Robbie Kellman Baxter

For over two decades, I have been helping organizations leverage subscription pricing, digital communities, and freemium models to build deeper relationships with their customers and generate predictable recurring revenue. I am the founder of Peninsula Strategies, a consulting firm that has worked with some of the most well-regarded brands in the world, such as Netflix, Microsoft, and the Wall Street Journal, as well as with visionary start-up entrepreneurs and mission-driven nonprofits and associations.

I am also an advisor, a speaker, an educator, and an author. I serve on the advisory board of Strava, a social network for athletes, and I share my insights and expertise on subscription and membership models through keynote speeches, podcasts, and LinkedIn Learning courses. I have written two books, The Membership Economy and The Forever Transaction, that anticipated and defined the massive transformation from ownership to membership and the rise of subscription pricing. My passion is to help organizations create forever transactions with the people they serve and achieve long-term growth and sustainability.

Founder, Peninsula Strategies

We help organizations build forever transactions with the people they serve. This forever transaction is the secret to predictable, recurring revenue, higher corporate valuations and deeper, more meaningful relationships. We've worked with some of the most well-regarded brands in the world, including Netflix, Microsoft and the Wall Street Journal, as well as with visionary start-up entrepreneurs and mission-driven nonprofits & associations. You can read more about our clients' results here: https://robbiekellmanbaxter.com/clients/

Robbie Baxter

In honor of International Women’s Month 💜

My sister is a therapist, and honestly, some of the most powerful life lessons I’ve learned have come from conversations with her.

Here are 3 things she’s taught me about living a more intentional and rewarding life:

1/ You can only have 3-5 values.

If you know what they are, you can make decisions more quickly and easily and move forward faster. But this means that some really good values won't be on your list.

For example, prioritizing Service, Relationships, Self-Care, Personal Growth, and Integrity might mean there isn't room to knock the ball out of the park when it comes to having a lovely house. Or perhaps you sometimes sacrifice working out (unless that's what you mean by self-care). This might make you sad, but mourning the other values you can't prioritize is a natural part of making space for the ones that you do.

2/ Everyone's tank depletes at a different rate.

That means I might need more "refueling" than you. Part of this is arbitrary and depends on the body you're born into (realizing you need more refueling than others can be a bitter pill to swallow), but part of it is about the intensity of your operation.

If you have very high standards, you may require more refueling. Remember, Ferraris need more fuel than a Prius!

3/ If your head says no, go back to your values. If your gut says no, listen.

Sometimes we try to "rationalize" our instincts, but our intuition is a combination of our unconscious mind, emotions, experiences, and knowledge. That "feeling" isn't just a feeling; it's a powerful indicator that we'd do well to listen to. 

This month, I’m grateful for the women in my life who share their wisdom, challenge me to grow, and remind me to live with intention.


P.S. Who are the women whose wisdom shaped your life?


👋 I'm Robbie, I'm a consultant, author, and speaker covering all things subscription businesses.
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🛎 Tap the bell under the banner on my profile to catch the next post.
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Advisor to the world's leading subscription-based companies | Keynote Speaker | Author of The Membership Economy and The Forever Transaction | Host of Subscription Stories Podcast

Happy Weekend to those that celebrate.

It's a good time to remember that AI can't replace trusted relationships.

Invest in connections with other human beings, especially those who are outside your regular group and outside your comfort zone.

Loose ties can help you find a new job, learn a new skill or meet a life partner.  And they stretch your brain and your empathy.

So maybe talk to a stranger at this weekend's party, or get curious about someone you don't know well.  

In a time where we feel like so much is out of our control, building friendships is something we can still do.

AI is rewriting the SaaS pricing playbook.

For more than 20 years, growth in SaaS followed a relatively predictable formula: when customers grew revenue, they hired more people, needed more seats, and vendors grew alongside them.

That equation is now breaking.

Companies are increasing revenue without increasing headcount, while AI is drafting content, analyzing data, qualifying leads, and automating workflows at a meaningful variable cost to vendors. Traditional seat-based, feature-tiered pricing simply was not designed for this reality.

In this article, originally posted by Topline Media, I outline 7 guidelines for navigating AI era pricing in a way that protects margins while strengthening customer trust and long term relationships.

