ELEVATE: Products & People that Make an Impact

[141] Shikha Kapoor's Insights on AI, Innovation, and Career Growth at Meta

Shikha Kapoor, a product leader at Meta. We explore the intersection of AI innovation and user experience, discussing the challenges and opportunities within big companies, such as Google and Meta, and the strategies for success in the field of AI. Join us as we uncover the importance of clear communication, long-term vision, and the entrepreneurial mindset in navigating the world of AI and product management. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a product manager, or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring career stories. We cover all this and more: [05:11] From leading Google's smart displays to spearheading AI recommendation engine efforts at MetaVR. [09:18] Juggling the dynamics of entrepreneurial hustle while shouldering responsibilities within a large corporation. [11:07] Emphasizing the importance of understanding both customer needs and the evolving technology landscape. [15:14] Balancing a firm long-term vision with flexible short-term approaches, and the significance of effective stakeholder communication. [19:48] Navigating the job market from the perspective of an aspiring entrepreneur. [21:37] Playing the long-term game by building relationships, securing internal sponsors, and seeking guidance from mentors. [24:35] Exploring the exciting potential of AI in automating various aspects of work. [28:29] Driving impact by being both innovatively driven and adaptable. [31:58] Developing a strategic approach for career progression through entrepreneurship. So, get ready to elevate your knowledge and perspective in the exciting world of AI and product management. More From Shikha: ⁠⁠ Shikha's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikhakapoor/] More from Delaney: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Delaney’s AI Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.elevatedtech.us/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to ELEVATE Podcast & Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://delaneymcguire.substack.com/]

[140] Worlds #1 YouTube Ad Expert: Aleric Heck on Scaling to 8 figures with YouTube Ads

Aleric Heck, the owner of the fastest-growing business in Austin, Texas, and a prominent figure in the world of YouTube advertising. Aleric discusses the incredible success of his strategy, where returns cover fees and initial contracts transition to month-to-month arrangements, and shares invaluable insights into omnipresent retargeting services, YouTube advertising, and the power of targeting specific audiences. We cover all this and more: 05:18 - Realizing potential in online content, leveraging for college funds, transitioning to YouTube ads. 08:22 - A marketing firm sought video promotion; advised YouTube ads. Achieved 1000s of downloads with a $500 spend. 12:00 - YouTube proves effective for lead generation, particularly for coaching, consulting businesses, and apps with robust monetization. 15:53 - Optimal performance with ads linked to high-margin products; prioritize product-market fit. Caution against low-priced items. 16:44 - Test products with an Average Order Value (AOV) above $100, including apps and SaaS. Exercise caution with low-priced SaaS and YouTube ads. B2B validation may be quicker. 20:10 - Precision in audience targeting for high-converting YouTube ads using audience segments and Google data. 25:05 - Streamlining YouTube ad targeting for clients through efficient software automation. 27:15 - Pitching success with YouTube ads, retargeting, and services for channel growth. 33:25 - Exploring insights on business models, pricing, and trends across different price points and sales strategies. 37:15 - Recommending call, book, and opt-in funnels for YouTube marketing. 40:53 - Access a complimentary 19-page YouTube ad strategy PDF at adoutreach.com/gift. Apply at adoutreach.com/apply. Gain valuable knowledge about high-converting YouTube ads, audience targeting, and the transition from service-based to software-based businesses. Get ready to be inspired and elevate your marketing game with the wisdom of Aleric Heck. More From Aleric: ⁠⁠⁠ AdOutreach [https://adoutreach.com/] Free Full 19-Page YouTube Ad Strategy PDF [https://www.adoutreach.com/gift] Aleric's Website [https://aleric.com/] ⁠⁠Aleric's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alericheck/] ⁠⁠ More from Delaney: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Delaney’s AI Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.elevatedtech.us/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to ELEVATE Podcast & Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://delaneymcguire.substack.com/]

[139] Founder of Bloom Nutrition on Lessons Scaling to $23M w/ Greg LaVecchia

Greg is the CEO and co-founder of Bloom Nutrition. We dive into the world of influencer marketing as we discuss the importance of working with multiple influencers, considerations for audience size and demographics, and the need for scalability. Greg shares his insights on allocating budget towards influencers for better results and the significance of testing and simplicity in marketing. We also explore the challenges of converting influencers in the fitness space and exciting new developments in the industry, such as TikTok shop and the psychology behind consumer buying decisions. Tune in as Greg reveals the strategies that propelled Bloom Nutrition to become a top-selling supplement and their successful expansion into retail. Plus, don't miss his invaluable advice on building relationships, adapting to a dynamic landscape, and much more. We cover all this and more: 02:24 - Discussing effective strategies: Mailing, social media ads, targeting niche audiences, and emphasizing the importance of great content. 05:34 - Highlighting the impact of a female-owned brand revolutionizing the industry, with the founder serving as the face. 08:37 - Leo's career transition from Wall Street to influencer marketing in Brooklyn, growing to 8 employees with a strong online presence. 12:42 - Insights on Superbowl campaigns, featuring diverse influencers, navigating budget differences, and the importance of a solid brand strategy. 14:37 - Exploring the correlation between program size and viral video success, emphasizing scaling challenges, and recommending influencer investment for startups with a focus on tracking video views for success metrics. 18:20 - Delving into the mass snowball effect of influencers, considering both a broad range and niche-focused expansion strategy. 21:30 - Unpacking Target's marketing success as a complex story, and the strategic use of Walmart to enhance a brand's credibility. 24:07 - Emphasizing the value of networking with experienced founders and hiring experts for business growth. 27:31 - Stressing the importance of growing awareness among potential customers for overall success. 33:24 - Analyzing the impact of TikTok on Amazon, driving sales through user engagement. 36:48 - Mari's expertise in understanding buyer psychology and its influence on brand-building and awareness. 39:09 - Advising reaching out to respected listeners for advice and understanding that influencer marketing is not easily outsourced but requires a deep understanding of the process. Get ready to be inspired and informed in this insightful episode of ELEVATE! More From Greg: ⁠ [https://bloomnu.com/] ⁠Bloom Nutrition⁠ [https://bloomnu.com/] ⁠Bloom's Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bloomsupps/] ⁠Mari's Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/marillewellyn/] ⁠Greg's Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/greglavslife/] ⁠Mari's LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marillewellyn] ⁠Greg's LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-lavecchia] More from Delaney: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.elevatedtech.us/] Delaney’s AI Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.elevatedtech.us/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to ELEVATE Podcast & Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://delaneymcguire.substack.com/]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/delaneymcguire_]⁠⁠

