [12:59] Exploring joint offers and revenue sharing
• [14:00] Repurposing content for maximum impact
• [14:43] The multifaceted power of podcasting
• [15:39] Video transcription tools for seamless editing
• [17:12] The branding benefits of podcasting
• [18:25] The impact of podcasting in exposure and authority
• [21:00] Finding and targeting niche audiences
• [22:26] Refining podcast search strategies with AI 
• [23:22] Tapping into speaker lists for opportunities
• [24:20] Using tools to track competitors’ appearances
• [26:20] Efficient outreach with RSS feed finders
• [27:32] Hunting for podcast contacts
• [28:55] Proven templates for podcast guest outreach
• [30:38] Handling various replies to guest requests
• [32:53] Leveraging no responses for second pitches
• [34:34] Garnering interest for further discussion
• [35:48] Prioritizing conversations with interested leads
• [37:54] The power of follow-up in podcast guesting
• [39:34] Using LinkedIn to expand your network
• [40:16] Quick, simple, and value-added messages
• [41:17] Navigating positive and unexpected replies
• [42:07] Asking questions for smooth guest onboarding
• [43:05] Addressing production costs with guests
• [46:38] Responding strategically to feedback
• [47:26] Amplify your voice with The Influence Army

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Amplify your voice with a tribe of heart-centered entrepreneurs theinfluencearmy.com/mifge
• Start a profitable podcast tour theinfluencearmy.com/guide
• Valuable insights on strategic marketing podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/table-rush-talk-show/id1541515693
• Follow Mischa Zvegintzov linkedin.com/in/mischaz/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Preston Rutherford is the Cofounder of Chubbies Shorts, which was acquired for 9-figures and is now part Solo Brands, a public company.

He is also the Cofounder of Loop Returns, the top Shopify Returns & Exchanges Platform.

Preston is an expert in Marketing, Growth, Brand, E-commerce, CRO, Data, Acquisition, and Retention. He’s also a dabbler in private equity, enterprise fintech software, and real estate development.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:46] Intro
• [01:32] Bringing retro & fun clothing back 
• [03:30] Filling a gap in the market
• [04:24] Harnessing founders' individual skill sets
• [05:33] Assessing markers for full-time transition
• [06:35] Using personal interactions promote Your brand
• [08:19] Sparking genuine interest for the brand
• [09:21] Recognizing external validation
• [10:03] Creating a genuine brand image using UGC
• [11:32]  Staying true to vision amidst skepticism
• [12:45] Episode sponsors
• [16:58] Establishing brand presence through content
• [18:59] Nurturing founder relationships & customer trust
• [20:05] Building a positive association with customers
• [20:53] Turning rough returns into smooth solutions
• [22:31] Transforming Ecommerce solution ideas into action
• [24:21] Solving problems without other expectations
• [26:25]  Helping entrepreneurs navigate brand building

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Proper length men’s shorts and custom-built-for-the-weekend apparel chubbiesshorts.com/
• Returns management for Ecommerce brands loopreturns.com/
• Follow Preston Rutherford linkedin.com/in/prestonr/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts https://electriceye.io/connect
• Book a demo today at https://www.intelligems.io/
• Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process https://www.portless.com/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Daniel Winer HexClad Co-Founder & CEO CEO, Co-Founder and kitchen maverick, Daniel Winer is the mastermind behind HexClad Cookware. 

After spending more than a decade building relationships in the industry, Daniel recognized the opportunity for cookware in the DTC market. He worked to develop the first true innovation in cookware since the invention of non-stick - the patented HexClad design – which provides the searing capability of stainless steel and cast iron with the easy cleanup of nonstick for an unparalleled, high-performance culinary experience. 

Daniel began marketing HexClad directly to consumers in 2016 and in 2021, partnered with 22-time Michelin-Starred Chef, Gordon Ramsay. 

To date, HexClad has become one of the most successful self-funded, DTC companies in any category driving hundreds of millions in sales and revolutionizing the cookware industry along the way. 

Danny currently leads the strategic direction of HexClad along with all product development efforts and global expansion initiatives. Daniel holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from New York University. 

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• [00:48] Intro
• [01:51] Turning cookware passion into a business idea
• [03:17] Reflecting on failures and lessons learned
• [05:18] Exploring product designs
• [06:14] Unexpected branding success
• [07:05] Making sacrifices for business growth
• [07:39] Emphasizing storytelling in marketing
• [09:02] Serendipitous encounter with Costco
• [10:14] Experimenting with messaging
• [11:08] Generating discussion and engagement
• [11:48] Identifying with the Gen Z and Millennials
• [13:31] Evaluating profitability and engagement metrics
• [14:09] Assessing ad spend efficiency
• [15:31] Balancing ad budget and revenue
• [16:34] Transitioning in-store insights to Facebook ads
• [18:26] Defying expectations with progressive growth
• [19:58] Episode sponsors
• [22:00] Harnessing collaborative power
• [23:43] Entering the market with a game-changing product
• [25:41] Upholding trust and customer commitment
• [27:02] Ask questions and accept constructive feedback
• [29:00] Embracing failure as a stepping stone
• [29:36] The importance of self-reflection as entrepreneurs
• [31:33] Where to find HexClad
• [32:23] Inspiring future entrepreneurs with success stories

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• The only true hybrid cookware https://hexclad.com/
• Follow Daniel Winer https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-winer-647bba90/
• Schedule an intro call with one of our experts https://electriceye.io/connect
• Book a demo today at https://www.intelligems.io/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Lindsay More Nisbett is an entrepreneur, creative director, and Co-Founder & Brand Director of The Line Studios, a leading creative production studio with expertise in creating compelling e-commerce and marketing content. 

Since its inception in January 2016, Lindsay has built The Line Studios into the go-to imagery experts for top e-commerce brands, including Hill House Home, MM LaFleur, Negative Underwear, Fresh Beauty, Faherty Brand, and many more. By striking the perfect balance between a beautiful image and an efficient production process, The Line Studios has become well-known for providing their clients with best-in-class e-commerce imagery that drives incremental lift in revenue. 

Lindsay's vision for The Line Studios transcends mere visuals; it's about crafting exceptional e-commerce imagery that not only elevates the client's brand but also translates into outstanding results. Her unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality visuals has allowed The Line Studios to capture the very essence of their client's products and effectively convey their brand's unique message to consumers. 

Lindsay More Nisbett continues to shape the Ecommerce landscape, setting new standards of excellence with each project undertaken by The Line Studios.

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

• [00:46] Intro
• [02:39] Shifting from ad campaigns to Ecommerce
• [03:56] Bridging luxury brands’ Ecomm struggles
• [05:34] Incorporating brand voice through imagery
• [08:06] Elevating basic product imagery
• [09:37] Crafting visual brand language
• [11:29] The ROI of experimenting with imagery
• [12:56] Focusing on best-selling products
• [14:06] Investing strategically in assets
• [15:38] Standing out against competition
• [17:11] Diversifying video content
• [18:43] Building trust through imagery
• [20:23] Limitations of AI in imagery
• [22:04] Rising trends in ecommerce imagery
• [23:52] Reevaluating website priorities
• [24:48] Evolving consumer behavior
• [25:20] Reach out to The Line Studios

Resources:

• Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
• Creative production solutions for Ecommerce brands thelinestudios.nyc
• Follow Lindsay More Nisbett linkedin.com/in/lindsay-more-nisbett-01005b4/

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!