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Leslie Ann Hall is a digital pioneer and the CEO and Founder of Iced Media, a performance marketing agency that has become a powerhouse in the beauty and wellness industries.Industry Dominance: Since founding Iced Media in 1999, she has guided global giants like L'Oréal, Walmart, and Paula's Choice through the complexities of social commerce. She is credited with helping multiple brands achieve billion-dollar exits.TikTok Shop Pioneer: In 2026, she remains the foremost expert on social commerce. Iced Media was one of the first credentialed partners for TikTok Shop, and she is a go-to educator for brands trying to navigate "discovery-to-checkout" loops.AI Innovation: Under her leadership, Iced Media has integrated proprietary AI technology to optimize paid social performance, focusing on predictive modeling for creative assets.Recognition: She is a frequent speaker at major summits like Advertising Week and Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW). She is also an active mentor for Black Girl Ventures.

Keith Bendes is a prominent marketing strategist, thought leader, and executive currently serving as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Linqia, the leading influencer marketing agency for enterprise brands. Professional LeadershipLinqia: Since joining the firm, Bendes has been instrumental in shifting influencer marketing from a "social-only" tactic to a scalable, data-driven business strategy. He advocates for using creator content across the entire marketing funnel—including TV commercials, out-of-home (OOH) ads, and retail media. Creator Economy Authority: He is a frequent contributor to the Forbes Communications Council and a globally recognized speaker on the evolution of the creator economy.

Eric Sheinkop is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, author, and tech innovator known for disrupting legacy industries through expert-driven content and music technology. He is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of The Desire Company.Launched in 2018 (originally as DesireList), The Desire Company is a content-as-a-service platform that replaces traditional "influencer marketing" with "expert marketing."Mission: The company builds trust in e-commerce by providing video reviews, how-tos, and classes from vetted professionals—such as NFL trainers, celebrity stylists, and master mechanics—rather than paid social media influencers.Scale: Under his leadership, the company has raised over $25 million and provides expert content for major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.AI Focus: In 2026, Sheinkop has been a vocal advocate for the "humanity" of expertise, arguing that while AI can generate content, real human experience is the only way to maintain consumer trust in an increasingly automated world.Before his pivot to retail tech, Sheinkop revolutionized how brands use music.Music Licensing: He co-founded Music Dealers, which became the world's largest independent music licensing platform.Coca-Cola Partnership: He famously sold a stake in the company to The Coca-Cola Company, becoming their exclusive global music partner and generating millions in royalties for independent artists.Bestselling Author: He has written two books on the intersection of music and marketing: Building Brands with Music and the Amazon #1 bestseller Return of the Hustle. Both are used in university curricula at institutions like NYU and Princeton.Recognition: He has been featured in Billboard's “30 Under 30” and Crain's “Tech 50.” His work has earned multiple Cannes Lions and Clio Awards.Personal: Sheinkop often speaks about his experience with dyslexia, using his journey as a published author to inspire other entrepreneurs to view their differences as strategic advantages.Current Venture: The Desire CompanyPrevious Success: Music DealersAuthor & Accolades

Shalbrack is a seasoned marketing executive and the VP of Growth (Creative & Media), Americas at DEPT®, a global digital agency. With over 15 years of experience, she has specialized in the intersection of technology, entertainment, and social media. Professional Background Agency Leadership: At DEPT®, she serves as a Managing Director and Partner, overseeing growth strategies that integrate creative output with media performance. Core Expertise: She is an expert in navigating the "cringe cycle of virality" and influencer marketing, often advocating for brands to "relinquish control" to creators to achieve true authenticity. Previous Roles: Her career was "born and bred" in social media agencies, including high-impact roles such as: Byte: Client Planning Director and Lead Account Planner. Refinery29: Brand Experiences Manager.

