On this episode of Unreasonably Optimistic, we sat down with Lauren Garner, VP of Demand Generation & Partnerships at Ascent Funding, to talk about what it really takes to grow a brand in today’s landscape.

From building a company from scratch to $1.4B in loans… to navigating skyrocketing ad costs… to partnering with competitors to win new business—Lauren’s approach is bold, smart, and refreshingly transparent.

This episode is a must-listen for marketers, founders, and anyone trying to scale with purpose. Swipe to see the key takeaways!

Welcome to Unreasonably Optimistic! In this episode, Gayle sits down with Ryan Graham, a life coach, entrepreneur, and leader with over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry. From launching a successful massage therapy practice to co-founding Ramley Partners, Ryan shares invaluable insights on leadership, adaptability, and creating lasting impact in organizations.

Key Moments:

• How Ryan pivoted from speech pathology to wellness entrepreneurship

• Lessons from a 15-year business partnership with minimal conflict

• The power of coaching and self-awareness in leadership

• Why companies need to see employees as people, not just roles

• The surprising truth about company culture and why it drives success

💡 Get inspired to embrace change, lead with confidence, and build something that lasts.

Get ready to dive into some expert marketing wisdom with Harps Mangat! With 15 years of experience under her belt, Harps breaks down how fractional marketing is the secret sauce for scaling startups and small-to-medium businesses. She’ll show you why hiring a fractional CMO is a game-changer compared to a traditional full-time hire, giving companies the flexibility to pivot and grow without breaking the bank. Plus, you’ll hear all about Harps' fascinating journey from healthcare to marketing, and her take on fixing the all-too-common sales and marketing misalignment. Don't miss these valuable insights!

In an interview with Jimmy Hart, Director of Marketing at Visit Tuscaloosa, we delved into the dynamic efforts to reshape the perception of Tuscaloosa, Alabama beyond its well-known “college town” image. Jimmy Hart, who has been with Visit Tuscaloosa for the past two years, shared his journey from higher education marketing at the University of Alabama to his current role in tourism.

In this episode, we sit down with Drew Franklin, Commercial Marketing Manager of Industry Solutions at Rockwell Automation. Drew shares his journey in the marketing world, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, leveraging marketing technology, building strong relationships, and driving thought leadership. Tune in for invaluable insights and actionable tips from a true marketing professional.

Tonya McKenzie shares her journey from Louisiana to California, working in various industries and eventually starting her own PR and media relations company, Sand and Shores. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with journalists and understanding the goals of clients to achieve effective media placements. McKenzie also discusses the impact of AI on the PR industry and the need for human creativity and authenticity. She concludes by highlighting the value of delayed gratification and continuous learning in the field of PR. In this conversation, Tonya McKenzie discusses her experience in podcasting and PR, the importance of women in leadership, overcoming setbacks, and the advice she would give to her younger self.

The conversation explores the evolution of technology and the mobile landscape, with a focus on the early adoption of mobile wallets by Starbucks. The importance of payment integration in mobile apps and the challenges with in-app purchases and subscriptions are discussed. The impact of Apple and Google's payment policies and the different revenue models for businesses are explored. The role of AI in technology and development is examined, along with the potential and limitations of AI tools. The future of Motion Mobs and the importance of strategic planning in app development are also highlighted.

Gayle had a good chat with the multi-talented Brian Esposito, spanning over 20 years of his professional career. Brian has worn more hats than a hat store — Founder, CEO, Investor, and, rumor has it, a part-time Broadway dancer. He went into detail about the hurdles of his early days that paved the way to where he is now, giving us a sneak peek into the rollercoaster ride of working in everything from beauty and music to merchandising.

As a digital marketing agency in Birmingham, we’re hooked! 

Key Business Takeaways:

From learning valuable lessons in the beauty industry to his foray into decentralized social media, Brian advocates empowering creators and fostering genuine connections in business. His emphasis on transparency and personal values offer insights into his unique approach to success in the ever-evolving entrepreneurship landscape.

Meet John Ryan, a jack-of-all-trades. John shared his diverse background, transitioning from an army officer serving during the Iraq War to entering the field of digital marketing. His military experience taught him to manage uncertainty and make thoughtful decisions in chaotic situations.

Gayle had a super insightful chat with Aurrie Hicks of Hopson Rae where she spilled the beans on her business and branding journey. With a natural knack for entrepreneurship, Aurrie dives into all the nitty-gritty of branding and marketing. She’s got a ton of experience and shares personal stories and cool industry insights. It’s like a roadmap for any business trying to find its way into the wild world of branding.