Advertise on podcast: Liftoff with Keith: Conversations with Super Founders and Growth Experts sharing useful insights

In this episode, Keith sat down with Ari Gootnick, Founder at Lume, to unpack one of the most overlooked challenges in entrepreneurship—founder performance and burnout. Ari shares his personal journey from burnout and depression while working in a high-growth tech environment to building Lume, a performance lab designed to help founders operate at their peak—mentally, physically, and emotionally.They dive deep into: Why founders underperform before burnout actually hits The difference between motivation vs. capacity How hustle culture may be hurting more than helpingPractical frameworks to improve decision-making, focus, and energy The role of health optimization, coaching, and peer support in scaling sustainably If you're a founder, operator, or leader navigating high pressure and fast growth, this conversation will challenge how you think about performance—and give you tools to sustain it.Connect with Ari Gootnick: Website: https://www.join-lume.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/arigoot Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #FounderBurnout #StartupFounders #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformance #StartupLife #FounderJourney #BusinessGrowth #MentalFitness #HustleCulture

In this episode, Keith sat down with Jimi Gibson, Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, to unpack how visibility is changing in an AI-driven world. Before working with CEOs and founders, Jimi spent years as a professional magician—learning how to capture attention, build curiosity, and create unforgettable moments. Today, he applies those same principles to help businesses stay visible in a world where AI is answering questions before users ever click. We explore: Why founder authority is becoming more powerful than traditional SEO How zero-click searches are reshaping demand generation The real reason many businesses are “disappearing” online What AI actually looks for when deciding who to trust A simple, practical framework to create content that stands out As search evolves from clicks to answers, visibility is no longer about ranking #1—it’s about being the voice AI trusts and surfaces.If you’re a founder, marketer, or business leader trying to stay relevant in 2026, this conversation will give you a completely new lens on content, brand, and growth.Connect with Jimi Gibson: Website: https://thriveagency.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimi-gibson Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#AIMarketing #SEO #ContentStrategy #FounderBrand #DigitalMarketing #B2BMarketing #PersonalBranding #GrowthMarketing #MarketingStrategy

In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, we sit down with Anthony Blatner, Founder of Speedwork Social and a leading expert in LinkedIn B2B growth. Anthony shares a practical crawl-walk-run framework for companies looking to turn LinkedIn into a scalable demand generation channel. From founder-led content and employee advocacy to high-performing Thought Leader Ads, he explains how modern B2B companies are building pipeline without relying on expensive or ineffective campaigns. We also discuss why case-study driven content outperforms promotional messaging, how teams can activate their networks, and how startups can scale LinkedIn marketing without chasing trends. If you're a startup founder, marketing leader, or B2B growth team, this episode breaks down how to turn LinkedIn into a predictable revenue engine. Connect with Anthony Blatner: Website: https://speedworksocial.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyblatner Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#B2BMarketing #LinkedInMarketing #DemandGeneration #StartupGrowth #SaaSMarketing #GrowthMarketing #FounderLedMarketing #DigitalMarketing #B2BStrategy #MarketingLeadership

In this special Liftoff Unicorn Conversation, Keith sits down with Henry Schuck, Founder & CEO of ZoomInfo, to explore the journey of building one of the most influential B2B data platforms in the world. Henry shares the story behind founding ZoomInfo in 2007, scaling through multiple growth stages, navigating the company’s IPO during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how ZoomInfo is now adapting to the AI era. This conversation dives into lessons for founders, entrepreneurs, and startup leaders on scaling a company, building a category-defining product, and staying ahead as technology continues to evolve. If you want insight into how a company grows from startup to public SaaS leader, this episode delivers the playbook. Connect with Henry Schuck: Website: https://www.zoominfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hschuck Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #HenrySchuck #ZoomInfo #StartupJourney #SaaSLeadership #Entrepreneurship #FounderStories #AIinBusiness #StartupGrowth #TechLeadership #BusinessStrategy

