Growth Strategy with Alyssa Evans

Building something meaningful takes more than hustle, it takes infrastructure. Join Alyssa Evans, growth strategist and founder of Drive Growth Partners, for real conversations with entrepreneurs who are doing the work: the dreamers turning ideas into reality, the founders scaling past their first wins, and the builders who refuse to choose between growth and integrity. Each episode, Alyssa hangs out with entrepreneurs at every stage, from "I have an idea" to "we just hit 7 figures", to talk about what's really happening in their business, what's working, what's breaking, and what they're learning along the way. Then she breaks down one critical growth strategy, system, or framework that helps you build something that lasts. Because here's the truth: Your early wins proved you're onto something. Now it's time to build the infrastructure that makes it sustainable. Whether you're: - Thinking about starting something - Making your first sales - Scaling past early traction - Rebuilding after hitting a wall You'll leave every episode with: ✓ Real stories from people building in the trenches ✓ Actionable systems you can implement today ✓ The confidence that you're not alone in this ✓ A roadmap for doing growth the right way Systems over chaos. Strategy over hustle. Infrastructure over hope. Let's build something that matters.

Scams, AI Threats & IT Security with Lori Crooks 04/27/2026

Scams, AI Threats & IT Security with Lori Crooks Cybersecurity isn't just an IT problem anymore — it's a business problem, a consumer problem, and honestly, a people problem. In this episode, we sit down with Lori Crooks, Founder and CEO of Cadra, Inc., a security assessment and management firm helping organizations navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of information security. With nearly two decades of experience across NIST, FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI, and SOC compliance frameworks, Lori has seen it all — from enterprise-level data breaches to the everyday scams that are catching regular people completely off guard. We get into the compliance side that B2B founders and marketing leaders need to understand, the AI-powered threats that are making scams smarter and harder to spot, and the practical steps anyone can take right now to better protect themselves and their business. This is one of those episodes that hits different whether you're a six-figure founder or just someone who got a sketchy text last week. In this episode we cover: What's actually changed in cybersecurity with the rise of AI The most common scams targeting everyday consumers right now Why third-party tools in your tech stack are a bigger risk than you think How to know when your business needs a real security strategy What FedRAMP and NIST compliance actually mean for growing companies The one thing you can do this week to meaningfully improve your security posture CONNECT WITH LORI Website: cadra.com LinkedIn: Lori Crooks FAQ What is cybersecurity and why does it matter for small businesses? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. For small and growing businesses, a single breach can mean lost revenue, lost client trust, and serious legal liability — especially if you handle any sensitive customer data. What is FedRAMP and do I need it? FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a government-wide compliance framework for cloud service providers working with federal agencies. If you're trying to land government contracts or sell into enterprise, understanding FedRAMP is a non-negotiable starting point. What is NIST and how does it apply to my business? NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) publishes cybersecurity frameworks that serve as the gold standard for security best practices. Even if you're not in a regulated industry, NIST frameworks give you a solid roadmap for building a security-first culture. How is AI making scams more dangerous? AI is allowing bad actors to create highly personalized phishing emails, deepfake voice calls, and fake websites that are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. The days of spotting a scam by its bad grammar are largely over. What are the most common scams targeting consumers right now? Phishing emails, smishing (SMS scams), fake invoice fraud, AI voice cloning scams, and social media impersonation are among the most prevalent — and they're getting more sophisticated every year. How do I know if my SaaS tools are putting my business at risk? Start by auditing every third-party tool that has access to your data. Ask vendors for their security documentation, SOC 2 reports, or compliance certifications. If they can't produce them, that's a red flag. What's the difference between a security assessment and a compliance audit? A security assessment evaluates the overall health and risk exposure of your systems. A compliance audit measures whether you meet a specific standard (like HIPAA or PCI DSS). You often need both — assessment first, then audit. Where can I learn more about working with Lori or Cadra? Head to cadra.com or connect with Lori directly on LinkedIn. /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40766950

