Built to Convert

PODCAST · business

Built to Convert

This is Built to Convert — the podcast for marketers and business builders obsessed with turning strategy into impact.

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    Making Credit Unions Matter: Brand, Emotion, and the Future of Member Relevance

    Tyler Lane is the CEO and Founder of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. Under his leadership, Session Interactive has become a trusted partner across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and travel, known for its strategic thinking and flawless execution. About the Episode Credit unions have a powerful story to tell, but staying relevant means making that story clear, human, and consistent at every touchpoint. In this special compilation episode of Built to Convert, Tyler Lane reflects on standout conversations with Pam Piligian, Michael Murdoch, Melanie Draheim, and Tansley Stearns about what it takes to make credit unions matter in a crowded financial landscape. They explore how marketing can communicate member value, why emotional connection matters more than price alone, and how brand, digital, and experience must work together to build trust. From mission-driven messaging to stronger member relationships, these leaders share practical insights for creating lasting relevance.

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    Turning AI Hype Into Real Business Solutions With Ken McLoud

    Ken McLoud is the Founder of Laconic Tech, LLC, a technology company focused on helping businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence and custom software to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and unlock growth. Drawing on his experience in AI engineering and strategic consulting, he partners with clients to design solutions that integrate smoothly with existing systems and deliver measurable business results. Ken previously worked as a Design Engineer at Ruger Firearms, where he leveraged his technical expertise to develop innovative products. About the Episode AI is everywhere — but most businesses are still struggling to turn hype into measurable results. In this episode, Tyler Lane sits down with Ken McLoud, Founder of Laconic Tech, to break down what it actually takes to operationalize AI inside real businesses. They explore why most AI projects fail to deliver ROI, how to identify the right use cases, and where AI can truly enhance (not replace) human teams. From lead generation systems to AI-powered data analysts, Ken shares practical frameworks for building AI solutions that drive revenue and efficiency without falling into common traps.

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    Storytelling That Drives Results in Finance With Melanie Draheim

    Melanie Draheim, Fox Communities Credit Union Melanie Draheim is Chief Marketing Officer at Fox Communities Credit Union, one of Wisconsin's largest member-owned financial institutions, where she leads brand, digital marketing, analytics, and community engagement. With over 15 years of experience across highly regulated industries, Melanie has driven growth and team expansion, notably building a marketing team from three to over 14 at Network Health and spearheading impactful brand campaigns at Fox. She is recognized for her expertise in strategic growth, performance marketing, and her innovative ML Method, which blends purpose-driven storytelling with measurable performance. About the Episode Storytelling is often overlooked in financial marketing, where products and rates dominate the conversation. In this episode, Tyler Lane sits down with Melanie Draheim, CMO of Fox Communities Credit Union, to explore how human-centered storytelling can cut through commoditized offerings and drive real business results. Melanie shares how her experience in healthcare shaped her approach to marketing in highly regulated industries, why emotional connection matters more than price, and how balancing brand and performance leads to sustainable growth. From building teams to leveraging AI responsibly, this conversation highlights how marketers can create meaningful connections that convert.

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    Leveraging AI and Strategic Thinking for Business Growth

    Tyler Lane is the CEO and Founder of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. Under his leadership, Session Interactive has become a trusted partner across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and travel, known for its strategic thinking and flawless execution. About the Episode AI is rapidly reshaping how businesses operate, but the real advantage lies in how leaders apply it with strategic thinking. This episode explores how AI is shifting the balance from execution to strategy, challenging marketers and technologists to rethink how they work, make decisions, and drive growth. Drawing on insights from multiple experts,Tyler Lane unpacks AI fundamentals, how it's changing roles across teams, and why success depends on thinking differently — not just using new tools.

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    Evolving Credit Union Marketing in a Commoditized Marketplace With Michael Murdoch

    Michael Murdoch is the Vice President of Marketing at University Credit Union, a leading financial cooperative serving Southern California with a focus on member-driven banking solutions. Under his leadership, University Credit Union has advanced its brand, acquisition strategy, and digital presence, helping the credit union compete and grow in a market dominated by product parity and fintech competition. With nearly 15 years of experience in credit union marketing, Michael is known for championing storytelling, authenticity, and mission-driven brand evolution in financial services. About the Episode Michael Murdoch, VP of Marketing at University Credit Union, shares insights on how credit unions can build preference and loyalty in a commoditized marketplace where products and rates are often identical across competitors. He explores the importance of evolving from a transactional institution into a lifestyle brand, focusing on authentic marketing strategies that connect with members beyond just the products they offer. Tyler Lane hosts Michael as they discuss how credit unions can maintain their mission-driven values while achieving growth and performance.

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    Building Profitable eCommerce Brands With Paid Media With Brian Lasonde

    Brian Lasonde is the Founder and CEO of PPC Boost, an agency that helps e-commerce brands scale profitably through Google and Meta ads. Under Brian's leadership, PPC Boost has worked primarily with Shopify-based brands generating $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue, and He brings over 15 years of digital marketing experience, having helped clients add millions to their top lines. An early adopter of performance marketing and e-commerce strategies, Brian is known for his expertise in paid search and his innovative use of AI tools for workflow and creative development. About the Episode Many e-commerce brands pour money into Google and Meta ads but struggle to scale profitably in an increasingly automated and AI-driven landscape. In this episode, Tyler Lane hosts Brian Lasonde, Founder and CEO of PPC Boost, to unpack what it really takes to grow from seven to eight figures using paid media. Brian shares lessons from his agency journey, common scaling mistakes, smarter measurement frameworks, and how AI is reshaping creative workflows — without replacing human strategy.

