The Marketing B-Sides

Track #20: Renia Carsillo – Why "No" is a Growth Strategy

In an industry obsessed with the "business of yes," Renia Carsillo has spent 20 years building a firm based on the power of the right fit. A former Assistant VP in banking with a degree in Iranian Politics, Renia brings a pragmatism to Realign Consulting that most agencies lack. She joins Tom to discuss her "Three Bright Lines" for vetting clients: believing in their mission, trusting their team, and ensuring they have at least a six-month financial runway to allow for foundational work. Beyond the mechanics of agency growth, Renia dives into a staggering statistic: while 48% of new businesses are started by women, only 6% ever gross more than $250,000. We discuss the systemic and "soft" hurdles, from credit access to the lack of domestic support structures, that keep those numbers low, and Renia’s new mission to profile the women who have broken through that barrier. We also tackle the AI hype cycle. Renia explains why she’s skeptical of anyone calling themselves an "AI Expert" and why she forbids her team from using "God Mode" commands. From her color-coded quarterly planning to the 2-day offsite strategy retreats she mandates for every client, this episode is a guide for leaders who want to stop reacting and start building.

Track #19: Dagan Thogerson – Why Being a "Good Hang" is Just As Important As Your Chops

Dagan Thogerson has played over 2,000 shows in his career, including 15 years behind the kit for the legendary indie-rock band Murder by Death. He joins Tom to peel back the curtain on the "Road Dog" lifestyle and the transition from a 16-year-old playing biker bars to a professional session musician. We dive into the "B-Side" of the music industry: the part that involves spreadsheets, ticket counts, and boundaries. Dagan explains why the most important skill for a touring professional isn't how fast you can shred, but whether you're a "good hang" who is reliable and accountable when things get messy - a truth that translates directly from the tour van to the office.

Track #18: Lindsay McGuire – Why "I've Worked Too Hard for This" Is the Wrong Reason to Stay

Lindsay McGuire was a SaaS powerhouse, a director-level "titan" in the Indianapolis tech scene. But deep down, she felt a calling back to her community. She joins Tom to discuss the psychological hurdle of walking away from the "golden handcuffs" of software and the pivotal advice from her mother that changed everything. Now the Assistant Director of Advancement, Branding and Outreach at The Milk Bank, Lindsay discusses the "revolutionary" shift from marketing software to saving infants' lives in the NICU. We dive into: * The Fear of the Jump: Overcoming the internal monologue that says leaving a high-level role is "stupid." * Public Health vs. MarTech: Moving from the "fight or flight" of software trends to the thoughtful, high-stakes pace of community health. * Junior League & Capacity: How to give back without burning out. * The Metaphysical B-Side: A hilarious and brilliant story about how selling Thor’s hammers and "potions" at a jewelry store became a jumping off point for her content marketing career.

Track #17: Rebecca Fleetwood Hession - Why "Same" Feels "Safe" And How Your Brain Fights Change At Work

Rebecca Fleetwood Hession spent 20 years in corporate sales before realizing she was living in a state of constant dysregulation. Now a professional coach marking her 10-year anniversary, she joins Tom to discuss the science behind why we stay in jobs that chew us up. We dive into the "Same = Safe" paradox: the nervous system's tendency to choose known pain over the uncertainty of change. Rebecca explains why great leadership requires self-care to keep the prefrontal cortex online for decision-making, and why the "billboard" style of top-down communication is killing team commitment. Whether you are an executive or a founder, this episode is a masterclass in why business is, and always should be, human.

Track #16: Noah & Madison - Breaking into Agency Life and the Reality of Your First Marketing Role

What does the first year of a marketing career actually look like? Madison Stiles and Noah Burlingame join Tom to peel back the curtain on the transition from Indiana University grads to full-time agency professionals. We dive into the "Welcome to the Jungle" reality of learning cross-channel marketing, why your GPA matters significantly less than your "vibe check," and the danger of comparing your job search to your friend's group text. Whether you are a junior in college or a recent grad feeling "behind," this episode is a guide to navigating the autonomy of remote work and the importance of getting comfortable being uncomfortable.