In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, many brands focus heavily on acquisition channels like TikTok, Google Ads, and Instagram, often overlooking one of their most valuable assets: their existing customer list. In a recent episode, Josh Elledge spoke with Nikita Vakhrushev, CEO & Chief Strategist of Aspekt, about how e-commerce businesses can maximize revenue and retention through smart email and SMS marketing. Nikita shared actionable strategies to engage warm audiences, optimize backend flows, and leverage design and segmentation for scalable growth.

Focusing on existing customers is often more profitable than constantly chasing new ones. Nikita emphasizes that a well-maintained warm list—subscribers who have opted in—can drive repeat purchases and boost engagement. By auditing current flows, segmenting audiences, and sending value-driven communications, brands can increase revenue while fostering long-term loyalty.

Modern email and SMS marketing also demands careful attention to privacy, consent, and deliverability. Platforms must respect double opt-ins, frequency preferences, and regulatory compliance to maintain subscriber trust. Nikita recommends staying current with evolving regulations and testing messaging to optimize engagement.

Finally, leveraging strategic agency support can multiply results. Agencies like Aspekt provide audits, segmentation, automation, and expert design to ensure every message is impactful. Clear communication, transparency, and personalized service are key to achieving measurable ROI and scaling backend marketing efficiently.

Nikita Vakhrushev is the CEO & Chief Strategist of Aspekt, a leading agency specializing in email and SMS marketing for e-commerce brands. With years of experience managing hundreds of accounts, he focuses on helping businesses increase revenue, engagement, and customer retention through backend marketing strategies.

Aspekt provides white-glove email and SMS marketing services for direct-to-consumer brands. Their team specializes in audits, segmentation, automation, and visually compelling campaigns designed to convert and scale, while maintaining transparency and measurable results.

• Aspekt Website
• Nikita Vakhrushev Linkedin

• The importance of backend marketing over constant customer acquisition.
• Leveraging warm lists and subscriber segmentation for higher ROI.
• Privacy, consent, and deliverability trends impacting email and SMS.
• Case study: Transforming a legacy brand’s email revenue.
• Choosing agencies that provide transparency, personalization, and measurable results.

Email and SMS marketing are powerful, revenue-driving tools when approached strategically. By focusing on your warm audience, optimizing backend flows, and embracing modern design and compliance standards, e-commerce brands can unlock sustainable growth and maximize lifetime customer value.

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In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviewed Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems®, bestselling author, and executive coach. Patrick shared actionable strategies for CEOs to scale high-growth companies, build strong cultures, and implement practical frameworks for leadership success. This blog distills key insights, providing guidance for leaders seeking to elevate their organizational performance and personal impact.

Patrick emphasizes that the CEO role evolves with company size: startup CEOs are hands-on with day-to-day operations, mid-market leaders focus on vision and enabling teams, and enterprise CEOs prioritize strategy, culture, and executive team alignment. He outlines seven practices for CEO success, including personal growth, curiosity, building early warning systems, aligning teams, fostering culture, developing talent ecosystems, and crafting customer-centric strategies. Implementing these practices helps CEOs empower their teams, prevent costly misalignment, and drive sustainable organizational growth.

Personal development is foundational to effective leadership. Patrick recommends regular self-assessment, working with coaches or peer groups, and committing to continuous learning to ensure personal growth keeps pace with company expansion. A strong culture and aligned talent ecosystem amplify the CEO’s impact, enabling teams to execute effectively while sustaining engagement, morale, and performance.

Tools like Rhythm Systems® act as a “CEO’s software,” providing a platform for strategy execution, goal tracking, and real-time performance visibility. By combining practical frameworks with software support, CEOs can transform high-level vision into operational reality, enhance accountability, and maintain clarity across their organization. The integration of personal growth, structured practices, and strategic tools equips leaders to thrive in high-growth environments.

Patrick Thean is a serial entrepreneur, executive coach, and co-founder of Rhythm Systems®, a SaaS platform designed to help CEOs execute strategy, align priorities, and drive performance. His books, podcast, and coaching provide actionable insights for leaders navigating growth, culture-building, and organizational alignment.

Rhythm Systems® provides a platform that helps CEOs and leadership teams implement strategy, track execution, and maintain alignment across departments. The software combines strategic planning, measurable goals, and real-time performance tracking, supporting sustainable business growth.

• Rhythm Systems®
• Patrick Thean LinkedIn

• The CEO role changes depending on company size and growth stage.
• Seven practices for CEO success: self-growth, curiosity, early warning systems, alignment, culture, talent, and customer strategy.
• Personal development and accountability are crucial for effective leadership.
• Culture and talent ecosystems drive sustained organizational performance.
• Tools like Rhythm Systems® enhance execution, alignment, and clarity.