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    Breaking Agency Bottlenecks and Building Lasting Growth With John Doherty

    John Doherty is an agency coach and the Founder of EditorNinja, a leading content editing service that has edited over 14 million words, as well as the Founder of Credo, a marketplace connecting businesses with vetted SEO and digital marketing partners. He is a serial digital entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling service businesses, including selling both Credo and EditorNinja, and has helped agencies generate over $50 million in trackable revenue and $250 million in leads. About the Episode Many agency owners believe their biggest problem is lead generation. But what if that's not the real bottleneck? In this episode, Tyler Lane hosts John Doherty, founder, multi-time agency builder, and now agency growth coach, to unpack the hard truths behind scaling service businesses. John shares lessons from building and selling Credo and EditorNinja, overcoming burnout, and stepping into coaching full-time. Together, they explore pricing mistakes, margin compression, founder psychology, brand building in the AI era, and why most agencies don't have a lead problem — they have a clarity and confidence problem.

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    Transforming Credit Union Marketing for Growth and Trust With Pam Piligian

    Pam Piligian is the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President at Navy Federal Credit Union, the world's largest credit union serving over 15 million members with a full range of financial products and services. Under her leadership, Navy Federal has maintained industry-leading satisfaction and trust scores, and her innovative marketing strategies have helped drive large-scale member growth and brand preference. With more than 30 years of experience spanning both agency and in-house roles, Pam brings a uniquely analytical and strategic approach to marketing, blending data-driven insights with a deep commitment to member experience. About the Episode Credit unions face relentless rate competition, rising acquisition costs, and growing pressure to prove ROI — all while staying true to their mission. In this episode, Pam Piligian, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President at Navy Federal Credit Union, shares how the nation's largest credit union drives growth without sacrificing trust. From operationalizing brand promises across 15 million members to balancing brand and performance marketing, Pam breaks down how service, transparency, and disciplined testing create long-term loyalty in a commoditized financial landscape.

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    Transforming Credit Union Relevance and Culture in a Digital Age With Tansley Stearns

    Tansley Stearns is the President and CEO of orsa credit union, a member-owned financial institution dedicated to delivering innovative, community-focused banking services across Michigan. Under Tansley's leadership, orsa credit union has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Credit Union, and she is known for driving transformative growth and purpose-led culture initiatives across the organization, which serves tens of thousands of members. With over 25 years of experience in the credit union industry, Tansley is passionate about fostering belonging, authenticity, and bold innovation while navigating the evolving landscape of financial services. About the Episode As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, credit unions must adapt to stay relevant and impactful. This episode dives into how credit unions can maintain their competitive edge in a digital-first world. Tyler Lane hosts Tansley Stearns, President and CEO of orsa credit union, as they explore the importance of aligning brand, digital experience, and member engagement strategies. Tansley shares her insights on leadership, cultural transformation, and how innovation with purpose can drive sustainable growth, all while navigating a highly regulated industry.

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    The Future of Video, AI, and Leadership in eCommerce With Yash Ranadive

    Yash Ranadive is the Founder and CEO of Videoselz, a platform that helps brands boost conversions by showcasing user-generated content and product videos directly inside their Shopify stores. With prior leadership roles at Meta, Yash has helped drive billions in impact, and his current company recently earned the Built for Shopify badge, which is achieved by less than 2% of apps on the platform. A seasoned engineer with over 17 years of experience, Yash is a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple startups, drawing inspiration from process-driven approaches and a deep passion for quality. About the Episode Video is becoming one of the most powerful tools in e-commerce, and AI is accelerating that shift faster than most brands realize. In this episode, Tyler Lane hosts Yash Ranadive, Founder and CEO of Videoselz, to explore how immersive content, personalization, and leadership lessons from Meta are shaping the future of online shopping. Yash shares insights from building multiple startups, leading engineering teams at scale, and why brands should focus on AI-driven customer engagement before the spatial computing wave fully arrives.

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    What High-Impact Content Looks Like in the AI Era With Mallory Russell

    Mallory Russell is a fractional MarComms and content leader with over 15 years of experience building high-impact, full-funnel content strategies. Formerly VP of Global Integrated Content Marketing and Strategy at Square, she led initiatives that transformed the company's approach to organic growth through storytelling, SEO, and cross-channel strategy, growing organic search to more than half of inbound traffic within her first year. Known for pioneering innovative content programs at high-growth tech and mission-driven organizations, Mallory unifies brand, performance, and organic discoverability across emerging platforms. About the Episode As AI accelerates content creation and channels continue to multiply, standing out has never been harder. Tyler Lane sits down with Mallory Russell, former VP of Global Integrated Content Marketing at Square, to unpack what high-impact content really looks like in the AI era. They explore how integrated strategy, thoughtful use of AI, and a deep focus on audience needs can turn content from a volume game into a true growth engine.

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    Empowering SMEs To Compete in the AI Era With Daniel Male

    Daniel "Dan" Male is the Co-founder of Mariner11, a marketing services company that helps small- and medium-sized businesses sharpen their positioning, compete with enterprise brands, and build sustainable growth through integrated search and brand strategy. With a background in senior agency leadership at MRM McCann and extensive experience as a solo consultant and fractional CMO, Dan has helped Mariner11 quickly establish itself as a strategic partner for ambitious SMEs since its founding in 2023. He is passionate about leveling the playing field for smaller brands, leveraging both creative and analytical approaches to brand marketing, and guiding clients through the evolving impacts of AI on digital marketing. About the Episode Small and midsize businesses are facing a rapidly shifting competitive landscape as AI lowers barriers to entry and accelerates commoditization. In this episode, Tyler Lane hosts Daniel Male, Co-founder of Mariner 11, to discuss how SMEs can compete more effectively by leaning into brand strategy, prioritization, and integrated marketing. Daniel shares his journey from agency leadership to entrepreneurship, unpacks how AI is reshaping search and content, and explains why distinctive brands — not shortcuts — will be the differentiator in the AI era.

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    Elevating Brand Marketing in Higher Education With Sarah Foley

    Sarah Foley is the Director of Brand Marketing at the University of Denver, where she leads efforts to shape the university's reputation and drive brand engagement in the highly complex world of higher education. With a background that spans agency account management and in-house marketing leadership, Sarah has spearheaded innovative brand health monitoring programs and overseen integrated campaigns across content, social, and paid media for an institution with a significant graduate student population. About the Episode Brand marketing in higher education comes with extended decision cycles, decentralized teams, and ROI that's difficult to quantify. In this episode, Tyler Lane sits down with Sarah Foley, Director of Brand Marketing at the University of Denver, to unpack how brand awareness, sentiment, and trust drive real outcomes over time. Sarah shares her journey from agency life to higher ed, how DU measures brand health beyond applications and clicks, and what long-funnel marketers in any industry can learn from higher education's complex ecosystem.

