Show Notes:

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Ashok Giri, CEO of PageMajik, shares a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is reshaping the publishing industry. He opens up about the challenges of scaling a business in a sector that's often slow to adopt new technologies, and how PageMajik is using AI to streamline workflows, reduce operational costs, and improve efficiency without losing the human touch.

Ashok discusses the importance of strong marketing strategies and the role of consistent content creation in building visibility. He highlights the value of effective version control in publishing, and how listening closely to customer feedback drives meaningful growth. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the need to build a strong team, maintain balance between work and personal life, and stay committed to innovation while keeping people at the center of the process.

Looking ahead, Ashok shares his vision for PageMajik’s future, where technology and creativity continue to work hand in hand to support publishers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Bio:

Ashok Giri is a serial entrepreneur who graduated from Vivekananda College. He is a pioneer in the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) business, he founded Nittany Decision Services in 1993, this company was one of the first Medical Transcription, Medical Billing companies to be setup in India. Nittany at its peak had close to over 1000 employees. He is also the cofounder of Laser Words, setup in 1987 an e-publishing company, employing more than 1000 people with clients all over the world. He currently is the CEO of PageMajik, a disruptive startup in the publishing space

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashok-giri-1b23125

Website: https://pagemajik.com/

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

Show Notes:

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk chats with Asmir (Seb) Muminovic, founder of WebConvert, a Shopify-focused conversion rate optimization (CRO) agency. Seb unpacks the critical role CRO plays in boosting e-commerce performance and navigating the increasingly competitive digital landscape. The conversation explores effective marketing tactics, how AI is reshaping customer engagement, and the importance of data-driven decision-making.

Seb also reflects on his journey in the e-commerce world, offering practical insights on building strong client relationships, leveraging analytics for growth, and the realities of scaling a team while maintaining quality and culture.

Bio:

Computer science engineer, ex pro poker player, turned into Data analyst and eventually into Senior CRO strategist.For the past 5 years running my own Shopify CRO agency. Father of amazing 5 year old boy named Alen. Lifelong student of martial arts ( 4x national champion in muay thai, now boxing recreationally) and guitar play. Reading a lot and spending a lot of time with my family. My wife is also my best friend and a mentor in a way. Love barbecues and cooking :)

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmir-cro/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/AsmirCRO

Website: https://www.weconvert.agency/

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

Show Notes:

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk speaks with Elizabeth Louis, a high-performance consultant dedicated to helping leaders and teams break free from toxic mindsets and reach their full potential. Elizabeth dives into the mental traps that often hold high achievers back, such as perfectionism and fear, and explains how these patterns can undermine both leadership and personal growth.

The conversation explores what sets high-performing teams apart, the value of a service-driven business approach, and why accountability is essential for effective leadership. Elizabeth also emphasizes the power of personal development and the importance of cultivating a supportive, growth-oriented culture within organizations.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiselizabeth/

Website: elizabethlouis.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlizlouis/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/IamLizLouis

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk welcomes Marika Flatt, co-founder of PR by the Book, for a deep dive into the changing world of public relations. Marika unpacks how PR has transformed in the digital era, common pitfalls companies fall into, and why compelling storytelling remains at the heart of every successful campaign. She offers practical tips for seizing media opportunities, navigating the growing influence of AI on PR practices, and winning new clients. Heidi and Marika stress the importance of industry relationships and adapting strategies to an ever-evolving landscape. Marika also opens up about her own journey, sharing the hurdles she overcame while building PR by the Book into a thriving agency.

Bio

In the late 1990s, Marika Flatt was fresh out of Texas A&M University, a young graduate with a degree in Communications and a passion for storytelling. Armed with ambition and an innate knack for connecting people, she landed her first job as a “baby book publicist” at a boutique literary PR firm.