Patrick Thean’s insights provide CEOs with a roadmap to balance personal growth, strategic leadership, and operational alignment. By implementing his seven practices and leveraging tools like Rhythm Systems®, leaders can empower teams, sustain high performance, and drive long-term business success.

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In today’s fast-paced business world, the ability to connect AI agents to real-time, operational data is crucial for decision-making and efficiency. In a recent episode, host Josh Elledge interviewed Deepti Srivastava, Founder and CEO of Snow Leopard AI, to discuss how enterprises can leverage AI agents effectively while ensuring access to accurate, actionable data. Deepti shares practical guidance for integrating AI, overcoming technical challenges, and maximizing the value of AI-driven workflows

AI agents are transforming how businesses operate, but their effectiveness hinges on real-time, accurate data. Deepti explains that AI is only as strong as the data it consumes, and fragmented or outdated data can lead to poor outcomes. Enterprises face challenges integrating AI into existing infrastructures, bridging gaps between AI teams and operational systems, and maintaining data security and freshness.

Snow Leopard AI provides a platform that abstracts these infrastructure complexities, allowing AI teams to focus on business logic instead of plumbing. By connecting AI agents directly to operational data sources—ranging from SQL databases to SaaS APIs—companies can automate workflows, improve decision-making, and unlock insights that were previously siloed.

For organizations beginning their AI journey, Deepti recommends starting with high-impact, low-risk use cases such as customer support, internal knowledge agents, or finance operations. Once proven, the deployment can expand to more complex workflows, leveraging both structured and unstructured data to maximize AI’s value.

Deepti Srivastava is the Founder and CEO of Snow Leopard AI and a seasoned expert in AI infrastructure. She draws on her experience at Google and Oracle to help enterprises connect generative AI agents with real-time business data, enabling faster, more accurate decisions across industries.

Snow Leopard AI provides a platform that bridges AI agents with operational enterprise data, simplifying integration, ensuring security, and supporting scalable AI deployment. The platform empowers businesses to automate workflows, improve decision-making, and harness AI across finance, healthcare, SaaS, and legal sectors.

• Website: snowleopard.ai
• LinkedIn: Deepti Srivastava

• Understanding the critical role of real-time, operational data for AI agents
• Overcoming enterprise integration challenges and infrastructure gaps
• Practical steps for deploying AI agents across customer support, finance, and internal systems
• Leveraging unstructured data for multimodal AI applications
• Expert recommendations for governance, data quality, and phased adoption

Integrating AI agents with real-time enterprise data is no longer optional—it’s essential for business agility and competitive advantage. Deepti Srivastava’s insights and Snow Leopard AI’s platform provide a roadmap for enterprises to connect AI effectively, automate complex workflows, and unlock new value from existing systems.

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In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Jana Franklin, Founder and CEO of CEO Concierge, to discuss how her company is transforming virtual assistant services for entrepreneurs. Jana shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced as a business owner, and how CEO Concierge helps clients delegate tasks effectively, embrace technology, and maximize productivity. Listeners will gain actionable insights for scaling their businesses while maintaining balance and efficiency.

One of the key differentiators at CEO Concierge is the rigorous approach to matching clients with virtual assistants—not only based on skill but also on personality and work style. Jana explains that understanding a client’s preferences, autonomy, and attention to detail ensures a productive, long-term partnership. A strong personality fit reduces friction, improves communication, and allows VAs to anticipate client needs effectively.

Beyond personality, skill alignment is critical to ensure the VA can hit the ground running, whether it’s managing schedules, handling administrative tasks, or mastering specific business tools. CEO Concierge conducts assessments to ensure compatibility between client needs and VA expertise, which enhances efficiency from day one. For entrepreneurs managing multiple stakeholders or teams, this careful matching ensures that all interactions run smoothly and expectations are met consistently.

Finally, CEO Concierge invests in ongoing training for both VAs and clients, keeping skills current and adaptable to evolving business needs. From learning new software to mastering AI tools, the company empowers VAs to provide higher-value support while educating clients on delegation strategies. This continuous development ensures that both parties grow together, resulting in stronger partnerships and better business outcomes.

Jana Franklin is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchisee of Fantastic Sams and Jimmy John’s. With years of experience managing multi-location businesses, she understands the importance of delegation, productivity, and leveraging talent to achieve growth. Jana founded CEO Concierge to provide entrepreneurs with a trusted, efficient, and personalized virtual assistant service that addresses real-world business challenges.

CEO Concierge is a boutique virtual assistant service that matches business leaders with highly trained VAs from the Philippines. The company emphasizes personality and skill matching, ongoing training, and a concierge-level onboarding experience to ensure every client-VA relationship is a perfect fit. By providing entrepreneurs with trusted support, CEO Concierge allows clients to focus on growth, innovation, and leadership rather than administrative tasks.

