Brianna McDonald: Rethinking Venture Capital, Funding, and Growth

The Shocking Atrophy in My Leg After a Concussion—And the Comeback That Followed

Surviving a life-altering accident and coming back stronger than ever — that's the story in this episode. Geoff McDonald shares a raw, inspiring journey of resilience, revealing how he rebuilds not just his body but his entire approach to training after nearly losing his ability to walk. If you've ever faced setbacks that felt insurmountable, this is your blueprint for turning adversity into advantage.More than a year since being hit by a car during a tough training cycle, Geoff reflects on the unexpected lessons from his recovery. He dives into the startling atrophy in his left leg, the breakthrough of rediscovering muscle in ways he never thought possible, and how this process transformed his training philosophy. You'll discover the specific rehab techniques that reignited his strength, the innovative use of data analysis to optimize recovery, and the mindset shift that’s fueling his comeback.This episode breaks down: * The surprising neurological effects of a severe concussion and how they impact muscle activation. * The meticulous step-by-step rehab strategy that increased his left leg strength from 15 pounds to over 50. * How real-time data, from lactate levels to power metrics, guides his tailored training adjustments. * The role of strength training in maximizing performance and preventing injury in endurance sports. * His ambitious race schedule, including a 70.3 Ironman in Maine and a bid to qualify for the 2027 World Championships in Nice, France. Why does this matter? Because most endurance athletes push through pain or ignore subtle signs of injury, risking long-term damage. Geoff’s story shows that patience, precise targeted training, and leveraging technology can turn setbacks into comebacks. His journey highlights how a focus on strength — not just miles — reshapes what’s possible at any age and stage.Perfect for endurance athletes, coaches, or anyone facing a challenge that seems to threaten their dreams, this episode offers practical insights and motivation to rediscover your resilience. Whether you're recovering from injury or just seeking to optimize your performance, you’ll find actionable strategies and a powerful reminder: your comeback story is still being written.Join us to get inspired, learn the science of recovery, and see how one man’s unwavering determination is rewriting the rules of endurance — one step at a time.Why this works: The opening hook immediately appeals to listeners facing setbacks or challenges, creating curiosity about Geoff’s recovery story. The detailed insights into neurological effects, data-driven training, and the emotional journey engage endurance athletes and motivated individuals alike. It balances storytelling with practical takeaways, encouraging all to see setbacks as opportunities for growth.

The $600 Billion Gap Nobody Closed — Until Now | Bill Herling, Co-Founder of Humming

Bill Herling co-founded Humming, a programmatic advertising DSP, in 2018. He grew it to 30+ employees and raised over $5 million. Last week, Ambassador acquired Humming's operating assets — our fourth acquisition and the ninth engine in our closed-loop customer intelligence platform. In this conversation, Bill and I go deep on what's actually broken in ad tech, why P&G cut $200 million in search spend and saw zero revenue impact, and why most companies are 70-80% over-indexed on search. We talk about the Rodriguez List — Robert Rodriguez making a $7,000 movie by writing down what he had access to for free — and how that mindset applies to building startups with less capital than you think you need. Bill shares his "One Take Effect" philosophy — why your first instinct is usually right, even when the market, your board, and your own doubt try to pull you in a different direction. We both realized we'd gone through the exact same journey of doubting our original vision and coming back to it three years later. We get into why consumption pricing is coming to programmatic advertising, why the AI shakeout is creating acquisition opportunities for companies sitting on real data, and why the gap between paid acquisition and customer outcomes is the biggest unsolved problem in enterprise software. Bill closes with two words of advice that I can't stop thinking about. Topics covered: * Why programmatic advertising has never been connected to customer outcomes * The P&G and eBay data on search spend waste * Robert Rodriguez and the art of building from what you have * The One Take Effect — trusting your original thesis * Consumption pricing for ad tech * The AI startup shakeout and what comes next * Why Ambassador acquired Humming * The best two-word advice for founders

Andrew Bennett on the Future of Marketing: From Smartsheet to the AI Era

Andrew Bennett has seen the full arc of digital marketing — from running small businesses on razor-thin margins to scaling one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in the world, Smartsheet. In this conversation with Geoff McDonald, Andrew shares how he built his foundation in performance marketing, what he learned scaling Smartsheet’s PLG + enterprise motion, and why AI and large language models (LLMs) are forcing marketers to rethink everything they know about discovery, engagement, and retention. Together they explore: * Why attribution matters more when it’s your money on the line * The lessons that made Smartsheet a breakout SaaS success * How LLMs are reshaping the future of SEO and discovery * Why complete marketing beats channel specialization * How startups should invest across performance, brand, and product marketing in the AI era A masterclass on where marketing is headed — and how to stay ahead when the playbook keeps changing. 🎧 Host: Geoff McDonald, CEO of Ambassador 🎙 Guest: Andrew Bennett, Former VP Marketing, Smartsheet

Brianna McDonald: Rethinking Venture Capital, Funding, and Growth

Geoff McDonald sits down with Brianna McDonald, a seasoned early-stage investor with over 20 years in venture capital. Brianna opens up about the current challenges facing startups and investors, the importance of honesty in founder–investor relationships, and the cultural changes needed in how we approach funding and growth. From the impact of AI to the critical role of small businesses in job creation, Brianna brings clarity and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation. Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.

Resilient Leadership with Brian Langhorst: From Seattle to CEO of Eustis Chair

In this episode, Geoff McDonald sits down with Brian Langhorst, CEO of Eustis Chair, to explore his journey from business student in Seattle to leading a company known for crafting the most durable and sustainable chairs in the U.S. Brian opens up about the resilience and adaptability it takes to grow as an entrepreneur, the lessons he’s learned from both challenges and triumphs, and why empathy and kindness are essential in leadership. This conversation dives into: * Building lasting client relationships * Leading with reflection and understanding * Staying adaptable in a rapidly changing business world A must-listen for founders, executives, and anyone striving to become a better leader.