In 2002, with the support of her husband, Doug, they launched PR by the Book. The name itself was a nod to the strategy and structure she brought to the wild world of publicity, but also to the heart of the business: finding readers for books. From day one, PR by the Book was built on Marika’s love of media (her focus in college was TV reporting) and storytelling, blending traditional PR expertise with an innovative, personal approach to promoting authors. PR by the Book became known not just for its media wins, but for its ethical approach and the strong relationships it fostered.

As the literary landscape evolved, so did PR by the Book. Marika was no longer “smiling and dialing,” but leading a powerhouse team of campaign managers, each with over 2 decades of experience in the book publicity industry. The company’s unique strengths set it apart in an ever-changing media world.

Marika’s reputation extends beyond PR by the Book. A natural connector, she served as president of Women Communicators of Austin, has served as an expert for the Independent Book Publishers Association, served on the “kids committee” for the Texas Book Festival and on the board of San Diego Writers Festival. She is a sought-after speaker in the publishing industry, having shared her expertise at Publishing Innovations, the San Francisco Writers Conference, Digital Book World, Book Expo America, IBPA’s Publishing University, and the Writers’ League of Texas, among others.

Today, PR by the Book is a testament to Marika’s vision—a firm that champions authors, elevates stories, and connects books with the audiences that need them. What started as a dream in 2002 has become a legacy, built on the simple but powerful idea that great books deserve to be discovered.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marikaflatt/

LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pr-by-the-book/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prbythebook/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/PRbytheBook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prbythebook/#

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@prbythebook

Website: www.prbythebook.com

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

Show Notes:

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with brothers, David and Jonathan Steele to discuss the journey of One Wealth Advisors, a family-run financial planning firm. They explore the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of creativity and agency in business, and the transition from income-focused thinking to long-term wealth creation.

The conversation also touches on the role of AI in wealth management and the unique investment strategies tailored for entrepreneurs. Throughout the discussion, the brothers share personal insights and experiences that shaped their approach to financial planning and business growth.

In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the transformative power of challenges in business, emphasizing how they can lead to new opportunities and growth. They explore the importance of building strong relationships with clients and their families, the significance of networking, and the role of company culture in fostering a positive work environment. The brothers also highlight the necessity of making work enjoyable and the impact of happiness on success. They also share their insights on measuring success and the importance of community in business growth.

Bio:

David Steele

My primary role is as the co-founder and CEO of One Wealth Advisors, where we help people simplify their lives and achieve financial goals through Financial Life Planning..

I am also the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Flour + Water Hospitality Group and the co-founder and Managing Partner of Great Gold Hospitality Group. Additionally, I bring extensive expertise and a range of resources to small business consulting, primarily in, but not limited to, the hospitality space. Alongside my teams, we support clients in various aspects of business development and operations to help them achieve their goals and vision.

The culinary, health, arts, and entertainment worlds are particularly important to me, as reflected in my advisory roles with Noise Pop, Brilliant Corners, Rad Restaurant Group and Folk Studios. While my background may suggest diverse interests, everything I do follows a consistent, disciplined approach: working collaboratively with partners and team members, setting clear goals, developing and executing strategic plans to achieve those goals, and continually monitoring results to ensure success.

Jonathan Steele Bio:

As Chief Investment Officer, Jonathan leads the investment research and portfolio management initiatives at One Wealth Advisors. A Chartered Financial Analyst® and a member of the CFA Institute, he has been dedicated to his career for more than 20 years – in addition to being dedicated to his wife for over 15 years! His expertise includes portfolio theory, tactical and strategic asset allocation, and behavioral finance.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: (8) Jonathan Steele, CFA® | LinkedIn

Website: www.onewealth.net

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

Show Notes:

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Carole Robin, co-founder of Leaders in Tech and widely regarded as the “queen of touchy-feely,” about the crucial role of interpersonal skills in effective leadership. Drawing from her acclaimed curriculum at Stanford, Carole explains how emotional connection and honest feedback are key to building trust and strong relationships within organizations.

