Share

cover art for 37 | The Fine Balance Between Conviction & Adaptability with Jennifer Krusius (ABS Capital, Columbia Capital, Vivacity)

Good Revenue

37 | The Fine Balance Between Conviction & Adaptability with Jennifer Krusius (ABS Capital, Columbia Capital, Vivacity)

Ep. 37

Jennifer Krusius is an investor at ABS Capital. She helps companies scale, drawing on her operating experience co-founding a fiber and wireless infrastructure company, Vivacity Infrastructure Group, and as an executive at Uber. 


Jennifer shares her extensive experience across various sectors including digital infrastructure, enterprise tech, and human capital management. She discusses her journey at Vivacity, when to pivot business strategies, and the challenges of achieving scale. The conversation explores customer insights, market dynamics, and the fine balance between conviction and adaptability. Jennifer also discusses the evolving landscape of investments, particularly the shift from a growth-centric to a profitability-focused approach, and offers vital advice for founders on navigating these changes. Additionally, Jennifer shares her passion for fostering diversity in the investment landscape and emphasizes the significant impact of good data and customer-centric approaches on high-performing companies.


Highlights:

00:35 Jennifer's Journey with Vivacity

01:26 Challenges and Pivots in Startups

06:19 Balancing Growth and Profitability

16:25 Navigating Investor Advice

33:02 Diversity in Venture Capital

37:47 Key Traits of High-Performance Companies


_

Where to find Jennifer:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lee-krusius-8069661/

https://abscapital.com


Where to find Neeta:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/


Where to find Good Revenue:

https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 40. 40 | Customers Define Value, Not Us (Data Snapshot)

    07:30
    In this episode of Good Revenue, the importance of validating value from the customer's perspective is discussed, drawing on data from Forrester's CX benchmark index. The report, encompassing feedback from 98,000 U.S. customers across 223 brands and 13 industries, reveals a notable decline in customer experience quality. Key findings include a general decline in customer experience quality and a notable discrepancy between companies' perception of being customer-obsessed and customers' actual experiences. The episode underscores the necessity for businesses to clearly understand and validate what customers value to improve their offerings and optimize customer satisfaction. The discussion concludes with strategies for redefining business models and enhancing customer support to foster better customer relationships and drive business performance.Highlights:00:18 Forrester's Customer Experience Benchmark00:37 The Decline in Customer Experience Quality01:46 The Disconnect Between Companies and Customers02:41 Understanding and Validating Value03:47 The Importance of Customer-Centric Value04:10 Benefits vs. Value05:10 Unlocking Mutual ValueResources:Forrester CX Benchmark Index_Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue 
  • 39. 39 | The Business Case for Diverse Board Perspectives with Heather Spilsbury (CEO, 50/50 Women on Boards)

    27:20
    Heather Spilsbury, the new CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards, discusses the importance of gender diversity in corporate boardrooms and the business case for diversity on boards, backed by research that links diverse perspectives with increased profitability and reduced risk. Heather addresses the misconceptions about diversity being merely a DEI or ESG initiative, emphasizes the business imperative of diverse perspectives on corporate boards, and highlights the challenges and progress in achieving gender parity. She also explores strategies for increasing women's representation and the significance of building robust networks for aspiring board members. Tune in to hear about Heather's vision for 50/50 Women on Boards and how stakeholders can contribute to this vital cause.Highlights:00:31 Heather's Journey to 50/50 Women on Boards01:50 The Importance of Diversity on Corporate Boards03:45 Challenges and Progress in Board Diversity07:56 Strategies for Increasing Board Diversity09:07 50 Women to Watch Campaign10:06 Barriers to Achieving Gender Parity11:35 Heather's Vision for 50/50 Women on Boards23:50 How to Get Involved with 50/50 Women on Boards25:02 Key Traits of High-Performance BoardsResources:50 Women to Watch50/50 Women on Boards Annual ReportImproving Corporate Board Performance_Where to find Heather:https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherspilsbury/ 50/50 Women on BoardsWhere to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue 
  • 38. 38 | Harnessing Thought Leadership for Effective Revenue Growth (Data Snapshot)