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    Unlocking Scalable, Mission-Driven Growth Through Strategic Clarity With Trey Sheneman

    Trey Sheneman is the Founder of Herald, a brand strategy firm that helps mission-driven organizations achieve predictable growth through clearer messaging, stronger conversions, and revenue-focused marketing. Under his leadership, Herald has delivered its proprietary COMPASS Method to over 100 clients, boasting an 88% success rate in improving clients' business performance in the quarter following their engagement. Trey brings 15 years of experience working with renowned brands such as John Maxwell and Dave Ramsey, and he hosts the 10-Minute Masterclass podcast, where he shares actionable growth insights. About the Episode Mission-driven companies often have deep conviction but struggle to translate that purpose into scalable, predictable growth. In this episode, Tyler Lane sits down with Trey Sheneman, Founder of Herald and creator of the COMPASS Method, to unpack how strategic clarity, disciplined focus, and trust-driven leadership unlock sustainable growth. Trey shares his journey from ministry to marketing, lessons learned from working with brands like John Maxwell and Dave Ramsey, and how his framework helps founders align vision, messaging, offers, and channels without losing authenticity or values

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    Leading Marketing in the AI Era With HubSpot Co-founder Brian Halligan's AI Clone

    Brian Halligan is the Co-founder of HubSpot, a leading software company that helps businesses grow through inbound marketing, sales, and customer service solutions. Under Brian's leadership, HubSpot scaled from a startup to a $30 billion enterprise, pioneering the inbound marketing movement and empowering over 100,000 customers worldwide. Brian's AI clone, launched on Delphi, enables users to interact with Brian's expertise in real time, providing insights on growth, leadership, and strategy. About the Episode This episode takes a unique turn as Tyler Lane and Dr. Jeremy Weisz interview an AI clone of HubSpot Co-founder Brian Halligan. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping marketing, SEO, leadership, and customer acquisition. Drawing from Brian's philosophy and experience scaling HubSpot, the conversation unpacks timeless leadership lessons, the future of inbound marketing in an AI-first era, and how founders, marketers, and agencies can adapt without losing authenticity.

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    Blending Creativity, Technology, and Culture To Drive Agency Growth With Lisa Larson - Kelley

    Lisa Larson-Kelley is the Founder and CEO of Quantious, a New York-based marketing agency specializing in strategy, emerging technology, and digital enablement for enterprise clients. Under her leadership, Quantious has grown to a 26-person remote team, earned recognition as an Inc. 5000 honoree, and was named one of AdWeek's Fastest-Growing Agencies. Lisa is also an accomplished tech educator, Vistage member, and instructor on platforms like Skillshare and Pluralsight, with a passion for bridging the gap between creativity and technology in marketing.  About the Episode In this episode, Tyler Lane sits down with Lisa Larson-Kelley, Founder and CEO of Quantious, to explore how blending creativity, technology, and culture fuels sustainable agency growth. They discuss Lisa's career journey from designer to agency leader, how marketing enablement bridges strategy, process, and execution, and why flexibility is critical for creative teams. The conversation also dives into navigating enterprise complexity, building a strong remote culture, and using AI to remove friction — not creativity — from modern marketing workflows.

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    Blending Creative Partnerships, Data, and Authenticity for Brand Growth With Brad Hendrickson

    Brad Hendrickson is the Chief Client Officer and Partner at Magnetic Creative, a leading branding and marketing agency specializing in helping consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies discover their "true north" through strategic brand building and storytelling. With over 15 years of agency and CPG expertise, Brad has played a pivotal role in Magnetic Creative's growth, contributing to the agency's expansion to a global team of over 120 and hundreds of clients, while supporting some of the world's most recognized brands. An entrepreneur at heart, Brad brings a unique perspective from his experience across agency leadership, CPG brand strategy, and early-stage investing, making him an expert in breaking down silos between marketing, sales, and retail execution. About the Episode In a crowded marketplace full of products promising unique experiences, how can a brand truly stand out? According to Brad Hendrickson, the answer lies not in just having a great product, but in creating a brand that resonates emotionally with its audience. With his extensive experience in creative partnerships and CPG brand strategy, Brad emphasizes the importance of understanding your customers' needs, behaviors, and motivations. He explains how combining creativity with data-driven insights and building a strong community can lead to long-term brand growth and loyalty. Join Tyler Lane as he sits down with Brad to discuss how brands can balance storytelling with data, why community-building is essential, and how agencies are leveraging AI without compromising creativity.

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    Building Authentic, Scalable Communities and Aligning Teams for Growth With Scott Leeper

    Scott Leeper is the Director of Community at Vistage Worldwide, a global executive-coaching and peer advisory organization that supports CEOs and business leaders in small to midsize companies. He helps build and scale leadership communities that bring together experienced executives for coaching, strategic thinking, and peer support. With extensive experience fostering networks and aligning teams around shared purpose, he guides community growth without sacrificing trust or authenticity. Scott's work strengthens leadership across industries by enabling meaningful connections and better business decisions. About the Episode Sometimes growth comes from bold strategy, and other times it comes from simply getting people to show up for each other. Brands and leaders alike are trying to build spaces where connection actually means something, especially as audiences become more selective and technology accelerates faster than culture can keep up. How do you create a community that scales without losing its soul? According to Scott Leeper, the answer begins with clarity, authentic storytelling, and intentional alignment across teams. He shares how thriving communities form when people feel understood, see immediate value, and have ownership in the journey. Scott and host Tyler Lane break down how to scale communities, unify fractured teams, and preserve human connection in an AI-driven world — while making community a catalyst for smarter decisions and stronger leadership.

