Grow 2025: Keynote Takeaways from Entrepreneurs Who Get It

The energy at Grow 2025 was electric. Hundreds of small business owners and marketers came together for one reason — to learn how to grow smarter, not just bigger.

Between the keynotes, workshops, and hands-on sessions, one theme stood out: growth happens when experience meets action. Every speaker on stage wasn’t just sharing theory — they’ve lived it. They’ve built brands, navigated setbacks, and found creative ways to thrive in a changing economy.

If you couldn’t make it to Grow this year (or just want a refresh), here are the biggest takeaways from the powerhouse lineup that took the stage.

Barbara Corcoran — Turning Rejection into Results

Founder, The Corcoran Group & Shark Tank Investor

Barbara Corcoran opened Grow 2025 with a story only she could tell — how she turned a $1,000 loan into a real estate empire. Her message wasn’t about luck or timing; it was about resilience and reinvention.

Her best advice for small business owners:

• Let rejection fuel you. Every “no” is proof you’re taking risks worth taking.
• Lead with your story. People buy confidence before they buy products.
• Think scrappy, act bold. Being small is your superpower — you can move faster and pivot smarter.

Barbara reminded attendees that success isn’t built on perfect conditions, but on the ability to turn setbacks into strategy. 

Lisa Landsman — Visibility is the New Currency

Head of SMB Success, Google

Lisa Landsman took the stage to talk about digital visibility — the foundation of every growth strategy. Her advice was simple but essential: you can’t grow if people can’t find you.

She encouraged business owners to:

• Keep Google Business Profiles updated with hours, photos, and reviews.
• Combine local SEO and paid ads for a one-two punch in search visibility.
• Focus on conversions, not just clicks — make sure every visit has a purpose.

Lisa’s session underscored the reality of modern business: online presence is the new storefront.

Jay Schwedelson — 12 Quick Wins to Boost Your Marketing

CEO, Outcome Media

If Barbara and David gave inspiration, Jay Schwedelson gave the playbook. In his fast-paced session, he shared 12 actionable ways to drive more opens, clicks, and conversions — no massive budget required.

Top takeaways included:

• Make your emails impossible to ignore. Use curiosity and urgency in your subject lines.
• Add “trust signals” like reviews, ratings, and certifications to your homepage.
• Keep testing. Jay’s golden rule: “Data doesn’t lie — your audience tells you what works.”

His message hit home with small business owners: you don’t need more tools, just smarter tactics.

Emily Washcovick — From First-Time Customer to Lifelong Fan

Yelp’s Local Business Expert

Emily Washcovick wowed the conference with a customer loyalty masterclass — backed by data and real-world insights.

According to Yelp’s latest research, 72% of consumers read more reviews than ever before, and 88% trust written reviews over ratings alone.

Her loyalty checklist for small businesses:

• Be discoverable. Claim your listings and keep them accurate.
• Respond quickly. Follow up on every lead and inquiry.
• Engage with reviews. Thank happy customers publicly and resolve issues gracefully.
• Follow up post-sale. A simple “thank you” call or message can turn a first-timer into a repeat buyer.

Sharon Lee Thony — Game-Changing AI Strategies for Small Business

Founder & CEO, SLT Consulting

AI was one of the biggest themes at Grow 2025, and Sharon Lee Thony delivered the clarity business owners needed. Her session broke down how to use AI without losing your humanity.

Her advice:

• Start small and stay consistent. Automate routine tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and follow-ups.
• Use AI to spark creativity. From blogs to visuals, tools like ChatGPT and Canva can eliminate blank-page anxiety.
• Stay curious, not overwhelmed. “You don’t need every AI tool,” Sharon said. “You just need the right one.”

David Heath — Build a Brand People Believe In

Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Bombas

Next, Bombas co-founder David Heath shared the real story behind his company’s rapid rise — and the hard lessons along the way. His fireside chat covered everything from scaling challenges to leadership missteps.

His formula for growth: Purpose + People + Product = Longevity.

• Purpose fuels loyalty. When customers understand why you exist, it gives them reason to care.
• People build culture. People are empowered to connect their work to a greater mission.
• Product earns trust. Never compromise on quality as quality and compassion can coexist, turning shoppers into fans.

The best companies make sure the answer is yes –by leading with purpose, investing in people, and delivering products that truly stand out.

The Big Picture

From AI-powered marketing to purpose-driven branding, the Grow 2025 speakers shared one unifying message: growth is personal.

It’s about how you show up for your customers, your team, and your own goals. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, the lessons from Grow 2025 are clear — success belongs to those who keep learning, adapting, and leading with heart.