Carrie Schroeder is the Principal, Lead Executive Coach, and Sales Strategist at Polaris Advisors, a consulting firm that helps organizations align strategy, culture, and operations to drive growth and successful transitions. With over 25 years of global experience in sales, business development, and M&A integration, she specializes in unlocking human potential and improving team performance. She is also a Co-founder and Partner at The B2B Builder, a women-led consulting firm focused on accelerating growth for purpose-driven organizations. Carrie is known for blending strategic insight with a strong focus on people, leadership, and sustainable business impact.

Matt Curts is the Principal and Lead Culture and Operations Strategist at Polaris Advisors. With over 25 years of experience across finance, leadership, and consulting, he specializes in culture diagnostics, leadership development, and operational planning. He is also a Co-founder at Switchback to Simple, where he helps organizations unlock team potential through culture-focused training and conversations. Matt is known for guiding leaders to align purpose with performance and create healthier, more resilient organizations.

Growth isn't just about strategy, systems, or scale — it's about people. Yet many leaders still treat culture as a "nice to have" instead of a core driver of performance and valuation. What if the real bottleneck in your business isn't the market, but how your people are aligned, developed, and empowered?

Carrie Schroeder and Matt Curts, seasoned operators and advisors, emphasize that people-powered growth is the foundation of sustainable scale and successful exits. They explain that businesses often suffer from an invisible "relational drag" caused by misalignment, lack of trust, and unclear communication. Carrie underscores the importance of psychological safety and self-awareness in teams, while Matt highlights the need for leadership evolution — from doing the work to developing others. Together, they show how addressing these human dynamics unlocks performance, builds resilience, and increases enterprise value. They also stress that founders must detach from day-to-day operations to create transferable, sellable businesses, reinforcing that culture and leadership are not soft skills but strategic assets.

In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger is joined by Carrie Schroeder and Matt Curts, Principals at Polaris Advisors, to discuss how culture drives scale and exit readiness. They explore founder dependency risks, leadership development gaps, the hidden cost of disengaged teams, and how to build a transferable business. Carrie and Matt also give advice on preparing early for succession and navigating the evolving M&A landscape.

Tyler Beadlescomb is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content at Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E), a leading organization that manages the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and other major live events across Indiana. Tyler oversees brand strategy, creative direction, and content innovation, guiding multi-platform marketing that strengthens fan engagement and drives organizational growth. Before joining PS&E, he held senior roles at TikTok, FOX Sports, and the Oakland Raiders, where he built high-impact digital campaigns and audience development programs. His career is defined by data-informed strategy, creative leadership, and consistent results.

A compelling story drives emotion, and emotion drives loyalty — especially in sports. But how do modern franchises turn everyday moments into powerful stories that captivate fans year-round while also using data to fuel smarter decision-making? And what happens when storytelling meets a rapidly expanding fan base?

Tyler Beadlescomb, a seasoned leader in sports marketing and content strategy, says the answer starts with putting fans at the center of everything. He explains that great storytelling comes from understanding what fans feel, need, and celebrate — then layering data on top to personalize those moments at scale. He highlights how blending creativity with analytics helps shape year-round engagement, from social content to in-arena experiences. This balanced approach not only deepens loyalty but also expands the footprint of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever brands. Tyler shares real examples of how this philosophy drives consistency, sparks innovation, and connects diverse generations of fans.

In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger sits down with Tyler Beadlescomb, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, to discuss how storytelling and data power the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever brands. They explore 365-day content strategy, the impact of player-driven narratives, and how fan behavior shapes creative decisions. Tyler also talks about the rise of global audiences and new opportunities in sports marketing.

Stacie Porter Bilger is the Founder and President of Proof Digital, a business growth-marketing agency that blends modern marketing tools with traditional sales funnel processes. She spent the first 20 years of her career working with businesses to strategize development and connect them to investors. Before founding Proof Digital, Stacie worked for several Chambers of Commerce and startups like the Indiana Venture Center. Her commitment to leveraging cutting-edge digital tactics has revolutionized business growth strategies, cementing her status as a digital marketing thought leader.

As AI transforms how we work, many business leaders still wonder where to begin. With the rapid acceleration of AI's capabilities, how can small and medium-sized businesses begin to implement it effectively without feeling overwhelmed? Is there a way to embrace it without sacrificing the personal touch that defines their brand?