Stefanie Beach is an award-winning digital marketing executive and the Founder and CEO of The Marketeer Group (formerly SMB Media Consulting). A veteran of the ad tech world with over 15 years of experience, she is widely recognized for her leadership in programmatic strategy and her advocacy for flexible, expert-led talent models.Under Beach's leadership, the firm rebranded from SMB Media Consulting to The Marketeer Group to reflect its expansion into a full-funnel marketing partner.Model: The agency is built on a "flexible talent" framework, providing brands and publishers with high-level media expertise (all staff are Director-level or above) without the overhead of a traditional large agency.Specialization: Beach oversees a team that specializes in Paid Search, Social, Programmatic, and Retail Media Networks (RMNs). In 2026, she has focused the firm on the transition from "GenAI hype" to "Agentic AI," prioritizing AI tools that drive measurable business outcomes.Growth: The firm's rapid trajectory earned it a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.Beach is the host of the industry-leading podcast The Digital Marketeer. On the show, she interviews top CMOs and founders about the evolving landscape of performance media, data privacy, and the "Movable Middles" growth framework. Recent episodes have focused heavily on navigating the fragmentation of retail media and improving the post-purchase consumer experience.Corporate Roots: Before founding her own company, Beach held senior roles at major ad tech and media firms, including PubMatic, MediaMath, Conversant, and Initiative (IPG).Work-Life Balance: A vocal proponent of "Human-First" leadership, she founded her agency specifically to challenge the rigid structures of the 9-to-5 world. She frequently speaks on her decision to refuse venture funding in favor of independence and her commitment to being a present parent while scaling a multi-million dollar business.Awards: She has been honored as a Stevie Award winner for Female Executive of the Year and received the Enterprising Women of the Year award for her contributions to the marketing community.The Marketeer Group & Professional LeadershipThe Digital Marketeer PodcastBackground & Advocacy

Nicolas Bailliache is a French-born entrepreneur and marketing tech executive who is widely recognized as an expert in LiveCommerce and shoppable video. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of eStreamly, a SaaS platform that enables brands and retailers to integrate shoppable video directly into their own websites and digital channels.eStreamly: Since founding the company in 2020, Bailliache has been at the forefront of the "video commerce revolution" in the U.S. His platform focuses on helping brands move away from "rented audiences" on social media to "owned audiences" by making their own sites interactive and shoppable.Conversion Expertise: He is known for developing strategies that significantly boost e-commerce conversion rates—often citing data that shows video viewers convert at triple the rate of standard web traffic.Thought Leadership: He is a frequent guest on podcasts (such as Shop Talk and The AD Podcast) and a speaker at industry events like the Esports Summit and Creator Summit, where he discusses the gap between the U.S. and Asian live-shopping markets.Corporate Success: Before his entrepreneurial pivot, Bailliache was a sales leader at Naturex (now part of Givaudan). He is credited with scaling a division from $700,000 to over $40 million by helping major global brands like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Danone transition to natural ingredients.Global Perspective: Often described as a "citizen of the world," he has lived and worked on four continents, including stints in France, the UK, Brazil, Africa, and the U.S. He frequently mentions that his upbringing in a family of French artisanal food entrepreneurs shaped his passion for community-driven commerce.Education: He holds an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School (2016).Bailliache is a strong advocate for responsible AI and authenticity in marketing. He believes that the future of retail isn't just about transactions, but about using video to build a "brick-and-mortar" style relationship with customers online, reducing return rates through better product education.Professional LeadershipBackground & Career PathCore Philosophy

Paul Archer – Tech Entrepreneur & AdventurerPaul Archer is best known for blending a career in high-stakes adventure with cutting-edge marketing technology.Professional Role: He is the Founder and CEO of Duel, a brand advocacy platform used by major global brands like Pandora, Dove, and Charlotte Tilbury. He is a leading voice on "Brand Advocacy," arguing that authentic community and word-of-mouth are more effective than traditional digital ads.World Records: Before his tech career, he gained fame for the "It's on the Meter" expedition, where he drove a black London taxi 80,000 miles around the world. The journey spanned 50 countries and broke two Guinness World Records, including the longest-ever journey by taxi.Author: He co-authored the best-selling book It's on the Meter, which chronicles his global taxi adventure.

Ellis Verdi is a prominent American advertising and marketing executive best known as the Founder and President of DeVito/Verdi, an independent, award-winning agency based in New York City. Professional Career & DeVito/Verdi Early Career: Verdi spent the first half of his career on the "client side," holding positions at PepsiCo (managing Mountain Dew and diet brands), American Home Products Ltd., and the Grey Group, where he served as Vice President of Account Management. Agency Founding: In 1989, he launched his own firm, Ellis Verdi & Partners, as a one-man operation from his living room, famously making over 100 cold calls a day to build his client list. Partnership: In 1993, he partnered with creative director Sal DeVito to form DeVito/Verdi. Under his leadership, the agency has been named "The Best Agency in the U.S." six times by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As).

Chris Heller is the CRO of PLACE and is a veteran real estate executive and strategist, widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the industry. He served as the President of OJO (formerly OJO Labs), where he shapes partner strategies and bridges the gap between technology and real-world real estate professionals. Professional Career & Leadership Keller Williams Realty, LLC Realty International (KWRI): Heller served as the CEO of Keller Williams from 2015 to 2017. During his tenure, he led the company's transformation into a technology-focused powerhouse and oversaw its massive global expansion. KW Worldwide: As President, he launched the brand's first regions outside of North America, driving record profitability and productivity. mellohome: Before joining OJO, he served as CEO of mellohome, where he doubled the company's growth and streamlined the consumer financing and home improvement landscape.

