Scale Better

Delivering hands-on technical solutions and architecture across enterprise clients with focus on AI-enhanced development workflows Key Technical Deliveries:

→ AEM Implementations: Custom component development, workflow automation, multi-site architecture, and integration with modern AI tools for content management.

→ Java/SpringBoot Applications: Full-stack development, microservices architecture, REST API development, and implementation of AI-powered automation pipelines

→ Built RAG systems and local AI agents for business process automation, reducing manual development overhead by 70%.

→ Technical Leadership: Guided cross-functional teams on modern development approaches while delivering hands-on solutions.

→ Training & Knowledge Transfer: Delivered cost-effective AEM and Java training programs, accelerating team skill development and reducing external consultant dependency.

→ Architecture Design: Created comprehensive technical documentation and integration workflows for complex enterprise systems.

🎯 Impact: Successfully integrated AI capabilities into traditional enterprise development workflows while maintaining delivery excellence and team productivity.

Fractional CTO

Avasam

Technical strategy implementation and hands-on development leadership for e-commerce platform scaling

Key Technical Deliveries:
→ Web Applications: Full-stack development, microservices architecture, and REST API development for high-traffic e-commerce platform

→ Technical Leadership: Providing hands-on technical guidance while advising on technology roadmap and modern development practices  

→ Architecture & Implementation: Leading technical projects with direct involvement in microservices design, cloud-native solutions, and third-party system integrations

→ Team Development: Mentoring senior developers and engineering teams on best practices, modern development workflows, and delivery optimization

→ Innovation & Automation: Implementing GenAI solutions, automation pipelines, and modern development practices that improve team productivity and platform scalability

🎯 Impact: Enhanced platform performance and team capability while maintaining rapid feature delivery and system reliability.

HSBC

Technical leadership for global Loyalty & Rewards platform serving millions of customers

→ Team Leadership: Led 60+ engineers across multiple streams (Mobile, AEM, Frontend, Backend, APIs, DevOps) with hands-on technical guidance and global coordination across EMEA and APAC regions

→ Platform Architecture: Architected and implemented global multi-market customer experiences using AEM 6.5+ with custom components and SpringBoot microservices for banking APIs

→ Delivery Optimisation: Established reusable component strategy and CI/CD frameworks, cutting delivery time by 40% through technical process improvements

→ Engineering Excellence: Introduced modern DevOps workflows and established code quality standards, review processes, and development best practices

→ Cross-functional Collaboration: Worked directly with Business and Product teams on technical roadmap planning and backlog optimisation

🎯 Impact: Delivered enterprise-scale platform architecture serving millions of customers while leading 60+ engineers globally, achieving 40% delivery improvement and establishing engineering practices adopted across multiple business units.

Head of Technology

Publicis Groupe

Hands-on technical architect delivering enterprise solutions for global brands.

Key Technical Deliveries:

→ Solution Architecture: Designed and implemented end-to-end technical solutions for complex business requirements and external system integrations

→ Full-Stack Development: Built scalable AEM implementations with modern React frontends, focusing on performance optimization and user experience

→ Team Leadership: Led development teams through agile transformation while maintaining hands-on involvement in critical technical decisions

→ Client Engagement: Conducted technical demos, provided development standards guidance, and collaborated directly with client technical teams on implementation strategies

→ Technology Innovation: Introduced automation opportunities and modern development practices that improved team productivity and code quality

🎯 Impact: Delivered scalable enterprise solutions for global brands while establishing technical standards that enhanced team efficiency and client satisfaction

Technical Architect

I-SYSTEMS CONSULTANCY LIMITED

Notable Technical Deliveries:

↳ JPMorgan Chase: Architected and delivered comprehensive AEM Practice solutions for regulatory compliance, including hands-on multi-market AEM 6.5 implementation with 30+ custom components, automated workflows, and integration with compliance reporting systems

↳ Nissan/Renault & Reed Exhibitions: Built and deployed global car configurator platform with custom AEM components, real-time pricing templates, and API integrations across 700+ sites. Led technical implementation while coordinating with international development teams across multiple markets

