Alex Baranpuria

I work with a recruiting firm that supports founding GTM and EPD hiring for some of the most desirable early-stage startups in SF and NY. One consistent theme we see across nearly every founding GTM search these days? The call for “wildly creative growth hacker types.” I’ve become increasingly intrigued by how this description has evolved across industries with diverse revenue models, especially as shifting titles and scopes blur the lines between sales and marketing, and AI augmentation reshapes growth strategies. To explore the nuances of what it means to be a sought-after "wildly creative growth hacker," I’ve been closely following our searches and also recently had the privilege of connecting with taylor desseyn. Taylor is well-known in tech for his community-focused approach to developer engagement. He generously shared his insights on excelling in a role where creativity and a growth-hacker mindset are not just desirable, but essential. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation that stood out to me: 🌟 Fearless experimentation: He operates without the barrier of fear because he knows some of his approaches will be novel or seen as unconventional. 📊 Data-driven agility: While he’s incredibly data-driven, he prioritizes rapid A/B testing, failing fast, and new learnings over perfect reporting. 💡 Emphasis on providing value: He values deeply valuable content for niche audiences over chasing viral moments. 🤝 Community-first focus: Most importantly, and especially in today’s world, he prioritizes building genuine relationships, supportive communities, and in-person connection over all else. Thank you, Taylor, for sharing your thoughtful perspectives on what it takes to succeed as a growth leader today. You've set the bar high! The last point is a theme I’ve heard echoed time and again. I’m curious — how do others envision the 'creative growth hacker' role evolving, both now and in the months ahead?

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Startup conference season is just around the corner! Join me, my fellow panelists, Startup Boston, and the City of Boston TOMORROW September 4th to discover how YOU can master the art of networking at these amazing events this fall. I’ll be answering key questions like: - How do you best prepare for a startup conference? - What’s the right move when you walk into a room full of people you don’t know? - How to handle a conversation that might not be the best fit? - Top networking tips for post-conference follow-up? In just 60 minutes, you'll be ready to dominate the startup scene. Don’t miss out! 

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TA Tech Business NewZ Curated Intel from the Talent Tech Industry April 22-28, 2024: • Evolving the job board industry: Getin.AI launches as career hub for those in AI & related fields; • Making it easier for job seekers: U.S. Federal Trade Commission bans almost all noncompetes; • Plussing up the solution: TA platform Daxtra acquires candidate communications hub PivotCX; • Accelerating growth in recruitment marketing: Hire Value Inc. adds Serge Boudreau to the team; • Making managers nervous: Survey finds AI stoking fear of wage declines and job loss for bosses. PLUS Seats are going fast at TAtech North America & The World Job Board Forum. Avoid FOMO, register right now for the only conference in the North American market that is specifically designed both for job board and talent technology company CEOs, their direct reports and rising stars and to accelerate the bottom-line growth of their enterprises. Why the rush? Because the conference will be held June 4-6, 2024 at The International Spy Museum which has a limited seating capacity. So, register today and accelerate the success your company achieves, today, tomorrow and into the future! https://lnkd.in/ejj6FWfR

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Another great Boston Generative AI meetup with Judah Phillips. He assembled a great panel Clement Cazalot from Machinery Partner, Patricia Geli from C10 Labs, Jeff Catlin from InMoment, Nathan Treloar from Orbita Questions and Answers included Healthcare and biotech using generative AI and the challenges East Coast vs West in the AI race: which cost is better to live and work in? How Massachusetts is working with the government to be an AI leader. A vital answer from the panelists for AI startups is that it is essential to build abstract layers as generative #AI models are constantly changing rapidly. You never want to be locked into one model. The best statement came from the last meetup when a panelist stated, "We are in the first inning of the AI game." What we see today will be vastly different one year from now. #WSIWorld #generativeAI

