[A] Growth Ventures Podcast with Hamlet Azarian

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian sits down with Tom Thompson, Chief Economist at Havas Edge - the world's largest full-service performance marketing agency - and Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs.With roots in naval intelligence, game theory, and behavioral economics, Tom spent over two decades applying the science of consumer decision-making to how the world's biggest brands generate leads and convert customers.This conversation unpacks Tom's unconventional journey - from submarines and Gulf War intelligence operations to the U.S. Department of Treasury's housing crisis response, to becoming the in-house economist reshaping performance marketing strategy at global scale.His central insight: most conversion friction isn't informational - it's psychological. And until marketers understand that, they'll keep optimizing the wrong things.

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian sits down with Michael Slawson, President of Apparel Advisors, and the go-to expert PE firms call when their portfolio companies need a serious go-to-market overhaul.With a background spanning international consulting, the World Bank, clean energy entrepreneurship in Kenya, and hypergrowth stints at Hum Capital and Clipboard Health, Michael brings a rare blend of global perspective and on-the-ground sales execution to every engagement.This conversation explores Michael's journey — from co-founding a pyrolysis-based clean energy charcoal company in East Africa and learning hard lessons about willingness to pay, to doing door-to-door pest control sales, to now building full GTM systems from scratch for sponsor-backed B2B companies.His central insight: go-to-market is never just a hire — it's a system built around four pillars: accounts, channels, messaging, and RevOps. And if you're not building that system with flexibility baked in, you're accumulating GTM debt that future you will regret.

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian sits down with Jason Jones, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Tellen, a vertical AI company reinventing how accounting firms conduct audits.With a background in venture capital, hedge funds, fintech, and DeFi, Jason brings decades of experience in identifying disruptive trends and translating them into scalable businesses.This conversation explores Jason’s journey - from investing in early Web 1.0 companies and launching Lending Robot, to pioneering securitization protocols on the blockchain, and now building AI-powered tools for the audit and accounting space. His central insight: disruption always follows a recognizable pattern, and opportunity lies in spotting it early.

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian sat down with Dennis Mortensen, a serial entrepreneur with four exits and a deep passion for building AI-powered products that solve real, tangible problems.As the founder of Launchbrightly, Dennis is tackling a unique but widespread issue in the SaaS world: outdated help docs caused by constant product updates. Beyond that, this episode is packed with powerful lessons for founders who want to build, validate, and scale startups correctly.

In this episode of [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian sits down with Russell Palmer, the CEO and Co-Founder of CyberFilm AI. Russell's journey from working at Microsoft and Samsung’s AI division to launching an AI-powered filmmaking tool is an inspiring story of innovation and perseverance. CyberFilm AI is designed to help filmmakers create high-quality films on an indie budget, giving storytellers the tools to bring their visions to life efficiently.

Want to 10x Your Business? It Starts with the Right Leadership.In the latest episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian sat down with Clate Mask, co-founder and CEO of Keap (formerly Infusionsoft), to discuss scaling businesses, leadership evolution, and the role of AI in entrepreneurship. 

In the latest episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, the conversation centered around solving one of the most pressing challenges for businesses today: workplace disengagement.Hamlet Azarian talked with Ghassen Benhadjsalah, a serial tech entrepreneur and co-founder of inncivio. It’s a startup focused on modernizing workplace learning. With over 15 years of experience as a founder and a deep background in AI, machine learning, and fintech, Ghassen shared valuable insights on innovation, leadership, and building a team and product with lasting impact.

How do we make work more meaningful and enjoyable for employees? In the latest episode of the[A] Growth Ventures Podcast, the conversation centered around solving one of the most pressing challenges for businesses today: workplace disengagement.Hamlet Azarian talked withGhassen Benhadjsalah, a serial tech entrepreneur and co-founder ofInncivio. It’s a startup focused on modernizing workplace learning. With over 15 years of experience as a founder and a deep background in AI, machine learning, and fintech, Ghassen shared valuable insights on innovation, leadership, and building a team and product with lasting impact.If you're interested in workplace innovation, leadership, or the future of employee engagement, this episode is for you. Tune in to the ⁠[A] Growth Ventures Podcast⁠ for valuable insights and inspiration!

In this episode of [A] Growth Ventures podcast⁠⁠, we hosted Walter Paulsen, the former founder of Blackhawk Network, who has had multiple successful exits, including a unicorn.  Walter shared his insights on adopting AI, taking calculated risks, and aligning technology with long-term goals.  His advice, emphasizing core values and sustainable growth, offers powerful guidance for leaders navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode of [A] Growth Ventures Podcast⁠, Robin Waite, founder of Fearless Business and expert in pricing strategy, shared strategies for business growth by emphasizing value-based pricing. If you want to master pricing beyond numbers and learn why authentic video storytelling could be your brand's secret weapon, this episode with Robin is for you.  You'll also discover strategies to avoid burnout while scaling with purpose. Dive into how to blend profit with purpose, reframe setbacks as growth fuel, and leverage AI to stay ahead in a changing landscape.

