Experience-Focused Leaders
Alex Shevelenko
Introducing Alex Shevelenko, CEO and founder of RELAYTO and the host of the Experienced-Focused Leaders Podcast. With a mission to empower seasoned business owners who recognize the critical role of customer experience in achieving success, Alex brings together a community of discerning listeners eager to explore new perspectives and strategies for enhancing their experience-centric approach.
In our thought-provoking podcast episodes, we dive deep into the stories and insights of accomplished business owners who have honed their expertise in delivering exceptional customer experiences. These industry veterans possess a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, making them valuable resources for our audience of seasoned professionals who are passionate about creating meaningful connections with their customers.
Our podcast serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative approaches to customer experience. We understand that our audience is composed of discerning individuals who have already achieved considerable success and are constantly seeking new ways to elevate their customer-centric strategies.
If you are a seasoned business owner with a profound understanding of the significance of customer experience in driving business growth, we invite you to join us as a guest on our podcast. Share your unique insights, success stories, and the strategies that have set you apart in your industry.
In our thought-provoking podcast episodes, we dive deep into the stories and insights of accomplished business owners who have honed their expertise in delivering exceptional customer experiences. These industry veterans possess a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, making them valuable resources for our audience of seasoned professionals who are passionate about creating meaningful connections with their customers.
Our podcast serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative approaches to customer experience. We understand that our audience is composed of discerning individuals who have already achieved considerable success and are constantly seeking new ways to elevate their customer-centric strategies.
If you are a seasoned business owner with a profound understanding of the significance of customer experience in driving business growth, we invite you to join us as a guest on our podcast. Share your unique insights, success stories, and the strategies that have set you apart in your industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 23, 2024 • 35min
43 - Understanding Investor Communications: Navigating Feedback and Customer Demand with Fundingstack's Nathan Beckord
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO of Foundersuite and Fundingstack, Nathan Beckord. Nathan shared the importance of simplicity in your initial communications with investors. Founders often make the mistake of inundating potential investors with too much information too soon. Nathan's recommendation? Keep your intro email as short as possible. He observed that founders tend to include their entire history and attach large presentations, only to be left wondering why they're not gaining traction with fundraising. In reality, investors are inundated with pitches and will only spend a few seconds skimming an email for something that catches their eye.Nathan suggests using a teaser deck, a concise presentation of about five slides, to pique investor interest. This should cover the essentials: the problem you're solving, your solution, market traction, and your team. If this teaser is compelling enough, it can lead to an introductory chat and, hopefully, a deeper dive into your business plan.To learn more about Nathan's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/
Apr 9, 2024 • 53min
42 - Revolutionizing Customer Experience: Unleashing the Power of Employee Engagement with Mary Poppen
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CCO, Author, Speaker, and Advisor, Mary Poppen. Mary emphasized the often-underestimated link between how employees feel and how customers perceive a company. Organizations focusing on employee and customer experiences in parallel see remarkable results, including increased stock prices and higher retention rates. Engaged employees who feel valued are more likely to deliver value to customers, creating a virtuous cycle of satisfaction and growth.A question that often arises is whether to prioritize employee experience or customer experience. Mary's perspective is to tackle both simultaneously. It's essential to have cross-functional discussions involving both customer-facing and non-customer-facing roles. Understanding the business context and how customers will use a product or service is crucial for creating a cohesive experience that resonates with customers and fulfills an employee's sense of purpose.To learn more about Mary's work, click HERE.Check out Mary's book, Goodbye, Churn. Hello, Growth!, HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/
Apr 2, 2024 • 1h
41 - Discovering Sales and Negotiation Secrets Through Innovative Pitching Strategies with Intersection Capital's Oren Klaff