Consulting to Fashion with Sabrina Rohde 04/09/2026

Your Brain on Marketing: The Behavioral Psychology Behind Why Humans Buy 03/31/2026

Games, Memory, and Building with Purpose with Sharon Wood 03/26/2026

Games, Memory, and Building with Purpose with Sharon Wood Sharon Wood launched the very first Grand Theft Auto. She put video games on 150 million packages of Fritos. She built games for Burger King. By every measure, she had already won. And then she walked away from all of it to build something that actually keeps her up at night — in the best way. Happy People Games uses neuroscience and digital play to help seniors access dormant memories, reduce isolation, and connect with the people they love — even when they can't remember their names. It's science-backed, joy-first, and quietly changing lives in memory care centers and living rooms across the country. We talk about what it really means to pivot from corporate success to purpose-driven impact, what most people get completely wrong about aging and connection, and why the best strategy she ever backed into was the one that found her. If you've ever loved someone with memory loss — or if you've ever wondered what it looks like to build something that truly matters — this one is for you. What We Cover: → How Sharon went from Grand Theft Auto and Fritos to building science-backed games for seniors → What "serious games" actually are and why the NIH is funding them → How neuroscience and dormant memory work — and why reminiscing is more powerful than we think → The gap in the market she saw that nobody else was filling → What most people get wrong about aging, loneliness, and connection → How her two apps — Timeless Tunes and Still Frames — work and who they're for → What it takes to walk away from corporate success and build something mission-driven → Why the best strategies are sometimes the ones you back into Key Takeaways: → Games aren't passive — they're experiential. That's what makes them powerful tools for memory and connection → 51% of game players are female — the market most people overlook is actually the majority → Dormant memories are the ones that stick around the longest — and the right trigger can bring them back → Joy is a strategy. Helping someone feel capable and connected isn't soft — it's science → The best pivot isn't always planned. Sometimes the idea finds you when you're ready for it → It doesn't matter if they remember your name. What matters is the joy they carry with them FAQ: What is Happy People Games? Happy People Games is a company founded by Sharon Wood that uses video game strategies and behavioral science to address serious social issues. Under it sits Happy People Forever, which creates memory care games specifically designed for seniors — helping them access dormant memories, reduce isolation, and connect with family. What are the apps and how do they work? Sharon has two apps currently available — Timeless Tunes, a music-based memory game that uses song clues to spark memories from the past, and Still Frames, which allows seniors to share photos and memories with family members. Both can be used in clinical settings like memory care centers or directly by families at home. Are these games only for people with dementia or Alzheimer's? No — while they are designed with memory care in mind, they are cross-generational and can be used by anyone who wants to exercise their memory, stay connected with loved ones, or simply have fun. As Sharon's grandson proved — you don't have to have lived the music to enjoy playing. Where can I find Happy People Games? Head to happypeopleforever.com — the links to both apps and all products are there. Is there science behind this? Yes. Sharon worked directly with researchers and psychologists to build these games, and the NIH has been actively funding serious games for population health improvement. The games are designed to stimulate dormant memories, elevate mood, improve social connection, and help seniors avoid geriatric depression. How is this different from other memory games or apps? Most memory games are clinical or feel like homework. Happy People Games leads with joy — the science is there, but it doesn't feel sciency. The goal is connection and fun first, with the therapeutic benefit built into the experience. Resources: → Explore Happy People Games: happypeopleforever.com → Full show notes: growyourstrategy.co → Book a private 90-Day Strategy Session with Alyssa: growyourstrategy.co → Join the Growth Strategy Community on Substack → Follow @growyourstrategy on social /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40599215

Paid Ads, Scroll Stoppers & Finding Your People with Kathie Feng 03/19/2026

AI Isn't Replacing Marketing - It's Exposing Which Brands Did the Work 03/16/2026