• CEO Concierge Website

• The importance of delegating tasks outside your zone of genius
• Personality and skill matching for long-term VA-client success
• Continuous VA training and client education to enhance efficiency
• Leveraging technology and AI tools to maximize productivity
• Overcoming the founder’s dilemma of letting go to grow your business
• CEO Concierge onboarding process ensures the perfect match

Jana Franklin’s insights reveal how a well-matched, well-trained virtual assistant can transform the way entrepreneurs operate. By focusing on personality alignment, skill development, and embracing technology, CEO Concierge empowers clients to delegate with confidence, reclaim their time, and...

Voice technology is transforming the way we interact with digital platforms, making communication more natural, efficient, and human-like. In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviewed Mohan Gulati, Founder and CEO of Thinkrr.AI, about his journey and the innovative ways his company is leveraging voice AI. This episode is packed with actionable insights for businesses, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts eager to harness voice technology for growth and efficiency.

Voice AI is more than just a futuristic concept—it’s a practical tool that can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Mohan Gulati highlighted that voice technology allows businesses to handle tasks like inbound calls, appointment scheduling, and lead qualification without constant human intervention. By deploying voice agents, companies can maintain 24/7 availability while reducing operational bottlenecks.

Beyond efficiency, voice AI creates a more natural and engaging interaction with customers. Conversational interfaces mimic human speech, conveying nuance, tone, and emotion that text-based communication often lacks. This human-like quality strengthens connections, builds trust, and improves satisfaction in ways traditional methods can’t match.

For businesses ready to scale, voice AI offers versatility and easy integration. From small agencies to large enterprises, platforms like Thinkrr.AI allow companies to deploy customized solutions quickly, train voice agents with real customer data, and continuously optimize performance. The result is a seamless, scalable system that enhances both efficiency and customer experience.

Mohan Gulati is the Founder and CEO of Thinkrr.AI, a company dedicated to making voice technology accessible, intuitive, and effective for businesses of all sizes. With a passion for solving everyday problems through AI, Mohan combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of how businesses can leverage emerging technologies to drive growth.

Thinkrr.AI is a voice AI platform that enables businesses to deploy conversational agents on websites, phone systems, and other digital channels. Designed for speed, accuracy, and scalability, Thinkrr.AI helps companies automate routine tasks, improve customer engagement, and expand their service offerings. Its solutions are suitable for businesses, resellers, and entrepreneurs looking to integrate cutting-edge voice technology into their operations.

• Thinkrr.AI: https://thinkrr.ai

• The vision behind Thinkrr.AI and the inspiration from real-world challenges
• How voice AI enhances efficiency, reduces cognitive load, and creates human-like interactions
• Practical applications for businesses, including customer support, appointment booking, and lead qualification
• Benefits of voice AI: 24/7 availability, operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and scalability
• Tips for deploying voice AI: start small, train...

In a world increasingly dominated by automation and AI, genuine human connection is more valuable than ever. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Marianne Hickman—speaker coach, top 1% podcaster, and advocate for authentic expression. They explore the power of vulnerability, the nuances of public speaking, and how leading with authenticity can create lasting impact.

Marianne emphasizes that in a digital world filled with AI-generated content, audiences crave realness. She encourages speakers to show their humanity, share personal passions, and let their creative process shine. Transparency and effort create trust that technology can never replicate.

She also addresses the common pitfall of overconfidence, highlighting the Dunning-Kruger effect in the speaking industry. Marianne advises aspiring speakers to seek honest feedback, embrace humility, and focus on substance over style. By prioritizing growth over ego, speakers can steadily develop true expertise.

Finally, Marianne underscores the importance of connecting with one person at a time. Real influence comes from seeing your audience as individuals, inviting feedback, and serving others rather than chasing viral moments. This relationship-focused approach is the foundation for a sustainable speaking career.

Marianne Hickman is a speaker coach, podcaster, and passionate advocate for authentic communication. She guides aspiring speakers and leaders to find their unique voice, connect with audiences meaningfully, and grow their influence without sacrificing their humanity.

Through her coaching and resources, Marianne Hickman helps speakers and professionals cultivate authenticity, confidence, and resilience. She empowers individuals to lead with purpose and build influence that is both impactful and sustainable. Learn more at mariannehickman.com.

• Marianne Hickman Website: mariannehickman.com
• Instagram: @mariannehickman

• The value of authenticity in a digital, AI-driven world.
• Recognizing and overcoming the Dunning-Kruger effect in speaking.
• How vulnerability builds trust and deep connection with audiences.
• Practical strategies for coaching and guiding others side by side.
• Actionable steps for aspiring speakers to grow with integrity and impact.

