The Third Growth Option with Benno Duenkelsbuehler and Guests

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Marty Shapiro, COO of LAFCO New York, explores how luxury fragrance brands can grow their reach while maintaining their special appeal in today's evolving retail landscape. He shares strategies for creating consistent brand experiences across multiple channels while preserving the essence of luxury.

• Consistency across all touchpoints is crucial for maintaining brand iden...

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Growth isn't just about getting bigger—it's about getting better. This episode explores how blending expertise with entrepreneurial energy can lead to more meaningful business outcomes.

We cover:

• Balancing structure with flexibility
• Leveraging VIP clients to strengthen your foundation
• How culture attracts the right clients
• Why bigger isn't always better
• Building trust throu...

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We explore how to approach and engage in uncomfortable conversations that can ultimately lead to valuable insights and business growth. Through thoughtful discussion with Cody Seaber, we highlight the importance of understanding human psychology, building trust, and embracing tension in communication.

• Discussing the impact of discomfort on business conversations 
• Challe...

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This episode explores the journey of George White, a serial entrepreneur who shares insights on the power of storytelling, creativity, and structured processes in driving business growth. Listeners will learn about the importance of customer needs, effective communication, and the cautious use of AI in marketing and manufacturing. 

• The significance of creating connections in ...

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This episode highlights the vital role of branding in attracting and retaining top talent in today's job market. Colleen Pfaller discusses insights from an employee value perception study, emphasizing the importance of authentic employer branding and cultural contribution. 

• Understanding the evolving role of HR in attracting talent 
• Insights from the employee value...

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Understanding the complexities of selling a business can be daunting for entrepreneurs, but this episode dives deep into M&A processes, from initial evaluations to closing the deal. With actionable insights and real-world success stories, this discussion illuminates the journey of preparing your business for sale.

• Importance of understanding motivations behind selling 

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This week's episode emphasizes the critical need for future-focused leadership in evolving business landscapes. Dev Patnaik discusses the pitfalls of present-centric thinking and offers practical strategies for balancing immediate tasks with future opportunities, underscoring that successful leaders look beyond the now to innovate and adapt.

• Importance of future-focused ...

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Explore how AI is reshaping revenue growth strategies in this insightful conversation with Cliff Farrah, Accenture's Chief Strategy Officer for Corporate Strategy and Growth. Here’s what’s in store:

• AI and Human Expertise: Cliff shares his journey from initial skepticism about AI's impact on careers to recognizing its role as a complement to human strategists. Much like doc...

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In this episode, I sit down with design strategist Jonah Burlingame to tackle the art (and challenges) of executing successful strategies in digital product development. Here are the key takeaways:

• Strategy Execution is Tough: With only 56% of corporate strategies being successfully implemented, Jonah shares actionable advice on overcoming common pitfalls that derail big ideas, using...

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In this episode, sales and marketing expert Lisa DiCostanzo breaks down the transformation of the retail landscape, especially in the gift and home decor sectors, into a complex, multi-channel experience. Key insights include:

- Omni-Channel Strategy: Retailers are merging online platforms with in-person events like trade shows to create seamless shopping experiences. Vendors c...

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Greg Shugar’s story is one of bold moves, big lessons, and strategic pivots. From lawyer to entrepreneur, Greg turned his knack for neckties into Tie Bar, an e-commerce success story that topped its market before he sold it. In this episode, Greg shares the real highs and lows of balancing risk and security, diving into his journey from law to launching brands like Bowties of Vermont an...

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How do retailers juggle the complex world of multi-channel sales? In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving gift and home industry with Kim Leister, president of Simblist. We explore how old-school methods like trade shows and store visits have morphed into a blend of digital platforms like FAIR and Amazon. Kim shares her insights on the challenges retailers and vendors face, espe...

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What does it take to build a soulful brand that resonates deeply with its community? In this episode of the Third Growth Officer podcast, we sit down with Nora  Napientek, the creative force behind the celebrated company, and Janice Christensen, the first employee and president, to uncover the secrets behind their incredible journey. From Nora’s memorable marketing stunts, like balancin...

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Are corporations doing enough to combat greenwashing? 

We talk about the secrets of building sustainable, ethical supply chains in Bangladesh with textile designer Jackie Corlett. As a seasoned expert in the fair trade sector, she shares invaluable insights into sourcing artisanal fabrics and the importance of relationship-building between suppliers and designers. Learn about t...

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Get the inside scoop on mastering consumer research with Shehnaz Safiuddin, a pro in brand strategy and consumer insights. In this episode, we dig into how combining qualitative and quantitative methods can give you a sharper view of consumer behavior, helping you make smarter, more strategic business decisions.

Shehnaz breaks down the nuts and bolts of primary versus secondary...

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We sit down with Adam Baker, founder of SodaPup Dog Toys, to uncover the strategies that took his brand from concept to success. 

Adam shares how his background with top brands like Nike and Under Armour informed his approach to building a customer-centric brand that resonates deeply with its audience. You'll learn how rapid product development and fashion-inspired cycles can keep  ...

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Stephanie Stuckey shares the inspiring story of reviving her grandfather's iconic roadside chain, Stuckey's Corporation, in 2019. In this episode, we explore the challenges she faced and how she balanced honoring the past with innovative strategies to breathe new life into the beloved brand. You'll learn about the concept of "now-stalgia" and why the universal a...

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Anna-Maja Björkenvall, CEO of LXMI, shares transformative insights on how meaningful work can elevate both your business and your impact. Inspired by the late Laila Janna's philosophy of "give work versus do good," this conversation explores how businesses can uplift marginalized communities through dignified employment, connecting underserved populations with opportuniti...

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In this episode, we explore the crucial role of continuous innovation in business. Eric offers insights on balancing technology with human interaction to enhance customer experiences and highlights the importance of viewing sales channels from the customer's perspective. We also discuss generational differences in technology adoption and how leaders can leverage tech-savvy talent t...