2024 Growth Roundtable Recap: Insights and Takeaways for Founders
The end of the year is like a giant mirror, inviting us to take a good, hard look at what’s staring back. What worked? What didn’t? And most importantly, what’s next? This is a great time to reflect on your biggest wins, toughest lessons, and the goals you’re itching to crush in 2025.
For founders, it’s a golden opportunity to fine-tune your strategy, realign your focus, and embrace growth with fresh energy.
This past year, I’ve had the privilege of hosting incredible guests at our Growth Roundtable Discussions, each sharing a wealth of insights, actionable advice, and those unforgettable “aha” moments that make all the difference. These remarkable thought leaders have helped us navigate the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, and for each of them, I am so grateful!
Whether you’ve been with us since January or you’re just catching up now, this blog is your one-stop recap of the year’s most impactful takeaways. From cracking the code on personal branding to unlocking founder-led growth, these lessons are here to inspire, inform, and energize you as you step boldly into the new year.
Ready to dive in? Let’s do it.
January: What are the Best Marketing KPIs for Growth?
Guest: Stacie Sussman, Chief Revenue Officer and Founder of RevUp Advisory
Tracking marketing metrics can feel overwhelming (and let’s be honest, kind of boring sometimes), but Stacie made it clear why they matter so much. She shared how setting the right KPIs can transform your growth strategy by helping you focus on what actually moves the needle.
Key Takeaway
Start small! Pick a few key metrics—like customer acquisition cost (CAC) or lifetime value (LTV)—and make sure your whole team understands them. Then, use tools (even something as simple as a spreadsheet!) to stay on track and measure progress.
Pro Tip: Your KPIs should evolve as your company grows. Reassess every quarter to make sure you’re still measuring what matters most.
Watch the full recording here.
March: How Can I Use Content to Cut Through the Noise in the Age of AI?
Guests: Drew Millard, Emilie Friedlander, and Leslie Horn Peterson of Moon Phase
Let’s face it: we’re all swimming in a sea of AI-generated content these days. So how do you create messaging that actually stands out? This conversation with the Moon Phase team was packed with fresh perspectives on how to use AI without losing the human touch.
Key Takeaway
AI is great for generating ideas and saving time, but don’t let it run the show. Your authentic voice is what will set your content apart in a crowded digital landscape.
Pro Tip: Use AI for efficiency—like brainstorming or SEO optimization—but keep storytelling and brand messaging personal.
Watch the full recording here.
April: What’s the Secret to Personal Branding?
Guest: Catlin O’Shaughnessy Coffrin, Founder & CEO of Captivating Consulting
Personal branding can be tricky. How do you share your story without feeling like you’re bragging? (Or worse, fake?) Catlin had so many great tips for making your personal brand feel natural and authentic.
Key Takeaway
Your personal brand isn’t about being someone you’re not—it’s about showing up as the most authentic version of yourself. Journaling or asking trusted colleagues for feedback can help you uncover your “why” and craft a narrative that feels true to you.
Pro Tip: Your brand doesn’t have to live on social media. You can build your brand through in-person conversations, thought leadership, or even the way you approach client relationships.
May: What’s the Secret to PPC and SEO?
Guest: Ben Lund, Founder of Rise Marketing Group
Ben and I dug into how brands can make Google (and all its tools) work for them. From SEO basics to the latest trends in PPC, this conversation had something for everyone—whether you’re new to search marketing or already a pro.
Key Takeaway
Think like a creator! Google loves detailed, engaging content that answers specific questions. And don’t forget to embrace visuals—photos and videos are becoming essential in search and ads.
Pro Tip: Focus on answering real questions your audience is asking. Even if search volume seems low, creating great content for niche topics can still pay off in a big way.
June: Why is My Digital Marketing Falling Flat?
Guests: Meghan Hardy from Happening Ideas, Meg Clarke from Clapping Dog Media, and Ashley Rector from Quimby Digital
This roundtable was one of my favorites because we tackled a question so many founders are asking right now: Why isn’t my marketing working like it used to? From declining email open rates to social media algorithm changes, we explored why the old playbooks aren’t cutting it anymore—and what to do instead.
Key Takeaway
Marketing is about trust, community, and curation. If you’re not building relationships or providing real value, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Pro Tip: Start with storytelling. Share behind-the-scenes moments, customer success stories, or your vision for your brand. Authenticity wins every time.
July: How Should We Go to Market During Uncertain Times?
Guests: Mark Kilens and Nick Bennett, Co-founders of TACK
Go-to-market (GTM) strategy can feel daunting, especially in a crowded, noisy world. But Mark and Nick had such practical advice for cutting through the chaos with a People-First GTM approach.
Key Takeaway
Focus on building genuine relationships. People want to feel seen, understood, and valued—especially in times of change.
Pro Tip: Use AI to enhance, not replace, human connections. For example, AI can help personalize emails or predict customer needs, but it’s up to you to bring the heart.
October: How Can Operations and Marketing Unite to Accelerate Growth?
Guest: Susie Trujillo, COO and Founder of STRUC
Marketing and operations might seem like an odd pairing, but when they’re in sync, magic happens. Susie and I explored how aligning these two functions can help your business scale faster and smarter.
Key Takeaway
Strong operations make marketing more impactful. From streamlined workflows to better data tracking, good ops lay the foundation for creative success.
Pro Tip: Treat your fundraising strategy like a sales funnel. Use tools like CRMs to stay organized and make every interaction count.
November: How Can I Maximize Founder-Led Growth to Build My Startup?
Guest: Shannon Curran from SSC Consulting
I love talking about founder-led growth because it’s such a powerful tool—especially for early-stage startups. Shannon and I unpacked how founders can use their story to drive growth without burning out.
Key Takeaway
Your story is your superpower. Sharing your journey helps build trust, shorten sales cycles, and make your brand feel more human.
Pro Tip: Pick one platform where you feel comfortable—like LinkedIn or a monthly newsletter—and start sharing consistently. You don’t have to do it all to make an impact.
Looking Ahead
This year has been filled with incredible conversations, and I hope these takeaways inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.
Here’s to more growth, connection, and big wins in 2025!
