Billy Samoa Saleebey
From Hollywood to Tesla to Podcast Success with Billy Samoa Saleebey Ep 245 - The Global Discussion
Billy Samoa Saleebey, Co-Founder and CEO of Podify, joins Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode of The Global Discussion. Billy shared his incredible journey—from making films in Hollywood to revolutionizing onboarding at Tesla and now leading the charge in the podcasting industry.
From Hollywood to Corporate Innovation
Billy started in the entertainment industry; he spent years working on Hollywood films and even directed his own independent movie. But after realizing that independent filmmaking wasn't a sustainable career path, he pivoted into renewable energy just as the solar industry was taking off.
That shift led him to SolarCity, a company owned by Elon Musk's cousins, where he created SolarCity TV, an internal media platform that put him on the map. When Tesla acquired SolarCity, Billy took on the challenge of building Tesla's global onboarding program, training thousands of employees worldwide. His deep passion for storytelling, communication, and education naturally paved the way for his next chapter—podcasting.
Diving Into the Podcasting World
Billy launched his first show, Inside Out, which quickly climbed to the top 1% of global podcasts. But like many podcasters, he soon realized that producing a high-quality show required a dedicated team. Instead of struggling alone, he built one—bringing together editors, marketers, and strategists to support his show. That experience led him to Podify, a company designed to help thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives produce and grow their own podcasts with a full-service approach.
Billy didn't stop there. He launched a second show, For the Love of Podcast, where he interviews top podcasters and industry experts, uncovering what makes some shows wildly successful while others struggle to gain traction.
Key Takeaways for Podcasters and Content Creators
During his conversation with Simon Hodgkins, Billy shared valuable insights on what makes a podcast successful. Here are some standout lessons:
1. Think in Versions, Not Perfection
Many creators get stuck aiming for a perfect first episode. Instead, Billy advises thinking in versions—Version 1 is just a starting point, and each iteration refines and improves the show.
2. Apply First Principles Thinking
A lesson from Elon Musk himself, Billy highlighted the importance of first principles thinking—breaking down a problem to its fundamental truths and building from the ground up. This approach can be applied to podcasting, business, or any creative endeavor.
3. Make Your Podcast Concept Shareable
Successful podcasts often have a clear and easily explainable concept. For example, Billy's team produces What Would Ted Lasso Do?, a leadership podcast based on the beloved TV character Ted Lasso. The concept is instantly relatable and intriguing, making it easier to share.
4. Understand Your Audience and Market Demand
Podcasters need to consider:
Is there an existing audience for this topic?
What problem does the podcast solve?
How does it differentiate from similar shows?
By answering these questions, podcasters can position themselves for long-term success.
5. Prioritize Marketing, Not Just Content
Most podcasters spend 80% of their time creating content and only 20% marketing it. Billy suggests flipping that—great content needs visibility to attract an audience. He emphasizes YouTube as a major discovery platform, urging podcasters to embrace video content.
What's Next for Billy and Podify?
Looking ahead, Billy and his team at Podify have big plans for 2025:
- Launching in-person podcast studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin.
- Expanding his own video content production to educate and inspire podcasters.
- Developing a tech platform to help podcasters optimize and grow on YouTube.
About The Global Discussion
The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.
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