    16:16
    Thought leadership, distinct from transactional and educational content, builds trust and effectively influences buyers in today's self-serve market. Host Neeta Bidwai highlights critical data supporting the impact of thought leadership, and Neeta outlines a comprehensive framework for creating and distributing thought leadership content. Key insights include the importance of high-value, non-obvious insights and a robust, non-gated distribution strategy. Neeta emphasizes the shift in buyer behavior and the necessity of adapting to new market dynamics through strategic content that changes mindsets, ultimately driving brand strength and revenue growth.Highlights:01:04 Defining Thought Leadership01:28 Types of Content01:55 The Changing Buyer Journey03:25 The Power of Thought Leadership05:10 Framework for Thought Leadership07:43 Evaluating Thought Leadership Insights09:06 Executing a Thought Leadership Program12:09 Measuring Thought LeadershipResources:https://dfnstrategy.com/buyerjourney (stats)https://www.edelman.com/expertise/Business-Marketing/2022-b2b-thought-leadership-impact-reporthttps://searchengineland.com/what-is-information-gain-seo-why-it-matters-429763https://sparktoro.com/blog/how-to-measure-hard-to-measure-marketing-channels/_Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue 
  • 36. 36 | Monetizing eSports, M&A, and Market Dynamics with Michele Maguire (Asteri, Niko, Fabl)

    30:00
    Michele Maguire is an executive with extensive experience in tech, advertising, media, and entertainment, including eSports.Michele delves into the evolution and significance of eSports, explaining its rapid growth and the challenges it faces. She discusses her journey through the eSports sector, the development of eSports broadcasting tools, and highlights the importance of building strong partnerships. Michele also touches on the impact of market fluctuations, particularly the “winter of eSports” in 2023, and the essential role of viewership in the industry's resilience. Michele shares her insights on successful M&A strategies, emphasizing the importance of integration plans and understanding customer needs. The discussion also covers emerging business models for brands within eSports, highlighting the potential for targeting younger demographics through innovative marketing and product placement strategies.Highlights:00:22 Understanding eSports: Definition and Evolution03:12 Building Strong Partnerships in eSports04:43 Challenges and Opportunities in the eSports Market10:00 Exploring Business Models and Revenue Streams in eSports10:59 The Role of Streamers and Product Placement in eSports15:52 Insights on Mergers and Acquisitions25:06 Advice for CEOs and Senior Executives28:12 Key Traits of High-Performance CompaniesResources:Deloitte eSports report_Where to find Michele:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelemaguiresf/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue 
  • 35. 35 | The Power of Data & Monetization in Product with Shinyoung Park (Game of Life, 500 Startups, Techstars)

    29:39
    Shinyoung Park, a seasoned founder and product leader, has created 23 consumer products, with a combined 42 million users and $88 million in revenue. She discusses the pivotal role of data in shaping product development, market fit, and competitive positioning across various startups. Shinyoung emphasizes the essence of tracking and analyzing engagement metrics to enhance ARPU, retention, and overall company growth. She also touches on her experience with Spoon Radio, illustrating how audience engagement and optimized features contributed to profitability. Additionally, the conversation explores the evolution of business models, pricing strategies, and the importance of understanding customer value. Shinyoung's new project aims at aiding high achievers in navigating professional uncertainties, reflecting on a shift towards a more partnership-oriented and AI-automated approach to business growth. The episode concludes with insights into what differentiates high-performing companies, highlighting the significance of a growth mindset, curiosity, and continuous learning.Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Shinyoung Park's Journey00:32 The Power of Data in Product Development and Monetization05:19 Case Study: Spoon Radio's Path to Profitability08:58 Navigating Business Models for Startup Success19:39 Partnerships and Strategic Growth in the Tech Industry23:28 Exploring New Ventures and the Future of Work27:05 Insights on High-Performance CompaniesResources:University of Florida IPO statistics_Where to find Shinyoung:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shinyoungp/ Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue 
  • 34. 34 | Reinventing Xerox with Greg Stein (Head of M&A and Strategy at Xerox)