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    Unlocking the Real Value of AI in Marketing With Jason Cormier

    Jason Cormier is the Founder of AI Marketing Forum, where he helps organizational leaders, marketers, and agency owners leverage artificial intelligence to radically increase business and career value. Previously, Jason co-founded Room 214, one of Boulder's most respected digital agencies, which grew to $5M in revenue and worked with leading brands like Verizon, Adobe, and Samsung. He is a bestselling author, executive coach, and the creator of the Mutual Intelligence framework for AI education, and is passionate about building supportive communities that accelerate AI literacy and real-world learning. About the Episode AI tools are exploding, and marketers are drowning in options. The challenge isn't adopting AI — it's choosing what actually matters. In this episode, Tyler Lane interviews Jason Cormier about cutting through the noise, focusing on essentials, and building AI habits that drive meaningful business outcomes. Jason explains why most marketers are stuck in "the problem of too many," how to get more out of tools like ChatGPT, and why directive intelligence — the partnership between your expertise and AI — is the future of modern marketing.

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    Agency Leadership in the Age of AI and Digital Transformation With Natalie Henley

    Natalie Henley is the CEO of Volume Nine, a Colorado-based digital marketing agency specializing in organic growth strategies such as SEO, content marketing, and organic social media. Under her leadership, Volume Nine has become a recognized staple within the SEO community, serving national brands and earning accolades such as being named one of Denver's most influential young professionals. Natalie is known for her data-driven approach, speaking at prestigious industry events like Digital Summit and Denver Startup Week, and for her candid insights on the evolving landscape of digital marketing and agency leadership. About the Episode The digital landscape is evolving faster than ever, and agencies are feeling the pressure from every direction: AI hype, shifting metrics, changing client expectations, and the slow dismantling of Google's search dominance. In this conversation, Natalie Henley joins host Tyler Lane to break down what agency leaders really need to focus on right now. From the relationship between SEO and social, to the rise of AI "experts," to the enduring importance of authentic client relationships, Natalie shares a grounded and refreshingly honest look at what actually drives long-term success.

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    Scaling Marketing Teams and Driving Growth in Data-Centric Environments With Jesse McCabe

    Jesse McCabe is the Director of Marketing at Bigeye, an enterprise data observability platform that helps companies ensure data reliability across their pipelines and teams. With a career spanning senior marketing roles at top SaaS and data companies like Fivetran and Techstars, Jesse has led go-to-market launches, scaled teams, and driven growth in highly technical spaces; at Bigeye, he leads a nimble marketing team within a fast-evolving B2B startup. He brings a growth architect mindset, a track record of scaling startups, and deep expertise in leveraging analytics, customer insights, and cross-functional collaboration to solve complex marketing challenges. About the Episode Growing a marketing engine in a highly technical environment can feel like building a plane mid-flight. As data accelerates and expectations rise, teams must adapt without losing grip on what truly matters. Tyler Lane hosts Jesse McCabe to unpack how strong fundamentals, clear customer insight, and cross-functional alignment lay the foundation for consistent, scalable marketing in data-driven organizations. They explore the evolving role of analytics, why personas still matter, and how to integrate AI as an enhancer rather than a replacement.

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    Conquering AI Adoption Hurdles and Building Meaningful Digital Transformation With Matt McKenzie

    Matt McKenzie is President of Alloy Digital, a digital product development firm that builds custom software and solves complex business challenges for enterprise clients. He is also the Founder of Meaningful AI, which focuses on creating AI-native applications for businesses. With over 15 years of experience, Matt has helped Alloy Digital deliver impactful solutions across industries such as automotive, insurance, and healthcare, and has recently expanded his influence through Meaningful AI and co-ownership of Deploy, an AI talent solutions company. He's passionate about applying behavioral economics to technology and is a recognized connector in the tech community, organizing the TECHS AND THE CITY event series and collaborating with top Silicon Valley AI talent. About the Episode AI is moving faster than most companies can keep up with. Some leaders see its transformative potential, while others hesitate — unsure how to start safely or strategically. In this episode, Tyler Lane sits down with Matt McKenzie to explore how curiosity, education, and governance drive meaningful AI adoption. Matt shares practical advice for avoiding "pilot purgatory," building data readiness, and creating innovation that aligns people, process, and technology.

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    Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Expertise and AI-Driven Marketing With Mark Kutowy

    Mark Kutowy is the VP of Digital Business Development at BMG360 and the Founder of AI Consultant Agency, where he helps brands and marketers apply real-world AI solutions to modern marketing and sales challenges. Over nearly 30 years in the industry, Mark has led digital business development, contributed to a five-agency rollup, and helped scale agency revenue and offerings across SEO, paid media, and full-funnel optimization. About the Episode Marketing is evolving faster than ever — and AI is reshaping everything from SEO to sales strategy. Yet as automation grows, authenticity still wins. In this episode, Tyler Lane speaks with Mark Kutowy about how marketers can bridge traditional expertise with next-generation AI tools. Together, they explore the evolution of SEO, the shift from vanity metrics to real business outcomes, and why genuine human connection remains at the heart of modern marketing.

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    Building a Resilient Agency in a Changing Digital World With Kent Lewis

    Kent Lewis is the Fractional CMO at Anvil Unlimited, where he provides strategic marketing consulting and digital growth solutions for select clients. He helps organizations with integrated marketing strategy, competitive benchmarking, vendor management, and employee development. Kent also advises leaders on thought leadership and online reputation management programs. In addition to his work at Anvil Unlimited, he is the Founder of pdxMindShare, a Portland-based career community offering networking, education, and professional growth resources. Kent is also the Executive Director of NextNW, an organization dedicated to unifying Pacific Northwest advertising, marketing, and media professionals.  About the Episode Building a successful agency isn't just about great clients or clever campaigns. It's about the culture that drives every decision, project, and partnership. In this conversation, Tyler Lane sits down with Kent Lewis, Fractional CMO at Anvil Unlimited, to explore how strong values, accountability, and empathy create lasting resilience inside marketing teams. Kent shares how he rebuilt his agency's culture from the ground up after recognizing its foundation had eroded and reveals how adaptability, transparency, and intentional leadership shape the future of agencies in a rapidly changing digital world.

