Build Your Best Business

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw sits down with Poonam Nath, Executive Leader of Product Operations at Fiserv, to explore how product operations drive customer success, accelerate revenue, and reduce friction in a complex fintech landscape. Poonam shares her journey from finance to product strategy, explains the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and unpacks why bundled pricing, onboarding speed, and client experience are key differentiators in today’s payments market. If you’re navigating product development, go-to-market strategy, or global fintech expansion, this conversation delivers clear insights from a leader who’s done it all. To connect with Poonam, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poonam-nath-l/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

Eric Holtzclaw talks with Karen Chalmers, VP of Marketing & Partnerships at interVal, about the surprising truth behind small business valuation, the $84 trillion wealth transfer, and how interVal is helping advisors and business owners take control of their futures. Learn how AI and storytelling intersect in the financial space—and why you need to know what your business is really worth. To connect with Karen, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareneachalmers/?trk=author-info__article-link To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

In this episode of The Claw, host Eric Holtzclaw, Chief Strategist at Liger, sits down with Paul Clark—angel investor and co-founder of VentureSouth. Together, they explore how VentureSouth makes startup investing accessible for newcomers and seasoned investors alike, with a special focus on high-growth companies in the Southeastern U.S. Paul shares his journey from medieval history scholar to investment banker to startup backer, and explains how VentureSouth helps everyday investors support local innovation without going it alone. You’ll hear insights on the rise of alternative investments, the value of investing in your own backyard, and how platforms like VentureSouth and Vicinity Capital are expanding access to early-stage opportunities. Whether you're startup-curious, investor-curious, or just love a good founder story—this episode dives into the real work (and real reward) behind angel investing in the South. To connect with Paul, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarkprivateequity/ To connec

In this episode of The Claw, host Eric Holtzclaw talks with Aby Varma, founder of Spark Novus, about helping marketers move beyond AI experimentation and toward strategic adoption. They explore the evolution of AI in marketing, the importance of purpose-driven integration, and how to shift the conversation from tools to transformation. Aby also shares how Spark Novus is empowering CMOs and marketing teams to implement AI with intention, and how his Marketing AI Pulse community is sparking collaboration across Atlanta and beyond. If you're a marketing leader wondering how to take the next step with AI, this episode offers clarity, direction, and inspiration. To connect with Aby, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abyvarma/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw sits down with Jason Kramer, Founder and CEO of Cultivize, to explore how a better CRM strategy can transform sales and marketing alignment. They discuss common tech gaps, the ROI of follow-up automation, and why most companies are leaving money on the table. Jason shares his journey from graphic designer to CRM expert, offers actionable insights for complex sales cycles, and reveals a tool that helps visualize CRM impact in real dollars. If your leads are vanishing into the "Upside Down," this one’s for you. To connect with Jason, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleighkramer/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw sits down with William King, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperCopy, to talk about one of the biggest pain points in marketing: keeping your brand voice consistent, across every channel, team, and piece of content. In this episode, you'll hear about: - The power of defining brand voice and audience before content ever gets created - Why brand guidelines often fail in execution—and how AI can fix that - How SuperCopy uses data to fuel content that resonates - What it takes to scale marketing operations with confidence in the age of AI Whether you’re a marketing leader looking to tighten up your brand presence or a tech-savvy exec exploring practical uses of AI, this conversation delivers insights with both wit and wisdom. To connect with William, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-h-king/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2m

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw sits down with Dr. Julian Reed—professor at Furman University and founder of ActivEd—to explore how movement is transforming learning. Julian shares the science behind kinesthetic education, the challenges of scaling an edtech startup, and how Active Ed is helping students nationwide learn through motion. From classroom innovation to state-level contracts, this is a powerful conversation about education, entrepreneurship, and the connection between physical activity and cognitive success. To connect with Julian, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-reed-1229b332/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