    24:14
    Greg Stein is the head of M&A and Strategy at Xerox who joins Good Revenue to discuss the complexities and strategies behind refocusing a major public company like Xerox. Named Project Reinvention, this initiative addresses the need for operational simplification, geographical and offering presence overhaul, and repositioning for growth amid challenges like COVID-19 impacts, supply chain disruptions, and the shift to hybrid work. Greg emphasizes the transition towards a service-led, software-enabled business model, focusing on digital services and IT solutions while moving away from non-core assets through strategic divestments and partnerships. Key insights include the importance of visionary leadership, cultural alignment, and the long-term view over short-term gains for successful transformation.Highlights:00:42 The Genesis of Project Reinvention at Xerox01:28 Simplifying Operations: A Deep Dive into Xerox's Strategy02:37 Repositioning Xerox for Growth: Strategic Moves and Challenges05:29 Exploring the Possibility of Going Private and Operational Challenges06:22 Envisioning Xerox's Future: Digital Transformation and Customer Focus09:10 Strategic Refocusing and the Role of M&A in Xerox's Transformation14:31 The Human Aspect of Divestments and Building Partnerships19:35 Advice for Executives on Leading Through Transformation21:55 Cultivating High-Performance Teams and Concluding Thoughts_Where to find Greg:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-stein/ Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue
  • 33. 33 | Breaking Bad Revenue (and How to Raise Prices Effectively)

    17:45
    Host Neeta Bidwai discusses strategies for identifying and transitioning from bad revenue to good revenue for sustainable business growth. Bad revenue is defined as deals that seem beneficial short-term but pose long-term costs, often characterized by missed targets, slow growth, high churn, and excessive customer concentration. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding customer value, segmentation, and willingness to pay in order to transition to a good revenue model, which promotes long-term benefits, reduced churn, and profitable customer relationships. The episode outlines practical steps for businesses to reassess their pricing strategies, segment their customers, and reevaluate contracts to align better with market demands and customer needs. Neeta advises companies to undertake these actions sooner rather than later, especially if they find themselves in a bad revenue sinkhole, to achieve a more sustainable and profitable business model.Highlights:00:13 Defining Bad Revenue and Its Signals00:50 The Path to Good Revenue01:41 Breaking the Bad Revenue Cycle01:56 Strategic Framework for Revenue Recovery02:30 Deep Dive into Pricing and Segmentation04:02 Exploring Customer Value and Pricing Strategies05:01 Leveraging Customer Segmentation for Growth10:10 Raising Prices Wisely13:51 Timing and Strategy for Pricing AdjustmentsResources:LTV analysis & ideas for considerationPricing & monetization framework_Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue 
  • 32. 32 | Improving Corporate Board Performance with Matt Moscardi (Free Float Analytics, MSCI)

    26:45
    Matt Moscardi, founder of FreeFloat Analytics, breaks down the nuanced dynamics of corporate boardrooms, focusing on measuring management effectiveness for investors. FreeFloat evaluates board performance, leveraging metrics on influence and performance derived from a vast dataset covering directors and executive officers. The conversation explores key concepts like influence consolidation, the impact of diversity and inclusion on board performance, and the specific challenges associated with achieving meaningful representation in the boardroom. Matt shares insights on how high-performance companies differentiate themselves through openness to external perspectives and data-driven decision-making, concluding with advice for CEOs and boards on embracing constructive criticism and fostering a culture of genuine inclusivity for sustained organizational success.Highlights:00:22 Unveiling the Power Dynamics of Boards & Performance Metrics01:18 The Intricacies of Measuring Influence and Power in Corporate Boards04:34 Unpacking Influence Consolidation and Its Impact07:40 Exploring the Nuances of Seniority, Diversity, and Performance13:05 The Current State of Representation in Public Markets14:30 Navigating the Complexities of Diversity, Power, and Performance22:54 Strategies for High-Performance Companies and Advice for CEOs26:17 Wrapping Up and How to Stay Connected with Good Revenue_Where to find Matt:https://www.linkedin.com/in/moscardi/Where to find Neeta:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/Where to find Good Revenue:https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue Sound by RPS Audio.