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Recent New York Business Intelligence & Market Research Hiring Trends 🗽 New York's data-driven landscape is evolving rapidly, with notable shifts in Business Intelligence and Market Research hiring. Here's what you need to know: - Increased Demand: Businesses in NYC are actively seeking BI and Market Research professionals to harness data insights for strategic decision-making. - Tech Integration: The integration of advanced analytics tools is driving the need for skilled professionals to interpret complex data sets effectively. - Remote Work Adaptation: With the rise of remote work, companies are prioritizing candidates who can excel in virtual environments and collaborate seamlessly. - Specialized Skillsets: Employers are seeking candidates with expertise in data visualization, predictive analytics, and market trends analysis. - Competitive Salaries: In response to the high demand, salaries are competitive, offering lucrative opportunities for top talent in the field. Looking to explore new opportunities in Business Intelligence or Market Research in New York? Connect with Aspire for personalized career guidance and access to top-tier positions. Visit us.weareaspire.com to kickstart your next career move. 🚀 #NewYorkJobs #BusinessIntelligence #MarketResearch Remember, staying informed on industry trends is key to navigating the job market successfully. Stay tuned for more updates and insights! #CareerDevelopment #DataAnalysis #NYCHiring"

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🎧 From Corporate Hustle to Authentic Leadership: Lessons from Jack Sharry on the Midlife Remix 🚀 In this episode of Midlife Remix, I sat down with Jack Sharry, the Chief Growth Officer at LifeYield and a professor at Babson College, to discuss his remarkable journey in leadership, mentorship, and creating meaningful change. Jack's insights on navigating midlife transitions, building authentic connections, and redefining success perfectly complement the themes of this podcast. Episode Highlights: - The Mentor-Peer-Mentee Model - Authenticity as a Superpower - Listening for Growth Redefining Success in Midlife: Jack reflects on the importance of contribution and building a life that aligns with your values rather than chasing titles or accolades. Your Midlife Remix Challenge: Could you identify one mentor, peer, and mentee to connect with this week? This simple step can create ripple effects in your life and career. 🎧 Catch the full episode here https://lnkd.in/eP22QgN6. I’d love to hear what you think! Who’s made the biggest impact on your growth journey? Let’s start the conversation below! ⬇️ #MidlifeRemix #Podcast #Leadership #Mentorship #Authenticity #LifelongLearning #Networking #MidlifeJourney #MidlifeMatters #MidlifeTransformation #MidlifeEmpowerment #LifeAfter40 #LifeAfter50 #MidlifeReinvention #MidlifeSuccess #MidlifeReset #MidlifeWellness

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Networking in New York is crucial for sales professionals in Business Intelligence and Market Research. Personal connections can open doors to opportunities and insights that may not be accessible otherwise. Whether attending industry events, engaging on social platforms, or joining professional organizations, building a strong network is key to staying ahead in this competitive field. 🌟 Sharing experiences and learning from others in similar roles can provide valuable perspectives and strategies for success. Networking allows sales professionals to stay current with industry trends and developments, ultimately enhancing their expertise and credibility. 🚀 In a bustling hub like New York, networking can lead to collaborations, partnerships, or job openings that might not be advertised. The power of connections in this dynamic city cannot be understated, as it can catalyze career growth and open new avenues for professional advancement. Let's connect and share insights on navigating the Business Intelligence and Market Research landscape in the Big Apple! 🍎 #NYCBusinessNetworking #SalesProfessionals #MarketResearchInsights

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To SMRI international collaborators and industry leaders/advocates: As discussed, the U.S. remains the hardest market to break into, yet it sets the global standard as many have seen and have said “ We finally opened the door in DC “ with support from verified entities. I’m encouraged by the positive responses. Here in the USA, our mission at SMRI is to demonstrate that “We Do Care” about the Social Media User. While the current climate may seem negative from the outside, we’re working to change that narrative to positive, at the tables we sit at and rooms we’re in. We are the sign of hope people are seeking in the tech industry unconventional, yet strategically focused and very mindful of the foundation we’re building for the next 15 years. Thank you for recognizing the vision and future oriented mindset behind our work. We’re in the first 24/ 25 years of Social Media Industry’s influence, and change is on the horizon, this is a global and national effort. SMRI is facilitating the balance no one thought possible, one engagement at a time.

