Interview
1396: Product Tranquility: The Brutal Truth About Freemium Models That Kill B2B Software Startups with Chief Pricing Officer Dan Balcauski
A lot of SaaS founders start with freemium because it feels like the easiest way to get users in the door—but then those users never really convert. You end up with a bloated free tier, server costs piling up, and barely enough paying customers to keep things going. It’s like giving away your best stuff and hoping someone eventually offers to pay for it. And the worst part is, by the time you realize what’s happening, it’s already eating into your runway.
Dan Balcauski, founder and Chief Pricing Officer of Product Tranquility, helps B2B SaaS companies fine-tune pricing to drive real growth. Today, he explains why freemium often fails in B2B, especially when customer value isn’t clearly defined. He shares how subscription models have matured and why pricing needs to reflect what users actually care about. His focus: use value-based metrics to build smarter, more profitable product strategies. Stay tuned!
Quotes:
“If you don’t really understand how you’re charging customers or haven’t thought it through well, you’re missing the highest leverage opportunities.”
“I would spend most of my time on what the price tag goes on, and little time on what number goes on the price tag.”
“Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. We need to understand it’s not what we think; it’s what those customers think, whom we’re actually trying to sell this to.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:03 — 49.0MB) | Embed
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1395: Zappi: How Multinational Companies Adapt and Succeed with Global Brand Strategist Nataly Kelly
Growing a brand across borders sounds exciting until you realize how easy it is to get it wrong. What clicks with one audience might feel tone-deaf or confusing somewhere else, and it’s not just about language—it’s about values, habits, even colors and timing. Big names like Nike and Starbucks didn’t just push the same message everywhere—they listened, adapted, and blended in without losing who they are. When companies miss that step, even the best ideas can flop, not because they weren’t good, but because they didn’t fit.
Nataly Kelly is the CMO at Zappi and a global brand strategist with deep roots in tech and cross-cultural marketing. Today, she breaks down how top brands like Nike and Kit Kat tailor their messaging worldwide without losing their identity. She emphasizes the need for clear goals, personal branding, and adapting to an AI-driven market. Nataly also shares tips on navigating big career shifts with purpose and resilience. Her message: success comes from blending global vision with local insight. Stay tuned!
Quotes:
“Building global teams is a big part of building a global brand. So hiring—and everything around hiring great people and building a team—is really the secret to success in any business, especially global business.”
“Whenever things get tough, whether it’s a people problem or a budget problem, it always helps to zoom out and ask, ‘Okay, where are we headed, and what’s the most important thing we need to do?’”
“It’s okay to set the bar a little lower, as long as the focus is on progress.”
Resources:
- Born to Be Global | Nataly Kelly
- Create winning products with connected insights | Zappi
- Follow Nataly Kelly on Facebook
- Connect with Nataly Kelly on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:23 — 38.5MB) | Embed
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1394: Unbreakable Confidence: Break Free from Self-Doubt and Reclaim Your Conviction with Professional Counselor and Bestselling Author Julie Adcock
There’s a certain heaviness that comes with always second-guessing yourself, especially when the people around you make that doubt feel justified. It’s not always obvious at first—sometimes it looks like staying quiet, putting others first, or brushing off your own needs. Over time, that pattern starts to feel normal, like maybe you really are the problem. But deep down, there’s often a quiet part of you that knows it’s not about who you are, but what you’ve been made to believe.
Julie Adcock is a licensed counselor and author of Unbreakable Confidence, helping people overcome self-doubt and embrace their inner strength. With over 30 years of experience, she blends therapy with spiritual insight to guide personal growth. Today, she talks about how fear, boundaries, and self-worth shape our relationships and choices. She shares tools for building confidence and turning past challenges into lessons. Her core message: believe in your value and live with bold self-respect. Stay tuned!
Quotes:
“Find that relationship with God. If you don’t know how, talk to someone who does and find the help you need. You don’t have to live this way. Life is short. We’re only given one life, and you’re capable of so much if you have that confidence.”
“People fear taking action and making changes, especially when it comes to setting boundaries for what they will and won’t accept. Setting boundaries is hard because people often don’t want to respect them, and they also resist change.”
“Every relationship is a negotiation. You know how you feel—you don’t necessarily know how the other person feels.”
Resources:
- Julie Adcock | Unbreakable Confidence
- Follow Julie Adcock on Facebook
- Connect with Julie Adcock on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:47 — 39.0MB) | Embed
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1393: Rise 25: Build Killer Business Relationships Through Strategic Podcasting with Entrepreneur and Podcast Producer John Corcoran
It’s easy to get caught up in the podcasting grind—churning out episodes, tweaking gear, tracking downloads—only to wonder if any of it’s actually moving the needle. For a lot of entrepreneurs, it becomes just another thing on the to-do list instead of something that drives real connections. The frustrating part is knowing your message has value, but feeling like it’s just floating out there with no direction. What’s often missing isn’t content—it’s clarity on what you really want it to do for you.