AI Isn't Replacing Marketing - It's Exposing Which Brands Did the Work Is AI coming for your marketing job? That’s the wrong question — and this episode breaks down what’s actually happening. In Part 1 of this 3-part solo series, host Alyssa Evans explores what AI is really shedding light on in the marketing world. With a background in behavioral psychology and over 15 years in the industry, Alyssa shares her firsthand observations on why AI isn’t replacing marketers — it’s exposing which brands were built on real foundations and which ones were built on surface-level activity. This episode covers the growing divide between brands built with a heart and soul versus brands built to be transactional, why purpose-driven marketing is becoming more resonant than ever, and how AI amplifies whatever foundation you’ve already built — for better or worse. If you’re a founder, marketer, or entrepreneur wondering whether your brand is built to last in the AI era, this is the episode to start with. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What AI is actually revealing about marketing foundations • The difference between brands built with purpose vs. brands built for transactions • Why a psychology background changes everything about how you approach marketing • What the current market trends are telling us about authenticity and brand trust • The foundational questions every brand needs to answer before creating more content This is Part 1 of 3. Part 2 dives into the neuroscience behind why humans buy. Part 3 goes back to the marketing textbook and the Steve Jobs case study. Resources: • Full show notes: growyourstrategy.co • Be first to know about Strategy OS: growyourstrategy.co • Book a 90-Day Strategy Session: growyourstrategy.co • Join the Growth Strategy Community on Substack Connect with Alyssa: • Instagram: @growyourstrategy • LinkedIn: Alyssa Evans • Website: growyourstrategy.co /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40420200

Delegation for Leaders Who Can't Let Go with Renee Hastings 03/12/2026

Delegation for Leaders Who Can't Let Go with Renee Hastings What does it look like to build a business when no one built the path before you? In this episode of the Growth Strategy Podcast, host Alyssa Evans sits down with Renee Hastings - President and CEO of Executive Help Now, former Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Coach, and NBC-featured entrepreneur - to talk about delegation, faith, and building success entirely on your own terms. Executive Help Now is a virtual assistance agency that helps executives, entrepreneurs, and multi-million dollar nonprofits reclaim their time and focus on growth. Renee founded the company in 2014 after a career in corporate leadership, and she has become a sought-after voice on strategic delegation and sustainable business growth. What is delegation resistance, and why does it hold entrepreneurs back? Delegation resistance is rooted in fear - fear of losing control, fear that no one else can do it the way you do. Renee breaks down how to identify it, move past it, and build a team that actually accelerates your growth. Why is hiring a virtual assistant a growth strategy, not just support? When you hire the right VA and let them operate in their gifts, they become a strategic growth partner - not support staff. Renee explains what that actually looks like in practice. What does building success on your own terms really mean? Renee decided at thirteen years old - granddaughter of a sharecropper, surrounded by statistics designed to limit her - that none of it was going to write her story. She graduated high school at sixteen, built a career in corporate, and launched Executive Help Now without sacrificing her faith, her marriage, or her joy. Key insights from this conversation: No business ever grew to magnificent size on the back of one person The people who succeed aren't always the ones with the most resources - they're the ones who refuse to quit Letting people operate in their gifts is a growth strategy, not a management preference Your VA is a strategic growth partner when you hire right About Renee Hastings Renee Hastings is the President and CEO of Executive Help Now (executivehelpnow.org), a virtual assistance agency serving executives, entrepreneurs, and multi-million dollar organizations. She is a former Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Coach, former VP of Public Relations for Toastmasters where she grew membership 50% in two years, and a recognized voice on delegation and sustainable growth. Connect with Renee: executivehelpnow.org | Watch "Renee Speaks" on YouTube | Text "VA Now" to 1-866-943-3951 for her free VA hiring guide. About the Growth Strategy Podcast Hosted by Alyssa Evans of Grow Your Strategy (growyourstrategy.co), the Growth Strategy Podcast covers marketing strategy, ethical AI, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business growth for founders who refuse to compromise. Book a 90-Day Strategy Session at growyourstrategy.co - a private one-hour strategy call, personalized 90-day marketing roadmap, and 90-day access to the private community for $499. /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40360140

Turn Passion Into Profit with Ali Raymer | Travel Advisor | Growth Strategy 03/06/2026

