Beyond Social

Reggie grew up in Brazil, moved to the U.S. at age seven with no English, watched his father deliver newspapers and clean offices at night, and learned early that no job is beneath you when you’re building something. He went from making websites at 12, to rental car counter work, to landing a customer support job and suddenly being asked to lead product strategy without any formal product background. Vitaly and Reggie break down: The immigrant work mindset and why it produces results How curiosity is the most valuable skill in business Why you must provide value beyond your job description to grow Handling imposter syndrome at every level Real career advice: "Don’t wait until you're ready — you get ready while you’re doing it. If you're starting from zero, want a career in SaaS, or feel “unqualified,” this is your episode. Subscribe for more founder-led conversations on growth, work ethic, and building real careers in tech. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Dive into a candid discussion about the rapidly evolving worlds of higher education, business, and technology. This video breaks down: Why colleges are failing to provide real value in today’s information-rich world The harsh truths facing marketers, entrepreneurs, and tech teams How multitasking and constant phone use are draining our creativity and focus Lessons in leadership, team-building, and spotting truly invested employees The reality behind data privacy, societal changes, and technological evolution Featuring real-life anecdotes, business advice, and thought-provoking takes on success, AI, and what it means to thrive in the modern age. If you’re trying to build a successful career or business without falling for the hype, this one’s for you. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

In this insightful episode, explore why everyone is becoming an AI operator and why mastering prompt engineering is the key differentiator in the modern workforce. Learn how to effectively communicate with AI to get the results you want—a skill that takes just 10 minutes of proper setup versus 50 minutes of back-and-forth fixes. The conversation also delves into global marketing challenges across different cultures and geographical regions, examining real examples from Sweden to the UK to show how cultural nuances still matter despite the supposed cultural flattening from media. A major part of this discussion focuses on demystifying "revolutionary" technology buzzwords. Discover how cloud computing, APIs, and AI integration aren't actually new—they're just rebranded existing concepts with fancy names. From AWS RDS being just hosted MySQL to MCP being REST API calls, learn to see through the marketing terminology and recognize the simplicity beneath. The episode concludes with thought-provoking discussions about AI's potential for real-world task automation, existential risks, and why treating AI like a good team member with proper context and instructions leads to superior results. Perfect for: Content creators, social media managers, and anyone looking to understand modern technology without the jargon. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Why do most entrepreneurs fail — even when they have talent, passion, and a solid idea? In this episode, we discuss the deeper forces that make or break startups in today’s fast-paced world — from social media distractions and burnout to leadership blind spots and poor execution. This is not about luck; it’s about understanding the systems that separate success from failure. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Many businesses struggle with hiring marketers who focus on deliverables instead of measurable results. In this eye-opening conversation, we dive deep into the biggest challenges business owners face when working with marketing agencies and in-house marketers. What You'll Learn:  • Why focusing on deliverables instead of outcomes leads to failed marketing campaigns  • The "$5,000 a month trap" that keeps businesses stuck with underperforming agencies  • How long you should actually give marketers to show measurable results  • Essential systems every business needs to track marketing performance • Red flags to watch for when hiring marketing talent  Key Topics Covered:  • Marketing accountability and ROI measurement  • The difference between short-term and long-term marketing strategies • How to evaluate marketing progress vs. final outcomes  • Setting realistic expectations for different marketing channels (SEO, paid ads, social media)  • Communication strategies between business owners and marketing teams This conversation reveals why many marketing relationships fail and provides actionable frameworks for building successful, results-driven marketing partnerships.  Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

In this episode, we dive deep into the real-world impact of employee personal brands—from marketers with thousands of followers to the "average Joe" in support or development roles. Do personal brands really translate to better job performance? Should every team member spend company time on their personal brand, and how can organizations balance the benefits with the risks? We discuss the complexities, conflicts, and corporate policies surrounding personal branding in today’s business landscape, plus how AI is changing the way candidates are evaluated. If you’re a founder, manager, or employee, this conversation uncovers what works and what to watch for as personal branding collides with workplace culture. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Manual workflows are dead. From DM automation to AI-powered onboarding, the most successful brands aren’t working harder — they’re working smarter. In this episode, we break down real-world examples of automation that are transforming agencies, from pizza chains to social media teams, and show you how AI agents are making “just talk to your tools” a reality. If you’re not automating now, you’re already behind.  Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Why brands keep winning in 2025 might surprise you. In this episode, we explore why bold brands keep winning in 2025 by leaning into risk, controversy, and unfiltered messaging. Forget playing it safe. Today, brands that win go viral not by avoiding offense, but by standing for something real. From meme marketing to cancel culture backlash, this is why bold brands keep winning in 2025 across Instagram, X, and TikTok.If you're building a brand, this is the era to be bold, and this shows why bold brands keep winning in 2025 like never before.  Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Memes might look funny, but they’ve become one of the most powerful marketing tools in today’s digital world. In this episode, we break down how creators and brands are using memes to drive serious business results, including how one strategy helped generate over $250,000. Inside this conversation, you'll learn: - Why memes outperform traditional ads in attention and conversion - The psychology behind why people engage with meme content - Real-life examples of brands turning humor into revenue - How to balance entertainment and credibility in business marketing - The risk vs reward of building a meme-powered brand - Tactical tips to implement memes into your content strategy today - Why every creator and entrepreneur should study meme culture Follow Aidan! LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidanbrannigan/⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.noboringbrands.co/ Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