↳ Goldman Sachs & Audi: Developed enterprise-scale financial analytics platforms using Java/SpringBoot microservices and React frontends for £100M+ portfolio management systems. Delivered full-stack solutions with real-time data processing and advanced reporting capabilities

↳ Adobe, Shell, Aetna & Aviva: Led hands-on technical delivery for complex enterprise integrations and microservice development. Implemented scalable solutions while providing technical guidance to client development teams

↳ Mercedes Benz, Bank of Abu Dhabi: Delivered enterprise CMS implementations and greenfield retail product management platforms. Combined technical architecture with hands-on development to ensure successful project delivery

Earlier Career:

Senior Software Engineer roles at CMC Markets and enterprise organisations (2005-2010) - Led development of trading applications and content management systems - Established foundation in enterprise Java development and team leadership

Previous Senior Technical Roles

🚀 Helping clients scale product & engineering ops 🚀 Head Of Tech | FractionalCTO | Product Ops | Content Ops | Transformations | Automation | AEM Specialist | Solution Architect | E2E Technologist | Digital Strategist

I’m a hands-on Senior Tech Lead, having 20+ years of planning, implementation and delivery experience, specialised in  AEM CMS (Adobe Experience Manager) and Java / Spring Cloud / Kafka / Python / Microservices implementations across financial services, automotive, startup, agency and other industry verticals.

I build and deliver enterprise-scale technical solutions while leading development teams to success. Deep expertise in AEM implementations and full-stack Java applications, combined with proven leadership capabilities.

What I Deliver:

✔️ Hands-on Technical Leadership: AEM architecture, Java / SpringBoot / Kafka / React development, full-stack solutions
✔️ Team Leadership: Led teams from 5 to 60+ engineers across global projects
✔️ Delivery Excellence: 40%+ efficiency improvements through technical excellence and AI integration

Core Expertise:

→ Adobe AEM/CMS: 10+ years of hands-on development, custom components, workflows, integration (prev. experience with Magnolia & Alfrasco)
→ Java/SpringBoot: Enterprise applications, microservices, REST APIs, kafka, full-stack development
→ Frontend: React, Angular, JavaScript, responsive design and modern web standards
→ Cloud & DevOps: AWS, CI/CD, Docker, automated deployment pipelines
→ AI Integration: Modern automation and AI-powered development workflows (emerging expertise)

Recent Delivery Highlights:

✅ HSBC: Led 60+ engineers delivering loyalty platform serving millions
✅ Nissan/Renault: Led development of global platform for 600+ sites
✅ JPMorgan Chase: Delivered AEM solutions improving efficiency by 40%
✅ Training & Mentoring: Delivered AEM training programs reducing external consultant dependency

Current Availability:

♦️ Immediate Start Available for 3-12 month contracts (Outside IR35 preferred)
♦️ Senior Senior AEM Developer | Technical Lead | Solution Architect | Engineering Manager roles
♦️ London-based, remote/hybrid/onsite worldwide

Let's connect for technical leadership that delivers results.

Manish Dani

Mention Me

Expanded responsibilities to lead Finance, Corporate Strategy, Operations and HR/People Functions.

We’re building the world’s coolest AI-powered Referral & Influencer marketing platform.
Backed by Octopus Ventures and Eight Roads, we’ve raised $32 million in funding since 2018.

Chief Financial Officer

Number 1 in Finance, leading the Finance function and member of the Executive Leadership Team.

VP of Finance

Person Centred Software Ltd

PE backed and scaling quickly, PCS is the UK's leading and fastest growing digital care management SaaS provider, with their Connected Care platform being the most widely used in the UK.

Head of Finance

The Star Entertainment Group

BU CFO for The Star Sydney. Part of the Sydney Executive Leadership Team leading finance and strategy with full P&L accountability, as well as providing strategic, commercial, financial and operational support to our CEO, COO and other senior leaders.

The Star Entertainment Group is an ASX Listed leading Australian multi-site entertainment company that operates integrated resorts, casinos, hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

CFO - The Star Sydney

Part of the Marketing Senior Leadership Team, responsible for commercial strategy and FP&A management, supporting the CMO on all financial investment decisions, and accountability for the national Marketing budget across Group Marketing.

