The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY WORK WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: INSIGHTS FROM SHANE SILSBY OF SILSBY STRATEGIC ADVISORS In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Shane Silsby, CEO and Founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors [https://managingformeteors.com/] and author of Managing for Meteors: Preparing Local Government Leaders Before the Impact. Shane shares his deep expertise on the evolving local government landscape, the challenges agencies face, and how businesses can position themselves as trusted, long-term partners. Listeners gain practical advice on building authentic relationships, navigating procurement, and offering strategic value beyond just the lowest bid. BUILDING TRUST AND VALUE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS Shane explains that working effectively with local governments requires a clear understanding of their constraints, workforce challenges, and shifting leadership dynamics. He points to the “silver tsunami” of retirements and the influx of younger leaders as both a challenge and an opportunity for the private sector to bring fresh expertise. Businesses that research agency needs, approach with empathy, and provide specialized knowledge can fill critical gaps in skills and capacity. He emphasizes that procurement at the local level isn’t solely about price—it’s about qualifications, problem-solving ability, and alignment with the agency’s mission. Companies that lead with value, demonstrate a track record of success, and remain engaged beyond a single project are more likely to earn repeat work. Building relationships over time, rather than pushing for quick wins, creates trust and credibility that pays off in the long run. Shane also recommends that businesses tailor their approach to each agency’s unique situation, from offering fractional or project-based services to helping with disruption preparedness. He advises proactive engagement, sharing resources, and being honest about capabilities—even referring other providers when it’s a better fit. By doing so, businesses position themselves not just as vendors, but as indispensable partners in delivering better outcomes for communities. ABOUT SHANE SILSBY Shane Silsby is the CEO and Founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors and author of Managing for Meteors. With extensive leadership experience in public works and infrastructure, Shane helps local governments and private sector partners prepare for major disruptions, strengthen organizational capacity, and build sustainable solutions for community needs. ABOUT SILSBY STRATEGIC ADVISORS Silsby Strategic Advisors [https://managingformeteors.com/] is a consulting firm specializing in helping local governments navigate disruption, address workforce challenges, and enhance service delivery. The firm also works with private sector companies to successfully engage with public agencies through strategic planning, relationship-building, and targeted expertise. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Silsby Strategic Advisors [https://managingformeteors.com/] * Managing for Meteors – Book [https://managingformeteors.com/] EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * Local governments face generational shifts and workforce shortages, creating opportunities for private sector expertise. * Procurement at the local level values qualifications and alignment over lowest price. * Long-term relationships and trust are essential for sustained public sector partnerships. * Businesses should consider offering fractional or project-based services to meet agency needs. * Proactive disruption preparedness positions companies as valuable, strategic partners. CONCLUSION Shane Silsby’s insights make it clear that winning with local governments is about more than contracts—it’s about understanding their world, anticipating challenges, and building relationships rooted in trust. By focusing on value, demonstrating expertise, and showing up before, during, and after major disruptions, businesses can become indispensable allies to public agencies and the communities they serve. 🎧 More from UpMyInfluence: 🎙️ Want to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur? Get your voice in front of 50K+ listeners. Schedule your guest spot here »https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] 🤝 Consultant doing 6+ figures? Let’s introduce you to your next big client, partner, or referral source. See how here » https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros] 📡 Thinking of launching your own podcast? We’ve built over 250 shows for leaders who now land dream guests (and clients) weekly. See the system here »https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/ [https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/] 🚨What’s Your PodVerified Score? 🎯 Find out how you rank as a podcast guest — and get matched with hosts who actually want you. No spam. No cold pitching. Justsmart, credibility-based connectionsthat get you booked on aligned shows week after week. ✅ 2 free podcast matches ✅ Your own dashboard with warm-up plans ✅ Media badges to showcase your guest authority ✅ Priority access to Founders Club (limited to 100) 👉View the platform » https://app.podverified.com/start/ [https://app.podverified.com/start/] 📬 Subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur New episodes daily to fuel your impact, visibility, and influence. Thanks for listening. Now go build something extraordinary!