In this episode of Beyond Social, hosts Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler dive deep into the evolving landscape of social media competition. With Twitter (now X) facing turbulence under Elon Musk’s leadership, new platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon are rising fast. But do they have what it takes to last? We explore: The impact of decentralization and the Fediverse Whether brands should invest time in these emerging platforms The future of ad-free social spaces The risks and rewards of being an early adopter If you’re a marketer, brand, or just a social media enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the shifting digital world. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Struggling to prove the ROI of your social media efforts? Wondering how to balance paid and organic content or stay ahead of ever-changing algorithms? In this episode of Beyond Social, Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler tackle the most pressing questions from marketers, brands, and agencies. From influencer collaborations to AI-powered content creation, they break down the strategies and tools you need to maximize your social impact. Tune in for expert insights, actionable tips, and a no-nonsense approach to winning on social. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok in the past few years, chances are you’ve seen Daniel Iles. What started as a career in accounting turned into viral success as a finance influencer, leading to the creation of one of the fastest-growing social media agencies today. In this episode of Beyond Social, hosts Reggie Azevedo and Vitaliy Veksler sit down with Daniel to discuss his journey, how he cracked the code on monetizing attention, and why brands need to rethink their social media strategies. From the power of organic content to tracking the right metrics for business success, Daniel shares actionable insights that can help creators, agencies, and business owners build a sustainable brand—without being at the mercy of brand deals or ad spend. Whether you’re looking to scale your social presence, convert views into revenue, or simply understand the future of digital marketing, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies you can apply today. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

What if growing your personal brand on LinkedIn didn’t have to feel like a daunting marathon but instead like a strategic sprint? In this inspiring episode of Beyond Social, hosts Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler sit down with Jack Pietras, an organic social media marketing expert who skyrocketed his LinkedIn following from 0 to 7,700 in just six months — without any intention of going viral. Jack pulls back the curtain on the strategies that worked, like his $2 rule (leave your 2 cents on 100 posts a week), and why engagement, not perfection, is the ultimate key to building a community that lasts. From hitting 70 million organic impressions on X (formerly Twitter) to landing unexpected brand deals, Jack’s story is a masterclass in the power of consistency, authenticity, and embracing unpolished content. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to amplify your voice online, this episode will give you the practical tips and confidence to just hit "Post." Could the secret to building a game-changing personal brand lie in doing less but connecting more? Tune in to find out. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Ever tried uploading a video to a platform only to hit an error wall? Frustrating, right? In this behind-the-scenes (and then some) episode of Beyond Social, hosts Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler peel back the layers of what it takes to make social media management tools like Vista Social work their magic — without asking users to jump through hoops. From decoding file formats to turning complex video conversions into a seamless user experience, they reveal the nuts and bolts of creating tools that truly serve. But it’s not just tech talk. They explore the philosophy of customer-first design: why Vista Social refuses to let its users bear the burden of the platform’s challenges and how prioritization in problem-solving keeps innovation alive. Whether you’re wondering how videos get optimized for every platform or why some tools leave users hanging, this episode is an eye-opener. Tune in for an honest, witty, and unapologetically nerdy dive into how the best tools stay ahead, and why a little extra effort behind the screens makes all the difference in front of them! Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Think your brand is on top of the conversation just because you’re responding to comments? Think bigger. In this episode of Beyond Social, hosts Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler dive deep into the art and science of social listening — the unsung hero of modern marketing.  What’s the difference between listening and monitoring?  Why does every brand dream of knowing what their competitors are planning? And, most importantly, how can even small businesses afford the tools to do it? From the challenges of privacy laws to the wildly varied pricing of listening tools (looking at you, five-money-sign platforms), this episode explores how to decode the online chatter to uncover insights that matter. Whether you’re a small business, an agency, or a brand trying to make sense of market trends, this discussion is packed with practical advice on turning data into decisions. Stick around as we challenge the myth that global listening is only for the big players and share how anyone can access meaningful social insights without breaking the bank. Because in today’s democratized marketing world, information isn’t just power, it’s possibility. Tune in and start listening better! [00:00:00] Introduction and Ad Data Insights [00:01:00] Welcome to Beyond Social Podcast [00:02:00] Social Listening vs. Monitoring [00:08:00] Social Networks and Data Privacy [00:13:00] Cost Drivers for Social Listening Tools [00:18:00] Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Are we marketing in a post-attention world? In this episode of Beyond Social, the Vista Social team dives headfirst into the seismic shift in how we consume, and create, content. From the shortening attention spans to the rise of short-form video and viral memes, this conversation unpacks why the traditional marketing playbook no longer cuts it. What does it take to cut through the noise when people are skipping, scrolling, and multitasking faster than ever? The team shares thought-provoking insights on the democratization of influence, the decline of deep reading, and how algorithms shape our views, and wardrobes. With an eye on the future, they discuss how polarization isn’t just shaping politics, it’s driving marketing strategies, too. Prepare to challenge your assumptions about connection in the digital age and walk away with fresh strategies for building authentic engagement in a world where every second counts. Tune in and rethink how to truly speak your audience’s language! Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

