INspired INsider Podcast

Jason Friedman is the Founder of CXFormula. Through CXFormula he helps fast-growing, entrepreneurial companies gain an unfair advantage over their competition. His clients range from solopreneurs to companies like Foot Locker, Adidas, Nike, W Hotels, Universal Studios, Disney, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Fidelity, Stanford University, and Harvard University. In 2008, Jason sold his first company Creative Realities in the high 8-figures. He has started and successfully exited four other businesses. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how some companies create unforgettable experiences that keep customers coming back for more? Is there a secret recipe for designing a customer journey that leaves a lasting impression? How does one tap into the innovative world of customer experience design and transform it into measurable success? Customer experience expert Jason Friedman reveals how to overcome the inertia that hinders customers and employees from engaging fully with your business. He shares CXFormula's approach to crafting journeys that resonate with audiences and drive remarkable results. Jason introduces the Kinetic Customer Formula, a system combining theater techniques and business strategy to create powerful customer experiences. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jason Friedman, Founder of CXFormula, about customer experience design. Jason talks about the unique approach of CX Formula to enhance customer journeys for businesses, how to overcome the common friction points in business, and the structure and offerings of the Kinetic Customer Formula program.

Ben Dankiw is the Founder of NAV43, a digital marketing agency specializing in full-funnel digital marketing through paid media and SEO. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, he has worked with many prestigious clients, including Canadian Tire, Porsche, Ceridian, and TouchBistro. Ben began his career in paid media before developing a passion for SEO around 2015. He has successfully grown NAV43 by focusing on small- to medium-sized businesses, fostering strong relationships, and keeping abreast of digital trends and changes. In this episode… Just how complex has the world of digital marketing become? With data privacy making headlines and algorithms constantly changing, businesses find it overwhelming to keep up. How can you navigate these challenges and still find success? Results-driven digital advertiser Ben Dankiw shares how his agency has adapted to significant changes in the digital marketing landscape. He unpacks the evolution of his agency and its niche, moving from a restaurant-focused strategy to becoming a specialist in performance marketing. He details how content updates from Google have changed the game for content marketers, emphasizing the power of community and relationships in building a successful agency. The discussion also touches on the importance of a morning routine and creating a community-driven platform for sharing morning habits. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ben Dankiw, Founder of NAV43, about navigating digital marketing changes. Ben explores how NAV43 has thrived amidst the evolving digital world, the challenges and opportunities within the digital space, the impact of AI on content strategy, and the agency's experience with notable clients like Quark and Transformer Table.

Payam Zamani is the Founder and CEO of One Planet Group, a hybrid tech firm that embodies his principles of combining business with a life of service. He is an Iranian-born entrepreneur, investor, and author who fled his homeland as a teen due to religious persecution. Payam co-founded AutoWeb, one of the first online car marketplaces, which went public in 1999. He is also the author of Crossing The Desert, an autobiography reflecting on his experiences of perseverance and embracing life's demanding journeys. Payam is a mission-driven individual who has invested in numerous companies while committed to improving the world. In this episode… Imagine fleeing your country at the age of 16, escaping religious persecution, and embarking on a perilous journey. Now, fast-forward a decade to find yourself at the helm of a publicly traded company worth millions. Serial entrepreneur Payam Zamani explores his powerful story, from leaving Iran to his tremendous success and challenges in the business world. He shares the emotional backstory of his early days in Iran, his culture shock upon arriving in the US, and his potent entrepreneurial spirit, which led to the creation of AutoWeb and his tech firm One Planet Group. Payam's testament to surviving and thriving shows a relentless pursuit of a business that benefits humanity. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Payam Zamani, Founder and CEO of One Planet Group, about his journey from a refugee to a tech magnate and philanthropist. Payam opens up about the moments that shaped him, the core philosophies that drive his investments and business decisions, and how he's leveraging his vast experience to create a better world through One Planet Group.

