How can deep market knowledge help your team win in B2B SaaS marketing?

In this episode of Connect To Market, host Casey Cheshire welcomes David Schnepp, VP of Marketing at Virdee, to unpack how truly understanding your market can transform B2B marketing effectiveness. David shares how continuously learning about industry trends, listening to customer needs, and fostering company-wide expertise creates a strong foundation for smarter strategy and more impactful campaigns.

He explores why many marketing challenges stem from a lack of market understanding, and how investing in learning, curiosity, and knowledge sharing brings clarity, focus, and stronger collaboration across teams. From innovative marketing strategies like direct mail to the importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence, David breaks down practical approaches for building a knowledgeable, adaptable, and successful team. He also discusses how everyday experiences, learning from failures, and company culture shape more effective leadership.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why truly understanding your market is essential for effective marketing
• How continuous learning and knowledge sharing drive team success
• The value of curiosity, emotional intelligence, and soft skills in leadership
• Innovative strategies and learning from everyday experiences

If you’re a marketing leader looking to connect more deeply with your market and customers, David’s approach offers a clear roadmap to building a more strategic, human-centered, and knowledgeable marketing organization.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with David:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschnepp/
• Virdee: https://virdee.io/company/contact/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

How can marketers break old habits and innovate to create meaningful B2B buyer experiences?

In this episode of Connect To Market, host Casey Cheshire sits down with Jennifer Cortez, Chief Marketing Officer of Alkami Technology, to explore how innovative marketing strategies can create real value and move beyond outdated practices. Jennifer shares her perspectives as a SaaS marketing expert, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches, a culture of experimentation, and leveraging data and AI for smarter decision-making.

Jennifer provides practical insights on rethinking traditional marketing tools, crafting content that resonates, and embracing the evolving buyer’s journey. She discusses the significance of mentorship, taking calculated risks, and fostering a marketing culture that continuously innovates. Through real-world examples, Jennifer highlights how leaders can create meaningful buyer experiences while staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why marketing the way you want to be marketed to leads to stronger buyer connections
• How to balance personalization, content strategy, and data-driven decision-making
• The role of AI and innovation in shaping the future of B2B marketing
• Why embracing change, mentorship, and risk-taking is critical for growth

If you’re a marketing leader looking to break away from “dinosaur” practices, elevate your strategies, and create experiences that truly engage buyers, Jennifer’s insights provide an actionable roadmap for modern marketing success.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with Jennifer:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferncortez/
• Alkami Technology: https://www.alkami.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

What does it take for marketers to truly connect with their audience and harness AI for impactful strategies?

In this episode of Connect to Market, host Casey Cheshire welcomes Megan Ward, SVP of Marketing and Product Management at 360Factors. Megan offers a thoughtful and tactical breakdown of how marketers can deepen their understanding of target audiences by engaging directly and using AI-driven insights.

She shares why marketing leaders must spend time with “real people” to uncover authentic needs, the importance of attending industry events for firsthand market observation, and how AI analysis of call recordings can reveal key customer questions and concerns. Megan also reflects on her career journey and the lessons that helped her overcome limiting beliefs.

Throughout the conversation, Megan highlights actionable insights on connecting with customers, harnessing AI for smarter marketing, and documenting knowledge to empower teams.

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of engaging directly with your target market
• Using AI to analyze customer interactions and extract insights
• The future of AI in marketing: digital agents and personalized tools
• The critical role of documenting and sharing knowledge within teams

If you're looking to build deeper market connections and integrate AI thoughtfully into your marketing, Megan’s insights provide a practical guide for leaders ready to innovate and lead with empathy.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with Megan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radiantmegan/
• Substack: https://substack.com/@meganward989011
• 360factors: https://www.360factors.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

What happens when we slow down and lead with gratitude in a fast-moving, pressure-filled marketing world?

In this special holiday episode of Connect To Market, host Casey Cheshire goes solo to reflect on the power of gratitude and why expressing it, openly and excessively, matters more than ever. Without a guest, Casey shares a heartfelt message of thanks to listeners, fellow marketers, and the team behind the show, creating space for presence, appreciation, and connection during the holiday season.

Casey explores how gratitude can shift perspective, ease anxiety, and reduce fear and frustration, especially during moments of uncertainty or burnout. Drawing inspiration from voices like Jay Shetty, Robert Holden, and Gertrude Stein, he highlights how gratitude fosters abundance, peace, and a deeper sense of awareness in both work and life. This episode serves as a reminder that gratitude isn’t passive, it’s a practice that can transform how we show up for ourselves and others.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why gratitude is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and stress
• How expressing appreciation creates presence, peace, and perspective
• Quotes and reflections that reframe gratitude as an active practice
• Why now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and say thank you

If you’re closing out the year feeling stretched, reflective, or hopeful for what’s ahead, this episode offers a meaningful pause, and an invitation to carry gratitude with you into the new year.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with Casey:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseycheshire/
• Ringmaster: ringmaster.com

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

What does it really take to turn community into a powerful, long-term growth engine in an increasingly automated marketing world?