What really motivates people to take action? Whether it’s improving employee health, increasing workplace safety, or driving engagement in company initiatives, incentives matter. But how do you design rewards that actually work?In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw sits down with Don Doster, CEO of Go Pivot, to explore the science behind behavior change, employee engagement, and corporate wellness strategies that drive real results. From gamification and point-based rewards to total well-being programs and global expansion, this conversation covers what’s working now—and what’s coming next.Key Takeaways from This Episode: Why incentives drive engagement—and how Go Pivot applies the same psychology as loyalty programs like Kroger The role of gamification & early wins in making workplace wellness programs successful How corporate wellness has evolved—and why companies must now focus on total well-being (physical, mental, and financial health) The unexpected ways companies use Go Pivot’s platform, from

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw is joined by Luis Scott, the founder of Eight Figure Firm Consulting. Luis shares his fascinating journey from being a lawyer to creating a consultancy that helps law firms scale to eight-figure revenues. Luis and Eric dive into the complexities of marketing within the legal field, navigating ethical rules that vary by state, and pushing the boundaries when it comes to self-promotion. Luis shares insights from his experience helping law firms expand their reach while adhering to legal regulations, including the unexpected hurdles of building a personal brand as a lawyer. They also talk about the journey of personal and professional growth, the intersection of writing and speaking to build influence, and the surprising success of Luis’s self-published books and viral social media content. Tune in for valuable takeaways on thought leadership, overcoming obstacles, and the power of persistence in business growth! To connect with Luis, click here: https://www.linkedin.c

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw, Chief Strategist at Liger, sits down with Stefanie Beach, Founder and CEO of SMB Media Consulting. Stefanie shares the journey behind building her agency, offering insights into how SMB helps brands achieve revenue goals through digital media strategies. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, evolving client needs, and the importance of flexibility in scaling a business. Stefanie also dives into the rise of sustainable media practices and how they help brands stay true to their core values. She discusses the common fears companies face when transitioning to paid media, how to choose the right partners in an overwhelming landscape, and why understanding audience behavior beyond assumptions is crucial for success. She shares insights on building trust with clients by simplifying complex concepts, avoiding trendy but irrelevant tactics, and focusing on long-term strategy. To connect with Stefanie, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieg/ To connect

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw, Chief Strategist at Liger, is joined by Greg Brooks, CMO and Partner at SearchTides. Together, they dive into the fast-paced world of marketing, where it's never a "set it and forget it" game. Greg shares his unique background as a professional poker player and how it shaped his approach to marketing strategy. They also discuss the evolving challenges in SEO and how forward-thinking companies like SearchTides stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace. With humor and insights, Greg and Eric explore what it takes to navigate marketing's future, from algorithm shifts to the importance of balancing short and long-term strategies. They also discuss how to harness time as an asset, invest in high-performing channels, and prepare for a future with more competition enabled by AI. To connect with Greg, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorybbrooks/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click

In this episode of The Claw, host Eric Holtzclaw, Chief Strategist at Liger, welcomes Jon MacDonald, CEO and founder of The Good. Jon shares how his unique background in computer science and visual arts helped him bridge the gap between functionality and user experience. He touches on the evolution of digital experiences from the early days of Flash to today’s optimized e-commerce environments, highlighting the importance of usability and consumer-centered design. Eric and Jon emphasize that brands often miss gathering insights on the "why" behind consumer actions. A simple method to gain this understanding is by using user testing techniques, such as having someone navigate a website while articulating their thoughts aloud. By observing real-time feedback, brands can identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategies based on actual user experiences. To connect with Jon, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnymac/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subs

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw sits down with Darren Horwitz, founder of TenTen Group, to discuss large-scale global brand transformations. Darren shares insights into how TenTen helps organizations navigate rebranding, offering services around planning, building, and managing the entire process. Darren dives into the five critical pillars to consider when rebranding a company. He also shares insights on the importance of cataloging existing branded materials, considering the timing of a rebrand, and how to involve key stakeholders to ensure the process is smooth and effective. Darren also highlights the importance of testing the brand in real-world environments and aligning the rebranding strategy with business goals to ensure long-term success. To connect with Darren, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenhorwitz/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34G