John Corcoran is a former lawyer turned podcasting strategist and co-founder of Rise25, helping B2B companies use podcasts to grow their client base. With experience writing speeches at the White House and hosting 2,000+ interviews, he’s built a career on connection. Today, he explains how podcasts can drive real business growth by building relationships, not just content. He shares his “Dream 200” method—targeting ideal guests who can become clients or key partners. His focus: use podcasting as a smart, strategic networking tool. Stay tuned!
Quotes:
“If someone held a gun to my head and said, ‘Your website or your podcast?’ I would say, ‘Take my website.’ I will keep my podcast, because a website is basically a glossy brochure on the internet, and the podcast is a tool for building relationships.”
“Business is about who you know. A podcast is a tool for knowing more people, knowing them in a deeper way—getting to know people you don’t know right now, who are busy, who are successful, and who aren’t going to carve out time for a get-to-know-you call, but will spend time for a podcast.”
“In an era where we can’t tell what is real from what is fake, authenticity will be the new currency.”
Resources:
- john@rise25.com
- The Rise25 ‘Dream 200’ strategy connects you to your ideal clients.
- Follow John Corcoran on Facebook
- Connect with John Corcoran on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:46 — 47.2MB) | Embed
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1392: Veracity Agency: Get Media Attention Without Hiring a Massive PR Team with Public Relations Expert Amy Rosenberg
Most small businesses and nonprofits don’t lack passion or effort—they just get buried under strategies that sound good on paper but never seem to pay off. You try social posts, emails, ads, maybe even hire someone, and still feel like no one’s really seeing what you do. It’s frustrating, especially when you know your work matters but the spotlight keeps missing you. Sometimes it feels like you’re shouting into the void, just hoping something finally sticks.
Amy Rosenberg is a PR expert and founder of Veracity Agency, known for helping mid-sized companies grow their visibility. She’s the author of A Modern Guide to PR and A Practical Guide to Public Relations, and was named PR Woman of the Year. Today, she breaks down how PR, SEO, and AI work together to boost credibility and reach. Her strategy: use monthly content themes, podcast pitching, and third-party validation to build trust and rank better online. Simple, effective, and tailored for real-world impact. Stay tuned!
Quotes:
“I don’t want to say that PR is the solution to marketing and all your problems. But when we think things are too hard or overcomplicate them, we just don’t do them.”
“Try to think about how you’re going to make it interesting to other people—whether that’s your audience, offering advice, tying into trends, talking about trends, or using external statistics to discuss topics. Not your own research, but others’, and compiling that into a blog post.”
“You already are where you need to be. If we think about things that way, instead of always focusing on the future, and just focus on the now—realizing that what we’re doing today will help us in the future—it’s empowering, especially for our younger professionals.”
Resources:
- Modern Mothership by Amy Rosenberg
- PR That Works Smarter | Veracity
- Follow Amy Rosenberg on Facebook
- Connect with Amy Rosenberg on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:34 — 44.2MB) | Embed
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1391: Healing Codes to Enlightenment: Break Free from Toxic Mindsets and Rewrite Your Life Story with Life Coach Jill Nypower
There comes a point where you look around and barely recognize the life you’re living—it’s like you’re going through the motions in someone else’s story. You stay in situations that drain you, not because you want to, but because it’s familiar, even when it hurts. That quiet ache of “this isn’t it” lingers in the background, and pretending everything’s fine just adds to the weight. It’s not about chasing perfection—it’s just about finally feeling like you’re allowed to be yourself without apology.
Jill Nypower is a life coach, author, and single mom helping people overcome fear, scarcity, and self-doubt. She’s written three books and shares her message through a podcast and YouTube channel. Today, she talks about the power of meditation, self-talk, and setting strong boundaries. Her story highlights the shift from fear to love and the importance of living authentically. Her message: real change starts within. Stay tuned!
Quotes:
“The kingdom of heaven is within you. When you take time to slow down, ground yourself, meditate, and get into your heart, then you can quiet the mind.”
“Instead of choosing fear, I choose love. Instead of choosing survival, I choose thriving.”
“Create healthy boundaries. Don’t let people come into your energy space and make you feel bad.”