Becoming a powerful speaker isn’t about chasing followers or viral fame—it’s about authenticity, humility, and serving others. Marianne Hickman demonstrates that leading with your real voice, walking alongside your audience, and investing in relationships creates influence that lasts.

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Feeling stuck trading time for money as a coach or consultant? In this episode, Josh Elledge interviews Cailen Ascher, founder of Success Made Simple, to explore how she transitioned from one-on-one coaching to scalable, high-impact group programs. Cailen shares actionable strategies to create transformational group offers, price them for profit, and attract clients ready to invest—all while reclaiming your time and building a business that supports your lifestyle.

Cailen’s shift to group programs was driven by a need for freedom and flexibility as a new mom. One-on-one coaching required constant client calls, leaving little time for family or personal pursuits. By designing group programs, she was able to serve more clients in less time, reclaiming 90% of her schedule while still delivering real results.

Group programs also increase income potential without requiring more hours. With a structured curriculum, coaches can generate six- or seven-figure revenue while providing deeper transformation for participants. Peer learning, accountability, and community dynamics make group programs more impactful than individual coaching alone.

To make the transition successful, Cailen recommends auditing your current 1:1 work. Identify tasks and content that can be systematized, define the transformation you provide, and design a framework that works for multiple clients simultaneously. Intentional program design is the key to scaling without sacrificing quality or client experience.

Cailen Ascher is a business coach and founder of Success Made Simple. She helps coaches, consultants, and service providers move from time-intensive one-on-one work to profitable group programs, emphasizing efficiency, leverage, and client transformation.

Success Made Simple is a coaching and training platform dedicated to helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses, streamline their processes, and design programs that generate both income and freedom. The company focuses on actionable strategies, systems, and support to help clients achieve results faster.

• Success Made Simple
• Cailen Ascher LinkedIn

• How to transition from 1:1 coaching to group programs
• Designing transformational group offers that scale
• Pricing strategies for profit without compromising results
• Attracting high-commitment clients with outcome-driven messaging
• Creating a business model that supports lifestyle freedom

Cailen Ascher’s insights demonstrate that scaling your coaching business doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or client results. By leveraging group programs, coaches can achieve greater impact, increased income, and more personal freedom—all while delivering meaningful transformation to clients.

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In this episode, Josh Elledge sits down with Rick Williams—keynote speaker, author of Create the Future: Powerful Decision Making Tools for Your Company and Yourself, and experienced board member—to explore actionable strategies for leaders. Rick shares how diverse experiences, effective board governance, and structured decision-making can accelerate organizational success and personal leadership growth.

Rick emphasizes that leadership is a blend of strategy, personal growth, and practical execution. Drawing lessons from sailing and photography, he explains how diverse interests can sharpen decision-making, improve adaptability, and foster creative problem-solving. Leadership skills are not confined to the office; they develop through varied experiences that challenge perspective and enhance judgment.

He also highlights the strategic value of a well-structured board of directors. Beyond governance, boards provide accountability, offer new perspectives, and serve as a catalyst for organizational growth. Rick shares best practices for selecting board members, defining clear roles, and maintaining open communication to ensure boards function as true strategic partners.

Finally, Rick walks listeners through his five-step decision-making framework: understand the opportunity, define success, explore creative options, assess risks, and make choices aligned with organizational goals and values. By following this structured approach, leaders can navigate complex decisions confidently while aligning their teams and resources toward meaningful outcomes.

Rick Williams is a physicist-turned-entrepreneur, author, and seasoned board member. His career spans roles in consulting, real estate, and technology leadership, giving him a unique perspective on organizational strategy and decision-making. Rick is passionate about helping leaders create high-impact results through structured processes, personal growth, and strategic board governance.

Rick Williams Leadership provides insights, tools, and resources for executives and board members to improve decision-making, enhance governance, and accelerate organizational performance. The platform offers thought leadership content, training, and coaching that equips leaders to navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity.

• Rick Williams Leadership
• Rick Williams LinkedIn

• Diverse hobbies like sailing and photography can strengthen leadership and decision-making skills.
• Career evolution shows how different experiences contribute to effective leadership.
• Boards are strategic assets that add value beyond daily operations.
• Rick’s five-step decision-making framework helps leaders tackle high-stakes choices.
• CEOs succeed by orchestrating strategy, delegating tasks, and empowering their teams.

Rick Williams’ insights provide a practical roadmap for leaders who want to make better decisions, leverage boards effectively, and grow personally and professionally. His approach shows that leadership is not just about executing tasks but about cultivating perspective, strategic thinking, and organizational impact.

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