AI is rewriting the rules of SaaS — but not everyone is building it the right way. In this episode of Liftoff, Sreedhar Peddineni, CEO & Co-Founder of GTM Buddy, shares lessons from: Scaling through the dot-com crashCo-founding Gainsight and pioneering customer success- Now building an AI-native revenue activation platformWe explore: Why sales teams don’t have a content problem — they have a context problemHow AI is collapsing product development costs toward zero- The rise (and risk) of AI wrapper productsWhy adoption is still the ultimate truth metricHow to avoid getting distracted by big enterprise “carrot” dealsWhy founders must build with AI — not just read about it- What real “agentic AI” might actually look like by 2026Sreedhar breaks down what practical AI really means :Not chatbots. Not hype. But delivering the right insight — inside the workflow — at the moment of need. A masterclass in disciplined product thinking in the middle of the AI noise cycle. Connect with Sreedhar Peddineni: Website: https://gtmbuddy.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreedharpeddineni Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #GTM #RevenueActivation #AIApplications #SalesTech #SaaSFounders #ProductLeadership #AgenticAI #StartupLessons #EnterpriseAI #FounderJourney

What if the biggest innovation opportunity today isn’t in tech — but in education? In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, Keith sat down with Houlie Duque, Founder & CEO of HomeschoolToGo, to explore how personalized, project-based learning is reshaping the future of education.With over a decade of experience in Montessori and Cambridge systems, Houlie shares why traditional schooling — designed during the industrial revolution — may no longer prepare children for an AI-driven world. We dive into: Why curiosity, creativity, and adaptability matter more than gradesThe myth of “socialization” in traditional schoolsHow homeschooling can require less time — but deliver better outcomesWhy project-based learning builds real-world problem solversHow AI will eliminate repeatable jobs — and what skills children truly needHow families can homeschool without sacrificing career or incomeIf you're a founder, entrepreneur, or parent wondering how to prepare the next generation for a rapidly changing world — this episode will challenge your assumptions. FREE Masterclass: How to Offer High Quality Education in Under 10 Hours per Weekhttps://courses.homeschooltogo.org/freemasterclass-registrationConnect with Houlie Duque: Website: https://www.homeschooltogo.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/houlie-duque-3a4bb1169/ Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #Homeschooling #FutureOfEducation #PersonalizedLearning #ProjectBasedLearning #Parenting #EntrepreneurParents #AIandEducation #CriticalThinking #NextGeneration #EducationReform

In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, Keith sat down with Devon Ferreira, CEO of CruTrade, to explore how technology is transforming the fine wine industry. Devon explains why the secondary wine market is broken—plagued by access issues, counterfeit risks, and bottle spoilage—and how CruTrade solves this through blockchain-verified provenance, RFID tracking, and tokenized wine trading that allows bottles to change hands without ever leaving storage. They dive into: Why 1 in 3 collector bottles risk damageHow compounding spoilage destroys valueWhat “tokenized wine” really meansWhy producers and collectors both lose in today’s system How storytelling—not just technology—builds great companies This is a masterclass in marketplace innovation, transparency, and storytelling—whether you’re a founder, investor, wine lover, or Web3 enthusiast. Connect with Devon Ferreira: Website: https://www.crutrade.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonferreira/ Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#CruTrade #FineWine #WineCollectors #Blockchain #Web3 #Tokenization #LuxuryMarkets #Marketplace #StartupPodcast #Founders #Entrepreneurship #DigitalTransformation #Provenance #WineIndustry

Most AI companies are racing to build bigger models. Pat Condo is building something different: AI you can actually trust. In this episode of Liftoff, Keith sat down with Pat Condo, Founder & CEO of Seekr Technologies — a seven-time founder with three decades at the intersection of search, defence, enterprise software, and national security. Pat shares why most enterprise AI projects fail — and why it’s rarely the model’s fault. They explore: → Why explainability isn’t optional in mission-critical AI → The hallucination problem and why enterprises can’t tolerate it → How inference costs are quietly destroying AI ROI→ Why specialization beats hyperscaler ambition → What defence tech is teaching commercial AI buyers → Why policymakers shouldn’t only take advice from AI monopolies → The most underinvested AI opportunity today: manufacturing Seekr is betting that trust, transparency, and domain-specific expertise will outlast hype cycles and model-size wars. If you’re building, buying, or investing in AI — this conversation cuts through the noise. Connect with Pat Condo: Website: https://www.seekr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-condo-96a905234/ Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #ArtificialIntelligence #EnterpriseAI #TrustworthyAI #ExplainableAI #DefenseTech #AILeadership #StartupFounders #TechInnovation #AIInfrastructure #FutureOfAI

