DesignRush Podcast

Onboarding decides whether a global team succeeds or stalls.  Most teams rush into tasks, reuse old playbooks, and hope it works. Lydia Hickman from Hugo explains what actually happens in the first ten days and why these early moves determine long term results. In this episode, we unpack the signals of a strong team, how to earn trust from day one, and why early alignment matters more than visible...

Google search isn’t what it used to be, and most strategies haven’t caught up. In this episode, SEO expert Julian Goldie breaks down how AI has changed the way people use Google, from killing click-throughs to reshaping what “ranking” even means. If your SEO still revolves around traffic, keywords, and domain authority, this is your wake-up call. You’ll learn: Why users are switching from organic...

Agencies aren’t failing because of weak sales, they’re failing because of broken systems. In this episode, EO Staff Founder & CEO Chris Kille reveals how agency leaders can prevent margin leaks, reduce churn, and reclaim 10–20 hours a week by fixing what’s behind the scenes: ops, delegation, and team clarity. Chris shares the frameworks he teaches hundreds of founders, from the “definition of...

B2B Scaling Smart: What PepsiCo, Lenovo & Billionaire Coaches Know About Growth. The real truth behind smart business growth, straight from four industry leaders. In this special edition of the DesignRush Podcast, we highlight powerful insights from executives at PepsiCo and Lenovo, alongside a top equity strategist and an AI-driven marketing expert. Together, they share the practical strategi...

The best agencies aren’t scaling with hype, they’re scaling with systems. In this episode, Brainlabs Global CEO Daniel Gilbert reveals how his team grew from a one-person startup to 1,000+ employees by embedding AI into every process and building a culture of relentless execution. He breaks down how Brainlabs redefined what it means to be a data-driven agency, not by chasing trends, but by treatin...

The browser is now the new operating system and it’s also the #1 target for cyberattacks. So why are so many organizations overlooking browser security? In this episode, Shourya Pratap Singh, Principal Software Engineer at SquareX, dives deep into the rapidly evolving world of browser security and why it’s no longer enough to rely solely on endpoint and network protection. Shourya discusses how Sq...

Design is moving faster than ever, but at what cost? In this episode, Viv Greywoode, Head of Design at Stink Studios, unpacks why today’s creative work often lacks emotional depth, and what it really takes to make brands feel human again. With over 15 years leading design for Google, Peloton, LOEWE, and Nike, Viv reveals how to protect craft in an AI-driven world, build empowered creative teams, a...

Most agencies aren’t failing because of bad clients, they’re failing because of bad focus. In this episode, Pete Caputa, CEO of Databox and architect of HubSpot’s $115M partner program, shares the hard truth: most agencies stay stuck because they chase trends instead of building systems. Pete breaks down his SPEARS framework and shows how to scale with strategy, not guesswork. 🎧 You’ll learn: The...

How are the smartest eCommerce agencies driving year-over-year growth — and doing it without the limits of SaaS? In this episode,  Tamara Niesen , CMO at  WooCommerce  and former  Shopify executive , shares how agencies are scaling faster by building long-term partnerships on open source. She breaks down real examples of revenue lift, premium service models, and the exact support WooCommerce offer...

What does it take to reinvent the world’s best-selling chip brand — and make it feel brand new again? In this episode, Carl Gerhards, Senior Design Director at PepsiCo, joins Kia Johnson on the DesignRush Podcast to unpack how Lay’s underwent its most ambitious brand refresh in nearly a century. From rediscovering its roots to turning packaging into storytelling, Carl shares how design drives mean...

The Hidden Reason Agencies Lose Clients and How to Fix It Most agencies don’t lose clients because of bad work. They lose them before the first project even begins. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, Cliff Skelliter (Founder, Sky Story Creative) and Prashant Puri (CEO & Co-Founder, AdLift) reveal the hidden reason agencies lose trust: surface-level pitching, generic strategies, and bla...

Generosity is a business model. In this episode, Tim O’Reilly, founder and CEO of O’Reilly Media, shares how open source, Web 2.0, and now AI show that the future belongs to those who create more value than they capture. From coining “open source” to popularizing “Web 2.0,” O’Reilly has spent decades helping innovators tell the stories that shape the future. He explains why blitzscaling is a dead...