Turn Passion Into Profit with Ali Raymer | Travel Advisor | Growth Strategy This week I'm sitting down with travel entrepreneur and former high school English teacher Ali Raymer and this conversation is for anyone who's ever wondered if their passion is "enough" to build a real business around. Spoiler: it is. But only if you know how to tell the story. Ali built her travel brand from the ground up, survived a global pandemic that shut down her entire industry, and came out the other side with a client-trusted business that runs on authenticity, personal connection, and the kind of bespoke experiences that turn one-time clients into loyal fans. Her journey is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose and proof that your story is your greatest competitive advantage. What We Cover: How Allie transitioned from classroom teacher to sought-after travel curator Why the intimate, personal details are what actually close the sale The mindset shifts that kept her business alive during the pandemic How to build a brand in a saturated market when trust is everything Creating bespoke client experiences that generate real loyalty Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship without losing yourself in the process Key Takeaways: → Your passion is not a hobby, it's a blueprint. Trust it. → Authenticity isn't just a buzzword. It's a business strategy. → Trust and connection are everything when you're selling something personal → Pivoting with purpose means leaning into your story, not running from it → You don't need a perfect market. You need a clear point of view. If you've been sitting on a passion project or feeling stuck in a crowded space, Ali's story will reignite your confidence and give you a concrete path forward. Resources: Full show notes and links: growyourstrategy.co Join the Growth Strategy Community: growyourstrategy.co — monthly strategy calls, interactive conversations, and peer support for founders and creators building something meaningful. /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40236120

Marketing Is Not One Size Fits All 03/04/2026

Marketing Is Not One Size Fits All Marketing advice has become its own hamster wheel. Every tool has a must-have funnel. Every platform has a strategy you're supposed to follow. And every guru is selling you a system that worked great... for their business. The problem? Your business isn't their business. And it never will be. Because here's the truth: marketing is not one size fits all. It never has been. And the reason so many smart, capable, experienced brand builders feel like they're failing at marketing isn't because they're bad at it — it's because they're using somebody else's map to navigate their own territory. In this episode I'm breaking down what actually gets in the way of real growth, what you should be doing instead, and why community and conversation are the missing pieces nobody talks about enough. What We Cover: Why marketing is not one size fits all — and why that's actually good news The two things entrepreneurs get wrong with strategy (and how both can tank your business) Why you need to audit before you build anything new How to set 12-month goals and reverse engineer them into an actual plan Why staying adaptable is more important than having the perfect strategy The isolation problem in entrepreneurship and why community changes everything Key Takeaways: → Tactics without strategy are just activity — you need a framework that connects everything → Growth is not linear, and everything is a hypothesis until the data tells you otherwise → Don't pivot before you've given it enough time to grow — let the data speak first → You are not doing things wrong, you're just using the wrong map → The entrepreneurs who grow fastest aren't the most informed — they have the right people around them If you've been consuming all the content, trying all the things, and still feeling like nothing is clicking — this episode is for you. You don't need more advice. You need a strategy built around YOUR business. Resources: Full show notes and links: growyourstrategy.co Join the Growth Strategy Community: growyourstrategy.co — monthly group strategy calls, real conversations, cross-promotion opportunities, and peer support for brand builders who are done figuring it out alone. /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40319745

Small Steps, Big Results: How Dr. Christiane Schroeter Built a Business Without Burning Out 02/27/2026