Scaling is not about working harder — it’s about thinking differently. In this episode, Keith sat down with Casey Woo, former operator at WeWork, OpenAI, Flexport, and Zappos, founder of Operators Guild, and Managing Partner at FOG Ventures, to break down what it really takes to scale a company. Casey introduces the concept of the “Scaler” — the operator who thrives in complexity, builds systems that evolve, and helps companies move from chaos to clarity. He shares how the world’s fastest-growing startups fail not because of bad ideas, but because they lack the operating structure needed for sustainable growth. They dive into: Why scaling is a discipline, not a phase How great operators think across product, people, and processWhat founders misunderstand about growth- Why systems—not heroics—create durable companiesHow AI is changing the way companies scaleWhether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode is a masterclass in building companies that don’t just grow — they scale. Connect with Casey Woo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywoo/ Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses’ growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #TheScaler #StartupScaling #Hypergrowth #Operators #StartupOperators #Founders #VentureCapital #FOGVentures #OperatorsGuild #BusinessGrowth #ScalingStartups #Leadership #SaaS #TechStartups #FutureOfWork

In this episode of Liftoff, Keith sits down with Amos Bar-Joseph, Co-Founder and CEO of Swan AI, to explore a radical shift in how modern companies scale. Amos shares why the traditional belief that growth equals headcount is breaking down—and how AI is enabling a new model: the autonomous business. At Swan, scale is no longer about adding people—it’s about increasing ARR per employee by embedding intelligence directly into workflows. They unpack: Why the old “cog culture” model is collapsing What collaborative autonomy really meansHow Swan’s AI GTM Engineer turns ideas into live go-to-market workflowsWhy execution—not creativity—is what AI should automateAnd why go-to-market innovation is now more important than product innovationThis is a must-listen for founders, operators, and GTM leaders navigating the AI-native era. Connect with Amos Bar-Joseph: Website: https://getswan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amos-bar-joseph/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeithTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #AutonomousBusiness #AIinBusiness #CollaborativeAutonomy #FutureOfWork #GTMInnovation #SaaSFounders #StartupScaling #AIWorkflows #AgenticAI

In this episode of Liftoff, Keith sat down with Arshavir Blackwell, PhD, AI researcher, founder, and author of The Creative Agency’s Guide to AI, to unpack what’s really happening behind today’s AI boom.With decades of experience building neural networks—from Ask Jeeves to enterprise AI—Arshavir explains why most so-called “AI agents” still don’t have real agency, why vertical focus is the only way startups can survive Big Tech competition, and how the next generation of companies will be smaller, faster, and radically more capital-efficient.They explored AI interpretability, local vs frontier models, privacy-first AI, and what founders should actually be building over the next 24 months.Connect with Arshavir Blackwell: - Newsletter: insidetheblackbox.ai- Book: tinyurl.com/creativeagencybook- App: yourvoicecraft.ai- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshavirblackwell Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AITrends #AIStartups #Founders #TechLeadership #FutureOfWork #LiftoffPodcast #AIInnovation

Cold email isn’t dead — but doing it the old way is. In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, we sit down with AJ Cassata, Co-Founder of Revenue Boost, to break down what’s actually working in outbound lead generation today. AJ has helped 440+ startups, agencies, and SaaS companies build predictable revenue pipelines without relying on paid ads, social media algorithms, or massive budgets. We dive into: Why cold email still works — and why most people fail at itHow to build the right outbound list (and why tools matter less than strategy)Writing cold emails that stand out in crowded inboxesThe role of AI in personalization, research, and outbound scaleHow to turn cold outreach into a reliable top-of-funnel growth engineIf you’re a founder, marketer, consultant, or agency owner looking to generate leads consistently — this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 🎧 Tune in and learn how to master outbound in today’s competitive market. Connect with AJ Cassata: Website: https://revenueboost.net/Podcast: How to Scale an Agency: https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6g4luPhyXLocfjIH1JKC Facebook Group: Join our community of 10,000+ in B2B Sales And Marketing Secrets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/b2bsalesandmarketingsecretsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcassata/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajcassata1/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajcassataofficial Client Case Studies & Testimonials (440+ clients and students served): https://promotion.revenueboost.net/our-results Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487dApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keithnewman74 For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] AJ’s Previous podcasts & press: Foundr (In-Person Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9u206Zkb1A- Digital Marketer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZfW3UkaWQ&t=1s&pp=ygUKYWogY2Fzc2F0YQ%3D%3DSystemology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eu_Iunl_n4Instantly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTMapO0Xg_wOutbound squad: https://www.outboundsquad.com/podcast/aj-cassata- CEO Sales Strategies: https://ceosalesstrategies.com/mastering-sales-outreach-best-practices/ s#ColdEmail #OutboundMarketing #LeadGeneration #B2BMarketing #SaaSGrowth #StartupSales #RevenueGrowth #GoToMarket #MarketingStrategy #PodcastEpisode

