Real Talk with Kase Dean: Building a Purpose-Driven Business

When it comes to building a business, the journey is often messy, unpredictable, and full of valuable lessons. That’s what makes Startup Lowdown such a gem for entrepreneurs. Hosted by Kase Dean, this podcast goes beyond the glossy surface of success stories to explore the raw, real experiences of founders. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kase on Startup Lowdown to dive into my own journey, and I couldn’t resist flipping the script by asking Kase a few questions about his mission, his podcast, and his insights as a Strategic Marketing Coach and Fractional CMO.

What inspired you to create Startup Lowdown, and how does the podcast reflect your mission as a Strategic Marketing Coach?

The inspiration for Startup Lowdown came from my desire to bridge the gap between the polished success stories often presented online and the authentic, messy realities of building a business. As a Strategic Marketing Coach, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for entrepreneurs to feel understood and supported, especially during challenging times. The podcast aligns with my mission by creating a space where founders can openly share their struggles, strategies, and successes, helping others learn and grow through relatable experiences.

Your podcast emphasizes the realities of building a startup. How does this unfiltered approach help entrepreneurs connect with their purpose and audience?

By focusing on unvarnished truths, Startup Lowdown helps entrepreneurs see that they’re not alone in their challenges. It creates a sense of camaraderie and authenticity that encourages founders to reconnect with their “why.” This clarity often translates into stronger messaging and a deeper understanding of their audience, as they can communicate more genuinely and confidently.

As a Fractional CMO, what’s the biggest marketing challenge you see startups facing, and how do you address it through Attract Sell Nurture?

The biggest challenge I see is startups trying to do too much without a clear strategy, leading to scattered efforts and wasted resources. Through Attract Sell Nurture, I guide businesses in focusing on their goals, identifying their ideal customers, and building a strong foundation before scaling their marketing efforts. It’s about simplifying the process, creating systems, and prioritizing what truly drives results.

Empathy and human-centred business are big themes in your podcast and coaching. How do you incorporate these values into your marketing strategies?

Empathy is at the core of everything I do. Whether developing a marketing strategy or building a campaign, I start by understanding the audience's needs, desires, and pain points. I also encourage businesses to communicate in a way that resonates on a human level, avoiding jargon and focusing on building trust through transparency and genuine connection.

What’s one of the most impactful lessons you’ve learned from your podcast guests about scaling a startup authentically?

One of my guests' recurring themes is staying true to your values, even as you grow. Scaling doesn’t mean compromising your mission but finding ways to amplify it. Authenticity builds a stronger brand and fosters deeper connections with customers, employees, and partners.

In our conversation, we touched on Brainspotting Therapy. How do you think addressing emotional blocks could complement the work you do with startups?

Addressing emotional blocks can be transformative for founders. Many of the obstacles startups face aren’t just operational but deeply personal—fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or past experiences influencing decisions. By working through these challenges, founders can approach their businesses with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience, which naturally enhances their marketing and leadership abilities.

What’s been the most rewarding part of running a podcast that balances personal stories with actionable business advice?

The most rewarding part has been hearing how the stories shared on Startup Lowdown resonate with listeners. It's incredibly fulfilling when someone tells me that a guest’s insight gave them the courage to take a risk or rethink their approach. Balancing personal narratives with practical advice allows the podcast to inspire and equip entrepreneurs equally.  There is something special about having a candid conversation with truly impressive and inspiring people.

If you had to choose one piece of advice from your coaching experience to share with my audience, what would it be?

Start with clarity. Before diving into tactics or tools, take the time to define your goals (especially your personal goals - your business should work for YOU), understand your audience, and develop a clear message that explains why you are dedicated to helping them. This solid foundation will save you time, money, and frustration while positioning your business for sustainable growth.

Kase’s thoughtful answers reveal why Startup Lowdown is more than just a podcast—it’s a space for connection, authenticity, and growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for actionable advice or someone craving a candid look at what it takes to build something meaningful, Kase’s work is a must-explore.

💡 Curious to hear more? Check out my full episode on Startup Lowdown and don’t miss the chance to dive into Kase’s inspiring podcast library. You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and maybe even your next big breakthrough. 🎧