[138] Facebook's Head of Product on Scaling Tech, Startup Lessons & Selling Your Idea w/ Yu-Kuan Lin

Yu-Kuan Lin is the Head of Product at Facebook. He shares his insights from working at Google, building a startup, and helping mid-range companies grow. Discover how cultural understanding and problem-solving played key roles in the success of Google Maps in China. We also explore technology migration, storytelling in big tech, and the transition from working at a large company to starting a zero-to-one business. We cover all this and more: [03:00] Explored Yu-Kuan's projects at Google Maps and Android, later joined Y Combinator, and ventured into startup creation—a rich learning experience. [04:00] Navigated through different phases at Meta. [07:22] Delved into the intricacies of China's unique market, including addressing challenges related to languages and transportation. [10:49] Emphasized the integration of data and customer support for continual improvement. [16:31] Realized the significance of solving problems with tangible value as a startup founder. [19:06] Adapted to changes in the business landscape, recognizing potential success. [23:41] Explored diverse and pragmatic global technology approaches, particularly in China, where the focus is on addressing concrete business problems like connecting fragmented advertising markets and personalizing profiles. Valuable insights were gained through this journey. [26:28] Encountered challenges when an old client delayed migration, causing disruptions. Stress-tested by major clients, leading to problem-solving. [30:58] Seized the opportunity to shape the company's business model. [31:54] Defined the company's mission as a lifelong learning partner in technical education. Explored potential business models, ruling out advertising due to an insufficient audience. [35:15] Highlighted the importance of early coding for commitment. [40:44] Stressed the role of storytelling in achieving success in big tech. [43:20] Emphasized understanding the audience and maintaining a focus on growth. [45:19] Advocated for applying unexpected insights to pitch successful ideas. Stay tuned as we unpack invaluable lessons, experiences, and reflections from Yu-Kuan Lin. More From Yu-Kuan: Yu-Kuan's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yukuan/] More from Delaney: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Delaney’s AI Consulting⁠⁠ [https://www.elevatedtech.us/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to ELEVATE Podcast & Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://delaneymcguire.substack.com/]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/delaneymcguire_]

[137] Oracle’s Head of Design on Customer-Centricity, Leadership & Team Building w/ Jod Kaftan

Jod Kaftan is the Head of Design at Oracle's renewable energy department, shares his fascinating journey and expertise in organizational design and design thinking. We uncover the crucial role of design in solving customer problems, driving innovation, and transforming organizations. From the importance of empathetic leadership to the emerging field of design strategy, we dive deep into the world of design and its impact on various industries. We cover all this and more: [00:02:29] A Journalist Turned Content Strategist's Journey. [00:04:07] Exploring Servant Leadership, Learning from Mistakes, and Fostering Growth Through Fjord Experience. [00:09:26] The Common Ground of Design and Journalism: Understanding Problems and Chasing Data Points. [00:14:00] Navigating a Long Consulting Career, Driving Enterprise Growth, Leading in Design, and Contributing to Climate Change Solutions at Oracle Opower. [00:16:26] Bridging the Gap: Print and Digital Platforms for Decarbonization. [00:19:44] Enhancing Energy Efficiency: The Role of Stickers in Reminding Peak Energy Usage. [00:26:43] Balancing Complexity in Large Organizations: The Challenge of Juggling Revenue and Transformation. [00:28:29] Customer-Centric Design: The Key to Achieving Success. [00:33:58] Exploring Design Thinking, Customer-Centricity, and Organizational Priorities. [00:37:07] How Collaboration Stimulates Effective Problem-Solving. [00:38:28] The Process of Research, Prototyping, and Validating Parallel Paths. [00:43:01] How Product Leads Collaborate with Design Teams. [00:46:50] Embracing a Lifelong Journey of Growth, Learning from Mistakes, and Protecting Your Team While Helping Others. [00:48:49] The Evolution of Digital Products and the Focus on Personal Growth. Prepare to be inspired as we elevate the conversation on design and leadership with Jod Kaftan. More From Jod: ⁠⁠⁠Jod's LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodkaftan/] More from Delaney: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Delaney’s AI Consulting⁠ [https://www.elevatedtech.us/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to ELEVATE Podcast & Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://delaneymcguire.substack.com/]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/delaneymcguire_]