Jason Haddad, a senior media executive and advertising professional. He is with Two by Four (often stylized as twoxfour), a highly awarded independent advertising and marketing agency with offices in Chicago and Chattanooga. Professional Background Two by Four (twoxfour): Jason serves in a leadership capacity on the agency's media team. The agency, founded in 1998, focuses on brand evolution and "nimble" communication for a variety of high-profile clients. Betfred Sportsbook: He notably led the media team servicing the Betfred Sportsbook account. Client Experience: Throughout his career, he has worked with diverse brands such as the Chicago Bears, DePaul University, Bridgestone Americas Firestone, and the Navy Pier. Agency Overview (Two by Four) Two by Four is known for moving away from traditional "About" page philosophies, preferring to focus on brands that adapt and reshape themselves to meet changing consumer needs.

Samuel Donner is a digital storyteller, entrepreneur, and podcast producer known for his high-production interviews and viral social media content. He has carved out a niche by blending deep-dive entrepreneurship stories with fast-paced comedy and lifestyle content.Donner is the creator and host of Finding Founders, a podcast that uses immersive sound design and narrative storytelling to explore the origins of successful entrepreneurs.Production Style: The show is frequently praised by industry veterans (like John Lee Dumas of EOFire) for its "MasterClass-level" production quality, utilizing music and pacing to create a cinematic listening experience.Notable Guests: He has interviewed a wide range of founders and experts, including Gail Simmons (Top Chef), Andrew Rea (Babish Culinary Universe), Jim Kwik, and Dave Asprey.Beyond the podcasting world, Donner has a massive social media presence, particularly on YouTube and TikTok.OKOP Show: He co-hosts the OKOP podcast alongside John, where they read and provide comedic commentary on wild internet stories and "AITA" (Am I the Asshole) Reddit threads.Cooking Content: He is the face of the popular "Cook For Me?" series, where he approaches strangers or creators to cook a meal together, blending culinary exploration with lighthearted interviews.Education: He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA.Entrepreneurial Pivot: While at UCLA, he began managing a remote team of over 40 people to scale his podcasting business, eventually deciding to pursue storytelling full-time rather than a traditional engineering path.Impact: He is an advocate for Effective Altruism, having publicly taken the "10% Pledge" to donate a portion of his lifetime income to high-impact charities.Finding Founders PodcastDigital Media & Content CreationBackground & Philosophy

Andrew GallExecutive Creative Director / Head of StrategyAndrew is a creative strategist and writer known for blending business results with "emotional resonance."Role: He co-leads the creative department at Copacino Fujikado, where he focuses on "Human-Centric" marketing—the idea that even B2B buyers should be treated as emotional humans rather than clinical logic-processing machines.Author: Outside of advertising, he is a published author of three books. His most notable title, Everything Is Better with a Gorilla, was illustrated by Vince Soliven and has sold over 15,000 copies.Thought Leadership: He frequently writes and speaks on how brands can use Generative AI responsibly to improve product launches while maintaining a "human" brand voice.Vince Soliven - Chief Creative OfficerVince is a multidisciplinary creative leader with over 21 years of experience in art direction, design, and film directing.Role: As CCO, he oversees the visual craft and bold "unexpected" thinking for the agency's roster, which includes the Seattle Mariners, Premera Blue Cross, and Seattle Children's Hospital.Background: A native of Hawaii, he was previously the ECD at MVNP (a DDB Associate) in Honolulu, where he was named one of the city's "Top 40 Under 40" business leaders.Philosophy: He is a strong advocate for "intentional friction"—the belief that creative breakthroughs happen best through spontaneous, in-person collaboration rather than through digital tools like Slack or Zoom.The two are best known for their work on Kimberly-Clark (specifically the Huggies and Pull-Ups brands) during their time at Ogilvy Chicago, and more recently for their award-winning "Emotional B2B" campaigns.Common Client History:Consumer: Seattle Mariners, Brooks Running, Corona, Heinz, and Symetra.Travel/Lifestyle: Hawaii Tourism Authority, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and various luxury hotel groups.