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Managing Director of Intersection Capital, Oren Klaff. Oren started the discussion with a fascinating story about a colleague's unconventional approach to closing a multimillion-dollar deal. This experience was a turning point for Oren, leading to a profound exploration of the social undercurrents that influence transactions. His findings, which he generously detailed in "Pitch Anything," serve as a testament to the complex interplay of human psychology in business.One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation was Oren's emphasis on the practical application of his framework in real-world scenarios. He underscored the importance of actionable methodologies over purely academic research, particularly in high-value transactions. Oren shared how leveraging status symbols and frame control can significantly impact negotiations, establishing perceived value and influence.He even gave us a peek into his studio setup, using visual elements to convey professionalism and high value. Oren's approach to reframing interactions with high-profile individuals to assert equal status was particularly enlightening, highlighting the significance of respecting time and integrity in business.To learn more about Oren's work, click HERE and HERE.Check out Oren's book, Pitch Anything, HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/
Mar 26, 2024 • 42min
40 - Unleashing the Power of Passion: Driving Entrepreneurial Success with Katana Cloud Inventory's Kristjan Vilosius
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of Katana Cloud Inventory, Kristjan Vilosius. Kristjan shed light on how Estonia's limited internal market compels startups to think globally from the outset. This necessity to expand beyond borders is a driving force behind the country's success. Moreover, the legacy of Skype, which originated in Estonia, has played a pivotal role in cultivating local talent and inspiring a cascade of innovative ventures.Kristjan discussed the global ambition that characterizes Estonian startups, using Wise and Bolt as prime examples. The efficiency ingrained in these companies, coupled with the liberation felt after the USSR's collapse, has fueled the entrepreneurial spirit in Estonia. This mindset has been instrumental in the success stories we see today.Kristjan introduced Katana, a cloud-based inventory software for small and medium-sized businesses. Born from frustration with cumbersome traditional ERP solutions, Katana was created to offer a user-friendly alternative that simplifies onboarding, implementation, and communication. Kristjan's journey from starting small to competing with giants like SAP and Oracle is a testament to the power of strategic growth and market understanding.To learn more about Kristjan's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/
Mar 19, 2024 • 37min
39 - Elevating SaaS Events: Creating Memorable and Unique Experiences with Saastock's Alex Theuma
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Founder of Saastock, Alex Theuma. SaaStock began its journey in 2015, stemming from a vision to create a content platform that would unite B2B SaaS companies. Inspired by the legendary Woodstock festival, Alex wanted to craft an event that would leave a lasting impact on the community. This vision materialized into the first B2B SaaS conference in Europe, held in Dublin, which has since grown to welcome over 4,000 attendees, including founders, C-suite executives, investors, and many innovative SaaS products and companies.The expansion of SaaStock didn't stop in Europe. The event crossed the Atlantic, bringing its unique blend of community and learning to the US. Additionally, SaaStock introduced a founder membership program, designed to support B2B SaaS founders in scaling their businesses. This program is a testament to the event's dedication to fostering growth and providing value to its attendees.To learn more about Alex's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/.
Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 4min
38 - Revolutionizing Company Culture: Strategies for Success in Remote Work Environments with CultureGene's Brett Putter
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the Author, Founder, and CEO of CultureGene, Brett Putter. The shift to remote work has been one of the most significant transformations in the modern workplace. As leaders, we're tasked with the daunting challenge of preserving our company's culture without the traditional office setting that once served as its breeding ground. This is where my discussion with Brett Potter becomes crucial.Brett explored the essence of emotional connection and social capital in remote teams. The physical distance can create a barrier to the informal interactions that naturally occur in an office. To bridge this gap, Brett emphasized the importance of small gestures that can have a big impact, like sending gifts to the partners of new employees. This fosters a sense of belonging and shows that the company values not just the employee but their life outside of work as well.To learn more about Brett's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/.