Greg Hickman is the Founder of AltAgency, where he has trained and consulted over 700 agency owners, freelancers, and service providers. Greg specializes in helping businesses productize their services, monetize their expertise, and implement systems to improve client success and free up their time. With a wealth of experience from being a project manager at a large agency to founding his own successful agency, Greg has a deep understanding of the digital and creative agency space. He has a knack for creating systematic sales experiences and building team processes that scale. In this episode… In an ever-evolving digital landscape, how can agency owners, freelancers, and service providers navigate the challenges of scaling, systematizing, and productizing their services? Can the journey from hands-on service provider to a more leveraged business model really be achieved without losing the essence of what made the business successful in the first place? Greg Hickman, a growth marketing expert, melds productizing services, implementing systematic sales and fulfillment processes, and building the right team and systems to free up the owner's time. Through his work, Greg has demonstrated that it's possible to scale an agency or service-based business without being bogged down by custom, labor-intensive work. He emphasizes the importance of moving away from traditional time-for-money service models towards offering productized services or consulting packages that deliver value while optimizing operational efficiency. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Greg Hickman, the Founder of AltAgency, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of restructuring services within agencies. Greg takes listeners through his journey of creating a productized service that leveraged his niche expertise, sharing transformative insights on transitioning from big agency structures to smaller, nimble businesses and navigating the hard decisions in pivoting an agency towards productized services.

Bob Froese is the Founder of Bob's Your Uncle, an innovative creative agency known for launching global brands and executing high-impact marketing strategies. With over two decades of experience in the advertising industry, Bob has led his company to work with clients like Canon, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and Popeyes. He grew up as a Mennonite in rural Manitoba with no TV, radio, or movie exposure, making his accomplishments in the advertising world all the more remarkable. In this episode… Have you ever imagined disrupting a global event like the Olympics without breaking a rule or launching an unknown brand to compete with giants in the industry? What if someone told you that achieving these feats takes more than traditional marketing tactics? Experienced brand and rebrand practitioner Bob Froese delves into how he turned a small agency into a powerhouse known for its audacious marketing strategies and out-of-the-box creative solutions. He shares how he navigated the challenges of rebranding his company and his approach to building client relations, focusing on a mix of creativity, strategic thinking, and heartfelt connections. Bob reflects on the importance of mentorship in finding one's path and on the strategic reasons behind refining the agency's niche services. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Bob Froese, Founder of Bob's Your Uncle, about how creativity and brand savvy can create disruptive market impacts. Bob weaves stories from his career about the importance of branding, the power of saying 'no,' and the art of making an impression that lasts decades. He also discusses the challenges and achievements of onboarding new employees and maintaining a culture of innovation within his team.

Marty Menard is the President and Chief Business Development Officer of GIANT Creative, a data-driven marketing agency focused on performance marketing and lead generation. With a deep commitment to the power of data, Marty steers GIANT Creative in delivering comprehensive marketing strategies across multiple channels for clients like McDonald's and Sola Salon Studios. As a serial entrepreneur, he has a track record of building businesses and investing in growth and leadership. At GIANT Creative, Marty's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he develops trusted partnerships while driving innovation in marketing. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a marketing strategy that truly resonates with its audience? Why do some campaigns convert while others falter at the first hurdle? Could the secret lie in understanding and tailoring messages to a precisely defined niche? Serial entrepreneur Marty Menard explores how GIANT Creative overcomes the marketing challenges in industries like franchising and nonprofits. He delves into the specifics of data-driven marketing, sharing valuable lessons on creating a successful agency from scratch in a competitive landscape. Marty emphasizes the importance of research, the power of understanding your audience, and the role of personalized content in driving meaningful engagement and conversions. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Marty Menard, President and Chief Business Development Officer of GIANT Creative, about the intricacies of data-driven marketing strategies. Marty shares how GIANT Creative uses data to shape marketing strategies for niche audiences, its processes for successful client campaigns, insights into the dynamic and competitive world of franchise lead generation, and how to build resonating campaigns and conversions.

Ted Lau is the Founder and CEO of Ballistic Arts, a high-touch lead-generation digital marketing agency with over two decades of experience. Starting in video production, he transitioned to digital marketing to offer established mid-market B2B organizations a path to increased business through marketing efforts. Ted boasts a diverse clientele, from local organizations to prominent companies across North America. He is also co-host of the Marketing News Canada podcast, where he interviews guests from CMOs to astronauts. His entrepreneurial spirit, tenacity, and commitment to core values have helped shape and grow Ballistic Arts into a successful self-managed company. In this episode… Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom with nowhere to go? Imagine building a business to find it resting on shaky foundations, teetering on the edge of collapse, with the weight of responsibility threatening to break you. What if there was a way out, a strategy that could turn it all around? Digital marketing expert Ted Lau shares his gripping tale of entrepreneurship resilience. Starting from cold calling out of his parent's basement, Ted grew his agency through 20 years of industry changes. He shares the critical importance of hiring based on core values, the power of promoting leadership from within, and the transformative impacts of personal development programs on business practices. Ted recounts the painful period of buying out his partner and salvaging Ballistic Arts from near ruin. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ted Lau, Founder and CEO of Ballistic Arts, about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Ted recounts surviving business hardships, shares the intricacies of transitioning from a project-based business to a formidable lead-generation agency, and offers an intimate look at his personal and professional development, shedding light on what truly matters in business: loyalty, determination, and resilience.