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    Building Culture and Embracing Innovation in Digital Marketing With Jeffrey Haas

    Jeff Haas is the COO of Seer Interactive, a top digital marketing agency that helps brands drive growth through data-driven SEO, paid media, and analytics strategies. Under Jeff's leadership, Seer has grown to over 150 team members and has become renowned for its focus on performance, culture, and operational excellence. With a unique background that began on Wall Street, Jeff brings financial acumen and a passion for people development to the marketing world, blending strategic insight and team empowerment to fuel agency and client success. About the Episode In a world where technology evolves faster than most companies can adapt, building a team that thrives through change has become the ultimate advantage. In this conversation, host Tyler Lane speaks with Jeffrey Haas about the intersection of culture, leadership, and innovation in digital marketing. They explore how Seer Interactive embraces AI disruption, empowers teams to take risks, and redefines what transparency and trust mean inside a modern agency.

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    Building Scalable, Self-Managed Websites That Drive Growth With Hal Zeitlin

    Hal Zeitlin is the Owner of Candid Leap, a Webflow enterprise-partner agency that builds custom Webflow sites for B2B SaaS and tech companies. He leads the company's focus on clean design systems and site migrations, empowering clients to own their marketing stack. He also co-owns Zeitlin's Delicatessen in Chicago, bringing a family business mindset to his work. Hal is active in the Webflow community and has been recognized as a Global Community Leader. About the Episode Building a website that scales with your business often feels like a battle between developers and marketers. Many teams get stuck in slow workflows, rigid systems, and developer dependency that stifles creativity. In this episode, Hal Zeitlin reveals how businesses can design scalable, self-managed websites that empower marketing teams to move faster without sacrificing quality or structure. Host Tyler Lane sits down with Hal to explore how Webflow and low-code tools are transforming modern development, why transparency and stakeholder alignment are key to successful site launches, and how AI-driven optimization is shaping the next generation of web experiences.

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    How To Scale Smartly Without Losing Freedom With Eli Rubel

    Eli Rubel is the Owner of Matter Made, a growth agency that helps B2B SaaS companies lower customer acquisition cost and scale demand generation. He previously founded and led Glider to acquisition and also ran an ecommerce venture before starting Matter Made. He has advised high-profile tech firms, such as Dropbox, Loom, and Productboard on marketing and go-to-market strategy. Under his leadership, Matter Made has bootstrapped strong revenue growth without external funding.  About the Episode Scaling an agency often feels like a tradeoff: the bigger the business grows, the more it consumes the founder's time. Many leaders get trapped in operations, unable to step away without jeopardizing growth. Tyler Lane hosts Eli Rubel as they discuss how to design agencies that thrive without the founder, maintain profitability, and adapt to the coming wave of AI disruption.

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    Reinventing A/B Testing With AI and Gamified Experimentation With Deborah O'Malley

    Deborah O'Malley is the Founder and Head of Product Strategy at GuessTheTest, a platform that offers gamified A/B test case studies to help experimenters get testing ideas, insights, and learn from real results. She is recognized as a leading Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) specialist and top A/B testing influencer. With a master's degree in eye-tracking technology, she blends research and practice in her work. Deborah also leads Convert Experts, where she runs optimization projects and helps clients improve their digital performance. About the Episode The world of A/B testing is changing faster than ever as artificial intelligence reshapes how marketers experiment and optimize. Traditional manual methods are being challenged by automation, new tools, and shifting consumer behaviors. Tyler Lane hosts Deborah O'Malley as they explore how to embrace AI while strengthening fundamental testing skills, why human intuition and strategic oversight remain critical, and how marketers can stay relevant and drive better results as the experimentation landscape transforms.

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    Driving Digital Innovation and AI Adoption in Marketing With David Stewart

    David Stewart is the VP of Innovation at Karsh\Hagan, a Denver-based agency blending marketing, design, technology, and media to build bold brands through creative, digital, and strategic solutions. He drives digital strategy across platforms, focusing on user experience, content, CRM, analytics, and functional design. With a background rooted in early web development and interactive marketing, he bridges technical architecture and creative thinking to deliver personalized digital experiences. David has worked with recognized brands, including McDonald's and Factory Design Labs.  About the Episode The pace of digital change has never been faster. New technologies are transforming how agencies create, measure, and deliver marketing experiences. But how can brands embrace innovation and AI without losing their creative edge? Tyler Lane hosts David Stewart as they explore how experimentation and strategic discipline can drive AI adoption and keep creativity alive.

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    Scaling Local SEO With AI and Human-Centered Strategy With Brian Kato

    Brian Kato is the Owner of Fusion Vine, a digital marketing agency that helps businesses improve their online visibility through SEO, local search, and data-driven marketing strategies. He has over a decade of experience in the industry and has built a reputation for using innovative tools to streamline SEO work. Brian is also an Agency 10x alumnus known for helping agencies scale into six- and seven-figure revenue. Under his leadership Fusion Vine has earned recognition in the SEO community and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. About the Episode Search engines, automation, and AI are transforming how businesses reach customers. Yet success still hinges on a distinctly human touch. Tyler Lane hosts Brian Kato to explore how marketers can blend AI with human insight to build sustainable growth. They discuss mastering brand signals, creating multimodal content strategies, and using reputation management to protect long-term success.

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    Building a Transparent Digital Agency in the Age of AI With Brandon O'Connor

    Brandon O'Connor is the Founder and CEO of Trustworthy Digital, a full-service digital advertising and analytics agency committed to delivering industry-leading results with integrity, transparency, and measurable outcomes. He launched the company in 2018 to transform digital marketing by eliminating unethical practices such as manipulated data and hidden pricing. Since beginning his digital marketing career in 2001, he has overseen more than $2 billion in ad spend and helped generate over $10 billion in client revenue. About the Episode Digital marketing is flooded with agencies that overpromise and underdeliver, leaving businesses frustrated with hidden markups and incomplete strategies. This episode explores how honesty, adaptability, and AI-powered innovation can differentiate an agency in a crowded space. Tyler Lane hosts Brandon O'Connor as they discuss strategies for building a transparent digital agency, the evolution of SEO in an AI-driven world, and how integrity creates sustainable client relationships.