Resources:
- jillnypower@gmail.com
- Follow Jill Nypower on Instagram
- Subscribe to Jill Nypower on YouTube
- Jill Nypower Website
- Follow Jill Nypower on Facebook
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:29 — 51.0MB) | Embed
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1390: The FORWARD Method: Neuroscience Secrets of Successful Leaders with Neuroscience and Leadership Expert Dr. Elizabeth Moran
Workplace anxiety has this way of creeping in quietly—one awkward meeting, one piece of unclear feedback, and suddenly everything feels like a threat. You want to move forward, lead confidently, speak up—but your mind keeps replaying worst-case scenarios and second-guessing everything. It’s not just about stress; it’s the mental loop that convinces you you’re the problem. And when that becomes the background noise of your day, even the smallest challenges start to feel impossible.
Dr. Elizabeth Moran is a neuroscience and leadership expert known for helping companies manage change with her brain-based Forward Method. She’s worked with top firms like Bloomberg and ADP and authored the bestseller Forward: Leading Your Team Through Change. Today, she explains how negativity bias affects leaders and team dynamics. She shares tools for reframing resistance and using optimism to drive real progress. Her focus: lead with awareness, shift mindsets, and turn change into momentum. Stay tuned!
Resources:
- Do you want an Easier way to navigate change? | Elizabeth Moran Transformation
- Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Moran on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:26 — 35.8MB) | Embed
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1389: The Actor Career Center: Professional Networking Tricks for Actors and Entrepreneurs with Veteran Actor and Model Aaron Marcus
In a place where everyone’s chasing the same spotlight, talent alone isn’t what makes someone stand out. The reality is, most aspiring actors face rejection more than applause, and over time, that grind wears people down. Some drift away, not because they weren’t good, but because the waiting, the uncertainty, and the constant comparison get too heavy. The ones who make it often aren’t just gifted—they’re the ones who stayed in the game long enough to finally be seen.
Aaron Marcus is a veteran actor and model with nearly 1,300 gigs under his belt. He’s also an educator, author, and creator of howtoactandmodel.com and the Actor Career Center on YouTube. Today, he talks about treating acting like a real business—showing up prepared, staying professional, and not letting rejection get in your head. He shares lessons from his own journey and emphasizes that success comes from consistency, not luck. His advice: stay focused, keep learning, and don’t take “no” personally. Stay tuned!
Resources:
- Get one-on-one guidance from Aaron Marcus to build your acting career, with personalized strategies tailored to your needs and goals
- Subscribe to The Actor Career Center
- Follow Aaron Marcus on Facebook
- Connect with Aaron Marcus on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:26 — 46.8MB) | Embed
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1388: From Digging Holes to Designing Elite Backyards: How to Create Backyard Magic with Landscape Design Guru Steve Griggs
It’s frustrating when you put your trust—and a chunk of your budget—into a landscaper, only to end up with something that looks nothing like what was promised. You imagine a peaceful, beautiful space to relax in, but instead you’re left chasing updates, fixing mistakes, and staring at half-finished work. There’s a big difference between a yard and a space that actually feels like yours. And when that vision falls flat, it’s hard not to feel like you settled for less.
Steve Griggs is a veteran landscape designer known for crafting luxury outdoor spaces for high-profile clients. From humble beginnings with a wheelbarrow, he built Steve Griggs Design into a brand featured in Forbes and on Bravo. He’s also the author of Straight Dirt, where he shares real-world industry lessons. Today, he talks about the power of client relationships, stressing reliability and clear communication. His design process centers on truly listening and turning client visions into elegant, functional spaces. Stay tuned!
Resources:
- Thoughtful & Exciting Landscapes Since 1985 | Steve Griggs Design
- Follow Steve Griggs on Instagram
- Follow Steve Griggs on Facebook
- Connect with Steve Griggs on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:21 — 50.8MB) | Embed
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1387: Pennant Video: The Secret Video Marketing Trifecta That Wins Customers Every Single Time with Video Marketing Expert Tim Bradley
Most marketing videos these days feel like they came off the same assembly line—polished, generic, and kind of forgettable. With AI pumping out content by the second, it’s no wonder everything starts to blur together. People aren’t looking for perfect; they just want something that feels real, something that makes them pause for a second. But between chasing trends and trying to be everywhere at once, that human spark often gets lost in the shuffle.
Tim Bradley is the co-founder of Pennant Video, an agency helping B2B brands tell better stories through video. With a mix of creative and strategy know-how, he helps companies stand out in tech, healthcare, and sustainability. Today, he shares his Video Marketing Trifecta—differentiate, demonstrate, and validate—as a guide for creating effective content. He stresses the need for real human connection and smart storytelling in an AI-saturated world. His focus is on using video across the funnel to build trust and clarity. Stay tuned!
Resources:
- Boost brand engagement, rack up qualified leads, and outplay your rivals with Pennant!
- Connect with Tim Bradley on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:38 — 45.7MB) | Embed
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