Asha Shivaji is a prominent marketing executive and entrepreneur known for her work in "responsible AI" and brand inclusivity. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of the SeeMe Index, a platform launched in 2023 to provide objective, data-driven measurement of inclusivity in advertising.SeeMe Index: Along with co-founder Jason R. Klein, Shivaji developed a proprietary AI tool that benchmarks brands on their authentic representation across various identity dimensions (including gender, age, skin tone, and disability). The index aims to connect inclusivity directly to business growth and ROI.Google Tenure: Before founding her own company, she spent several years as an executive at Google, leading marketing strategy for the Advanced Brand Acceleration Team.UN Collaboration: She co-led a global initiative with the United Nations' Unstereotype Alliance, where she focused on dismantling harmful stereotypes in media and advertising.Shivaji is a frequent speaker at major industry events like Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, and the CEW DEIB Forum. Her work is centered on the idea that "inclusive marketing is just good marketing," moving the conversation from social advocacy to measurable business impact.Notable Recognition: She has been honored on the Ad Age Tech Power List and named an "Inspiring Woman" by Campaign US (2025).Brand Partnerships: Throughout her career, she has collaborated with some of the world's largest consumer brands, including Apple, Disney, Estée Lauder, and Johnson & Johnson.Education: She holds a BA in Economics and Political Science from UCLA and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business.Perspective: As a woman of color, she often discusses her personal experiences in the corporate world to advocate for "making the leadership leap" and helping underrepresented professionals gain senior-level influence.Professional LeadershipExpertise & AdvocacyBackground

Lisa Rosenberg – Global President of Consumer BrandsA major leader in the public relations and marketing world, she is the Global President of Consumer Brands at Allison Worldwide (formerly Allison+Partners).Expertise: She is known for "social-first" marketing and brand storytelling. She gained significant industry fame for leading viral campaigns, including the "Cronut" and "Cookie Milk Shot" activations at SXSW.Philosophy: She often speaks on the difference between "building" a community and "earning" one through authenticity and trust.Recognition: She has served as a judge for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and is a frequent speaker on cultural relevance and brand stewardship.

Jordyn Curley is an accomplished animation producer, entrepreneur, and creative leader based in Provo, Utah (with ties to Portland, Maine earlier in her career). She serves as COO and Lead Producer for Tuttle Twins TV (an animated series on the Angel Studios platform, which has won multiple awards including Silver for Online Series: Education/Discovery, Bronze for Animation, and Silver for Comedy). She's been instrumental in its success as the #1 show on the platform. Jordyn is the owner of Elephant Season Productions (a production company she runs with her husband Charles Curley, the Chief Creative Officer and lead artist) and Sketch2Screen (a service connecting animation creatives). She's currently producing three TV shows and focuses on innovative storytelling, client collaboration, and bringing creative visions to life.

Bianca Guimaraes is a Founding Partner and Executive Creative Director at Mischief @ No Fixed Address, an award-winning independent agency based in New York. She is widely recognized as a "maverick" in the advertising industry for creating provocative, culturally impactful campaigns that push boundaries. Professional Background Career Trajectory: Originally from São Paulo, she began her career as a junior art director before moving to New York to join THOMPSON. Prior to founding Mischief in 2020 during the pandemic, she spent six years at BBDO New York, where she rose to Senior Vice President and Creative Director. Notable Campaigns: She is the creative force behind several high-profile projects, including: Sandy Hook Promise: "Back-to-School Essentials," for which she won an Emmy. Thinx: The "MENstruation" campaign. Monica Lewinsky: Anti-bullying initiatives like "The Epidemic".

Noah Sanborn Friedman is a New York-based entrepreneur, investor, and venture capitalist, best known for his leadership in the beverage alcohol industry and for building high-level professional communities. He's also the founder of OuterSignal. Top Shelf Ventures: He is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Top Shelf Ventures, a venture capital and private equity fund that specializes in the alcohol and "vice" industries. The fund identifies and accelerates high-growth alcohol brands, managing a portfolio that includes millions in assets.Uncharted: In partnership with Michael Loeb (founder of Priceline.com), he co-founded Uncharted, an exclusive community for founders and funders. The group is anchored by an annual summit and a monthly dinner series designed to foster strategic connections.Advisory Roles: He serves as an investor and advisor for several successful beverage brands, including The Finnish Long Drink Company, SUNBOY Spiked Coconut Water, and Gratsi.Early Success: At age 22, he became the Chief Operating Officer of 3x3, a retail analytics platform for the alcohol industry. His work there involved building a massive data network that tracked billions in transactions.Loeb Enterprises: He began working with Michael Loeb during his junior year of college, eventually transitioning into a hybrid investing and operating role at Loeb.nyc.Education: He graduated from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University (Class of 2017) with honors.The "Superpower": Interestingly, he has a background in theater and acting, which he frequently cites as a "superpower" in business for developing the storytelling and public speaking skills necessary for fundraising and leadership.6FTCloser: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-founded this digital media platform to send messages of gratitude to frontline workers. The project went viral and eventually expanded to focus more broadly on mental health and social impact.Sanborn Sessions: He worked on this music and talk show featuring his relative, the legendary Grammy-winning saxophonist David Sanborn.Professional LeadershipBackground & Career PathNotable Projects