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    Scaling B2B Marketing With AI, Strategy, and Storytelling With Mariah Kamei

    Mariah Kamei is the Vice President of Growth at IMM, a full-service digital marketing agency based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in building national marketing programs that become smarter and more valuable over time. With over 15 years of experience, she has led marketing, strategy, sales, and analytics teams, driving growth for global leaders like Adobe and Microsoft. At IMM, Mariah crafts innovative strategies by merging creativity with analytics to spark unparalleled growth. About the Episode AI is reshaping B2B marketing, but scaling campaigns without losing authenticity remains the biggest challenge. Tyler Lane hosts Mariah Kamei, Vice President of Growth at IMM, as they explore how to balance campaign velocity with empathy, empower creatives with strategic constraints, and integrate AI as an enabler rather than a replacement. Mariah also shares how authenticity, storytelling, and clear leadership keep teams and brands grounded in a fast-moving digital landscape.

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    Scaling SEO and Content Without Sacrificing Quality With Brad Smith

    Brad Smith is the Founder and CEO of Codeless Interactive, a content production company that specializes in creating high-quality, SEO-optimized content for leading SaaS, service, and affiliate brands in competitive digital markets. Under his leadership, Codeless produces hundreds of long-form articles each month, combining strategy, SEO, writing, design, and video to drive growth for clients such as monday.com, Zapier, and ActiveCampaign. Brad is also the CEO of Wordable and a partner at uSERP, expanding his influence in the content marketing and SEO industries. His work has been featured in major publications including Forbes, The New York Times, Business Insider, and The Next Web.  About the Episode Scaling content is the dream for many companies, but as volume increases, quality often decreases. Brad Smith has built a career solving this exact challenge. His perspective? Most businesses don't have a writer problem. They have a delegation problem. In this conversation, host Tyler Lane and Brad dive into what it takes to scale SEO and content operations without sacrificing quality. They discuss building strong systems, why broken processes kill performance, and how relationship-driven link building creates lasting SEO results. Brad also shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, process alignment, and how agency owners can earn credibility when starting out.

  34. -33

    Building Marketing Strategies That Go Beyond Clicks and Impressions With Tyler Lane

    Tyler Lane is the CEO and Founder of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. Under his leadership, Session Interactive has become a trusted partner across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and travel, known for its strategic thinking and flawless execution. About the Episode Too many marketers chase clicks and impressions, only to be disappointed when real business growth doesn't follow. While these vanity metrics may look good on paper, they rarely reflect true performance. Tyler Lane shares how brands can shift from surface-level indicators to strategies that truly drive ROI, emphasizing the importance of integrated marketing, measurable outcomes, and modern SEO strategies that adapt to AI-driven changes.

  35. -34

    Building Long-Term Enterprise Success Through Innovation and Client Connection With Keith Scandone

    Keith Scandone is the Co-founder and CEO of O3 World, an interactive and digital product agency that combines business intelligence, human-centered design, and integrated technology to deliver strategies and digital solutions for enterprise clients. He co-founded O3 World in 2005 and has steered its growth as a strategic partner for clients such as Comcast, Thomson Reuters, and Five Below. Keith also leads O3's Ventures initiative, which accelerates the growth of digital products through investment, advisory support, and design strategy. About the Episode How can an agency evolve while staying true to its strengths and delivering long-term value in a competitive, fast-changing market? According to Keith Scandone, the key is knowing where you excel and building deep, authentic client relationships. He shares how focusing on specialization, fostering complementary partnerships, and embracing innovation while staying grounded in business realities has helped O3 World grow sustainably. Host Tyler Lane and Keith explore why narrowing capabilities beats being "full service," how trust fuels enterprise partnerships, and the role of in-person connections in strengthening client bonds. Keith also discusses strategies for balancing experimentation with sustainability in the AI era.

  36. -35

    Winning Organic Search Through Strategy AI and Authority Building With Jeff Tucker

    Jeff Tucker is the Senior Director of SEO at SoFi, a US digital finance firm offering student‑loan refinancing, mortgages, personal loans, investing and banking. He has served in that role since October 2017 and led adoption of AI‑powered tools to boost keyword research and organic traffic. Before SoFi, Jeff held SEO leadership roles at Location3 and Green Tape, managing content strategy and search optimization. About the Episode Staying visible in search is harder than ever. AI-driven results and LLM-powered experiences are changing how users discover brands and how companies must compete for organic visibility. Host Tyler Lane speaks with Jeff Tucker, Senior Director of SEO at SoFi, about scaling enterprise SEO with AI, building authority through data-driven content, and navigating the next era of search. They discuss aligning SEO with business units for ROI, implementing AI without sacrificing quality, and future-proofing organic strategies in an evolving search landscape.

  37. -36

    How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of SEO and Product Discovery With Chuck Aikens

    Chuck Aikens is the Founder of Tymoo, a digital marketing collective that empowers brands and agencies to integrate AI into growth strategies for scalable, data‑driven outcomes. With over two decades of experience in SEO, content development, and automation, he previously built and led the agency Volume Nine before founding Tymoo in August 2022. Tymoo's mission is to cut through AI hype and deliver practical, actionable AI marketing solutions that move the needle in real business settings. About the Episode AI is changing how people search, discover, and buy. However,  most brands are still clinging to outdated SEO tactics. As search engines integrate generative models and buyers use tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to make decisions, brands must shift their strategies or risk becoming irrelevant. Tyler Lane hosts Chuck Aikens for a bold and practical discussion about how to stay visible in this AI-first landscape by aligning with how people search and buy in 2025.

