Podcast
Electrifying Growth
Hosted by Edison Partners · EN
There are moments in a company's growth journey that are undeniably electric. We're here to celebrate those moments and the visionaries behind them. This is Electrifying Growth–an original show from Edison Partners sharing stories to spark inspiration and accelerate growth.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The First 90 Days: How Great Leaders Earn Trust
1w ago00:45:41Tap to summarizeWhy do some executives earn an organization's trust almost immediately while others struggle despite impressive credentials? In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden is joined by Neill Marshall, Board Chair and Co-Founder, and Kurt Mosley, Association Practice Leader at HealthSearch Partners. Drawing on decades of experience recruiting and advising healthcare executives, they explain why hiring the right leader is only the first step and how the first 90 days often determine long-term success. Neill and Kurt unpack the concept of earned authority, exploring why trust, credibility, and cultural understanding matter more than quick wins during a leadership transition. They also share practical lessons on executive onboarding, coaching, and the small leadership actions that can create lasting influence. Leaders stepping into new roles, hiring senior talent, or guiding organizational change will gain actionable insights for building trust and driving meaningful impact. In this conversation, you'll learn: How new executives can build trust before driving organizational change Why the first 90 days often determine long-term leadership success What earned authority looks like and how leaders can build it through everyday actions Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Meet Neill Marshall and Kurt Mosley (03:25) Why executive search doesn't end with hiring (06:58) What earned authority really means (09:14) Building trust during the first 90 days (12:27) Setting realistic expectations for new executives (15:10) Listening before leading: a CEO success story (22:05) Coaching leaders for long-term success (29:23) AI, emotional intelligence, and executive leadership (34:17) Executive search lessons and hiring mistakes (40:03) Supporting leaders beyond the placement (42:10) Career advice and the value of relationships
Transcribe →Healthy Urgency in the Age of AI
3w ago00:16:03Tap to summarizeIs AI accelerating your company, or accelerating its problems? In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, explores the "AI Paradox" and why simply adopting AI doesn't lead to stronger business performance. Drawing on insights from the 2026 Edison Growth Index, Chris explains how AI acts as an amplifier, accelerating the strengths and weaknesses that already exist within an organization. Rather than viewing AI as a silver bullet, Chris shares why alignment, efficiency, and sustainability must come before technology. From boardroom alignment to executive ownership, he outlines how growth-stage leaders can build the organizational foundation needed to unlock real value from AI while avoiding burnout, misalignment, and wasted investment. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why AI adoption alone does not predict financial performance How alignment, efficiency, and sustainability work together to drive durable growth Why CEOs must lead AI strategy while empowering functional leaders to execute How to measure organizational readiness before scaling AI initiatives Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) The three pillars of healthy urgency (03:33) Why the CEO must be the Chief AI Officer (05:14) How misalignment leads to inefficiency and burnout (07:56) The risks of uncoordinated AI adoption (11:55) A simple test to measure organizational alignment (13:42) Why alignment, efficiency, and sustainability must work together (14:40) Defining healthy urgency in the age of AI
Transcribe →The Growth Advantage AI Can't Create
Jul 800:40:24Tap to summarizeWhat separates companies that thrive from those that struggle to keep pace in a rapidly changing market? In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden talks with Ben Laufer, Principal at Edison Partners and lead author of the 2026 Edison Growth Index. With experience as both an operator and investor, Ben brings a unique perspective on what drives sustainable growth, organizational performance, and long-term value creation. Ben shares key findings from Edison's latest research on healthy urgency, a framework built around alignment, efficiency, and sustainability. Whether you're leading a growth-stage company, building a go-to-market organization, or evaluating the impact of AI on your business, this conversation offers practical insights backed by real data. In this conversation, you'll learn: How healthy urgency drives stronger financial outcomer Why customer retention has become a critical growth metric What separates AI compounders from companies still experimenting Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Meet Ben Laufer (02:27) The 2026 Edison Growth Index(04:46) Defining healthy urgency and its three pillars(08:39) Why alignment, efficiency, and sustainability work together(14:16) Retention as the new Rule of 40(14:51) The metrics most correlated with financial performance(18:36) How proactive customer health improves retention(26:38) The AI paradox and what the data revealed(27:30) Why AI is a compounder, not a growth strategy(33:05) Classifying your organization's AI adoption(35:44) Applying ROI discipline to AI investments(37:57) Key takeaways from the 2026 Growth Index(39:35) Why customer conversations remain essential for growth
Transcribe →The Future of Work Is Human and Machine