2025 has officially become the year of AI — and the pace isn’t slowing down. In this episode of Liftoff, we sit down with Michael Palmer, CEO & Chief Scientist of Taos Research Corporation and author of the new book Agentify: The Art, Science, and Engineering of Successful AI Agents. Michael brings decades of experience spanning Silicon Valley startups, venture capital at Kleiner Perkins, and leadership roles at Yahoo and U.S. Bank, where he led AI, data, and digital transformation. We dive deep into how AI agents are evolving beyond simple prompts into systems with real agency, autonomy, and initiative — and what that means for startups, enterprises, and solopreneurs alike. Michael explains why vertical focus matters, how companies should rethink org structures in an AI-first world, and why the next billion-dollar company might be built by just one person and a fleet of AI agents. If you’re a founder, operator, or builder trying to understand what’s next in AI — this conversation is essential listening. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - Why agents without agency are about to be replaced - How AI is changing org design, productivity, and hiring- What founders must get right to build durable AI companies - Why execution, adaptability, and specialization matter more than ever Connect with Michael Palmer: - Website: https://taosresearch.ai - Agentify Book: https://taosresearch.ai/learning/agentify-the-art-science-and-engineering-of-successful-ai-agents - Substack: https://substack.taosresearch.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellpalmer Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #AI #AIAgents #Agentify #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork#Startups #SaaS #TechLeadership #Innovation #Founders#AITransformation #EnterpriseAI #Solopreneur #Podcast

Chronic back pain affects more people than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined — yet treatment hasn’t meaningfully changed in decades. In this episode of Liftoff, Keith talks with Dr. Steven M. Falowski, MD, FAANS — Director of Functional Neurosurgery and Strategic Advisor at SynerFuse, the company pioneering a transformational approach to spinal surgery. SynerFuse’s patented e-TLIF procedure blends spinal fusion + neuromodulation in a single surgery, placing electrodes during the operation to prevent the chronic pain that affects nearly 30% of fusion patients today. Early proof-of-concept results show over 80% improvement — a milestone that could reshape the future of spine care. Dr. Falowski breaks down: - Why traditional fusion fails so many patients - How neuromodulation evolved into a proven, minimally invasive therapy - The entrepreneurial challenge of competing with med-tech giants - How a 15-person company is preparing for a nationwide U.S. clinical study - Why AI is accelerating breakthroughs in chronic pain treatment If you're interested in med-tech, innovation in regulated markets, or the business of healthcare, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Dr. Steven M. Falowski: - Website: www.SynerFuse.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-falowski-876926118/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #ChronicPain #BackPainRelief #Neuromodulation #SpineSurgery #SynerFuse #MedicalTechnology #Entrepreneurship #HealthTech #WellnessInnovation #PodcastEpisode #LiftoffPodcast #HealthcareFuture

Luis Derechin is the CEO or NirYu and is the first Mexican citizen to get US venture capital for his startup and was actually successful selling it, a serial founder now leading Nir-Yu a nearshoring business based in Mexico and focused on staffing services from teams across Latin America but Not Just Staffing—A New Way to Build Remote Teams and Save 70%, - Learn what the acronym: REMOTE stands for? - How to Prevent the 73% Offshoring Failure Rate - Catch the highlights from Luis'#1 Amazon bestseller "The Offshore Team Deathtrap" Building a high-performing team doesn’t require Bay Area budgets anymore. In this episode, Keith sat down with Luis, the founder behind the Remote Intelligence Framework, NIR-Yu to explore how top companies are scaling faster and smarter by tapping into world-class LATAM talent. They dive into: - Why offshore hiring often fails — and how to avoid the “offshore trap” - Cultural alignment and time-zone proximity as competitive advantages- Why execution beats ideas every single time - Lessons from raising capital while everyone said it was “impossible” - The mindset founders need to go from survival to scale Whether you’re a startup founder, team leader, or investor — this episode unlocks a smarter, more resilient way to build global teams that win. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Remote Intelligence is reshaping the future of work. Connect with Luis: - Website: https://www.nir-yu.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisderechin/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 - Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ - Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith For sponsorship inquiries, please contact: [email protected] #RemoteWork #LATAMTalent #FutureOfWork #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #TeamBuilding #TechLeadership #HiringStrategies #GlobalTeams #ScalingStartups #LatinAmerica #RemoteHiring #ExecutionMatters