Digital marketing expert Stacie Porter Bilger explains that businesses should approach AI with curiosity and start small, testing its capabilities on simple tasks first. She highlights the importance of integrating AI into existing systems, using it to streamline processes like project management and content creation. Stacie emphasizes that AI should enhance, not replace, human creativity, ultimately empowering teams to focus on what truly matters. By thoughtfully implementing AI into workflows, businesses can gain a competitive edge while maintaining a personal connection with their customers.

In this episode of Proof Point, Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews Stacie Porter Bilger, the Founder and President of Proof Digital, about adopting AI to improve business efficiency. They dive into how businesses can take their first steps in AI adoption, how it can drive growth without losing human touch, and strategies for integrating AI into existing workflows. Stacie also shares tips on managing AI ethically and securely within your business.

Scott Hoselton is the President of ACS, a global provider of integrated design-build systems for engine, vehicle, and component testing facilities. With a background in civil engineering and construction management, Scott excels at identifying client needs and aligning ACS's expertise in automation, controls, and facility solutions. Since assuming the presidency in March 2016, he has driven organizational growth by expanding ACS's services across markets like automotive, aerospace, energy, and laboratory sectors. Under his leadership, ACS has fostered strong industry partnerships and earned recognition as a Best Place to Work by Best Companies Group in 2024 and 2025.

Many modern manufacturing companies face the compounding pressure of labor shortages, capital investment hurdles, and rapidly evolving technology. As organizations strive to remain competitive and sustainable, they must navigate geopolitical instability, growing regulatory complexity, and increasing customer expectations. How can leaders chart a growth-focused strategy while balancing risk, innovation, and operational execution?

Scott Hoselton, an experienced leader in systems integration and technical project delivery, demystifies how firms can tackle these challenges through agile problem-solving, trust-based leadership, and emerging technologies like AI. Scott suggests building strong client relationships by delivering value through transparent communication and technical excellence. He emphasizes upskilling, fostering autonomy, and maintaining a culture of continuous learning to retain top talent. Scott's approach prioritizes adapting to customer needs, managing risk proactively, and regarding challenges as opportunities to improve and innovate.

In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger interviews Scott Hoselton, President of ACS, about leading innovation in complex manufacturing environments. Scott discusses how companies can remain competitive by integrating AI, managing talent strategically, and building scalable, client-focused systems. He also delves into sustainable operations, capital planning for long-cycle projects, and leadership strategies that empower teams.

Benjamin (BJ) Lippert is a Managing Partner at Donovan CPAs, a full-service accounting firm dedicated to small businesses and their owners. Since joining the firm in 2015, he has been instrumental in revamping the firm's assurance practice, fostering a culture of accountability and growth. His leadership emphasizes structure, consistency, and a people-first approach to client service. BJ's vision focuses on sustainable growth and empowering clients and team members.

Jeffrey (Jeff) Donovan, CPA, CVA, and MAFF, is a Managing Partner at Donovan CPAs, where he focuses on long-term strategy and innovation. He began his accounting career with KPMG Peat Marwick in Guam and Saipan before returning to Indiana to join the family firm in 1994. Jeff brings expertise in investments, business strategy, and forensic accounting, and has successfully transitioned the firm's leadership while maintaining a strong focus on entrepreneurial consulting and strategic growth.

Many business leaders struggle to balance day-to-day operations with long-term vision, leading to burnout, stalled growth, and unclear succession plans. As companies expand, it becomes harder to maintain a people-first culture while scaling leadership responsibilities. How can organizations ensure sustainable growth while empowering their teams and preparing the next generation of leaders?

BJ Lippert, an expert in leadership transition and team development, and Jeff Donovan, a strategic visionary with a background in business growth and succession, share their journey navigating these challenges. BJ emphasizes the power of consistent communication, reinforcing core values, and creating intentional systems to keep the team aligned and engaged. Jeff highlights the importance of letting go, trusting others to lead, and using structured frameworks like EOS to provide clarity, accountability, and long-term focus while fostering a culture where people come first.

In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger interviews BJ Lippert and Jeff Donovan, Managing Partners at Donovan CPAs, about leadership succession and scaling a people-first culture. BJ and Jeff also discuss the value of adopting the EOS system, balancing vision with operations, and building a firm where innovation and mentorship thrive.

