Fractional Hustle

Manny Ataebi - The Path to Growth is Not Linear

Summary In this conversation, Manny Ataebi, CMO of DemoStack, shares his journey from a developer to a marketing leader in the B2B SaaS space. He discusses the importance of seeing direct revenue impact from marketing efforts, strategies for motivating teams, the significance of hiring individuals with 'street smarts', and effective scaling strategies for businesses. Manny emphasizes the need for clear and impactful brand messaging and the value of fractional expertise in driving growth. Takeaways * Manny transitioned from development to marketing after realizing the revenue impact of his efforts. * Seeing direct revenue from marketing initiatives is a powerful motivator. * Team motivation requires clear communication and understanding of the bigger picture. * The path to growth is often non-linear and requires resilience. * Hiring individuals with passion and 'fire in the belly' is crucial for team success. * Street smarts and common sense cannot be taught; they are inherent qualities. * Effective brand messaging should avoid jargon and speak directly to the audience's needs. * Feedback from the market is essential for refining messaging and strategies. * Fractional expertise can provide valuable insights and accelerate growth for startups. * Investing in mentorship and continuous learning is key to personal and professional development. Chapters 00:00 Manny's Journey into Marketing 04:58 Motivating Teams in a Dynamic Environment 10:13 The Importance of Street Smarts 15:01 Scaling Strategies for Success 19:56 Crafting Effective Brand Messaging 25:03 Leveraging Fractional Expertise for Growth Manny's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyanyc/

Kate Howard - Speed Over Perfection

Fractional Hustle: Episode with Kate Howard Guest: Kate Howard, Founder of Monday Digital [https://mondaydigital.com.au] Host: Stephen Maher In this episode of Fractional Hustle, host Stephen Maher speaks with Kate Howard, an experienced marketer and fractional CMO from Victoria, Australia. Kate is the founder of Monday Digital, an agency born from frustration with the traditional agency model. She shares how her in-house marketing background shaped a new kind of partnership-driven agency that acts as an extension of internal teams rather than an external vendor. Together, Stephen and Kate explore: * Why traditional agencies often miss the mark—and how Monday Digital fills that gap with true collaboration * The importance of speaking the language of business impact over platform metrics and vanity KPIs * How to vet ideal clients and walk away from partnerships that don’t align with your values * Lessons from leading marketing at cult-loved brands like Sheet Society and Frank Green * Navigating client relationships where empathy, honesty, and high EQ matter more than jargon * The role of fractional work as both an accelerator for brands in crisis and a launchpad for sustainable growth * The reality of building a portfolio career, taking risks, and balancing ambition with family life Kate also opens up about: * The emotional rollercoaster of starting a business with no safety net * Why she values speed over perfection, and EQ over ego * Her evolving role from fractional CMO to equity partner in the brands she believes in * The power of directness, kindness, and vulnerability in high-performance environments 🔑 Episode Highlights * "We're not agency people." Kate and her co-founder Emma approach their work as insiders—bringing a deep understanding of internal team dynamics. * Beyond the brief: Monday Digital frequently advises on product development, team structure, and broader business strategy—not just performance marketing. * High EQ = High Impact: Kate credits her success to emotional intelligence, direct communication, and leading with values. * Motherhood & Business: Kate shares her honest experience balancing parenting with entrepreneurship and why “having it all” might not mean doing it all at once. * Risk and Reward: Despite leaving her job with no income, Kate found financial stability through bold, fast action and a willingness to bet on herself. * On partnerships: “If I’m going to be away from my family, I’m not f***ing around.” 🔗 Resources & Links * 🌐 Website: Monday Digital [https://mondaydigital.com.au] * 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Kate Howard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-howard-/] * 📱 Follow: @kateonmondays [https://www.instagram.com/kateonmondays] on Instagram & TikTok

Alex Virden - Zero Ego, All Hustle

About the Guest:  In this episode, Stephen talks with Alex Virden. Alex is a seasoned fractional marketing leader based in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 12 years of experience across B2B and B2C sectors, she specializes in product marketing and storytelling. She's also the founder of Twin Thrift Vintage, where she sells curated vintage glassware. Alex and Stephen discuss: * "Zero Ego, All Hustle" Philosophy Alex shares how she developed a collaborative, no-ego approach to working with cross-functional teams and why ego-driven environments are a red flag for her. * Why She Went Fractional Burnout and toxic workplace culture were driving forces behind her shift to fractional work—plus the freedom to choose values-aligned clients. * The Challenge of Self-Promotion Even experienced marketers struggle to market themselves. Alex opens up about imposter syndrome and getting outside help to build her personal brand. * Storytelling That Connects Messaging isn’t just about buzzwords—it’s about real customer conversations, internal alignment, and emotional resonance. * The “Armchair Therapist” Role Being a fractional leader often means facilitating alignment between teams, coaching clients through internal friction, and creating belief in a shared message. Resources and Links: Website: https://alexandravirden.com/ [https://alexandravirden.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexvirden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexvirden/]

Zach Messler - Being Perfectly Understood

In this episode of Fractional Hustle, host Stephen Maher sits down with Zach Messler, a master storyteller with over 20 years of experience in B2B tech marketing. Zach reveals how his deep roots in product marketing evolved into a passion for transforming complex technology into compelling, customer-centered narratives. Through candid stories of corporate highs and lows, he shares the powerful lessons that reshaped his career and messaging approach. Stephen and Zach explore: • How a traditional product marketing career paved the way for embracing storytelling as a strategic tool • The critical role of narrative in connecting with buyers and turning features into solutions • Real-life lessons from navigating challenging corporate dynamics and reinventing one’s professional identity • The power of the hero’s journey and other storytelling techniques in crafting memorable brand messages • Details about his free monthly program, “Nail the Message, Sell More Stuff,” designed to help founders, marketers, and consultants master their messaging Resources and Links: Connect on LinkedIn: Zach Messler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmessler/] Website: ZachMessler.com [https://zachmessler.com/] Join the conversation at NailTheMessage.com [https://nailthemessage.com/]

Brian Koffler - Fractional Demand Generation

In this episode of Fractional Hustle, host Stephen Maher sits down with Brian Koffler, founder of DIGS Marketing and a seasoned expert in B2B SaaS demand generation. Brian shares how he transitioned from an in‐house career to launching his own agency helping software companies with lean teams generate predictable, scalable pipeline. Stephen and Brian explore: • How to scale demand generation for fast-growing B2B SaaS companies using a strategic mix of paid ads and email marketing • The challenges and rewards of stepping in as an external, transparent consultant who simplifies complex marketing silos • Best practices for building and nurturing a warm, engaged audience while safeguarding email deliverability • The importance of aligning messaging across marketing channels and integrating sales and CRM efforts for consistent growth • Strategies for setting realistic expectations and establishing a strong foundation for long-term demand gen success Brian also dives into how his hands-on, no-lock-in engagement model and collaborative approach with internal teams drive impactful results for clients. Resources and Links: Website: digsmarketing.com [https://www.digsmarketing.com/] Connect on LinkedIn: Brian Koffler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoffler/] Email: brian@digsmarketing.com [brian@digsmarketing.com]