DATA-DRIVEN B2B GROWTH IN 2025: INSIGHTS FROM HAMLET AZARIAN OF AZARIAN GROWTH AGENCY In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, Josh Elledge talks with Hamlet Azarian, CEO of Azarian Growth Agency [https://hamletazarian.com/], about how B2B companies can accelerate growth in 2025 using real-time data, AI integration, and signal-based marketing strategies. Hamlet explains how his team helps founder-led startups and mid-market companies break through revenue plateaus by aligning marketing and sales processes with timely, personalized outreach. This conversation reveals the specific tactics, tools, and mindset shifts businesses need to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape. LEVERAGING SIGNALS, AI, AND AUTHENTICITY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Hamlet emphasizes that the traditional, linear sales funnel is being replaced by signal-based marketing, where businesses act on real-time indicators like industry news, contract awards, or leadership changes within target accounts. This approach enables highly relevant outreach that improves conversion rates and strengthens relationships. Azarian Growth Agency uses platforms like Clay, combined with CRMs such as HubSpot or Salesforce, to capture and act on these signals efficiently. Beyond signals, Hamlet shares how his agency has been “AI-first” since 2020, embedding artificial intelligence into marketing and sales workflows for everything from prospect research to content creation. By building “core files” containing brand guidelines, customer personas, and case studies, AI outputs remain accurate, on-brand, and strategically aligned. Human oversight ensures AI acts as a co-pilot, not a replacement, preserving quality and authenticity. For SaaS founders, Hamlet recommends a founder-led social media strategy to generate excitement and credibility before launch. By openly sharing the product journey—including both wins and challenges—leaders can build trust, encourage audience engagement, and create anticipation. Combined with Azarian Growth Agency’s selective onboarding process and complimentary exploratory audits, this authenticity-driven approach sets the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth. ABOUT HAMLET AZARIAN Hamlet Azarian is the CEO of Azarian Growth Agency [https://hamletazarian.com/], a B2B marketing consultancy specializing in data-driven growth strategies. With a focus on real-time engagement, AI integration, and scalable processes, Hamlet has helped startups and mid-market companies across industries accelerate revenue growth and optimize marketing performance. ABOUT AZARIAN GROWTH AGENCY Azarian Growth Agency [https://hamletazarian.com/] partners with B2B companies to deliver predictable, scalable growth through data enrichment, automation, and signal-based marketing. Their services include marketing strategy, AI integration, sales enablement, and founder-led brand building. The agency works selectively with clients to ensure strong alignment and measurable impact, offering free exploratory audits to identify high-value growth opportunities. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Azarian Growth Agency Website [https://hamletazarian.com/] * Hamlet Azarian on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamletazarian/] EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * Why traditional funnels are being replaced by signal-based marketing. * How AI can accelerate marketing and sales without replacing human judgment. * The importance of core files to train AI agents effectively. * Why founder-led social media drives authentic engagement and product anticipation. * The value of free exploratory audits in identifying immediate growth opportunities. CONCLUSION Hamlet Azarian’s approach blends cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of human connection in sales and marketing. By leveraging real-time signals, integrating AI thoughtfully, and leading with authenticity, companies can scale faster and smarter in 2025. Whether you’re an early-stage founder or a mid-market leader, the principles shared in this episode offer a clear path to measurable, sustainable growth. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] 🎧 More from UpMyInfluence: 🎙️ Want to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur? Get your voice in front of 50K+ listeners. Schedule your guest spot here »https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] 🤝 Consultant doing 6+ figures? Let’s introduce you to your next big client, partner, or referral source. See how here » https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros] 📡 Thinking of launching your own podcast? We’ve built over 250 shows for leaders who now land dream guests (and clients) weekly. See the system here »https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/ [https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/] 🚨What’s Your PodVerified Score? 🎯 Find out how you rank as a podcast guest — and get matched with hosts who actually want you. No spam. No cold pitching. Justsmart, credibility-based connectionsthat get you booked on aligned shows week after week. ✅ 2 free podcast matches ✅ Your own dashboard with warm-up plans ✅ Media badges to showcase your guest authority ✅ Priority access to Founders Club (limited to 100) 👉View the platform » https://app.podverified.com/start/ [https://app.podverified.com/start/] 📬 Subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur New episodes daily to fuel your impact, visibility, and influence. Thanks for listening. Now go build something extraordinary!