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, we sit down with Julia Enthoven, CEO and co-founder of Kapwing, to explore the journey behind building a successful tech startup.  Julia discusses her challenges while founding Kapwing and transitioning from product manager to CEO. Throughout the conversation, we dive into her unique leadership style, how she and her team stayed innovative, and the critical role SEO played in maintaining a competitive edge. Julia also shares her experiences with fundraising and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly about turning setbacks into opportunities. If you're interested in startup growth, product innovation, or hearing Julia's insights on leading a fast-growing company, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't miss!

In this episode, on ⁠[A] Growth Ventures podcast⁠, ⁠Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosted Karim Abouelnaga, a vanguard and catalyst for change in urban education.  Karim shared his inspiring journey, starting from his experiences growing up as an immigrant in New York City's underfunded public schools.  He described how these challenges shaped his drive to succeed, with the mindset, "When you grow up poor, you want to be rich."  Tune in to hear Karim's insights on entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and how AI shapes the future of education.

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian interviewed Chris Do, the Founder and CEO of The Futur, a platform that teaches the next generation how to turn their passion into a thriving business. Chris shared how he transitioned into an art director role, where he honed his skills and passion for storytelling through design.  Chris’s design philosophy centers around the idea that design should tell a story and evoke emotions.  A key topic of the discussion was value-based pricing, where Chris explained that pricing should reflect the value a person brings to the table. 

In this episode of the [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosted Adam Robinson, the Founder and CEO of Retention.com, a SaaS company generating over $22M ARR.  Adam Robinson shared his journey in finance and entrepreneurship, from choosing finance as a career to lessons from his first startup.  Tune in to hear the full conversation and gain insights from Adam's experiences!

In this episode of [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosted Armen Kocharyan, the Managing Director and Co-Founder of⁠ VOLO LLC, a leading software outsourcing company. We explored Armen's journey in the software industry and his creative approach to software development. Armen also shared insights into managing a team of over 300 employees across seven locations, offering valuable tips for founders. Tune in to discover Armen's core values, team culture, and much more.

In this episode of [A] Growth Ventures Podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosted Artem Harutyunyan, the Co-Founder and CTO at bardeen.ai. Artem shared his journey, starting from his engineering background to experiences at CERN and Qualis.  We discussed his academy life lessons, problem-solving strategies, and the values he prioritizes.  Tune in to learn also about Bardeen's mission and how it can help you be more effective and productive at work.

In this episode of [A] Growth Venture Podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, is discussing venture capital and tech investments with Daniil Stolyarov, a Partner at Almaz Capital Partners.  Daniil shared his journey from Amro Bank to the mission and vision of Almaz Capital.   He also provided valuable perspectives on mergers and acquisitions and offered practical advice to founders.  Tune in to learn how Almaz Capital approaches investments to help founders maximize shareholder value.

In this podcast episode on ⁠[A] Growth Ventures podcast⁠, ⁠Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosts Minas Apelian, the retired Vice President of Internal and External Venturing at Saint-Gobain, a pioneering force in advanced materials production.  Through his insights and experiences, Apelian sheds light on the vital role of teamwork, leadership in innovation and product development, corporate venturing, and strategies for forging partnerships with industry giants. Join us in leveraging Apelian's expertise and Saint-Gobain's resources to thrive in the competitive market.

In this [A] Growth Ventures Podcast episode, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosted William Hsu, Co-founder and managing director at Mucker Capital.  William unveils the secret behind successful founders, sharing insights from his journey from Taiwan to the USA.  He reflects on his time at Mucker Capital and eBay, revealing the keys to entrepreneurial success.  Through challenges in early-stage VC, William's story highlights resilience and problem-solving.  Tune in for inspiration and invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship! 

In this episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosts Paolo Pirjanian, a pioneer in personal robotics and the visionary behind Embodied INC and its revolutionary AI companion, Moxie.  Paolo shares his journey from a challenging childhood to lessons learned through hardship. He discusses his experiences at NASA's JPL and building robotics with Bill Gross, including their product - the Roomba vacuum cleaner. Don't miss also the intriguing facts about Moxie and the challenges of building a social robot.

In this [A] Growth Ventures Podcast episode, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosted David Tonoyan, President of dot818 and a visionary in digital advertising and performance marketing.  David shared his insights into performance marketing, leadership, business success, and company culture.  This episode is a must-listen for those who have a new business and want to navigate industry challenges and ultimately achieve success.