Jun 2400:13:10Tap to summarizeIs AI changing how companies price and grow? In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, explores how growth-stage companies are adapting to AI-driven changes in business models, pricing, and productivity. As AI tools reshape workflows and customer expectations, Chris explains why success comes from aligning AI initiatives with measurable business outcomes rather than chasing the newest technology. While some leaders worry about AI-driven job loss or automation replacing humans, Chris argues that the real opportunity lies in enhancing human productivity and restructuring pricing to match consumption and value. From deal discovery to customer service, he shares insights from portfolio companies on where AI drives measurable ROI and how CEOs can guide adoption strategically. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why subscription and usage-based pricing must evolve with AI How AI adoption affects productivity without replacing human expertise What types of workflows and data create lasting competitive advantages How to align AI investments to business outcomes for maximum impact Key moments: (00:00) Introduction (00:58) AI and workforce impact (02:48) Productivity gains in deal discovery and portfolio companies (05:38) Measuring ROI and finding deeper moats (09:11) Shifts in pricing models and consumption-based strategies (12:22) Subscription plus consumption hybrid approach
Transcribe →Cost of Software is Heading to Zero
Jun 1000:32:45Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build not just a product, but a thriving company in today's fast-paced, data-driven world? In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Chris Sugden talks with Tommy Cotter, Director of Data Products at Benzinga. With a strong background in building high-impact API products and leading cross-functional teams, Tommy has delivered innovative solutions for top financial institutions, combining technical expertise with strategic insight to solve complex business challenges. Tommy shares his insights on product management, innovation, and go-to-market strategy for fast-growing companies. He discusses how businesses can create transformative, scalable products by aligning teams with business goals and focusing on human-centered growth. Whether you're scaling a startup or transforming a legacy business, Tommy's approach to leadership will inspire you to rethink growth. In this conversation, you'll learn: How to build purpose-driven products that drive lasting growth The key to aligning teams for faster, more effective growth Why balancing AI and human touch fuels innovation and success Jump into the conversation: (00:00) The rise of software cost reduction to zero (00:55) Introduction to Tommy Cotter and his background (02:48) Tommy's journey from basketball to the auto industry (05:13) Key lessons learned from Coach Campy (06:45) Why Tommy left the auto industry for new opportunities (09:26) What Benzinga does and its role in the market (11:39) Tommy's role as Director of Data Products at Benzinga (12:39) Aligning product management with go-to-market strategy (15:38) Leveraging AI to power data-driven products (17:50) The importance of human oversight in AI-driven products (21:22) Practical steps to start using AI in your business (23:37) The innovative culture that drives success at Benzinga (26:02) Navigating token costs and pricing models in AI (28:02) The SaaS reset and adjusting to the new market norm (29:32) Career advice: networking and finding opportunities
Transcribe →The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
May 2700:10:13Tap to summarizeIs AI moving too fast for companies to keep up? In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, discusses how growth-stage companies are navigating the pressure to adopt AI while avoiding reactive decision-making. As AI tools evolve at an unprecedented pace, Chris explains why the companies seeing the strongest results aren't necessarily moving first, they're moving with intention. While many leaders feel pressure to implement the latest AI tools immediately, Chris argues that there is no universal playbook. Instead, successful companies are taking a "slow down to go fast" approach: aligning AI initiatives to measurable business outcomes before scaling adoption across the organization. Chris also explains why CEOs need to act as Chief AI Officers, how top-performing companies are structuring AI decisions department by department, and why measuring ROI matters more than simply adopting the newest platform or model. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why there's no one-size-fits-all AI strategy How top-performing companies are approaching AI adoption differently The role CEOs should play in guiding AI initiatives How to align AI investments with measurable business outcomes Key moments: (00:00) Introduction (00:48) AI as both "heaven and hell" (01:35) Why every company's AI strategy is different (02:26) The danger of blindly following AI trends (03:13) What past technology waves can teach us about AI (04:00) Why companies can't afford to ignore AI (04:43) Lessons from Edison's Growth Index data (05:25) Slowing down to go fast with AI adoption (06:10) Product enhancement vs. net-new AI products (06:54) Why the CEO must act as CAIO (08:04) The companies outperforming with AI strategy (08:50) Why unmanaged AI adoption creates poor ROI (09:35) Managing and measuring AI effectiveness
Transcribe →What It Takes to Map the Indoors
May 1300:48:52Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a mall's layout changes overnight, and no one knows where to go? In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, speaks with Hongwei Liu, CEO of Mappedin, about how his company is reshaping how we navigate inside buildings. Hongwei shares how Mappedin started as a side project and grew into a leader in indoor mapping, helping organizations manage dynamic spaces. He explains the technological challenges and opportunities, the evolution of their mapping tools, and how Mappedin serves thousands of venues worldwide. In this conversation, you'll learn: The unique challenges businesses face with indoor navigation How Mappedin simplifies the process for users and businesses What the future of indoor mapping and AI holds Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Building your own tools in the AI age (01:11) Introducing Mappedin and Hongwei Liu (03:10) How Hongwei became CEO (06:54) Starting at BlackBerry/RIM (09:05) Lessons from RIM's dysfunction (10:27) Advice for aspiring founders (13:29) The loneliness and irrationality of being a CEO (16:11) Hiring philosophy: low ego, high potential (19:43) Mentorship and the world being a friendly place (22:10) Transitioning to Mappedin's story (23:18) The aha moment: indoor maps as a data problem (27:23) Safety and security use cases (29:21) Why Mappedin chose B2B over consumer (31:05) AI as a tailwind: computer vision models (33:04) How AI transformed the engineering team internally (36:01) Building your own tools instead of buying software (39:13) What Hongwei looked for in an investor(43:01) Working with Edison's operating partners (45:49) Final advice: go work at a good company first