BUILDING DIGITAL PRODUCTS THAT DRIVE REVENUE WITH EXPERION TECHNOLOGIES’ MANOJ BALRAJ In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Manoj Balraj, Co-founder and President of Experion Technologies [https://experionglobal.com/]. Manoj shares how his company has grown into a global leader in digital product engineering, delivering mission-critical software for industries like automotive, healthcare, and finance. He also reveals how his personal creative outlets—like dance and filmmaking—help him stay inspired and bring fresh energy to his leadership approach. TURNING VISION INTO HIGH-IMPACT DIGITAL PRODUCTS Manoj explains that Experion’s success comes from a structured yet collaborative product development process. Every project begins with a deep discovery phase to fully understand the client’s goals, user needs, and market context. This is followed by agile development cycles that deliver value in small, measurable increments, allowing for flexibility and constant alignment with evolving business needs. By engaging early, clients gain the advantage of Experion’s expertise in refining product vision, mitigating risks, and accelerating time-to-market. He emphasizes that great client partnerships are built on openness, preparedness, and trust. The most successful outcomes come when clients arrive with clear goals, are willing to collaborate, and remain engaged throughout the process. Even without a dedicated CTO, Experion can step in to provide technical leadership, ensuring the product is built with both scalability and long-term revenue in mind. This partnership approach has helped them serve over 85 early-stage companies and many Fortune 20 enterprises with equal success. Manoj also highlights the importance of scaling with discipline. Experion has grown organically to over 1,600 employees across multiple countries while staying focused on their core strengths. Their reputation for reliable delivery and post-launch support has been their strongest growth driver—proving that sustainable scaling is about quality and trust, not just speed. By blending creativity, agile execution, and strategic focus, Manoj and his team have built a blueprint for creating digital products that generate lasting business value. ABOUT MANOJ BALRAJ Manoj Balraj is the Co-founder and President of Experion Technologies, with over two decades of experience in digital product engineering. Outside of his corporate role, he’s an active participant in creative pursuits, which he credits for his leadership perspective and innovative approach. ABOUT EXPERION TECHNOLOGIES Experion Technologies [https://experionglobal.com/] is a global digital product engineering company serving startups, enterprises, and Fortune 20 companies. With expertise across industries, Experion delivers mission-critical software products that drive revenue, efficiency, and growth. Their agile, collaborative approach ensures products are built for real-world impact. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Experion Technologies [https://experionglobal.com/] * Manoj Balraj on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/manubalraj] EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * Experion’s process for turning vision into high-impact digital products. * Why early client engagement leads to better product outcomes. * How agile methodology keeps projects aligned and adaptable. * The qualities of an ideal product engineering client. * Scaling globally while maintaining quality and focus. Conclusion Manoj Balraj’s story proves that great digital products are built through a mix of creativity, disciplined process, and strong partnerships. His insights show how leaders can transform bold ideas into products that deliver real business results. 🎧 More from UpMyInfluence: 🎙️ Want to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur? Get your voice in front of 50K+ listeners. Schedule your guest spot here »https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] 🤝 Consultant doing 6+ figures? Let’s introduce you to your next big client, partner, or referral source. See how here » https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros] 📡 Thinking of launching your own podcast? We’ve built over 250 shows for leaders who now land dream guests (and clients) weekly. See the system here »https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/ [https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/] 🚨What’s Your PodVerified Score? 🎯 Find out how you rank as a podcast guest — and get matched with hosts who actually want you. No spam. No cold pitching. Justsmart, credibility-based connectionsthat get you booked on aligned shows week after week. ✅ 2 free podcast matches ✅ Your own dashboard with warm-up plans ✅ Media badges to showcase your guest authority ✅ Priority access to Founders Club (limited to 100) 👉View the platform » https://app.podverified.com/start/ [https://app.podverified.com/start/] 📬 Subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur New episodes daily to fuel your impact, visibility, and influence. Thanks for listening. Now go build something extraordinary!