Small Steps, Big Results: How Dr. Christiane Schroeter Built a Business Without Burning Out What if the secret to growing your business wasn’t working harder — but working smaller? In this episode of Growth Strategy, Alyssa sits down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter, TEDx speaker, university professor, bestselling author, and host of the globally Top 1% ranked podcast Happy Healthy Hustle. Dr. Christiane is the creator of the Petite Practice™ framework — a proven growth strategy built on small, intentional actions that create lasting results without burnout. She moved from Germany to the U.S. on a Fulbright Scholarship, built a thriving academic career, launched two bestselling books, and has guided over 2,500 entrepreneurs to reach their goals — all through the power of consistent, small steps. This conversation is for every entrepreneur, founder, and female business owner who has ever felt like they need to do more, be more, or hustle harder to get ahead. Spoiler: you don’t. What We Cover in This Episode The Petite Practice™ Method: Why small, consistent actions beat big, overwhelming goals every single time Growth strategy for entrepreneurs: How to build momentum without losing your mind or your margins Burnout and sustainable business growth: What Dr. Christiane learned after watching too many high achievers crash Confidence vs. clarity: Which one you actually need to work on first as a business owner Marketing strategy for female entrepreneurs: How Dr. Christiane built a Top 1% podcast and bestselling books through intentional, petite steps The mindset shift that changes everything: Why progress matters more than perfection — always Personal branding and visibility: How to go from invisible to invincible without burning yourself out What high achievers get wrong: The painful pattern she sees in entrepreneurs who are doing everything right but still feel stuck Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Business Owners Small steps done consistently will always outperform big bursts of effort that aren’t sustainable You don’t need a perfect plan to start — you need a petite practice and the discipline to repeat it Burnout is not a badge of honor. Sustainable growth is the real growth strategy Confidence is built through action, not preparation — start before you feel ready Your marketing strategy doesn’t need to be complex. It needs to be consistent Community and accountability are growth tools, not nice-to-haves About Dr. Christiane Schroeter Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a TEDx speaker, business and wellness coach, professor, and bestselling author. She holds a PhD in Health Economics and has spent over 20 years teaching marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She is the creator of the Petite Practice™ framework and the host of the globally Top 1% ranked podcast Happy Healthy Hustle. She has guided over 2,500 entrepreneurs to achieve their goals through small, strategic action — and she does it all without the hustle culture that burns most people out. Connect with Dr. Christiane Website: doctorchristiane.com Podcast: Happy Healthy Hustle — available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Instagram: @doctor.christiane Books: How to Master Your Goals | Discover Your Superpower | Step into Your Voice Superpower Quiz: quiz.tryinteract.com/#/680acbb35fb6f0001547ba20 Connect with Alyssa & Growth Strategy Website: growyourstrategy.co Podcast & Show Notes: growyourstrategy.co/podcast Private Group Coaching: Book your 90-Day Strategy Session at growyourstrategy.co Substack Community: Join us at Grow Your Strategy on Substack Social Media: @growyourstrategy /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40248335

Patience is a skill 02/20/2026

Your Relationship Business Plan with Dr. Robin Buckley 02/18/2026

Your Relationship Business Plan with Dr. Robin Buckley This week I sat down with Dr. Robin Buckley — clinical psychologist, executive coach, and Amazon bestselling author of Marriage Inc. — to talk about why most couples are winging their relationships and what to do instead. Dr. Robin shares how applying business strategies to your relationship can transform how you communicate, resolve conflict, and build something lasting. We discuss the role your brain plays in emotional responses, why a simple "safe word" can change how you fight, and how creating relationship SOPs might just save your partnership. What We Cover: How to apply business principles to your relationship The role your brain plays in emotional responses and communication Why a "safe word" can transform how you handle conflict How to create SOPs and structure for your relationship logistics What it means to build a relationship plan — and why most couples never do Proactive vs reactive relationship strategies: which actually works Key Takeaways: → Treat your relationship like a business that needs structure and strategy → Your brain's emotional responses can be managed with the right tools → A "safe word" stops fights from escalating and creates space for real communication → Most couples react to problems instead of preventing them — flip that script → Relationship SOPs eliminate recurring conflicts over logistics If you're ready to stop reacting and start building something intentional with your partner, this conversation will give you the framework to make it happen. Resources: Connect with Dr. Robin Buckley: drrobinbuckley.com | Instagram: @drrobinbuckley Get Marriage Inc. on Amazon Full show notes and links: growyourstrategy.co/podcast Join the Growth Strategy Community: growyourstrategy.co — monthly strategy calls, interactive conversations, and peer support for people building meaningful projects and improving their lives. /episode/index/show/7900f781-cf84-4c21-9020-4816714b7b9d/id/40145120