**Originally published on August 23, 2023**

This episode is a listener favorite – and it’s one of mine, too. I had the opportunity to chat with the brilliant Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, bestselling author, and four-time LinkedIn Top Voice in Marketing. We covered so much in this conversation, from the evolution of B2B marketing to the rise of influencers and why brand-building matters more than ever. The insights she shares are just as relevant today as they were when we first recorded.

Should we do a follow-up episode with Shama? What should we cover? DM me, comment, or leave a review—I’d love to hear your thoughts! - Jane

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In this episode of Women in B2B Marketing, host Jane Serra sits down with Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, to discuss the evolving landscape of B2B marketing. Shama shares her journey from early social media pioneer to leading one of the top digital PR and marketing agencies. The conversation covers why B2B marketing is more complex than B2C, the importance of brand trust, and how businesses can navigate the shift from traditional sales-led models to a world driven by content, social proof, and dark social.

Shama breaks down:

• Why B2B marketing is more challenging—and rewarding—than B2C
• The biggest mistake B2B companies make when it comes to brand-building
• Why sales-led organizations struggle in today’s buying landscape
• The role of dark social, zero-click content, and modern attribution strategies
• How PR and earned media can fuel demand generation and credibility
• The rise of B2B influencer marketing and why it’s gaining momentum
• Why repetition drives revenue and how to increase brand exposure
• Personal growth: thinking bigger, taking up space, and being unapologetic in your career

Key Links:

🎙 Guest: Shama Hyder – LinkedIn | Zen Media

🎙 Host: Jane Serra – LinkedIn

Like WIB2BM? Show us some love with a rating or review today! <3

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Get ready for goosebumps! In this episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra chats with Lashay Lewis, founder of Authority Plug and a seasoned B2B expert. Lashay reflects on her solopreneur journey, discussing the evolution of her business and the valuable lessons learned. She shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of resilience, and the significance of pricing strategies. Lashay emphasizes the need for differentiation in consulting offers and the power of networking. The episode underscores the importance of community and support among women in business, encouraging listeners to connect and uplift each other in their professional journeys.

Lashay talks us through:

• Personal growth and confidence building as a solopreneur
• Overcoming rejection and resilience in business
• Facing fears and the importance of doing things despite being scared
• Understanding various business models and positioning
• The cyclical nature of opportunities and the importance of perseverance
• Practical advice for transitioning to solopreneurship
• Creating systems and processes to enhance efficiency
• How to transform negative experiences into motivation, using rejection as fuel
• The significance of sharing knowledge and expertise
• Pricing strategies for consulting services, including tiered pricing models
• Differentiation in consulting offers and creative service packages
• The role of networking and community support in business success
• Encouragement for women to support each other in their professional journeys

Key Links:

Guest: Lashay Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lashaylewis/

Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/

Talk BOFU Strategy with Lashay: https://savvycal.com/authorityplug/strategy

Like WIB2BM? Show us some love with a rating or review today! <3

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In this episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra sits down with Saima Rashid, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Analytics at 6sense. Saima shares her unique journey into B2B marketing, emphasizing the critical role of data and analytics. The discussion covers building high-performing teams, the importance of community through initiatives like CMO Coffee Talks, and strategies for scaling marketing efforts. Saima also highlights the significance of clarity, collaboration, and embracing challenges for personal and professional growth.

Saima and Jane discuss:

• Saima's unique career path and experiences in analytics and marketing.
• Identifying personal strengths and areas for improvement in leadership.
• The importance of data and analytics in marketing strategies.
• Building high-performing and engaged marketing teams.
• Creating a safe and supportive community for marketing professionals (CMO Coffee Talk).
• Challenges and strategies for scaling marketing teams.
• The significance of clarity and collaboration within organizations.
• Successful revenue generation tactics and the impact of AI on marketing efforts.
• Pivoting in response to unforeseen circumstances, especially in a dynamic marketing environment.
• Rallying teams around a mission that transcends just revenue goals.
• What makes a sponsorship successful, emphasizing pre-event planning and audience targeting.
• The role of mentorship and sponsorship in career advancement.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and recognizing personal strengths.
• The dynamic and evolving nature of the marketing industry.

Key Links:

Guest: Saima Rashid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saima-rashid/

Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/