Transcribe →When Prioritization Becomes a Problem
Apr 2900:10:51Tap to summarizeIs it possible to be too focused? In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners explores the flip side of the "bright shiny object" problem: when over-prioritization and excessive processes actually stifle innovation. While most growing companies struggle with distraction rather than too much discipline, there's a real risk as you scale: you become so locked into hitting quarterly targets that product innovation quietly disappears. Chris shares practical benchmarks for spotting this problem early, including how much of your revenue should come from new products and why founders need to protect time for roadmap thinking, even as operational demands intensify. Chris also discusses when a Chief Product Officer becomes essential, how AI tools can actually help with roadmap planning, and why innovation doesn't always mean new products, sometimes it's a new way to bring your existing product to market. In this conversation, you'll learn: How over-prioritization can lead to missed opportunities for innovation The importance of balancing focus with creativity in a growing company Why acquisitions aren't always the best solution for scaling How to evaluate the long-term impact of new products on revenue Key Moments: (00:00) Acquisitions are harder than they look (00:16) Introduction (00:33) Recap of previous episode on CEO distractions (01:21) The "tactical pause" concept from West Point (02:06) Flipping the coin — can a company over-prioritize? (02:59) When does too much playbooking create bureaucracy? (03:53) Innovation suffers when teams are only focused on hitting the quarter (04:44) Measuring innovation: new product revenue as a benchmark (05:44) The role of a CPO in balancing process and creativity (06:38) The tension between too much focus and chasing new ideas (07:36) Acquisitions vs. building — know your customer better than anyone (08:33) Multi-product companies and the need for ongoing innovation (09:18) Go-to-market innovation as an alternative to new products (10:05) 24-month benchmark for measuring new revenue
Transcribe →Why the Best Leaders Choose Discomfort
Apr 1500:42:55Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to grow from an engineer into the CEO of a Fortune 500 company? In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, sits down with Rick McKenney, CEO of Unum, to unpack a leadership journey shaped by taking risks, embracing discomfort, and continuously learning. From his early days in GE's legendary training program to leading a public company, Rick shares how saying yes to hard roles and the right mentors can accelerate growth in ways no playbook can. The conversation explores what it really means to lead at scale, including the shift from operator to culture carrier, the importance of board alignment, and how transparency builds stronger organizations. Rick also shares how Unum strengthened its culture through purpose, particularly during moments that tested the business, and how leaders can create environments where people grow by being challenged. From leadership development to AI adoption, this episode offers a practical look at how executives can evolve alongside their companies while staying grounded in purpose and people. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why growth happens fastest when you're uncomfortable How to navigate the transition from operator to CEO The importance of mentorship and seeking out feedback early How strong culture and purpose scale in large organizations Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (01:05) Rick McKenney's journey from engineering to CEO(03:20) Early career lessons from GE's leadership culture(06:10) Taking risks and saying yes to difficult roles(09:15) Transitioning from CFO to CEO(10:40) Working with and aligning a board of directors(12:30) Building trust and transparency with leadership teams(16:25) Short-term discipline vs long-term thinking(19:10) Building culture through purpose and moments that matter(23:20) Evolving workplace dynamics post-COVID(31:00) How AI is changing the way organizations operate(35:30) Advice for the next generation of leaders(41:50) Final reflections on growth, leadership, and mentorship
Transcribe →CEOs: It's Time for a Tactical Pause
Apr 100:20:10Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest bottleneck in your company is you? In this episode, Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, tackles the unintentional bottlenecks CEOs create as they push their companies toward growth. When CEOs are caught in a whirlwind of activity, it's easy to get caught up in the instinct to do more, often leading to chaos rather than progress. Chris discusses how, rather than increasing activity, CEOs should step back, assess the situation, and engage their teams in honest conversations to uncover the root causes of bottlenecks. Drawing on his extensive experience with high-growth companies, Chris emphasizes the importance of slowing down and pausing strategically to gain clarity. This approach, far from being a sign of weakness, helps CEOs regain control, align their teams, and focus on what really matters. In this episode, you'll learn: Why CEOs must resist the urge to "do more" and embrace strategic pauses How slowing down helps identify the true bottlenecks in your business The importance of aligning your executive team to solve problems efficiently Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction and unintentional bottlenecks (01:30) The shiny object problem and CEO overactivity(02:30) How priorities shift and disrupt product roadmaps(03:45) The partnership trap and misaligned incentives(05:15) Evaluating partner ROI and avoiding false opportunities(06:50) Why more activity creates more problems(08:00) The tactical pause and diagnosing funnel issues(10:00) Why executive teams feel the impact of constant change(12:30) The CEO pedestal and the challenge of hearing the truth(15:00) 360 feedback and identifying real team vs. leadership issues(18:30) Resetting with your team and board to drive next-stage growth
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