Senior Commercial Finance Manager - Marketing

Managed the FP&A process, delivering excellence in FP&A to key stakeholders including the CFO, COO’s and GM's.

Group FP&A Manager

Sweaty Betty PR

Sweaty Betty PR is Australia’s premier fashion, beauty and lifestyle agency, specialising in PR and talent management. 

Part of the executive team working closely with the CEO and COO, focussing on financial strategy, driving business growth, as well as building and implementing financial analysis and reporting frameworks.

Head Of Finance

Frucor Suntory

Frucor Suntory is one of Australia’s leading beverage companies, creating and distributing some of Australia and New Zealand’s most popular beverage brands.

Commercial Lead, business partnering with the Sales, Marketing and Logistics teams’ providing commercial support and FP&A management.

Commercial Finance Manager - Sales & Marketing

KPMG Australia

- Portfolio included industries such as FMCG, Technology, Manufacturing
- Manager on KPMG’s flagship client, BHP.
- Member of KPMG’s national Audit standardisation committee
- Secondment to Woolworths as Internal Audit Manager

Manager, Audit and Assurance

Spofforths Chartered Accountants

Audit & Accounts Senior

Parkers Accountants

Accounts & Audit Senior

Haines Watts

Accounts & Audit Semi-Senior

Carpenter Box LLP

Trainee Accountant

Strategic CFO, currently scaling the world’s coolest AI-powered Referral & Influencer marketing platform.

Here’s why you need me in your corner...

✅  Finance as a Growth Weapon
↳ Tactical insights to turn revenue, profit and cash into scale.

✅  Strategy That Executes
↳ Simple frameworks that drive action, not complexity.

✅  Leadership & Operator Mindset
↳  No bullshit. Just what works when the pressure’s on and time is short.

Because when you’ve got runway pressure, fundraising focus, team chaos and rapid revenue growth — you don’t need another spreadsheet. 

You need someone to cut through the crap and help you move with confidence.

⚠️ Tired of recycled, AI-generated advice from people who’ve never done the job?

Follow me. I’ll show you what’s worked across $2M to $2B businesses — from startups to enterprise giants.

.............................

Why Trust Me?

⚡  FCCA-qualified CFO, +20 years in UK + Australia
⚡  Built best-in-class finance teams from scratch
⚡  Executed million dollar efficiency projects
⚡  Flipped P&Ls into profit, cash into green
⚡  Scaled ARR by £8M in 12 months
⚡  Managed billion-dollar P&Ls

I've worked across:
↳  VC/PE-backed SaaS scale-ups
↳  KPMG (consulting + advisory)
↳  ASX-listed $2B+ enterprises
↳  And everything in between

Real wins. Real wipeouts. Real lessons.

.............................

My Story (The Human Bit)

I’m not your typical CFO.

I grew up playing high-level sport, chasing the professional dream. When that path closed, I pivoted — trained as an accountant, joined KPMG, and tried hard to “fit the accountant mould.”

I spent years in stuffy suits and talking in corporate code.

Eventually, I stopped trying to blend in — and started leaning into what made me different: the way I think, lead, and work with people.

Since then, I’ve lived in Australia, I’ve built finance functions from scratch, scaled companies across continents, and earned trust in rooms filled with operators, investors, and founders trying to figure out how to grow fast without losing the plot.

Now I’m back in the UK — still not your typical CFO.
And that’s entirely the point.

Let’s connect. DMs are open (I respond to all my messages - It might just take me a few days!)

If you're trying to sell me something for Mention Me. Please do not cold call. Dm or Email me and I'll respond if I'm interested. Gracias!

Dave Leaver

Most leaders think confidence means having all the answers.
(That's just arrogance wearing a suit.)

Real leadership confidence isn't about knowing everything.
It's about moving when you don't.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟳 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀:

𝟭. 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
↳ Move while others freeze analyzing. Perfect information is a myth - decide or die.