1/ Acknowledge the real cost structure and price accordingly
2/ Give customers predictability and control
3/ Use hybrid models to balance fairness and sustainability
4/ Price the actual value delivered, not the access point
5/ Use outcome-based pricing when it is clear and measurable
6/ Make the value visible
7/ Build flexibility into your pricing model

Read more about the 7 guidelines below 👇

I’ve spent more than 20 years helping companies price and package subscription offerings, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shift as destabilizing as

Open article: Rethinking SaaS Pricing for the AI Era by Robbie Kellman Baxter • 9 min read

Andrea Kates

WHO I AM
I am Entrepreneur in Residence at MIT. Former tech CEO Silicon Valley. Author of the strategy playbook: From Stuck to Scale.

WHAT I DO
I structure opportunities between corporations, scaleups to create bold economic impact

WHO I AM
—Co-founder of Suma Ventures a consultancy that works with corporate teams to deliver on the innovation promise at corporate scale.

—MIT Entrepreneur -in-Residence. Sloan School of Management Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship

—Workshops and advising. How we move innovation across the finish line: Envision, Expand, Build, Activate. 

—Silicon Valley SaaS company CEO. Ran a digital platform with 13,000 innovation teams for clients including Mayo Clinic, Intel and University, US government labs. The gold standard lean startup method for technology commercialization.

—Project leader + corporate advisor (Ford US/China, Citi, Fujitsu, Cisco,, Shimizu, Stitch Fix, Hyatt, United Airlines, Intergraficas-Colombia, KK Wind, Denmark)

—Charismatic thought leader, keynote speaker, advisor-in-residence: Digital Business College (Silicon Valley + Asia), Business Institute (Denmark), Princeton U eLab, UC Berkeley, Knight-Hennessy Scholars Stanford, Notre Dame, USC, Open Innovation Gateway powered by FUJITSU, Silicon Valley Immersive Programs:  Senior Fellow The Conference Board.

MY SWEET SPOT
—Global practitioner (200+ engagements in 20 countries)
—Engaging teams to get fully committed to new directions (experiments, expanded perspectives)
—Cross-industry (Future of Mobility, Retail, AI/ML, Technology, Digitalization)
—From whiteboards (generative) to rollout (delivery)
—Keynote speaker (TED main stage, CXO Forum/Japan, Dubai2020, Global Digital Forum++, Rueda de Innovación, Copenhagen Fintech, OpenFinance2020, TEDx Copenhagen, Aspen Ideas)
—Board/Advisory Board Leader: Embrace Global, OpenFintech Mexico, Copenhagen Fintech, Research Technology Management Journal
—Thought leader: E&T Journal (UK), Tid & Tendenser (DK)
—Silicon Valley immersive experience

WHAT OTHERS SAY
"Get To Next provides a new mindset and a roadmap that is really smart and impactful for innovating corporate innovation."
Dr. Mohi U. Ahmed
Executive Adviser on Open Innovation, Shimizu Corporation

"Andrea is a Strategy Fireball: Experience, knowledge, engagement. Huge wow factor--beyond amazing."
Caroline Hart Sehested
Future of Work Expert & TEDxCopenhagen Host

REACH ME
Andrea Kates (akates@suma.com), Website: www.suma.com

Partner, Get To NEXT

I help leaders jumpstart change and get to "next". I'm a Silicon Valley based corporate strategist, tech CEO, award winning author and thought leader, working globally.  I lead residencies and sprints around the world based on the comprehensive leadership framework: Get To NEXT. I'm also STRATEGIC INNOVATION ADVISOR to leaders and teams that need to grow through technology innovation and expanded ecosystems. https://suma.com/programs/masterclass/

I help companies figure out where to place their bets on emerging products, services and technologies and to scale dynamic business models. In essence:  How do you disrupt before being disrupted, avoid the blind side and get ahead of the future?