Geoffrey Goldberg – Co-Founder & CCO of Movers+ShakersThis Geoffrey Goldberg is a major figure in the "social-first" marketing world, specifically known for his expertise in viral content and TikTok.Role: He is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Movers+Shakers, an agency that became famous for creating the most viral campaign in TikTok history (the #eyeslipsface challenge for e.l.f. Cosmetics).Recent Achievement: As of 2024–2025, he led the agency through a record-breaking acquisition by the Stagwell Network.Philosophy: He is a vocal proponent of using Generative AI and "digital twins" to scale creative production without losing brand "taste." He often speaks on the "beautiful basics" of high-performing video.Background: Interestingly, he began his career as a Broadway performer (appearing in Mary Poppins) and a choreographer, which he credits for his ability to understand rhythm and storytelling in short-form video.

Jeremy Heilpern is an Atlanta-based advertising executive and the Founder and CEO of Ammunition, a full-service independent agency established in 2017. He is known for building high-growth, "full-funnel" agencies that integrate creativity with data-driven technology. Professional Career & Ammunition Early Start: An advertising prodigy, Heilpern founded his first digital agency at age 14 and earned his BFA from the Art Institute of Atlanta before turning 19. Rapid Ascent: He rose through the ranks of several Atlanta agencies, becoming a C-suite executive and eventually a company president by age 28. At his final stop before founding Ammunition, he is credited with doubling the size of a 30-year-old traditional firm by transforming it into a digital-first powerhouse.

Charlie Tetrick is a prominent figure in the Kansas City advertising and business community, currently serving as the CEO of WTA (formerly Walz Tetrick Advertising). Professional Career Agency Leadership: In 1993, his firm, Tetrick Marketing Design, merged with Travis Walz to form Walz Tetrick Advertising. At age 27, Charlie took full ownership of the agency in 1994 following the death of his mentor, Travis Walz. Rebranding & Growth: In February 2026, he led the agency's rebrand to WTA, introducing the credo "Made To Move". Under his leadership, the agency has grown significantly, tripling its gross revenue year-over-year in 2023 and managing high-profile accounts like the Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City and Hard Rock International.

Jens Stoelken - founder - Ceremony Botanical Brews & co founder of The Many Jens Stoelken is the founder of Ceremony Botanical Brewing, a recently launched independent beverage brand based in Austin, Texas. Professional Background & Inspiration Heritage: Stoelken grew up in Germany, where he developed a deep appreciation for the cultural significance and heritage of beer. Japan Influence: In 2024, while traveling in Japan, he encountered a matcha beer at the Kyoto Brewing Company. This sparked the idea that botanicals could serve as the primary foundation for a new category of brewing, rather than just being used as a flavoring additive. The Concept: He returned to Austin to develop "Botanical Brewing," a category that treats botanicals as the "architect" of the drink. This involves building the entire recipe—balance, aroma, and structure—around the natural character of a specific plant. Current Venture: Ceremony Botanical Brewing

Todd Irwin is a brand strategy veteran with over 30 years of experience who currently serves as the Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Fazer, a New York-based brand strategy and creative agency. He is widely recognized for pioneering the De-Positioning methodology, a strategy designed to turn a competitor's strengths into liabilities. Professional Background Industry Expertise: He has led large-scale identity and strategy projects for Fortune 500 giants (including The Coca-Cola Company, Verizon, Walmart, and Nikon) as well as venture-backed startups from Sequoia Capital and GV (Google Ventures). Fazer Agency: Under Irwin's leadership, Fazer operates as a "new-model" agency where branding experts lead all other teams (advertising, PR, digital) to ensure a unified, competitive strategy. Author: He is the author of De-Positioning: The Secret Brand Strategy for Creating Competitive Advantage, released in November 2025.