𝟮. 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
↳ Delivering hard truths without sugar-coating

𝟯. 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
↳ Saying "I don't know" without losing authority

𝟰. 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
↳ Trusting your team with work you could do faster

𝟱. 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
↳ Staying calm when everything's on fire

𝟲. 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
↳ Protecting what matters, even when it disappoints people

𝟳. 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
↳ Leading with conviction while staying curious

𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲.
𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻.
𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 👇

........................
Which confidence are you faking?
🔔 Follow Dave Leaver for leadership reality without the BS. Decide with 70% of the data. Perfect information never comes.
♻ Share if you know a leader confusing arrogance with confidence

CFO @ Mention Me | Investor & Advisor @ HP-1 | +20 yrs experience | Ex-KPMG | Follow for daily tips to simplify the complex sh*t killing your business growth

7 Types of leadership confidence!

Everyone says EBITDA is 'fake'.
Here's why I think thats BULLSH*T

I've spent over 20 years in Finance
Scaling businesses, 
Analysing deals, 
Supporting founders.

And guess what?
EBITDA comes up. Every. Single. Time.

Yet Linkedin Finance ‘guru’s’ keeps parroting: 
"EBITDA is fake accounting."

No. Your understanding of it is fake.

Here's what the haters get wrong 👇

MYTH 1: "EBITDA hides the truth."
Wrong. 
▶️ It strips out distractions
▶️ And shows if your business model works

MYTH 2: "Cash flow is what really matters."
Cash flow is vital, yes
▶️ Healthy EBITDA = operational strength
▶️ No EBITDA, no scalable cash flow

MYTH 3: "It's just a vanity metric."
Absolute bullsh*t
▶️ Tells you when to hire, when to cut, what to fix
▶️ Real operators track it — daily

MYTH 4: “Revenue growth beats EBITDA.”
Only if you like burning cash
▶️ Growth without profit = shaky foundation
▶️ Shows if your growth actually makes sense

MYTH 5: "Companies manipulate EBITDA."
Some do. 
▶️ That’s not the metric’s fault 
▶️ That’s just bad leadership

The brutal truth:
I’ve scaled revenue into the millions.
Managed cash flow under pressure
And every time, EBITDA was the metric that mattered most.

If someone says “EBITDA is fake”
And makes their money selling courses,
Let’s be honest… they’ve never run a real business.

Track EBITDA. Understand it. Use it strategically.
Your business depends on more than just hype.

What's your take on EBITDA?

Drop it below 👇
🔔 Follow for more no-BS finance reality checks 
♻️ Share if you're tired of armchair finance experts

I'm pumped to share that I've invested in and come on board as a strategic advisor to HP-1, a new focus supplement brand created by Jeremy Lynch one of the world's biggest football creators, Hamilton Bowler Menno Wagenaar and Anthony McGuire.

As soon as the guys explained their vision (and I tried the product), I was in.

Thrilled to join this brilliant team as we bring HP-1 to life. 

Big vision. Smart team. Serious potential. Excited for what’s ahead!

Most people think mental strength means never breaking.
(That's not strength. That's denial.)

Real mental strength isn't about smiling through pain.

↪ It's not toxic positivity.
↪ It's not handling everything alone.
↪ It's not pretending you're fine when you're not.


𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁.

𝟭𝟯 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗼:

𝟭. 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 
↳ Not pushing them down or pretending fine.

𝟮. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗸𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 
↳ Disappointing others beats betraying yourself.

𝟯. 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲 
↳ "I messed up" isn't "I'm a mess."

𝟰. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 
↳ Their success doesn't make you a failure.

𝟱. 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 
↳ Pride is expensive. Connection is priceless.

𝟲. 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 
↳ Thinking it doesn't make it true.

𝟳. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 
↳ Your worth isn't tied to productivity.

𝟴. 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 
↳ Everything else is just wasted energy.

𝟵. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 
↳ Growth requires letting go of old beliefs.

𝟭𝟬. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 
↳ Comfort zones don't grow people.

𝟭𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀 
↳ Not bypassing pain, just finding perspective.

𝟭𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 
↳ Your mental health matters more than opinions.

𝟭𝟯. 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 
↳ Letting go isn't letting them back in.

Most people fake strength.
Strong people admit they're struggling.
Grab the breakdown below 👇
........................