Vicki Hall is a Senior Financial Advisor at C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management (CHDG), a firm that specializes in asset management and financial planning. With a background in asset management and financial planning, she helps clients navigate wealth accumulation. She holds series 7 (General Securities) and 66 (Investment Advisor Representative) licenses, alongside certifications in life, health, and long-term care insurance. Prior to finance, Vicki had a 16-year pro basketball career in the ABL and WNBA and is honored in both the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and UT's Hall of Honor.

Leaving behind a career in professional sports can be both liberating and daunting, especially when it comes to managing long-term financial stability. Many athletes transition from structured training and clear goals to a world of unfamiliar decisions about money, investments, and planning for the future. How can former athletes redefine success off the court and secure their financial future with confidence?

Vicki Hall, a former pro basketball player and now a seasoned wealth management advisor, shares how she repurposed the same discipline that made her an elite athlete to build financial strength. Vicki explains how losing her father led her to understand the risks of financial dependence and inspired her to master the world of investments, compounding, and strategic planning. She demonstrates how understanding retirement accounts and inflation can help athletes — especially those who may have handed off financial decisions — to take the lead with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of the Proof Point podcast, Stacie Porter Bilger interviews Vicki Hall, Senior Financial Advisor at C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management, on life after professional sports and building financial futures. Vicki shares her personal story of financial awakening, how athletic principles apply to wealth management, and why knowledge is key. She also dives into empowering women, creating personalized game plans, and educating the next generation of leaders.

Rachel Daeger, CAE, IOM, is the Communications Director at Raybourn Group International (RGI), a company specializing in association management and marketing services. Since joining RGI in 2010, Rachel has leveraged her communication and organizational skills to help clients achieve their strategic goals across diverse industries. With over 40 years of experience in membership organizations, her career spans roles like managing the member magazine at the Columbia Club in Indianapolis. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and business from Indiana University and earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2015.

Many associations and nonprofits face the same frustrating challenge: limited resources stretched across too many priorities. With limited staff and tight budgets, it can feel nearly impossible to keep up with communication demands, plan impactful events, and grow membership. How can organizations stay efficient without sacrificing quality?

Rachel Daeger, an association management and communications expert, shares how fractional staffing, streamlined systems, and strategic collaboration help solve these challenges. She outlines how organizations can benefit from shared talent pools and proven tools to manage websites, events, and digital outreach without overextending internal teams. By embracing knowledge sharing, professional development, and technologies like AI and retargeting to amplify results, associations can thrive — no matter their size.

In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger interviews Rachel Daeger, Communications Director at Raybourn Group International, about building operational excellence within associations. Rachel shares how her team structure supports resource-limited clients, along with insights into digital marketing, creative member engagement, and leveraging AI to stay ahead of the curve.

Meghan Lund is the Content Marketing Manager at Proof Digital, where she is instrumental in orchestrating SEO efforts and crafting bespoke strategies that propel clients toward resounding success. Meghan brings expertise in content marketing, digital marketing, and SEO, analyzing trends in organic traffic and conversion rates to optimize existing pages across websites. Before Joining Proof Digital, Meghan began her marketing career at a start-up company, boosting web page views by 72% and increasing sales by 26%.

Is your website ready for the future of search? With AI rapidly transforming how users interact with search engines, traditional SEO tactics alone may no longer be enough to stay competitive. As search engines prioritize AI-generated responses, how can businesses adapt their digital strategies to remain visible and relevant?

Meghan Lund, a content marketing expert with a focus on SEO, shares practical insights for navigating this shift. Meghan emphasizes the growing importance of Generative Search Optimization (GEO) and offers three clear strategies: adding FAQs across multiple pages to answer user questions directly, targeting long-tail keywords to match specific search intents, and regularly updating and pruning website content to maintain accuracy and relevance. These actionable tips help businesses keep pace with evolving search algorithms and user behavior.

In this episode of the Proof Point podcast, Stacie Porter Bilger interviews Meghan Lund, Content Marketing Manager at Proof Digital, about how AI is reshaping SEO. Meghan discusses the shift from traditional SEO to GEO, why FAQs and long-tail keywords matter more than ever, and how content pruning can boost site performance.