How do you know if your social strategy is working? No, seriously; how do you really know? In this episode of Beyond Social, hosts Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler, dive into the power of industry benchmarking. Forget vague goals and gut feelings, it’s time to measure your brand against the best (and the rest). From follower counts to engagement rates, they unpack how brands can finally answer the question: Are we doing enough? Discover how Vista Social’s new industry insights feature gives brands the clarity they need to set smarter goals, optimize strategies, and actually compete in their market. No more posting into the void. Whether you're crushing it or barely keeping up, this episode will challenge you to rethink what success on social media looks like.  Happy listening! Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Think your personal brand is enough to stand out? Think again. In this episode of Beyond Social, host Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler, sit down with Morgan Cox, CEO of MAC Marketing, to explore the undeniable power of personal branding. Morgan shares her journey of growing from 1,000 to 14,000 LinkedIn followers in just six months, and how that growth didn’t just elevate her personal presence, but also brought new opportunities to her agency. This episode dives deep into: Why authenticity is your strongest currency on LinkedIn. The intersection of personal branding and agency success. How brands can leverage their teams to amplify their reach. Morgan’s insights go beyond theory, offering actionable advice for anyone, from CEOs to coordinators, looking to create a genuine connection online. Can your personal brand outshine your company’s? Tune in to discover why investing in yourself might just be the best marketing move you’ve ever made. Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Threads might just be the “unfiltered” future social media has been waiting for… In this episode of Beyond Social, hosts Reggie Azevedo and Vitaly Veksler, unpack everything they learned from an exclusive in-person Meta event on the topic of Threads. From raw, behind-the-scenes content that outshines polished campaigns to Threads’ role in the decentralized Fediverse, this episode explores why brands and agencies should pay attention to Meta’s bold new direction. Vitaly shares insights on Threads’ rapid growth, unique appeal, and why it’s not just another social network, but a platform built for connection, authenticity, and innovation. They also discuss how brands can leverage this unfiltered space to resonate with audiences and adapt to shifting trends. Tune in to discover why Threads isn’t just about content, it’s about building real connections in a world tired of being marketed to. Happy listening! Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube

Can your team truly represent your brand online, or is the risk too great? In this insightful episode of Beyond Social, host Reggie Azevedo teams up with Vista Social’s Head of Product, Vitaly, to dive into the delicate balance between creative freedom and brand safety in social media management. They explore how brands are navigating compliance, team-produced content, and the ever-present risks of human error in a fast-paced digital world. From the challenges of enforcing brand safety policies across distributed teams to the game-changing role of AI in preventing costly mistakes, this episode covers it all. Whether you’re managing content for a restaurant chain, financial institution, or startup, the conversation offers actionable insights on safeguarding your brand’s voice without stifling creativity. So, what’s the cost of a single misstep in your social strategy, and can you afford it? Tune in to find out how to protect your brand’s reputation while empowering your team to thrive! Try Vista Social for FREE today Book a Demo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Youtube