Which one are you avoiding?
🔔 Follow Dave Leaver for the truth about actual mental strength
♻ Share if you've confused suffering in silence with being strong

9 out of 10 companies fail to hit their targets.
The 1 that succeeds? They fixed the shit everyone else ignores.
Not bullshit strategy decks. 
Not motivational posters.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀.

Here's what most leaders get wrong:

▶️ They chase growth without fixing the foundation.
▶️ Launch products nobody wants.
▶️ They scale broken systems. 
▶️ Hire into toxic cultures. 

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀.

Dr. Eric Flamholtz built the Pyramid of Organizational Development.

Six factors that empirically drive success:

𝟭. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 – Who are you actually serving? 

𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 & 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 – Do they solve real problems? 

𝟯. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 – People, capital, infrastructure sorted? 

𝟰. 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 – Daily functions running smoothly? 

𝟱. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 – Planning, structure, performance locked in? 

𝟲. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 – Values, beliefs, norms actually lived?

Most companies nail 2-3 of these. Then hit a ceiling.
The 10% who succeed? They don't skip steps.

They build from the bottom up. 
Get the foundations right. 
Then scale what works.

Stop chasing shortcuts. Start fixing what's broken.

𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘆𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻👇

What's the weakest part of your business right now?
Drop it below 👇

🔔 Follow Dave Leaver for more no-BS business reality checks 
♻️ Share if your company's stuck at 90%

I was wrong about influencers.
I spent years calling it vanity metric bullsh*t.
Turns out, I was half right.

The old model? 
Still garbage.

Paying some Instagram twit £10k to post a story nobody cares about.
Watching brands burn cash on "reach" and "impressions."
Zero accountability. 
Zero results.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀:

Influencer marketing stopped being about influencers.
Started being about your actual customers.

That's what we built at Mention Me.

Not hiring random creators who've never used your product.
✅ Activating your own customers. 
✅ The people who already bought. 
✅ Already give a shit.

The economics flip completely:

👉 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀. 
No more fixed fees for fuck all.

👉 𝗖𝗔𝗖:𝗟𝗧𝗩 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 
Not follower counts. Not engagement rates.

👉 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿-𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀. 
People who actually use what they're promoting.

The results companies are seeing?

→ CAC dropped double digits 
→ Payback went from months to weeks 
→ UGC they reuse everywhere (ads, emails, product pages) 
→ Production costs slashed

The old influencer model is dead.
The numbers don't lie.

What metric convinced you that influencer marketing actually works?
Drop it below 👇

🔔 Follow Dave Leaver & Mention Me for more 
♻️ Share if you've moved past influencer myths

If I had £100k to spend next month, here's my napkin math:


𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔: 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮

£100k gone on day one. 
CPMs swing, auctions spike. 
Every competitor's overspend creeps up my CAC.

𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕: 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼-𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹)

Spend = conversions. 
CAC guaranteed, not guessed. 
Attribution even a CFO can love.

𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖: 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 + 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹 (𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲)

Creators spark demand. 
Referral closes and compounds it. And all that content?
Becomes a reusable asset, not just a cost.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?

B + C. Every time.

Because it hedges risk, compresses payback, and builds something lasting. Not just a one-off traffic spike.

Still risking everything on paid ads? 
Or putting spend where it actually multiplies?

Drop it below 👇
🔔 Follow Dave Leaver & Mention Me for more 
♻️ Share if you want growth that's predictable and profitable.

AI companies have attracted 64% of global VC investment in 2025… the AI hype is real!
I talk about it all here…👇🏼

Recruitment Consultant | Qualified Finance Specialist | Helping Tech Businesses Find Top Talent

AI in Action:

Completing the trilogy is a conversation with Dave Leaver, the CFO of Mention Me where he drives strategy, people, and operations at a high-growth MarTech business.

We discussed all things AI, implementation and our trips to Sydney in December, where the next time we catch up may very well be on the beach with a beer in hand (I'm sure our partners will be buzzing with chat of Finance, Tech and AI whilst on holiday!)

#startups #scaleup #tech #AI

AI in Action is a Talentedge leadership interview series exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping business. These are conversations with sen

Open article: AI in Action: Conversation with Dave Leaver - Mention Me by Thomas West • 7 min read

AI in Action: Conversation with Dave Leaver - Mention Me

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The Battle

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