UNLOCKING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH WITH CUSTOMER RETENTION STRATEGIES FROM YEMI OLUSEUN OF THE CHANGE HIVE In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Yemi Oluseun, Founder and CEO of The Change Hive [https://www.thechangehive.co/]. With a background in fintech and corporate transformation, Yemi shares why customer retention—not just acquisition—is the most powerful growth lever for any business. She outlines her five-point retention model, detailing how SaaS founders, service-based entrepreneurs, and growth leaders can build a loyal customer base, reduce churn, and expand revenue through smarter engagement and community building. HOW TO BUILD A RETENTION-FIRST BUSINESS THAT FUELS LONG-TERM GROWTH Yemi reveals that many businesses plateau not because they can’t attract new customers—but because they’re losing them too soon. Her five-point retention model helps leaders plug those leaks by focusing on onboarding, behavior tracking, customer habits, feedback loops, and timing review requests with customer milestones. From onboarding roadmaps and “quick wins” to using behavioral analytics and hosting customer roundtables, Yemi emphasizes creating early value, consistent engagement, and authentic relationships that turn customers into brand advocates. One of her most powerful insights is the importance of review-based feedback and expansion selling. By mapping the customer journey, identifying key touchpoints, and knowing when to request testimonials, businesses can not only improve retention but unlock new revenue streams. Yemi also shares tools like retention scorecards, milestone mapping, and customer health monitoring—reinforcing that retention isn’t just a tactic, it’s a strategy that touches every part of your business. Yemi’s approach is actionable and measurable. She encourages founders to shift their focus from front-end sales to post-sale engagement and build a company culture where retention is everyone's responsibility. With the right systems, support, and mindset, you can transform customer success into your most reliable and scalable growth engine. ABOUT YEMI OLUSEUN Yemi Oluseun is the founder and CEO of The Change Hive, a consulting and training company that helps mission-driven businesses grow sustainably through retention-first strategies. With a background in corporate transformation, fintech, and customer growth, she’s passionate about helping leaders turn clients into long-term advocates. ABOUT THE CHANGE HIVE The Change Hive empowers business leaders with the strategies and systems they need to improve customer retention and expand revenue. Through diagnostics, frameworks, and live workshops, The Change Hive helps SaaS and service-based businesses create sticky, high-value customer relationships. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * The Change Hive Website [https://www.thechangehive.co/] * Yemi Oluseun on LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/yemioluseun] * The Change Hive Retention Scorecard [https://www.thechangehive.co/] EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * Why retention is the most overlooked yet powerful growth lever * The Change Hive’s five-point retention model for reducing churn * How to use behavioral analytics and roundtables to drive engagement * The role of milestone-based review requests in boosting trust and referrals * How to identify revenue expansion opportunities with existing customers CONCLUSION Yemi Oluseun makes a compelling case for shifting your focus from acquisition to retention. With the right systems and engagement strategies in place, you can create a business that grows sustainably and serves your ideal clients better over time. If you’re ready to build a true retention moat around your business, start by mapping your customer journey and making retention a company-wide metric. 🎧 More from UpMyInfluence: 🎙️ Want to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur? Get your voice in front of 50K+ listeners. Schedule your guest spot here »https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] 🤝 Consultant doing 6+ figures? Let’s introduce you to your next big client, partner, or referral source. See how here » https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros] 📡 Thinking of launching your own podcast? We’ve built over 250 shows for leaders who now land dream guests (and clients) weekly. See the system here »https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/ [https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/] 🚨What’s Your PodVerified Score? 🎯 Find out how you rank as a podcast guest — and get matched with hosts who actually want you. No spam. No cold pitching. Justsmart, credibility-based connectionsthat get you booked on aligned shows week after week. ✅ 2 free podcast matches ✅ Your own dashboard with warm-up plans ✅ Media badges to showcase your guest authority ✅ Priority access to Founders Club (limited to 100) 👉View the platform » https://app.podverified.com/start/ [https://app.podverified.com/start/] 📬 Subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur New episodes daily to fuel your impact, visibility, and influence. Thanks for listening. Now go build something extraordinary!