Clint Thompson is the Founder and CEO of DigiHype Media. Born from a passion for assisting small- and medium-sized businesses, DigiHype Media specializes in website design, branding, digital paid advertising, and more. With a proven track record in sales management and marketing, Clint has over a decade of experience in digital marketing. His approach focuses on demystifying the digital space for clients and providing value through education and results-driven strategies. His philosophy of "we can, we shall, we will" drives the company forward, offering inclusive digital solutions for businesses of all sizes. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how a company evolves in the fast-paced world of digital marketing? Would you like to know the secret behind thriving partnerships and how they play a critical role in a business's success? How can an old-school sales approach blend seamlessly with modern techniques? Digital marketing professional Clint Thompson delves into his ten years of experience in the digital marketing space. He shares his journey of starting DigiHype Media and the valuable lessons he's learned, from nurturing SMBs to handling significant clients. With an educational approach to sales and marketing, he emphasizes the importance of demystifying the digital world for clients, guiding them toward effective strategies with transparency and integrity. Clint also discusses his unique tactics for managing partnerships and a virtual sales team. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Clint Thompson, Founder and CEO of DigiHype Media, about expanding digital marketing efforts through relationships and client education. Clint shares his journey of successfully running a boutique digital marketing agency, the importance of developing robust partnerships and training for business growth, and his sales and client onboarding approach that champions education over hard selling.

Jason Sharpe is the Co-founder and President of AXS Studio, a company that specializes in biomedical communication using 3D animation and interactive design to explain diseases and treatments. With a background in art and sciences, he and his colleagues create visuals that educate and inspire, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies to biotech startups. Jason developed exhibits and animations to elucidate the mechanisms of actions of pharmaceuticals and played integral roles in educating physicians, investors, and patients. In this episode… Isn't it fascinating to think that every Pixar-like animation has the power to teach us something profound about the world of science? Imagine if you could visualize a disease's progression or a drug's mechanism in just a few minutes of engaging video content. How would that transform medical education and patient understanding? Certified Medical Illustrator Jason Sharpe delves into how art and science converge to produce stunning animations that make the complex world of medical science accessible to professionals and lay audiences alike. He shares the journey that led to the founding of AXS Studio, highlighting the company's commitment to continuous learning and its niche in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Jason discusses the keys to their success, from maintaining a close-knit culture to smart staff management, networking, and building relationships. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jason Sharpe, Co-founder and President of AXS Studio, about creating visually compelling biomedical communication tools. Jason explains AXS Studio's role in visually explaining complex biomedical sciences, why the medical niche, the impact of collaborative interactive exhibits on educational experiences, and AXS Studio's team management and staffing strategies.

Riaz Sidi is the Founder of sidi.io, a digital marketing agency renowned for its expertise in demand generation, performance marketing, and funnel strategy. Sidi.io was named one of Ottawa's fastest-growing companies in 2022 and 2023. With a background that includes a five-year streak at Postmedia in roles from digital strategist to National Training Manager, Riaz has rich experience in corporate media. A leader always on the cutting edge of marketing trends, he dedicates himself to understanding and optimizing the customer buying journey, leading a team that integrates online platforms to drive growth for diverse clients. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how the evolution of digital marketing is changing the way we view traditional advertising? What if your business could predict the customer's needs and cater to them even before they realize the necessity? Is your company ready to leap into an integrated, algorithm-aided marketing strategy? Riaz Sidi, a sales and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience, spills the secrets to transforming a brand's digital presence by dissecting and reverse-engineering the customer buying journey. By integrating innovative tactics such as quiz funnels and targeted Facebook ads, he explains how he helps clients from diverse industries achieve explosive growth. Riaz shares invaluable insights into how his team utilizes data, AI tools, and creative brainstorming to tailor each campaign to the client's unique audience. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Riaz Sidi, Founder of sidi.io, about crafting impactful marketing strategies. Riaz delves into understanding customer pain points and leveraging this knowledge to drive demand generation, lessons learned from his retail struggles, and the demographic targeting and algorithm used in digital marketing for specific industries.