The conversation dives into the challenges leaders face when trying to foster a culture of openness and trust, and how Leaders in Tech has evolved to address these needs among startup and tech executives. Carole also shares the story behind launching the organization, the persistence it took to grow it, and the powerful impact of emotionally intelligent leadership on company culture and performance.

Bio

Carole Robin is the co-founder of Leaders in Tech, a nonprofit organization offering programs to leaders of high growth tech companies committed to building high-performing and culturally healthy organizations. Prior to that she served as the Faculty Director of the Interpersonal Dynamics for High Performance Executives Program and Director of the Arbuckle Leadership Fellows program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She received the MBA Distinguished Teaching Award for her work in numerous courses, including Interpersonal Dynamics, aka the legendary “Touchy Feely” (the most popular elective course at the GSB for multiple decades).

She is the co-author of the highly acclaimed and award-winning book, Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends and Colleagues

Prior to her academic career at Stanford, she worked as high-tech sales and marketing senior manager and was a partner in two consulting firms. She is the recipient of two congressional community service awards and now lives in San Francisco, California, with her husband of 39 years.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-robin/

Website: www.connectandrelate.com

Website: https://leadersintech.org/

Email: carol@leadersintech.org

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

Show Notes:

In this episode, Heidi Schalk sits down with Nick Honegger to explore the challenges early-stage startups face and how Geekdom plays a vital role in offering support and fostering community. Nick highlights the value of collaboration, mentorship, and being receptive to feedback as essential components of startup success. They delve into navigating funding, the impact of technology, especially AI, on the startup ecosystem, and key elements that contribute to long-term growth.

Nick also shares his thoughts on the importance of personalizing content in an AI-driven world, the marketing and growth hurdles startups encounter, and how storytelling helps build a strong brand. He underscores the need for creative marketing, developing a personal brand, and forging genuine connections with the community. Nick offers valuable insights into the future of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking and learning from failure.

BIO:

Nick Honegger is an accomplished serial entrepreneur with a passion for driving positive change. As Sr. Director of Revenue at Geekdom, he is dedicated to fostering San Antonio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring the city has the resources and support needed for businesses to thrive. He is also focused on growing a groundbreaking non-profit, Content on Call, that amplifies the voices of charities in need of experienced marketing professionals.

With a background as an executive in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Nick has built purpose-driven brands that transform industries. From launching companies, managing mergers, and navigating successful exits, he has built a career within the startup space.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Nick actively serves on the advisory board of VentureLab, a non-profit organization dedicated to entrepreneurial education, where he played a key role in its establishment in 2013. His passion lies in ensuring San Antonio has strong outlets for growth, for both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-honegger/

Website: https://geekdom.com/

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

Show Notes:

In this episode, Heidi sits down with Sarah Ellis Conant and they dive into the transformative impact of coaching on both individuals and organizations. Sara breaks down the difference between coaching and consulting, and explains how coaching can elevate leadership, strengthen team dynamics, and drive sustainable business growth.

Sara shares the behind-the-scenes story of growing A Plan Coaching, including the challenges that came with scaling, evolving as a CEO, and staying true to a values-driven mission. She also explores the role of feedback in creating high-performing cultures, the importance of client retention, and how technology is reshaping the coaching landscape.

Whether you're a founder, leader, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insights on building a growth-oriented company culture and deepening relationships that fuel long-term success.

Bio:

Sara Ellis Conant is a coaching pioneer with over 25 years experience and CEO of a)plan coaching, an optimized virtual coaching service that specializes in coaching for changemakers. She became an executive coach after two years of training by her father, Dave Ellis, one of the founders of the coaching industry. Between her tenures as a coach, she spent six years in Deloitte Consulting's Human Capital practice. Sara has an MBA and BA from Stanford University, as well as advanced coach training and yoga teacher certifications. She divides her time between the Bay Area and Maine with her husband and their four children. Sara is passionate about helping other leaders to optimize their life and leadership.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraellisconant/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aplancoaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-plan-coaching/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplancoaching/

Website: https://www.a-plancoaching.com/

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/