Episode Overview

In today’s episode of the Growth Gurus Podcast, host Barnes Lam sits down with Conor McGowan, a growth-focused telecom leader who’s transforming how connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity work in the world’s most underserved regions. From the Caribbean to Alaska, Conor is on a mission to simplify enterprise tech for non-technical buyers, while staying technically excellent under the hood.

We explore how Brava Solutions is scaling across complex regulatory environments, why AI isn’t optional for modern business, and what it takes to align big innovation with local relevance. Plus, Conor shares why asking “What’s the truth?” is the question every executive should lead with.

What You’ll Learn

• Leadership Across Borders: How Conor’s early experiences at Vodafone shaped his global outlook and grounded leadership style.

• Brava’s Bold Vision: The strategy behind merging five companies into one premium ICT provider—and what it took to scale.

• Localized Innovation: Why product-market fit in emerging markets requires empathy, local talent, and custom engineering.

• AI in Action: How Conor is implementing AI to automate internal processes and unlock public sector transformation.

• Cybersecurity as an Anchor: Why security isn’t just a checkbox, but a core pillar of Brava’s value proposition.

• Vendor Selection Real Talk: What makes or breaks a tech partnership—beyond the glossy brochures.

• Talent & Legacy: Conor’s approach to growing cybersecurity talent from the ground up and the legacy he hopes to leave.

Guest Bio: Conor McGowan

Conor McGowan is the CEO of Brava Solutions, a next-generation ICT and telecom provider serving underserved regions such as Bermuda, Latin America, Alaska, and the Caribbean. With a career spanning Vodafone, Digicel, and ATN, Conor has built a reputation for turning complex infrastructure plays into customer-centric growth engines.

Outside of Brava, he’s also the founder of Galoras, an AI-powered coaching platform on a mission to democratize mentorship and personal growth. A firm believer in local talent, strategic clarity, and meaningful innovation, Conor brings a grounded and global perspective to leading in the AI era.

Connect with Conor McGowan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makesthingshappen/

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Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of Growth Gurus, host Barnes-Lam sits down with Cassandra Anderson, Vice President of Revenue Operations at DRIPS—a pioneer in conversational outreach powered by SMS, voice, and AI. Cassandra brings an integrator’s mindset to RevOps, aligning sales, marketing, and customer success under a unified revenue engine that drives impact without the noise.

With wisdom drawn from years of leadership across IT, sales, and strategy, Cassandra shares hard-earned lessons on data ethics, building authentic demand in crowded markets, and fostering collaboration through curiosity and service. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just learning the ropes of RevOps, this episode is a roadmap for operational excellence and people-first growth.

What You’ll Learn

• RevOps as a Strategic Enabler: Cassandra’s unorthodox North Star—removing obstacles in the way of value creation, not just sales.
• Busting Myths About RevOps: Why it’s more than tech stacks and dashboards—and how to position it as a critical voice in executive strategy.
• Building Demand in a Noisy Market: Why asking the right question cuts through the noise better than shouting louder.
• The Role of Data Ethics in Decision Making: Learn why clean interpretation beats complex dashboards—and how fact over feelings drives real action.
• Aligning Teams with Shared KPIs: Cassandra’s approach to creating pipeline-focused unity across marketing, sales, and customer success.
• DRIPS in Action: How their AI-powered outreach achieved 20%+ survey completion in healthcare—10x industry benchmarks.
• Automation vs. Personalization: How to strike the right balance using tools like ZoomInfo Copilot and NLP-driven intent recognition.
• Leadership Through Service: Insights from Cassandra’s involvement in Rev Genius, ZoomInfo Champions, and public health NGOs.
• The Infinite Game: Why legacy, learning, and generosity are at the heart of Cassandra’s leadership philosophy.
• Top Career Tips: Boldness, curiosity, and collective success as the pillars of long-term achievement.

Guest Bio: Cassa Anderson

Cassandra Anderson is the VP of Revenue Operations at DRIPS, a company redefining outreach by enabling brands to engage consumers via human-like, intent-aware conversations through text, voice, and AI. A former technical leader turned RevOps strategist, Cassandra excels at aligning go-to-market functions and building scalable systems rooted in data, empathy, and sustainable impact.

Beyond DRIPS, Cassandra is a mentor, thought leader, and active contributor to communities like Rev Genius and ZoomInfo Champions. She serves on the boards of HEAL International and her local middle school’s boosters club, championing both global and grassroots health initiatives. Her motto? “Together we win.”

Connect with Cassa Anderson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecassandraexperience/

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Episode Overview

In this week’s episode of Growth Gurus, host Barnes Lam welcomes Vince Fassbender, a seasoned executive and global strategist who has helped scale companies across APAC, the Americas, and Europe. Vince shares a compelling journey of cross-cultural leadership, business turnarounds, and the secrets behind sustainable growth in today’s global marketplace.

From building teams with true ownership to navigating the red tape of international expansion, Vince unpacks the mindset, mechanics, and missteps that define high-growth ventures. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling globally, this episode offers practical lessons and timeless inspiration.

What You’ll Learn

• Scaling Across Borders: Why understanding culture goes beyond language and food—and how global perspective shapes business outcomes.
• Building Committed Teams: How equity, trust, and clear incentives drive engagement and performance from day one.
• Staying Strategic Under Pressure: Why chasing trends can sabotage growth, and how to stay focused through chaos.
• Leadership That Connects: The art of earning trust, embracing humility, and adapting leadership styles across cultures.
• Market Entry Mistakes to Avoid: Vince’s insider tips for launching in Europe, Asia, and beyond—without losing your mind (or your margins).
• Talent That Translates: What to look for in your first international hire—and why cultural fluency matters more than titles.

Guest Bio: Vince (Vincent) Fassbender

Vince Fassbender is a global executive, strategic advisor, and change leader known for helping early-stage startups and mature companies navigate complex growth challenges. With professional roots in Germany and an international career spanning Silicon Valley, Taiwan, and beyond, Vince blends technical knowledge with human insight to build high-performing teams across industries and continents.

Fluent in Mandarin, German, and English, Vince has worked in sectors ranging from semiconductors to thermal imaging and is passionate about bridging cultural gaps in business. He currently advises companies on go-to-market strategy, turnaround operations, and international expansion—always with a deep commitment to people, purpose, and performance.

Connect with Vince Fassbender:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentfassbender/

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