BACKGROUND. Andrea was the CEO of the software company that was the platform to commercialize 13,000 innovation initiatives. Over the course of her career, she's led initiatives in fintech, retail, healthcare, energy, technology for clients at Tata, Ford, Fujitsu, Cisco, Stitch Fix, InnovAsian, Upwork, and Hyatt and worked in 20 countries. She's currently on the Advisory Board of Copenhagen Fintech and involved in a global Future of Work initiative. Andrea has been a KEYNOTE SPEAKER on the main stage at TED, Aspen Ideas, Dubai 2020, MinasTechDay, Global Skills Day, OpenFinance (Mexico), and ConnectBogota. 

Andrea's focus today is based on 5 years of original research on Maximum Value Ecosystems. Her role as corporate advisor based on her bestselling book Find Your Next focused on cross-industry commercialization of early stage initiatives (based on original research and experience with PF Chang's, GE, Autodesk and other companies). Her advisory practice today is based on a 5-step process called GET TO NEXT: Envision, Expand, Build, Engage and Activate.

Groundbreaking. Intense. Breakthrough.

Yesterday we launched the MIT KSC Growth Stage program.
Dedicated to bringing scale, interconnectivity, and new models for expansion.

Powerful to be on the core team.
Watch this space for updates.

#africa #GrowthMarkets #MITKuoSharperCenter #InnovationEcosystems #FromStuckToScale #NewCalculusForGlobalProsperity

MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship

View company: MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship

Announcing the 2026 Growth Stage Program Cohort

The MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Government of Botswana, is excited to welcome 27 growth-stage entrepreneurs from 9 countries and a wide variety of sectors into the 2026 Growth Stage Program.

We kicked off our first session today with Ibrahim Sagna, Executive Chairman at Silverbacks Holdings, who left the cohort with a powerful reminder:
“If you're not exporting, you are putting some form of handcuff into your growth, into your future… But the best way to scale is to export.”

Over the coming weeks, culminating in an in-person week in Dubai—founders will sharpen strategy, strengthen execution, and explore capital pathways with MIT faculty, MIT KSC instructors, and industry experts.
 
A heartfelt thank you to our outreach partners AmCham Egypt Endeavor Kenya, PULASPACE, Parasol Africa - Foundation Initiative, SHONA Capital Ltd, and ClimateCraft Africa for their crucial role in reaching exceptional entrepreneurs and connecting innovation ecosystems across Africa’s growth markets.
 
#NewCalculus #GrowthMarkets #Entrepreneurship #MITKuoSharperCenter #Africa

Dennis M., Tebogo, Ismail Elaraby, Nathalie Behi, Romain , Mohab Aboueita, Marang Mbaakanyi, Vineet N.R., Jackfruit Network, Nehal Helmy, Ahmed Nounou, Ontifile Gaokgorwe, Jean Lobe, Phatsimo Mopako, Jared Molko , Amr El-Tayeb , Kwaku Anim-Asiedu, Ahmed Aref, Mohamed Aref, Karabo Letsholo, Iness Elamine, Harriet Ng'Ok, Deepankar Rustagi, Abimbola Adebakin, Dr. Corrin Varady, Chukwuerika Achum, Ahmed Mady, Mostafa El Ghorab

Announcing the 2026 Growth Stage Program Cohort

Join us in Cambridge Massachusetts April 22-23.

Global dialogue focused on Prosperity

Innovation in Global Growth Markets: Prosperity through Entrepreneurship | MIT Sloan https://lnkd.in/e-dwFZie

#MITKSC

We're excited to share a sneak peek at the phenomenal lineup of speakers and moderators joining us at our annual conference this year.

On April 22-23, we are bringing together brilliant minds to tackle the deepest questions surrounding entrepreneurship and innovation in growth markets. You will get to hear and learn directly from industry-defining leaders, including:

Kola A. , Founding Partner, Ventures Platform
Sayuri Sharper, CEO of the Kuo Sharper Initiative 
Hassan Sawaf of aiXplain
Sudhir Sethi, Founder & Chairman of Chiratae Ventures 
Jason Jay of the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative
Aly Eltayeb, CEO, Shift EV
Ana Cabral, Co-chair and Co-CEO, Sigma Lithium
Amr Awadallah, Founder, Vectara, Cloudera, Aptivia
Ariel Furst, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, MIT
Daniel Castanho, Chairman of the Board of Anima Education
Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, Executive Director, IT Park Uzbekistan
Bunmi Akinyemiju, Founder & CEO, Venture Garden Group
Marc Uzan, Founder & Executive Director, Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee
Walid Bakr, Head of Strategy & Business Development, Buhler Group, Middle East & Africa
Salma El Sayeh, Senior Advisor, MIT Kuo Sharper Center
Mohamed Aburawi, MD, MBA Founder & CEO, Atarona Ventures
Opeyemi Awoyemi General Partner, Fast Forward Venture Studio, Investor
Ridzki Kramadibrata, Executive Vice Chairman, Planet Carbon and Chairman, Do Good Things Tech Institute

...and many more from across the globe!

Register Today: Seats are limited. Do not miss your chance to connect with these incredible innovators. Secure your spot now at www.newcalculus.com.

Partner With Us: Are you or your organization passionate about driving innovation-driven entrepreneurship in growth markets? We are currently welcoming strategic partners and sponsors to help us amplify this event's impact. Send a direct message to Rania Helmy to explore how we can collaborate.

Shamil Ibragimov Sherif Shafie   شريف شافعي Adel Boseli Seif Zaki Andrea Kates Dina H. Sherif Sumaya Nair Jacquelyn Gasparek Jennifer Brady Donovan Beck Marc Alain Boucicault 

#MIT #GlobalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

speaker line up

Buy this book. 

Today.

It's the one we've been waiting for.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategist, Author, Speaker

📕🚀 It's launch day! I have been thinking about this a long time. I'm so pleased to put the book in your hands at last.  

I truly believe that open innovation is an imperative for large organizations:  the constraints you're facing are real, and partners have the keys. But it's not easy.  The field knowledge we've earned is here for you.

Dan Toma, Esther Emmely Gons and I have translated our most transformative field insights about innovation ecosystem partnership into a clear & practical toolkit. The proper stakeholder alignment, decision-making and commitments will set you up for a powerful journey. Spin up a new open innovation practice or set yours on the right path today!

Thanks to Emerald Publishing for allowing us to make such a visual and physical book. We wanted these ideas to be as tangible as possible, and we're delighted they were able to enact our high-touch design.

This is a critical time for the global community to come together.

Partner with us for our Annual Conference in April at MIT.

🤝🏼 Partner with us at our Annual Conference – Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

From April 22–24, 2026, at MIT in Cambridge, the 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙀𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 conference brings together the entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers shaping the future of the world's most dynamic economies.

As a sponsoring partner, your organization becomes an active participant in this movement, engaging with a global community dedicated to innovation-driven solutions for the world's most pressing challenges.
 
Why partner with us?
• 𝗨𝗻𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Secure premium brand placement across the conference stage, digital screens, and social channels.
• 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Connect with founders, global experts, and ecosystem players building impactful, locally owned innovation.
• 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗜𝗧 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Join invitation-only tours and faculty-led sessions on AI, innovation ecosystems, and leadership.
• 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: At our highest tiers, join headline speakers for VIP dinners to anchor your brand at the center of the global conversation.

Growth markets are the new centers of opportunity. Ensure your organization is part of the #NewCalculus story.

🔎 Explore the conference agenda: www.NewCalculus.com 
📩 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆: Sponsorship slots are limited. DM us or email rhelmy@mit.edu to secure your slot.

#MITKuoSharperCenter #GrowthMarkets #MIT #InnovationForProsperity

Sayuri Sharper Andrea Kates Adel Boseli Dina H. Sherif Seif Zaki Shubhangi Rana Shamil Ibragimov Valeria Budinich Jennifer Brady Haitham Khoury Amr Awadallah Bruno Rondani Yasar Jarrar, PhD Ehi Binitie Ayo Sopitan Adam Sharkawy Ese Owie Rania Helmy Bunmi Akinyemiju Dr Ritesh Malik Ridzki Kramadibrata Jacquelyn Gasparek Smriti Bhaya Eileen Carney

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The Battle

Robbie Baxter

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The Battle

Robbie Baxter

Andrea Kates

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Robbie Baxter's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreAndrea Kates's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreRobbie Baxter's LinkedIn Performance