Travis McEwan is an entrepreneur and marketing strategist who serves as the CEO of 1 At Bat Media, a digital marketing agency specialized in high-growth strategies for modern brands.Under McEwan's leadership, 1 At Bat Media focuses on performance marketing, customer acquisition, and the integration of emerging technologies into brand strategy.AI & Personalization: He is recognized in the industry as an advocate for hyper-personalization in marketing. He frequently contributes insights on how AI can be used to tailor user experiences, enhance audience segmentation, and optimize inventory management for e-commerce brands.Luxury & Niche Markets: His agency often works with luxury and high-end lifestyle brands, applying data-driven storytelling to help them scale in competitive digital landscapes.Growth Strategy: Developing full-funnel marketing systems that prioritize sustainable customer lifetime value.Customer Insights: Using advanced data analytics to provide brands with deeper behavioral insights into their target demographics.Digital Innovation: Staying at the forefront of marketing trends, particularly the shift toward AI-driven customer journeys.Professional FocusCore Expertise

Jitesh Vaswani is a prominent breathwork teacher, transformational speaker, and marketing executive known for bridging corporate leadership with holistic wellness.Wellness & Meditation: He is a senior faculty member with the Art of Living Foundation, where he teaches SKY Breath Meditation. He is a frequent speaker on mindfulness and intuition, having delivered a TEDx talk ("Use Your Breath") and led sessions for organizations like Google and various U.S. universities.Professional Leadership: He serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Shankara Naturals, a high-end Ayurvedic skincare brand. He also leads strategic partnerships for Sri Sri Tattva USA.Media: He is the host of the podcast Beyond The Known, where he interviews entrepreneurs and thinkers about personal growth, leadership, and inner transformation.Engineering: Before transitioning fully into leadership and wellness, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University.Advocacy: During his time at ASU, he co-founded the "Be Happy ASU" movement to promote mental well-being on campus through meditation workshops.

Sebastian Margaglio is the Senior Manager of Brand & Marketing for Long Weekend, a sustainable food and lifestyle brand operating under the Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA).Margaglio is a central figure in the launch and scaling of Long Weekend, which focuses on high-quality, plant-based products designed for modern, busy lifestyles. He is specifically noted for:Market Launch: Transitioning the brand from a concept to a scalable business in the U.S. market.Product Strategy: Leading the marketing for their flagship product—freeze-dried soups. These are positioned as a healthy, "one-step" meal option for health-conscious consumers.Philosophy: He has described the brand's goal as providing an "emotional reset" for customers, emphasizing convenience without sacrificing nutritional value or sustainability.CPG Expertise: He has a deep background in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), specializing in brand storytelling and e-commerce growth.Team Leadership: He works alongside a specialized team within SCOA's Food & Lifestyle Group to bridge the gap between traditional corporate structures and the agility of a startup brand.

Simon Bruyn is a marketing and growth leader at SIGNIFICANT, where he focuses on helping brands scale through performance marketing, creative strategy, and modern digital channels. With a background spanning paid media, growth strategy, and brand building, he's worked across a range of consumer and B2B clients to drive measurable business results. Known for his data-driven approach and sharp understanding of the evolving media landscape, Bruyn specializes in connecting creative execution with performance outcomes—helping brands navigate everything from platform shifts to full-funnel growth.

R. Ethan Braden is a global marketing and brand executive, currently serving as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Texas A&M University. He oversees the university's brand, marketing, communications, and digital strategy—helping position one of the largest institutions in the U.S. on a global stage. Prior to Texas A&M, Braden held senior leadership roles at Eli Lilly and Company, building deep expertise at the intersection of healthcare, storytelling, and corporate reputation. Known for blending data-driven marketing with purpose-led storytelling, Braden has built a reputation for modernizing legacy brands and leading large-scale transformations across both corporate and institutional environments.

Alexander Hejazi is an entrepreneur and startup founder with a background in finance and technology. He is the founder and CEO of startups including Ballbox and Placement, companies focused on retail technology, smart kiosks, and innovative product distribution models. Hejazi began his career in finance, working with organizations such as Wells Fargo, NetSuite, and a boutique investment bank in Dubai, before transitioning into the startup world. His work centers on building tech-enabled solutions that improve how consumers access products and services, particularly in physical retail and logistics environments.

Dave Gulas is an American entrepreneur, logistics executive, and podcast host. He is the co-founder and president of EZDC 3PL, a third-party logistics company that provides warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services for e-commerce and manufacturing brands. Before entering the logistics industry, Gulas spent more than 20 years in medical and pharmaceutical sales, where he developed a strong customer-focused approach that he later applied to his business ventures. He is also the host of the “Beyond Fulfillment” podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs and business leaders about growth, challenges, and building successful companies.