In this episode of Connect To Market, host Casey Cheshire sits down with Sarah McNabb, Chief Marketing Officer at GigaStar, to explore how community-driven strategies fuel sustainable marketing growth, particularly within fintech and emerging technology spaces. Sarah reframes community not as a one-off tactic, but as a core business strategy rooted in trust, advocacy, and human connection.

Sarah shares practical insights on defining community, building engaged and supportive spaces, and maintaining authenticity as AI becomes more embedded in marketing and customer experiences. She discusses the importance of empathy in customer interactions, managing communication overload, and how platforms like Discord are evolving to support diverse, purpose-driven communities. Through real-world examples, Sarah highlights how strong communities create resilience, deepen brand loyalty, and empower marketers to stay connected and informed.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why community should be treated as a foundational marketing strategy
• How authentic human engagement builds trust, loyalty, and advocacy
• The role of empathy in customer experience and community leadership
• How to balance AI-driven efficiency with meaningful human interaction

If you’re a marketing leader looking to create deeper connections, strengthen brand resilience, and drive growth through community, Sarah’s insights offer a clear and actionable path forward.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with Sarah:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmcnabb/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SarahMcNabb2016
• GigaStar: gigastar.io/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

What does it really take to build authentic, human-centered relationships in a B2B world driven by metrics and automation?

In this episode of Connect To Market, host Casey Cheshire sits down with Beth Magee, VP of Marketing at GSI, to explore the power of authenticity in B2B marketing. Beth challenges the traditional view of buyers as transactions, emphasizing instead that buyers are people first. Drawing from her recent learning with the Arbinger Institute, she unpacks what it truly means to adopt a human-centric mindset in business.

Beth shares practical strategies for building genuine connections, communicating with intention, and fostering deeper alignment between teams and clients. Through real-world examples and personal reflections, she explains how curiosity, empathy, and understanding personal context can reshape organizational culture and elevate professional relationships. Beth discusses how leaders can shift toward a more empathetic, people-first approach that strengthens both external partnerships and internal team dynamics.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why treating buyers as people, not objects, drives stronger B2B relationships
• How curiosity and personal context improve communication and trust
• Practical techniques for building genuine, lasting professional connections
• The role of networking in growth, challenge, and long-term success

If you're a business or marketing leader looking to build more authentic, human-centered relationships that drive both connection and results, Beth’s insights will inspire a more empathetic and impactful approach to growth.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with Beth:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethlmagee/
• GSI, Inc: https://www.getgsi.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

How can purpose-driven marketing and AI-powered personalization transform the way brands connect with customers?

In this episode of Connect To Market, host Casey Cheshire welcomes Andy Dé, Chief Marketing Officer at Lightbeam Health Solutions, to explore how understanding customer challenges and leading with value can turn marketers from vendors into trusted advisors. A three-time CMO and internationally recognized thought leader in AI for healthcare and life sciences, Andy shares how meaningful connection starts with truly listening to the customer.

He dives into how AI can be leveraged for personalized outreach without crossing into invasiveness, and why value-based, consultative selling is essential in today’s digital-first world. Drawing from both his professional journey and personal experiences, Andy discusses how aligning marketing strategy with customer needs, and a purpose bigger than oneself, leads to deeper trust and stronger results. He also reflects on the evolution of marketing, continuous learning, and how finding your “why” shapes long-term success.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why understanding customer challenges is the foundation of effective marketing
• How to use AI for personalization without losing trust
• Why value-based, consultative selling outperforms transactional marketing
• How purpose, resilience, and continuous learning shape impactful leadership

If you're a marketing leader looking to build stronger, more authentic customer relationships while responsibly leveraging AI, Andy’s insights will inspire a more meaningful, value-driven approach to growth.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with Andy:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyde/
• Personal Website: andyde.com
• Lightbeam Health Solutions: https://lightbeamhealth.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

How can a customer-first mindset and AI-driven insight transform founder-led growth?

In this episode of Connect To Market, host Casey Cheshire welcomes Yogesh Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer at Neu, to dive into the power of connecting with customers more deeply than traditional marketing tactics often allow. Yogesh shares why many growth challenges are actually rooted in a lack of customer understanding, and how founders and marketing leaders can shift their focus to what really matters: the customer.

He explores how qualitative and quantitative research, combined with clear customer personas, can create a foundation for better decisions and more effective campaigns. From uncovering untapped market opportunities to integrating AI as a tool to amplify, but not replace, human creativity, Yogesh provides a framework for aligning marketing strategy with real customer needs. He also discusses the evolving role of marketing leadership, the importance of curiosity and agility, and how focusing on customer-first approaches drives growth.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why most growth challenges stem from a lack of customer insight, not tactics
• How to define and leverage customer personas to uncover new opportunities
• How to use AI as an amplifier of strategy and creativity, not a substitute for human judgment
• Why modern marketing leadership starts with curiosity, feedback, and a customer-first mindset

If you're a founder or marketing leader looking to build smarter, growth-oriented strategies rooted in real customer insight, Yogesh’s perspective will challenge your assumptions and elevate your thinking.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Connect To Market.

Connect with Yogesh:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogeshmehra/
• Neu: https://neumoney.app/
• Substack: yogeshmehra.com

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV

Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/