Feb 27, 2024 • 37min
37 - Unleashing the Power of Communication: Strategies for Success in the Digital Landscape with Coeus Creative Group's Jay Johnson
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the CEO and Keynote Speaker of Coeus Creative Group, Jay Johnson. Jay brings a wealth of experience to the table, with 15 years of guiding leaders in organizational culture and working with prestigious companies and institutions. His insights on human behavior are not just theoretical; they are backed by practical experiences and millions of views on his TEDx talk about handling challenging individuals.Jay emphasized a crucial point: we cannot control others, only ourselves. This realization is the foundation for developing strategies to navigate difficult interactions. It's about creating a gap between the stimulus we receive from a difficult person and our response to it. By doing so, we avoid the immediate, often counterproductive, emotional reactions that can lead to conflict.Jay introduced the concept of predictive behavioral intelligence, which is about recognizing the patterns in people's behavior. Just like watching a horror movie repeatedly makes the scares predictable, understanding the recurring nature of difficult people allows us to anticipate their actions and respond more effectively. This approach empowers us to control our reactions, even when faced with frustrating behavior.To learn more about Jay's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/.
Feb 20, 2024 • 40min
36 - Authenticity Unleashed: Building Trust and Connection in Personal Branding with Victoria Pelletier
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the C-Suite Transformational Leader, Keynote Speaker, Board Director, Author, and Passionate Diversity and Inclusion Leader, Victoria Pelletier. Victoria's journey is one marked by significant adversity. She shared how she harnessed these challenges as catalysts for growth and success. Her story is a testament to the power of authenticity and intentionality in crafting a personal brand that evolves alongside you.She spoke on the elusive concept of balance and the inevitable trade-offs that life demands. Victoria spoke candidly about her experiences juggling a thriving career with motherhood, and the compromises that accompanied her choices. It's a narrative many of us can relate to, as we strive to align our values with our professional endeavors.The evolution of Victoria's brand is a journey of self-discovery and storytelling. Victoria stressed the importance of differentiation and connecting to one's legacy and impact. She urged us to be strategic and intentional in presenting ourselves, always considering our audience and the objectives we aim to achieve.To learn more about Victoria's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/.
Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 3min
35 - Navigating Market Disruptions and Making Strategic Decisions with NFX's Pete Flint
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with the General Partner of NFX Pete Flint. Pete's candid recount of the challenges he faced while scaling Trulia is both enlightening and inspiring. He opened up about the 2008 real estate crash's impact and the strategic decisions that led to a successful IPO and exit. His experiences underscore the importance of networking, understanding consumer needs, and being resourceful, especially during times of crisis.One of the most gripping parts of the discussion centered on how Trulia navigated the 2008 global financial crisis. Despite raising cash before the crisis, the company was rapidly losing money, and fundraising seemed impossible. The crisis forced them to pivot from targeting big customers with six-figure contracts to recognizing an unexpected opportunity: real estate agents who needed better online services.An inbound call from an agent complaining about their listing images sparked a revolutionary idea. Trulia transformed its customer service team into an inside sales force, achieving a 20% conversion rate and setting the company on a new, profitable path. This strategic shift from enterprise sales to a high-touch approach for real estate agents was a game-changer.To learn more about Pete's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/.
Feb 1, 2024 • 59min
34 - How to Leave a Lasting Impression with Storytelling in Business and Life with Dr. Timothy Chou
Your host, Alex Shevelenko, talks with Board Member and Stanford Cloud Computing Lecturer, Dr. Timothy Chou. Timothy discussed the challenge of managing multiple initiatives. Timothy, with his extensive background at Tandem Computers, emphasized the importance of compartmentalization. He shared how the ability to focus on specific tasks without getting overwhelmed by the "noise" in the tech industry is crucial for success. In today's fast-paced environment, companies must simplify their narratives to cut through the clutter and reach their target audience effectively.Timothy discusses the history of technological advancements, from the inception of cloud computing to the latest developments in AI and large language models. He underscored the role of economic shifts in fostering innovation, pointing out that significant changes in the economy often pave the way for the creation of groundbreaking products. Moreover, he stressed the importance of user experience in enterprise software, a factor that can make or break the adoption of new technologies.To learn more about Timothy's work, click HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.To learn more about RELAYTO, visit https://relayto.com/.