In this episode of [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosts Nardo Monaloto, the General Partner at Qubits Ventures, focusing on quantum startups. Nardo is a trailblazer in deep technology and healthcare innovation.  Listen to this episode to explore Nardo’s insights into healthcare innovation and the huge potential of quantum computing.

In this episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠⁠, hosts Walter De Brouwer, the Chief Scientific Officer at Sharecare Inc., who shares his insights on AI, blockchain, and the fascinating evolution of language. Explore Walter's journey from Belgium to the heart of Silicon Valley, healthcare, and even music.

In this [A] Growth Ventures Podcast episode, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency, interviews Heather Meeker, a distinguished expert in open-source licensing and General Partner at OSS Capital.  We explore Heather's role at OSS Capital and its startup investment criteria. For a deeper dive into the COSS business, check out Heather’s new book, "From Project to Profit," available on Amazon.

In this episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian⁠, the CEO and Founder of the ⁠Azarian Growth Agency⁠, hosts Brian Mac Mahon, the Founder and CEO of Expert DOJO, a prominent startup accelerator in Southern California, who shares his insights into the startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship. Brian delved into the journey of startups reaching the unicorn stage and highlighted success stories from Expert DOJO. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking valuable insights and strategies to navigate the startup world.

In this insightful episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency, hosts  Sunil Gunderia, the Chief Innovation Officer at Age of Learning, a trailblazing company in the educational technology space. In this episode, Sunil provides insights into the innovative work at the Age of Learning and the enduring impact of its visionary founder, Doug Dohring's vision and legacy.

In this podcast episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency, will host Paul Meinshausen, a distinguished leader and innovator in data science, mobile technology, and startup ventures. With a background from co-founding PaySense to shaping Aampe's success, Paul brings a wealth of experience to the conversation.

In this [A] Growth Ventures Podcast episode, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency, interviews Justin Cohen, a multifaceted leader and Sr. Director at Venture Slalom. Justin has a high-energy physics, internet research, and venture capital background.  In this podcast, we'll delve into Justin's early career, his role at Slalom Ventures, trends in Vietnam's startup ecosystem, and insights into the future of technology and business strategy. 

In this podcast episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency, will host Lilit Davtyan, the CEO of Phonexa.  With a background steeped in business taxation and a journey marked by diverse roles, Lilit has been instrumental in steering Phonexa to its remarkable success.

In this podcast episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency, will host Robin Sodaro, a visionary leader, brand builder, and creative strategist.  With a rich background in marketing and creative strategy, Robin has worked with renowned companies like Ampersand, GroupM, Wavemaker, and Maxus Global.

In this podcast episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency, will host Kristine Sargsyan, a thought leadership advisor, C-suite public speaking coach, and the author of 'Pilgrimage to the Brain'. 

In this podcast episode on [A] Growth Ventures podcast, Hamlet Azarian, the CEO and Founder of the Azarian Growth Agency will host Sean Salas, the CEO of Camino Financial.  Sean's journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of success, not just for himself but for the underbanked and overlooked small business owners. We'll be diving into his experiences, his strategies, and the lessons he's learned along the way. So, don’t miss it!

In this podcast episode on [A] Growth Ventures, Ashot Arzumanyan, co-founder and partner at SmartGateVC, shares his insights on the potential of pre-seed startups in AI, SaaS, IoT, and Biotech with Hamlet Azarian, CEO & founder of Azarian Growth Agency. 

In the latest episode of A Growth Ventures podcast, Nick Krasney, Entrepreneur and Product Manager at Google, takes listeners on an insightful journey through his entrepreneurial experiences with Hamlet Azarian, CEO & Founder of Azarian Growth Agency.  Starting off with his roots in entrepreneurship, Nick delves into the creation of streaming service, Philo, emphasizing the importance of the right advisory team to shape growth and propel the business forward. He then segues into his tenure at Raydiant, sharing valuable lessons he gained during that period. His wealth of experience, combined with the challenges faced, have enriched his understanding of business models and their integral role in defining growth and operational tactics. With a transition to Google, Nick continues to enhance his learning curve, gaining insights that he believes would have been useful in his previous roles. The discussion then takes an intriguing turn as he explores the realm of Generative AI, indicating its potential influence on business strategies and operational efficiencies.  Overall, Nick provides an enlightening exploration of business models through his diverse experiences and learnings. Stay tuned!

Welcome to the Growth Ventures Podcast, the go-to platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers. I'm your host, Hamlet Azarian. In this podcast, we delve into the world of business, technology, and innovation. We bring you conversations with industry leaders, disruptors, and visionaries who are shaping the future and making a difference in their fields. Each week, we explore the challenges and opportunities of growth, from startup to scale-up, and everything in between. We discuss strategies, insights, and personal stories that can inspire and empower you to take your venture to the next level. So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply a curious listener, join us on this journey of learning and growth. Welcome to the Growth Ventures Podcast.