There’s a $13 trillion market most businesses still overlook. Can your brand afford to? In this episode, Tiffany Yu, CEO of Diversability® and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto, breaks down the real cost of ignoring disability inclusion and the growth potential when companies get it right. What you'll learn: How the global disability community holds $13 trillion in consumer power What Walma...

“Culture isn’t fluff—it’s your brand strategy.” — Erika Heald In this episode, B2B marketing consultant Erika Heald explains why authentic company culture is the key to trust, loyalty, and scalable content. With experience at Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Anaplan, Erika shares how culture shapes content, why employees are your best brand ambassadors, and how to use AI without losing humanity. Key take...

“Any new founder that's spending time in things that are not sales or lead generation is probably wasting their time if they don't have a good business yet.” — Noemi Kis In this episode, Noemi Kis — serial entrepreneur, AI enthusiast, TEDx speaker, and founder of Future Proof Founders — shares the raw truths about scaling lean businesses. She built a seven-figure company with just two peop...

“Be careful about being too forward looking… Stay focused on a narrow use case and a narrow feature set, and getting product-market fit.” — Steve Oriola   In this episode, Steve Oriola, CEO of Unbounce and Insightly CRM, breaks down the 6 most common mistakes SaaS companies make when trying to scale — from chasing features too early to misunderstanding TCO and ignoring critical metrics like LTV-to...

Can introverts become standout leaders? Public speaking coach Maria Malik says yes, and she’s the living proof.  In this episode, Maria shares how she built a thriving business and online presence by mastering mindset, consistent communication, and the psychology of leadership. Whether you're leading a scaling company or stepping into your first executive role, this episode gives you the tools...

AI isn’t failing — your mindset is.  Dr. Joerg Storm, CEO of Digital STORM, reveals the real reason most digital transformation and AI projects stall — and what leaders must do to scale with clarity, speed, and strategy.  🎙 In this episode:  The #1 mindset shift leaders must make to scale AI  Why “speed beats perfection” in digital transformation  The 4 KPIs every successful AI initiative needs  H...

Gratitude won’t save your team — unless it’s backed by real leadership. In this episode, New York Times bestselling author and workplace strategist Chester Elton breaks down why gratitude is only powerful when paired with communication, trust, and culture — especially in times of crisis. He shares hard-earned lessons from companies like WD-40, Texas Roadhouse, and American Express, and reveals wha...

In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, game marketing leader and Stealth CEO Guy Costantini reveals how legendary franchises like The Witcher 3, League of Legends, and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners earned their place in pop culture. Guy breaks down the hidden strategy behind gaming’s biggest hits, the difference between hype and heart, and how stealth-mode studios can outmaneuver the...

Stop Hoping — Start Planning. Fix Projects Fast.  In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, world-renowned trainer and LinkedIn Learning author Chris Croft shares the surprisingly simple tools that rescue failing projects and why most teams don’t use them.  From chaotic timelines to overworked teams, Chris breaks down why Gantt charts (yes, even in Excel) remain the most powerful tool for regaini...

Stop Spreading Yourself Thin. Say ‘No’ to Win. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, Brand New: a collective Co-Founder Kellie Pean and Managing Director Sophie Jacoel share the real strategies behind their agency’s year-over-year growth — including one that might surprise you: saying “no.” From avoiding burnout to retaining long-term clients, these founders break down how clarity, boundaries...

HOKA and Anomaly's Campaign: Key Findings HOKA’s “Together We Fly Higher” campaign with Anomaly explores how community support fuels individual performance. A Bob Dylan-backed anthem film anchors the push , spotlighting real runners and authentic moments. Additional short films and global placements reinforce  HOKA’s brand identity and human-first values. Even in a sport known for solitude, HO...

Spotify's Automated Podcast Ad Push: Key Takeaways Spotify now offers premium podcast inventory through Ads Manager and Ad Exchange in key global markets. Brands like Instacart and Luxottica report improved efficiency  with Spotify Ad Exchange. Spotify’s automation push supports growing demand  for streamlined podcast production and buying. Spotify is making it easier for brands to tap into it...

Sprite 'Hurts Real Good': Key Findings Sprite’s “Hurts Real Good” campaign targets Gen Z’s  growing craving for spicy food. The global campaign features Buldak , Takis snacks, and K-pop star Karina. Late-night pop-ups and TikTok game activations  aim to boost online engagement. Gen Z isn’t running from the heat. In fact, they’re chasing it — and Sprite wants to ride the fire. The lemon-lim...