Growth Insights for CEOs

From Economic Insight to Growth Strategy: What CEOs Should Do Now
At our most recent CEO Growth Talks, I spoke with Taylor St. Germaine, Senior Economist at ITR Economics. The timing couldn’t have been better — the latest GDP numbers had just been released, and Taylor broke down what they mean for CEOs planning growth.
As always, ITR brought a clear and fact-based perspective. The economy is growing. Consumer spending is strong. And while some industries are facing headwinds, opportunities abound for leaders who are ready to act.
But the real question for CEOs isn’t just what the economy looks like. It’s: how do you prepare your business to grow in this environment — and the one coming next?
Recent Posts

Navigating the AI-Enabled Selling Software Landscape
Thu, Oct 3, 2024 — There was a time not so long ago when the tools-of-the-trade for a salesperson were a Rolodex, a landline phone, and a pair of comfortable shoes. Not anymore. Rolodexes of relationships have been replaced by LinkedIn connections, landline phones by synchronized communication streams, and comfortable shoes by online meetings and note takers, all powered by artificial intelligence.

Healthcare Marketing: Getting Your Value Propositions Right, Part 2
Thu, Oct 3, 2024 — My last blog featured highlights from a recent conversation with Jairus Marketing CEO Scott Alexander. This conversation spotlighted the long-reaching benefits of compelling value propositions in healthcare marketing. For the second half of this topic, let’s explore how tailoring value propositions to specific audiences is essential for success in healthcare.

20 AI-Powered Strategies to Supercharge Your SaaS Sales
Wed, Oct 2, 2024 — AI (artificial intelligence) is taking the entire technology sector by storm. And all SaaS vendors are adding AI functionality to their product offerings to stay competitive, as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) syndrome takes hold. The same is happening in the SaaS industry; smart tools can help your sales and marketing team make better and faster decisions, plan, and craft a better customer service approach. As a SaaS CEO, CSO, or CMO, these solutions will open a whole new set of opportunities for growth, oversight, and measurement that can help you be a more prepared and better-informed leader.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from Chief Outsiders

Healthcare Marketing: Getting Your Value Propositions Right
Wed, Sep 25, 2024 — As a healthcare marketing specialist, I know how challenging it can be to articulate your value to your target customers. I often see what people think are effective value propositions, but they're just sales-based marketing buzzwords that require a dictionary, an encyclopedia, or a concordance to understand. I recently spoke with Scott Alexander, CEO of Jairus Marketing, an innovative healthcare marketing firm that tactically helps healthcare companies build brand awareness, market demand, and sales opportunities.

What is AI-Enabled Selling and Why is it Important?
Tue, Sep 24, 2024 — Salesforce’s “State of Sales” report surveyed 5,500 sales professionals earlier this year. Two findings caught my attention. First, sales reps spend only 30% of their time selling during an average week. Second, 81% of sales teams said they are investing in AI. Of those using AI, 41% believe that they have “fully implemented AI.” The remaining 59% range from having no strategy at all, to tinkering with tools.

Harnessing AI and Digital Marketing: A Competitive Edge for Healthcare and Life Sciences – Part Two
Thu, Sep 19, 2024 — Our last blog discussed how artificial intelligence can be a competitive difference-maker for companies in the healthcare and life sciences industries. As we continue the conversation, we will highlight the importance of AI in the social media marketing landscape, especially how AI is re-imagining traditional content creation and audience targeting strategies.

Why Hiring a Fractional CMO or CSO Isn’t Always the Right Solution
Wed, Sep 18, 2024 — Over the past several years there’s been an explosion of companies turning to fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Chief Sales Officers (CSOs). Why? For their expertise and flexibility. They offer high-impact strategic guidance and operational support without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. But while fractional executives are incredibly valuable, they might not always be the best fit for every organization at every point in time. In this article, I’ll dive into why a fractional CMO or CSO might not always be the right solution and how it compares to the value of a permanent executive.

Beyond Leadership: Exploring Business Performance and Culture
Tue, Sep 17, 2024 — In the latest CEO Growth Talks episode, Pete Hayes interviews Kyle Buckett, CSDO and Co-Founder of Stealth Energy Startup, Co-Founder of Culture Force, and author of “Leadership is Overrated.” Kyle advocates for self-led teams and a culture of collaboration, drawing on his Navy SEAL experience. He emphasizes that empowering teams and improving culture are crucial for long-term success and employee satisfaction. See full video here.

Harnessing AI and Digital Marketing: A Competitive Edge for Healthcare and Life Sciences – Part One
Wed, Sep 11, 2024 — In today’s dynamic business landscape, the healthcare, life sciences, and health tech sectors are undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital innovation. Social media and digital marketing have emerged as indispensable tools, enabling organizations to enhance efficiency, drive competitiveness, and engage with stakeholders in unprecedented ways. However, balancing innovation with strict adherence to regulatory compliance is crucial. As an industry expert with deep experience guiding companies through digital evolution, I see tremendous opportunities for leveraging these tools to gain a strategic edge.