NAVIGATING SUDDEN WEALTH AND MONEY MINDSET WITH LISA PETERSON OF WEALTH CLINIC In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Lisa Peterson, founder of Wealth Clinic [https://www.wealthclinic.com], money coach, and author of The Money Catalyst: Your Guide to Prosperity, Freedom, and Living Your Best Life. Lisa shares how sudden wealth—whether from business success, inheritance, or windfalls—can trigger emotional and psychological challenges many people aren’t prepared for. She offers a practical, mindset-first approach to managing newfound wealth, healing money wounds, and building long-term financial freedom through self-awareness and intentional strategy. WHY MONEY MINDSET MATTERS WHEN WEALTH HAPPENS FAST Lisa explains that most people have never learned how to manage large sums of money, and when sudden wealth hits, it often brings stress, fear, and decision fatigue. She introduces the concept of evaluating your “money upbringing” and how subconscious beliefs—formed early in life—can drive behaviors like overspending, fear-based investing, or avoiding financial decisions altogether. Lisa emphasizes that before taking action with new wealth, you must pause, reflect, and understand your internal money narrative. Through her framework of eight catalysts for transformation, outlined in The Money Catalyst, Lisa helps individuals define their version of prosperity, shift limiting beliefs, and take aligned financial action. She and Josh discuss how wealth without emotional clarity can actually decrease quality of life, and how many high-income earners still live in scarcity due to unresolved internal patterns. Lisa encourages working with professionals who understand both the emotional and financial complexities of sudden wealth and building support systems that focus on education, strategy, and healing. Lisa also offers actionable steps for those navigating wealth transitions—from pausing before making decisions, to assembling a trusted advisory team, setting up financial guardrails, and creating a long-term vision. Most importantly, she reminds listeners that true prosperity isn’t a number—it’s the feeling of freedom, confidence, and alignment that comes from knowing you’re using your wealth intentionally. ABOUT LISA PETERSON Lisa Peterson is a money coach, business advisor, and founder of Wealth Clinic. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs and high earners transform their relationship with money by combining emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and long-term strategy. She’s also the host of the Mindful Millionaire podcast. ABOUT WEALTH CLINIC Wealth Clinic helps purpose-driven individuals and entrepreneurs unlock abundance through coaching, mindset work, and financial strategy. With a focus on healing money wounds and creating lasting financial transformation, Wealth Clinic empowers clients to live aligned, prosperous lives. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * Wealth Clinic Website [https://www.wealthclinic.com] * Lisa Peterson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapeterson1/] EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * Why sudden wealth often leads to overwhelm instead of ease * The importance of understanding your money story and upbringing * Lisa’s eight catalysts for financial and emotional transformation * How subconscious beliefs can quietly sabotage your success * Practical tips for building true financial confidence and freedom CONCLUSION Lisa Peterson reminds us that wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset, clarity, and emotional well-being. By understanding your internal patterns and approaching money with intention, you can turn sudden wealth into lasting freedom. Whether you’re navigating a financial windfall or seeking a healthier relationship with money, Lisa’s approach offers both the tools and wisdom to thrive. 🎧 More from UpMyInfluence: 🎙️ Want to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur? Get your voice in front of 50K+ listeners. Schedule your guest spot here »https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] 🤝 Consultant doing 6+ figures? Let’s introduce you to your next big client, partner, or referral source. See how here » https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/leader-intros] 📡 Thinking of launching your own podcast? We’ve built over 250 shows for leaders who now land dream guests (and clients) weekly. See the system here »https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/ [https://upmyinfluence.com/book-podcast/] 🚨What’s Your PodVerified Score? 🎯 Find out how you rank as a podcast guest — and get matched with hosts who actually want you. No spam. No cold pitching. Justsmart, credibility-based connectionsthat get you booked on aligned shows week after week. ✅ 2 free podcast matches ✅ Your own dashboard with warm-up plans ✅ Media badges to showcase your guest authority ✅ Priority access to Founders Club (limited to 100) 👉RSVP now to preview the platform »https://podverified.com/ [https://podverified.com/] 📬 Subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur New episodes daily to fuel your impact, visibility, and influence. Thanks for listening. Now go build something extraordinary!