In this episode of Checkout, we sit down with Adam Furness, Managing Director of Impact.com APAC, and Roger Lee, Head of Digital Marketing at Brand Collective. Adam has been instrumental in transforming how brands use partnerships to drive growth. Working with global powerhouses like Uber and Airbnb Adam understands what it takes to create automated, scalable growth strategies.
But what does it really take to build a scalable, high-performing business? Adam takes us behind the scenes of his work at Impact.com, sharing the tech he swears by, the brands that inspire him, and even the strangest gift he’s ever received
A Gimp Mask for Kris Kringle?
Adam’s strangest item came as a surprise gift rather than a purchase. During a Kris Kringle (Secret Santa) gift exchange, Adam was given a gimp mask. “Yep, a gimp mask. Definitely the weirdest thing I’ve ever received!” he laughed. It’s safe to say, this unusual item tops the list for unexpected surprises!
The Tech That Powers Impact.com
Adam strongly believes that having the right tech stack not only makes life easier but also keeps operations streamlined, scalable, and ready to grow. For Adam, the key tool keeping things efficient at Impact.com is Gong.
We use Gong to record and review sales calls, and it’s a game-changer. With a distributed team, I can coach people remotely and dive into key parts of calls to help improve performance.
“It saves so much time and makes sure we’re always refining our approach.”
Who’s Inspiring Adam?
When it comes to retail inspiration, Adam is keenly aware of the brands that are making waves in the industry. Adam, pointed to July Luggage as a standout brand. “I love July Luggage. The way they’ve built their brand presence, especially in airports, is really impressive,” Adam said.
They’ve created a strong sense of community around their products, and it’s amazing to see how much their brand has grown.
What sets July apart is their ability to maintain a premium feel while still being approachable, using smart product design and clever marketing to make their luggage a go-to for travellers who want both style and function.
Brain Fuel: The Podcasts That Keep Adam Inspired
Adam’s go-to source of inspiration is the Fear and Greed podcast, which he listens to every morning to kickstart his day. “It’s my daily dose of business news,” he explained. “They cover industry trends and interview top business leaders. It’s a great way to stay on top of what’s happening.” The podcast helps Adam stay informed about global market shifts and new opportunities, giving him valuable insights he can apply to his work at Impact.com.
Scaling Smart: Adam’s Biggest Business Challenge
Scaling a business comes with its own hurdles, and for Adam, the biggest challenge is finding the balance between tasks and relationships.
I’m naturally wired to focus on getting things done, but it’s just as important to nurture relationships—whether it’s with my team, partners, or my family.
While executing tasks is crucial, Adam emphasises that building strong connections is key to sustaining long-term success.
It’s All About Tech, Strategy and Authenticity
Adam shows us that scaling a business is all about balance. The right technology can streamline operations, the right strategy can drive growth, but at the heart of it all, relationships matter just as much as results. His approach to leadership at Impact.com proves that long-term success comes from not only optimising processes but also investing in people—whether that’s coaching a team, strengthening partnerships, or staying inspired by the best in the industry.
The Checkout is a short snippet of our conversations.