Preeti Nadgar is a prominent media and communications strategy executive in the advertising industry. As of mid-2025, she serves as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for the United States at Starcom (a Publicis Media agency), marking her third tenure with the company—she first joined in 2004, returned in 2012 (rising to VP level), and rejoined after time away at other agencies. Prior to this, she was CSO at EssenceMediacom (a GroupM agency), where she was recognized for her nearly 20 years of experience in creative and media agencies. She's described as a "comms planning OG" (original gangster), with a focus on data-centric strategy, human behavior research, building brave brands, nurturing diverse teams, and driving breakthroughs in creativity, connectivity, and culture in the evolving "new comms economy.

Kyle Fleming (the one associated with Taha Kava) is a co-founder of Taha Kava, a Hawaii-based beverage brand specializing in sparkling kava drinks (e.g., flavors like Pineapple and Lilikoʻi/Passionfruit). Taha is a non-alcoholic, low-calorie "Polynesian social tonic" featuring noble Tongan kava (typically 500–800mg per can), positioned as a relaxing, social alternative with no sugar and island-inspired flavors.Kyle is based in Hawaii (Maui area, including Haiku), where he has deep roots in the local beverage and brewing scene. He's also a co-founder and master brewer at Pauwela Beverage Company, focusing on fermented beverages like kombucha (drawing from his extensive craft beer background). He has experience in product development, brand expansion, and organic marketing—often leveraging Hawaii's lifestyle, tourism, micro-influencers (e.g., surfers, health enthusiasts), and events like Natural Products Expo West.Recent highlights include a March 2026 interview (posted on YouTube/LinkedIn by Dylan Conroy) discussing Taha's growth, distribution, and strategy at expo events. Kyle emphasizes organic discovery (tourists trying it on vacation and seeking it later) and community ties, such as local partnerships and activities (e.g., climbing events with the Taha crew).

Marc Sampogna is a seasoned entrepreneur, branding expert, and marketing leader with over 15–20 years of experience in the advertising, branding, and agency world.Born and raised in New York, he comes from a family background tied to advertising (his father and grandfather were involved in the field). He founded Canopy Brand Group (a branding and creative agency focused on strategy, design, innovation, and authentic growth for brands), where he serves as Founder, Managing Partner, Chief Creative Officer, and Chief Brand Officer.He's also the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Once Upon a Coconut, a purpose-driven coconut water brand emphasizing positivity and social impact. Additionally, Marc is involved with other ventures including:Co-founder/investor in TrueGreen Global (smart packaging tech for cannabis).Founder of Wingmate.Board member and CMO roles at companies like GetSinch.Partnerships/investments (e.g., San Frediano).His work spans building brands, strategic consulting, creative direction, and driving innovation—often blending marketing with social good and emerging industries like cannabis tech. He's been recognized in outlets like Authority Magazine for his social impact efforts and has appeared on podcasts discussing creativity, entrepreneurship, and brand growth.He's active on social media (Instagram @marc_sampo, X @SampognaMarc) and maintains a personal site at marcsampogna.com, where he positions himself as an entrepreneur, creative, investor, and leader.

Sarah Boyd is a marketing executive and entrepreneur best known as Co-CEO and CRO of The Digital Dept., a leading influencer marketing and talent management firm. She originally founded Simply Stylist, a fashion and lifestyle platform that grew into a major conference series and digital network connecting creators, brands, and media. With a background in fashion PR, she's built a reputation as a “connector” in the creator economy, representing top-tier talent and advising brands on influencer strategy. Boyd has been named a Forbes “Female Founder to Watch” and has contributed to Forbes on fashion and beauty trends.

Myriah Castillo is a social media strategist and marketing executive, currently serving as President of Joybyte, one of the fastest-growing influencer-led social marketing agencies in the U.S. She played a key role in scaling the agency's growth—helping drive major client partnerships and building innovative strategies across platforms like TikTok and TikTok Shop. With a background in creative writing and over a decade of experience in social and influencer marketing, Castillo has built her reputation on blending creative risk-taking with performance-driven strategy. Before rising through the ranks at Joybyte, she also founded her own consumer brand, giving her a hands-on understanding of building businesses through social-first growth. She's known for pushing brands beyond traditional playbooks—championing culturally relevant, platform-native content and helping shape how modern influencer marketing actually drives revenue.

Bryan Stewart is the Chief of Marketing and External Relations at Goodwill of Southern Nevada (GoodwillVegas.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to workforce development, job training, and community support through retail operations and programs that help individuals overcome barriers to employment (often summarized as "saving the waste in people and things").He joined the organization in late 2021 (initially as Vice President of Marketing and Communications) and has since led major initiatives including:Launching the “Goodwill Works” brand platform and guidelines.Building in-house creative/publication services, standard signage, and multi-channel campaigns.Orchestrating the organization's 50th anniversary celebration.Creating internal programs like awards/recognition, customer compliments portal, leadership development fellowship, and an in-store fundraising initiative supporting local nonprofits.