  38. -37

    Why AI Is a Strategic Superpower for Modern CMOs With Liza Adams

    Liza Adams is the AI Advisor and GTM Strategist at GrowthPath Partners, a firm that helps B2B companies adopt AI responsibly and effectively. She has over 20 years of leadership experience at companies like Smartsheet, Juniper, and Pure Storage. Liza was named one of Pavilion's 50 CMOs to Watch in 2024. She advises teams on using AI to boost performance and drive ethical, inclusive growth. About the Episode AI is changing the way marketing leaders operate. Yet while many teams apply AI to content, few are tapping into its full potential as a strategic thought partner. Host Tyler Lane speaks with Liza Adams about how AI can empower CMOs to lead more effectively, collaborate across departments, and drive deeper customer alignment. The real power of AI, she explains, isn't in the tools; it's in how marketers leverage it.

  39. -38

    Why Fast and Flexible Design Wins in a Noisy Market With Brian Brooks

    Brian Brooks is the Founder of FreshPixelCo, a digital design studio specializing in web design, UI/UX, branding, and digital marketing services for small businesses. With over 20 years of experience in digital design, he brings a deep understanding of user-centered design and visual storytelling to his work. Operating as a one-person agency out of Denver, Colorado, Brian collaborates directly with clients to deliver high-quality, conversion-focused designs with fast turnaround times. His mission is to help small businesses grow by replacing traditional advertising with effective, ROI-driven digital strategies. About the Episode Traditional design workflows often slow teams down when speed and adaptability matter most. This episode explores how solo creatives can move faster than agencies, spark momentum, and deliver high-value work without the friction. Tyler Lane talks with Brian Brooks about integrating seamlessly into client teams, using fast execution to inspire collaboration, and how thoughtful boundaries help sustain creative energy over time.

  40. -39

    Building Brands That Break Through With Alaina Andreozzi

    Alaina Andreozzi is the Co-founder of Pizza Wine, a sparkling red wine brand designed to pair perfectly with pizza. With a background in brand strategy and fractional CMO work, Alaina has helped early-stage companies refine their messaging, test creative ideas quickly, and scale with lean resources. She's held leadership roles at companies like Suma Brands and Haldi, bringing a sharp, no-nonsense perspective to what makes a brand resonate. At Pizza Wine, she brings that same ethos of scrappy creativity and message-first marketing to life, building a beverage brand that's both playful and intentional. About the Episode Many brands spend too much time perfecting design and not enough time clarifying their message. This episode explores how early-stage companies can accelerate, experiment with messaging, and craft brands that resonate. Tyler Lane hosts Alaina Andreozzi as they discuss the value of minimum viable creative, structuring fractional roles for high impact, and why message clarity consistently outperforms polished campaigns.

  41. -40

    Using AI to Supercharge Marketing Strategy and Creativity With Mark Mitton

    Mark Mitton is the President of Gravity Sprint, a specialized division of Gravity Global serving startups and companies pivoting for rapid growth. With over 15 years of experience, he has led branding initiatives for 15 startups and collaborated with numerous Fortune 1000 companies. Before joining Gravity Global, Mark co-founded Carbon8, a digital marketing agency acquired by 9thWonder in 2017, and held leadership roles in branding and digital strategy across various technology firms. He is also a recognized speaker on digital marketing and branding, having appeared on programs like MSNBC's Business Makeover and contributed thought leadership to the industry. About the Episode The rise of AI is reshaping marketing at a breakneck pace, pushing teams to rethink how they work, create, and compete. But as tools evolve almost daily, many marketers struggle to figure out how to get started or keep up. How can brands harness AI's power without losing the human touch that makes great marketing resonate? According to Mark Mitton, a marketing innovator and thought leader in AI-driven transformation, the key is embracing experimentation and curiosity to stay ahead. He highlights that AI isn't just a tool for automation, it's an engine for expanding creative possibilities and empowering marketers to focus more on strategy than execution. This shift enables teams to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently without sacrificing quality. By blending human insight with AI's capabilities, brands can unlock new levels of scale, agility, and personalization. Mark also points to the importance of using AI not only to generate ideas but to challenge assumptions, find blind spots, and validate campaigns. In this episode of Built to Convert, host Tyler Lane sits down with Mark Mitton, President of Gravity Sprint, to discuss how AI is transforming marketing strategy and creativity. They explore why marketers must rethink their roles, how AI tools can boost ideation and validation, and the evolving balance between automation and human input. Mark also shares his approach to building client-specific AI models to drive smarter campaigns.

  42. -41

    The Secrets to Smarter Paid Media and Incremental Growth With Paul Rakovich

    Paul Rakovich is the CEO of Clicks and Clients, a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in lead generation and performance-based advertising for B2B and B2C businesses. Since founding the company in 2008, he has helped clients manage over $100 million in ad spend, focusing on ROI-driven strategies across platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok. Paul began his digital marketing journey in 2003 by launching a successful e-commerce business from his garage, which quickly scaled through paid search advertising. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, he is also a recognized PPC expert and a recommended Perry Marshall consultant.  About the Episode Want to know why your paid media campaigns hit a wall even when the leads look cheap and the clicks seem steady? Many brands fall into the trap of chasing surface-level metrics without understanding what really drives scalable growth. So, what's the smarter approach to incremental success that unlocks bigger wins? According to Paul Rakovich, a seasoned paid media strategist, the key lies in looking two to three steps beyond the first metric — because cheap leads often deliver poor downstream results. He highlights that real optimization happens when brands measure deeper funnel actions like booked meetings, show rates, and lead quality, not just the front-end cost per click. This deeper measurement approach reveals where campaigns truly succeed or fail, allowing for precise, data-backed improvements. By focusing on incremental lifts, teams can compound small wins into major gains over time, while avoiding costly mistakes and knee-jerk optimizations. In this episode of Built to Convert, host Tyler Lane sits down with Paul Rakovich, CEO of Clicks and Clients, to discuss smarter paid media strategies and the power of incremental growth. They explore how to optimize beyond initial metrics, why client-agency collaboration lessons from managing multimillion-dollar accounts and navigating tough client conversations.

