The Growth Signal

When everyone else is chasing the next big AI breakthrough, Alison Dixon says the real advantage comes from something much simpler - being human. She joins Alyssa Nolte to talk about why smaller companies actually have the upper hand right now and how “doing the basics well” can set you apart in a world obsessed with automation.This conversation will make you rethink what customer experience really means in the age of AI.3 Key Takeaways: » Big companies are rushing to use AI, but it’s often making their customer experience worse, not better. » Small businesses can win by staying personal, responsive, and focused on real human connection.» The smartest use of AI is giving customers choice - when to use automation and when to reach a person.Mentioned in this episode: Cal Newport – author of Deep Work and Digital MinimalismWherever you’re rethinking the future of customer relationships, this one will remind you why people still matter most.

What if the best salespeople aren’t really selling at all? Joe Candido says true sales success starts with leadership - not quotas. Alyssa Nolte and Joe rethink what it means to sell, lead, and build trust in a world where closing fast often matters more than doing what’s right for the customer.Joe shares why leadership culture drives every good sales outcome, how incentives shape behavior, and why putting the customer first always wins in the long run. Alyssa brings her own experience from years of customer research and dives into the gap between what companies say they value and what they actually reward.Listen if you want to:See how leadership and culture shape the way your team sellsRethink how compensation plans can create or kill collaborationLearn how aligning vision, values, and incentives can build real customer trustMentioned in this episode:– Leadership Selling by Joe Candido– John Chambers (former Cisco CEO)– The New York Yankees example on culture and alignment– Disney’s “make people happy” vision

Publicity isn’t just for celebrities - it’s the fastest way to build trust, visibility, and real business growth. Jill Lublin joins Alyssa Nolte to rethink what “getting noticed” means for entrepreneurs today. From local news to podcasts, Jill shows how showing up in the right places can move you from hidden to hired.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn attention into income (or why credibility matters more than clicks), this one’s worth a listen.You’ll learn:Why publicity is more powerful (and affordable) than paid adsHow to turn visibility into real business resultsSimple steps to build relationships with local media and producersRethink what visibility means for your brand and how being seen the right way can help you get paid for what you do best.Resources & People Mentioned: Rhea AllenJumpstart Your Publicity: https://jilllublin.com/guide

When your high school coach tries to sum you up in a few words, "Alyssa likes to talk," it can feel like a punchline. But what if that label was actually the throughline?In this Field Note, Alyssa shares the story behind her umbrella brand, Alyssa Likes to Talk - a home for every conversation, project, and lesson that’s shaped how she builds, leads, and learns.She reflects on: The moment “Alyssa likes to talk” stopped being embarrassing and started making sense Why she’s never fit neatly into one lane (and why that’s the point) How all her worlds (podcasts, consulting, software, and story-gathering) connect through curiosity and conversationThis isn’t another podcast. It’s the superfeed where it all comes together. Subscribe on Substack to listen, read, and join the conversation: alyssanolte.substack.com

AI isn’t coming for your job...it’s coming for your busywork. Eric Turney joins Alyssa Nolte to talk about how small businesses can rethink automation, save time, and use AI to do the work that actually matters.Eric shares how his team transformed a 30-year-old company into a tech-driven, customer-focused business without losing the human touch. Alyssa pushes back on the hype, digging into where AI helps, where it still hallucinates, and how to start small without getting overwhelmed.Why listen: This conversation will change how you think about AI, efficiency, and what it really means to grow smarter...not just faster.Key takeaways: AI isn’t replacing people, it’s freeing them up for more meaningful work. Start simple: one automation can save hours every week.The future belongs to businesses that combine human creativity with smart systems.

The future of business is still human. Gary Pageau says real growth doesn’t come from AI - it comes from trust, relationships, and connection.Alyssa Nolte sits down with Gary to rethink what “personal” means in a world run by algorithms. Together they explore why the most powerful technology can’t replace the value of showing up, listening, and building something real.If you’ve been wondering how to keep your business human in an AI-driven world, this conversation will make you pause and think about what customers actually want.Key takeaways:Technology can make work faster, but it can’t replace trust.Human connection is becoming a premium experience and people will pay for it.The best businesses double down on authenticity, not automation.Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or leader, this episode will help you see how staying personal can still be your biggest competitive edge.

What happens when humans and AI truly work together? Joanna Zhang believes the future of business depends on it. She joins Alyssa Nolte to rethink how technology and human connection can power growth - without losing empathy, creativity, or heart.Joanna shares how she built a business that blends automation with authenticity, and why the smartest teams of tomorrow will be part human, part AI, and all heart. This conversation is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by technology and wondering how to bring more balance, purpose, and joy back into their work.Why you should listen: Joanna and Alyssa explore how to build hybrid teams where AI boosts efficiency and people stay inspired. It’s a fresh look at leadership, burnout, and the future of work.Key takeaways:You can’t automate a broken process...AI only works when your systems and people are aligned.Overusing AI without human touch leads to overwhelm, not efficiency.Great leadership means balancing compassion with boundaries, whether you’re managing people or machines.If you’re rethinking how humans and AI can grow together, this episode will get you inspired and grounded.

Referrals won’t build your business. Rethinking how growth really works.James Donovan says relying on word of mouth and referrals isn’t a strategy - it’s a gamble. Alyssa Nolte digs in with him on what it means to actually own your growth instead of hoping someone else sends it your way. Together they talk about why so many small business owners wear “I’ve never spent a dollar on marketing” like a badge of honor—and how that mindset keeps them stuck.If you’ve ever felt proud of building on referrals or nervous to spend money on ads, this one will challenge how you think about growth and control.You’ll learn: Why referrals should be your backup plan, not your growth planHow to choose the right marketing channel for your business (without wasting money)What realistic results from paid ads actually look like

Most companies think they know what their customers are buying...but they’re wrong. Sean Shannon joins Alyssa Nolte to rethink what drives real purchase decisions. It’s not your product, your features, or even your pricing. It’s the job your customer is hiring you to do… and most businesses haven’t figured that out yet.Sean shares how understanding this simple idea can change everything - from how you market and sell to how you build loyalty that lasts. Alyssa and Sean go deep on why emotional connection matters as much as results, and how to make your customers the hero of your story.Why listen: If you’ve ever wondered why “great products” still lose deals (or how to make your brand one people actually choose), this episode will flip your perspective.Key takeaways:Customers don’t buy products, they “hire” them to solve a job in their lives.Emotional connection and trust are as important as results when driving loyalty.To grow, you must step outside your own story and see your brand through your customer’s eyes.

AI won’t replace you… it’ll expose you. That’s the bold take from Wes Towers, a designer and marketing strategist who learned firsthand what happens when automation outpaces human connection. Alyssa Nolte and Wes dig into how AI is changing the way we build trust, deliver value, and stay relevant in a world where anyone can “DIY” their way to average.If you’ve ever worried about being replaced by technology, this episode will make you rethink what actually makes you irreplaceable.Why listen: Wes shares how a painful business valuation forced him to rebuild around relationships, not just results. Alyssa connects that lesson to the real tension leaders feel as AI takes over routine work and how to double down on what machines can’t do.3 Key Takeaways:AI won’t replace you, but it will expose where your real value lies.When automation peaks, relationships become your competitive edge.The future of SEO (and every business) is about being found through conversations, not keywords.Guest: Wes TowersHost: Alyssa NolteRethinking the future of customer relationships.