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Attending #NYTechWeek was a fantastic experience. Here are some of the highlights: Networking with Founders and Funders: Had a fantastic morning breakfast hosted by Republic where I got to connect with folks building incredible companies. There were some amazing founders in the room with huge missions and I'm excited to see them build. Eye-Opening Panel on Delegation: Went to a panel hosted by Double about why founders struggle to delegate (didn't think I needed this advice, but turns out I did). Hearing the panelists' experiences gave me great food for thought on how I'm spending my own time, what pieces of my daily work can be delegated, and how to improve some of our processes here at Worth Search. But honestly, the best part was the optimism buzzing around the NY Tech ecosystem. So many talented people with incredible ideas. It was awesome to get out of the office (aka my house) and meet some of these folks. Proud to be a small part of the NY Tech community for over a decade! What were some of your favorite moments from #NYTechWeek? Curious to hear more about people's experiences and also from anyone who hosted an event. Did you all find value in hosting?

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Prerna Singh and I are bringing another breakfast to Fabrik next Wednesday, October 30th. Join us if you're looking for an authentic conversation with other local Product Leaders ... just ask former attendees :) ⤵️ "I love these breakfasts because they bring together open, insightful and creative leaders in the market to discuss timely and relevant topics in a curated, inclusive, and very interactive way. Jori and Prerna do an impeccable job prepping and facilitating which results in meaningful discussion. You can tell everyone is engaged because we get to hear from almost everyone on each topic (also a testament to Jori and Prerna's facilitation skills). I always leave with a new insight into the market or idea on how I could be applying a learning to myself or my business." https://lu.ma/ri1m9s8l

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🎤 📣 Jenelle Tortorella Kelly is a masterful communicator & former broadcaster, post sales leader, and competitor who has turned a passion for helping people into building and leading customer facing functions 📣🎤 It's W8 / Q4 / 2024 and this week in our MGMT Boston up & coming operator series we’ve got Jenelle,  who tell the stories of enterprises through her teams VP of Customer Success at SmarterX, a data company giving retailers and brands the data they need to sell regulated consumer products. Her responsibilities include owning the customer experience and all revenue, from new logo acquisition, to expansion and retention metrics for a high-performing global CS & post sales team of 20. This is her first role reporting into the CEO; with that responsibility comes board exposure and having to navigate helping teams on the ground floor, while maintaining the 10,000 foot view. 🗣 Clear Communication 🗣 My communication skills have carried me in my career. I champion a direct and clear communication style, where I try to always lead with empathy. I’ve found a “pyramid” approach to communication works well in both a team setting and for executive communication. What I mean by that is to start at the top of the pyramid – clearly articulate the core message and most critical information upfront. Then, layer in detailed context and supporting data as needed. This strategy not only facilitates efficient decision-making but instills confidence that you’re fluent in the subject matter and can go deeper as needed. When communicating, I also like to “hit all the bases” of communication style and preferences – so I like to talk through critical topics live and then follow up in writing. Remember reiteration is important as it highlights key points and ensures comprehension across all levels. 3 Career Insights / Learnings 🏄‍♀️ Embrace Change "I believe that action always trumps inaction because waiting for perfect conditions often means missing out on important opportunities. This approach also means making the best possible decisions with the information you have at the moment and understanding that progress comes through taking risks" 🙋‍♀️ You Are Your Best Advocate - I’ve taken to heart the advice that you must be your strongest advocate. While mentors and champions are invaluable in providing guidance and opening doors, it’s equally important to step up and make yourself heard. That often means raising your hand, taking initiative, and asking for what you need and backing up your requests with solid data" 💪 Perspective Is Earned - "Perspective comes from experience and reflection—it’s something we build over time. I remind myself of this daily, using it as a guide to stay open to change and to advocate effectively...it enables me to see the bigger picture, empathize with others’ points of view, and make well-informed decisions." Go ahead and sign up for the newsletter to see the operator learnings we bring you in the weeks ahead!