In this episode of The Claw, host Eric Holtzclaw interviews Jim Pietrusznski, CEO of Soulsight, a brand design agency specializing in consumer packaged goods and services. Jim shares insights on how his agency builds and revitalizes brands by connecting human truths with product truths to evoke subconscious emotional responses. He discusses the importance of empathy in brand relationships, the evolution of his career, and the agency's approach to brand innovation, renovation, and activation. Jim also highlights the significance of emotional connections in consumer decisions and how Soulsight’s strategies help brands stay relevant and impactful. To connect with Jim, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-pietruszynski-4a30836/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

In this episode of The Claw Podcast, host Eric Holtzclaw sits down with Steve Gielda, President and Co-Founder of Ignite Selling, to explore the vital relationship between sales and marketing. They discuss strategies for bridging the common gaps between these functions, focusing on aligning efforts to support successful product launches and drive revenue growth. Steve shares actionable insights on identifying key decision-makers, uncovering hidden decision criteria, and communicating the unique value of solutions. This conversation is an essential listen for anyone looking to create a cohesive, revenue-enabled organization! To connect with Steve, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgielda/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

In this episode of The Claw, Eric Holtzclaw, Chief Strategist at Liger, is joined by Mike Petchenik, owner and founder of Petchenik Media Group. Together, they dive into the world of media consulting, covering everything from earned media and PR to crisis communications and media training. Whether it's dealing with viral social media posts or internal company issues making headlines, this episode equips you with the tools to handle media interactions confidently and effectively. Eric and Mike discuss the importance of preparing key messages, handling tricky reporters, and mastering the art of bridging during interviews. Mike shares insights on how to humanize your brand, the significance of practicing public speaking, and the delicate dance of being memorable yet safe. To connect with Mike, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-petchenik-a249b75/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb

In this episode, Eric sits down with John Miller, founder of Scribewise and author of "Playing It Safe Sucks: A Manifesto for Courageous Marketing." John shares his journey from PR to founding a content marketing agency, discusses the evolving landscape of content marketing in the age of AI, and emphasizes the importance of courageous marketing strategies for building brand awareness and trust. Listen in for insights into the significance of dark social, the misconceptions about SEO, and how businesses can leverage content to connect with their audiences effectively. Discover how to take your marketing game to the next level with expert tips, real-world examples, and innovative strategies that challenge the status quo! To connect with John, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmillerscribewise/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

 In this episode of The Claw, Eric delves into brand strategy with Kate DiLeo, founder of The Brand Trifecta. Kate shares her journey from pursuing a PhD in linguistic anthropology to becoming a successful brand architect. She discusses her innovative Brand Trifecta methodology, focusing on authentic messaging that drives customer conversion. Join Eric and Kate as they explore the synergy between sales and marketing, the importance of a unified message, and the challenges of maintaining brand consistency. Kate offers practical advice on identifying target audiences, refining messages, and navigating revenue operations. To connect with Kate, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katedileo/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

In this episode of The Claw, Eric is joined by Max Traylor of MaxTraylor.com. Max delves into his journey from running a traditional marketing agency to becoming a consultant's consultant. Max shares insights on productizing consulting services, emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-ticket, low-volume engagements before scaling to broader models like group workshops or courses. He also discusses the value of specialized knowledge, imposter syndrome, and the balance between personal life and business. Whether you're an executive looking to leverage your expertise or an agency owner seeking a streamlined approach, this episode offers practical advice on maximizing impact and profitability. To connect with Max, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxtraylor/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg

In this episode of The Claw, host Eric, Chief Strategist at Liger, discusses with guest Anita Toth, also known as the Hidden Revenue Hunter, the importance of relational marketing in B2B contexts. The conversation highlights how C-suite executives and marketing leaders need to understand their customers beyond mere transactions to build lasting relationships. Anita emphasizes that customer relationships are emotional, and maintaining that emotional high is crucial to avoiding buyer’s remorse and potential churn. To connect with Anita, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitamtoth/ To connect with Eric, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eholtzclaw/ To subscribe to our YouTube channel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiiVRIqMa2mDOLD34GfyFg