Eric Berman is the Founder and Mastermind Leader of Speakeasy Mastermind, a private global community that brings experienced entrepreneurs together for collaboration, problem-solving, and business growth. He is also the Founder and CEO of Brandetize and Celebritize, companies focused on digital marketing and brand visibility for thought leaders, consumer brands, and influencers. Prior to these ventures, Eric co-founded CollegeClub.com, an early large-scale online community, where he held executive roles during its rapid growth. He also advises companies, works with venture capitalists, and hosts the Inside the Speakeasy podcast.

Strong businesses rarely win on tactics alone. What separates the companies that endure from those that stall is often something harder to quantify but easier to feel once it's missing. So what really gives entrepreneurs a lasting edge when markets shift, tools change, and competition intensifies?

Drawing on decades of entrepreneurial experience, Eric Berman explains that meaningful relationships outperform tactics in the long run. He highlights how trust, openness, and long-term alignment turn connections into compounding assets rather than transactional exchanges. The result is better decisions, faster growth, and fewer blind spots over time. He also explains how performance-based partnerships and masterminds create accountability while unlocking opportunities that rarely emerge in isolation.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Eric Berman, Founder and Mastermind Leader of Speakeasy Mastermind, to discuss the power of relationships and masterminds in business. They explore how trust-based partnerships drive growth, how masterminds evolve into scalable communities, and why long-term leverage matters more than short-term wins. Eric also shares hard-earned lessons about focus, niche selection, and building businesses through collaboration.

Rick Gardiner is the Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, a boutique performance marketing agency helping DTC e-commerce brands grow revenue through high-impact affiliate and partner programs. With over 20 years of experience, Rick has helped brands — from fast-growing startups to established names like Groupon and Home Chef — turn affiliate marketing into a scalable revenue engine. A former Division I athlete turned entrepreneur, he brings a disciplined, team-first approach and a passion for building aligned, high-value partnerships in an ever-evolving affiliate landscape.

Growing a brand isn't just about products — it's about partnerships that expand reach, influence, and revenue. Many companies struggle to use affiliate marketing and strategic collaborations effectively, leaving money and opportunities on the table. How can brands leverage these channels to grow smarter and faster?

According to Rick Gardiner, a seasoned performance marketing expert, the key is to focus on strategic, high-quality partnerships rather than quantity. He emphasizes the importance of aligning affiliate programs with content creators, influencers, and PR efforts while avoiding pitfalls such as paid search conflicts and compliance issues. By taking a relationship-driven approach, brands can drive measurable growth, stand out in crowded markets, and turn niche products into national successes. Real-world examples — from helping saturated brands gain market share to elevating smaller brands through mass media placements — show the power of thoughtful, well-executed collaborations.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rick Gardiner, Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, to discuss scaling growth through affiliate and strategic partnerships. They explore building quality partnerships, navigating compliance and tech tools, and leveraging cross-brand collaborations. Rick also shares tips for integrating affiliates into broader revenue strategies.

Cameron LiButti is the Founder and CEO of Bidview Marketing, a data-driven performance marketing agency specializing in digital media, analytics, and development. With a background in engineering consulting and years of experience leading marketing ventures and high-performing teams, Cameron built Bidview on a principle of prioritizing ROI and tailored solutions over one-size-fits-all tactics. Under his leadership, the agency focuses on intentional growth strategies that turn attention into measurable business outcomes. Beyond Bidview, he shares expertise on modern SEO and marketing through content and speaking engagements.

Search is changing faster than ever, and AI is reshaping how people find answers online. Many business owners worry that the strategies they've relied on for years are becoming obsolete. But are the fundamentals of SEO and marketing strategy really being replaced, or are they more important than ever?

SEO remains effective because search engines and AI models draw from the same trust and relevance signals, says Cameron LiButti, a data-driven digital marketing strategist. He highlights that strong websites, clear positioning, local optimization, and real authority continue to drive bottom-funnel leads, even as AI changes the front end of search. The main impact is more predictable growth for businesses that focus on fundamentals instead of chasing hype. He also emphasizes aligning strategy with market size, competition, and buyer intent. This approach prevents wasted spending and sets realistic expectations as platforms evolve.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Cameron LiButti, Founder and CEO of Bidview Marketing, to discuss why SEO and strategy still win in an AI-driven search world. They cover how AI affects search behavior, why bottom-funnel SEO remains critical, and how data-driven strategy drives measurable growth. Cameron also shares practical guidance on adapting marketing without overreacting to AI trends.