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"If you need to be told what to do, don't buy a company-" This is just one of many unfiltered insights from my chat with M&A expert Chelsea Wood. Join us for this profound & unapologetic discussion on The Expertise Economy. Thinking about acquiring a business? Before you do, ask yourself this: When faced with a challenge, do you wait for instructions or take action? According to Chelsea, your answer could make or break your success as a business owner. "If you're somebody that's always just figured stuff out and you'll be fine, then you'll be fine as a business owner too." But if you're not? "Don't buy a company," she warns. Whether you're actively looking to buy or just curious about this wealth-building strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now. It might just change your entrepreneurial trajectory. #TheExpertiseEconomy #MandA #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding

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Here are the [lightly edited] slides from my talk at Columbia Business School. In this, I trace a history of business across media and commerce. I attempt to show that all massive growth was as a result of distribution alpha. And the end of that alpha killed most of the businesses in that space. There's a throwaway line about how DTC and Buzzfeed are in the same business. (Please don't be mad.) Conclusions are simple: ✅ Distribution is the rate-limiting factor for most outsized returns. ✅ All good things come to an end... Remember that when you're surfing a wave. ✅ And remember to align your capital structure with the business you're building (or assessing). Thanks ⚡️ Paul Canetti for the invite. https://lnkd.in/gpCkQCKM

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Interested in Karen A Chiang and Rashaqa Rahman's upcoming master class with PeakSpan Capital? Take the time to view their previous webinar. Maximizing Value – The Art of Measurement The October webinar will extend this to customer engagement. PeakSpan Master Class: Measuring Value and its Impact on Customer Engagement. A critical topic for companies that want to improve NRR. https://lnkd.in/gaJ4B7VK #SaaS #B2B #valuemanagement #valuemodeling #customerengagement

Brad Vynalek, Jennifer Rupkey, and Ed Lovatt discuss the vital link between firm leadership and business development. Learn how their collaborative approach drives firm success. #LegalBusiness #Leadership #BusinessDevelopment

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𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬?   Join us for an exclusive webcast where GLG market research professionals Per-Henrik Karlsson and Shuvro Mainuddin will share invaluable strategies for understanding your customers on a deeper level, refining your product strategies, and crafting compelling marketing messages. In this interactive session, you’ll learn the importance of accurate, unbiased, and actionable VoC research, along with strategies for implementing a successful VoC program, effective customer segmentation techniques, the optimal blend of qualitative and quantitative data, and methods for ensuring your research resonates with stakeholders and drives actionable results.   Register now to secure your spot! https://ter.li/3y6wah #GLG #APAC #ComplimentaryWebcast #VoiceofCustomer #CustomerInsights #GLGResearch #Webcast

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I’m thrilled to announce that Technology for Families In Need has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize! Please keep your fingers crossed for us, the winner will be announced early next year. In an age where #technology and #AI are transforming lives, it’s shocking that 24% of low-income households in the U.S. still don't have a computer at home. This stat from the 2021 Pew Research Center report shows the urgency of our mission. At TechFIN, we’re committed to closing the #digitaldivide, and the need for our work has never been greater. Curious to learn more about how we’re tackling this challenge? Want to know how you can help close the digital divide? Visit us at tech-fin.org. #TechFIN #DigitalEquity #NonProfitImpact

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Excited to announce that I'll be moderating an insightful webinar for the Association of Entrepreneurs Botswana on the 28th of August! Join us as Mrs. Nonofo Jesse from Focal Point Human Solutions delves into the crucial topic of HR for Entrepreneurs. Human capital is the backbone of any successful venture, and understanding how to effectively manage it is key to entrepreneurial success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights! #Entrepreneurship #HumanCapital #Webinar #BotswanaEntrepreneurs

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