  43. -42

    Building a Measurement-First Marketing Strategy With Ryan Levander

    Ryan Levander is the Founder of Rednavel Consulting, a Denver-based firm specializing in analytics, conversion rate optimization, and experimentation for SaaS and e-commerce businesses. With over seven years of experience in measurement and four years in CRO, Ryan has led Rednavel in delivering data-driven strategies that enhance user experiences and drive revenue growth. Beyond consulting, Ryan is a recognized educator, contributing to platforms like Traffic Think Tank and MeasurementMarketing.io, and frequently speaks at industry events, sharing insights on analytics and optimization. About the Episode Most marketers focus their attention on traffic sources and ad platforms — but what happens after the click? Too often, teams rely on incomplete data or overlook the user journey entirely, leaving opportunities untapped and budgets wasted. How can brands build a marketing strategy that measures what really matters and turns insights into action? According to Ryan Levander, a data-driven marketing strategist and experimentation expert, it starts by measuring the entire customer journey, not just the last click or final conversion. He highlights that many businesses miss valuable insights by only tracking bottom-of-funnel outcomes, failing to understand earlier touchpoints that influence decisions. By setting up smarter analytics and prioritizing measurement from the outset, companies can better align their strategy with customer behavior, improve optimization efforts, and make more confident marketing decisions. Ryan also emphasizes the importance of asking the right business questions before jumping into reports or tools, ensuring data serves strategy, not the other way around. In this episode of Built to Convert, host Tyler Lane sits down with Ryan Levander, Founder of Rednavel Consulting, to discuss how to build a measurement-first marketing strategy. They explore why most brands overlook pre-conversion insights, how to map user flows for better testing, and why strong analytics foundations drive smarter experimentation. Ryan also gives advice on bridging the gap between paid media and on-site experiences.

  44. -43

    Cracking the AI Code: Insider Secrets With Paul Lewis

    Paul Lewis is the Chief Technology Officer at Pythian, a global IT services company that helps organizations transform by leveraging data, analytics, AI, and the cloud. With over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, he is recognized for his expertise in digital transformation and operational IT strategy. Before joining Pythian, Paul served as Global CTO for Hitachi Vantara and held senior technology roles in the financial services sector. He is also a frequent speaker at industry events and serves on advisory boards for programs in business analytics and artificial intelligence.  About the Episode The enterprise AI race is full of bold claims, rapid innovation, and mounting pressure to keep up or risk falling behind. But amid the hype, how can organizations cut through the noise to focus on what actually works? What does it take to win with AI at scale? According to Paul Lewis, a globally recognized technology strategist and AI advisor, the answer lies in intellectual honesty and practical readiness. He highlights that most organizations are captivated by futuristic AI use cases but lack the foundational data quality and governance to support them. As a result, AI initiatives often stall or fail due to mismatched expectations and underdeveloped infrastructure. In this episode of Built to Convert, host Tyler Lane sits down with Paul Lewis, Chief Technology Officer at Pythian, to discuss what it really takes to win with AI in the enterprise. They explore the five-part AI readiness framework, the gap between hype and execution, and how to uncover the five percent of AI ideas worth building. Paul also emphasizes the importance of prompt engineering and highlights why data quality is still the primary barrier to AI success.

  45. -44

    How Data-Driven Marketing and Smart Strategy Scale Brands With Tyler Lane

    ​Tyler Lane is the CEO and Founder of Session Interactive, a Denver-based digital marketing consultancy specializing in SEO, analytics, paid search, and content strategy for mid-market and enterprise brands. With over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, Tyler leads a team of seasoned professionals who deliver data-driven solutions to help clients achieve measurable growth. Under his leadership, Session Interactive has become a trusted partner across industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, and travel, known for its strategic thinking and flawless execution. About the Episode What does it really take to scale a brand in today's fast-moving digital world? Many businesses throw money at paid ads or follow trends hoping for quick wins; but true, sustainable growth demands more than that. How do top-performing companies turn data into a strategic advantage? According to Tyler Lane, a seasoned digital marketing strategist and analytics expert, smart growth begins with trustworthy data and a clear understanding of performance across every channel. He highlights how most businesses overlook the foundation — clean data and attribution — leaving their strategies to guesswork. Tyler explains how aligning analytics with creative strategy empowers teams to innovate without sacrificing performance, leading to campaigns that are not only more effective but also more resilient as platforms evolve. In this episode of Built to Convert, Tyler Lane, CEO and Founder of Session Interactive, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss how data-driven marketing and strategy help brands grow with intention. He shares how to balance analytics with creativity, why SEO is far from dead, and what makes a successful digital campaign in a crowded landscape. Tyler also provides insights on embracing AI to boost collaboration and accelerate results.

  46. -45

    Leading the First SEO Program at Crocs and Making It Stick With Amir Alsayegh

    Amir Alsayegh is the SEO Lead at Crocs, a global footwear company known for its lightweight, comfortable, and casual shoes. With a strong background in international SEO, he emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and technical strategies to effectively reach diverse markets. His expertise continues to drive Crocs' digital growth and global brand visibility. About the Episode Building a scalable SEO program in a large, fast-moving organization is no small feat — especially when that program has never existed before. Without internal precedent, clear workflows, or SEO-specific resources, where do you even begin? And once you've got something working, how do you make sure it sticks? According to Amir Alsayegh, a seasoned SEO and growth strategist, the key is to start small, prove value fast, and build momentum from strategic wins. He highlights how focusing on one product category allowed him to test and refine a full-funnel SEO approach before replicating it across other silos. This focused execution created measurable growth while minimizing disruption to other teams. Amir also redefined "best practices" through a "good, better, best" model that helped set realistic standards and drive team-wide buy-in. Education, performance visibility, and internal alignment became just as important as keyword data. In this episode of Built to Convert, host Tyler Lane sits down with Amir Alsayegh, SEO Lead at Crocs, to discuss how to launch and embed a sustainable SEO strategy inside a global brand. They cover silo-by-silo SEO testing, aligning cross-functional teams around performance data, and the transition from agency work to in-house leadership. Amir also shares how Crocs is approaching AI integration with user value in mind.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This is Built to Convert — the podcast for marketers and business builders obsessed with turning strategy into impact.

HOSTED BY

Tyler Lane

CATEGORIES

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