Rob Dawson is the Chief Strategy Officer at Creator.co, a Vancouver, Canada-based all-in-one influencer marketing platform (founded in 2016) that connects brands with creators for authentic collaborations, campaign management, performance tracking, and AI-powered tools like their "London" AI agent for matching, outreach, and scaling campaigns.In his role, he leads corporate strategy, growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, and the push toward AI-powered creator commerce—helping brands discover fitting creators, automate workflows, and drive measurable ROI in the creator economy. With over 25 years of experience in digital transformation, innovation, and scaling businesses, he's positioned at the forefront of bridging brands and creators through data-driven, authentic partnerships.

Mark Connon is a seasoned executive in the adtech, martech, and data industry, currently serving as CEO of Bombora, a leading provider of B2B intent data and audience solutions that helps marketers identify in-market buyers through aggregated, privacy-compliant signals from publisher content consumption.He joined Bombora as President in May 2023 and assumed the CEO role around mid-2024, succeeding founder Erik Matlick. Under his leadership, the company focuses on open B2B ecosystems, bridging B2B and B2C-style targeting precision, combating data fragmentation, and enabling actionable, high-precision audiences for performance marketing and sales alignment.His career includes key roles such as:Chief Operating Officer at TapAd (acquired by Experian in 2020), transitioning to General Manager and EVP of Product and Marketing for Experian Marketing Services.SVP and Global Chief Mobile and Data Officer at AOL (later Verizon Media), where he led mobile advertising, data strategy, and enterprise data commercialization.Various C-level positions at public and private marketing/advertising companies.A business strategist and entrepreneur, he serves as an advisor or board member for multiple ad/martech firms. He's a frequent speaker and contributor on topics like intent data, B2B targeting evolution, privacy-compliant innovation, and the future of open data ecosystems (e.g., podcasts like The Agile Brand, op-eds in The Current, and interviews in SalesTechStar).Based in New York, he's active on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/markconnon) and recognized for his expertise in scaling data-driven marketing solutions.

Ajay Gupta is the Founder and CEO of Stirista (often phonetically similar to "Sistra" in queries), a San Antonio, Texas-based data-driven marketing and identity solutions company specializing in combining identity-level data, email marketing, digital execution (including DSP ownership), and multichannel campaigns to help brands and agencies acquire, activate, and retain customers.He founded Stirista in 2009/2010 at age 26, starting as a two-person operation in a small San Francisco apartment without external funding. Under his leadership, it has grown rapidly into a full-service provider serving Fortune 500 companies, agencies, and SMBs—expanding to nearly 100 employees across three continents, earning spots on the Inc. 5000 list (fastest-growing private companies), Ad Age's Best Places to Work, DMA awards (e.g., Silver ECHO for Best Retail Campaign), and other recognitions.Gupta is a thought leader in performance marketing, personalized campaigns, data transparency, email/bot fraud prevention, and blending data with storytelling. He's a Forbes Agency Council member, International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) inductee, judge for industry awards, former San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and Marketing EDGE Rising Star. He contributes articles to publications like Ad Age and appears on podcasts/radio.Born and raised in a small city in India (no phone until age 12), he holds a degree from Texas State University, is bilingual (English/Hindi), and is based in San Antonio. He's active on X as @realAjayGupta, sharing marketing insights and company updates.

Domenic Venuto is a prominent executive in the advertising and media technology space, currently serving as EVP and Chief Product & Data Officer at Horizon Media, one of the world's largest independent media agencies (based in New York).In this role (appointed in late 2024), he oversees enterprise-wide product, data, and AI strategy, driving innovation through Horizon's AI-native Blue Platform—which integrates data analytics, audience planning, measurement, and marketing to deliver transparent, trustworthy AI solutions for clients. He emphasizes avoiding "tech debt," prioritizing trust as the new currency in an AI-driven advertising world, and using first-party data enrichment to enhance brand-consumer relationships without black-box opacity.His career spans cross-disciplinary experience in product development, data analytics, client services, ad tech, and investment banking. Before Horizon, he held leadership roles including at Progress Partners (a merchant bank focused on tech and media M&A, capital raising, and advisory), and earlier positions in agencies and publishers. He's recognized as a thought leader on ethical AI innovation, interconnectivity in advertising, and evolving marketing beyond traditional broadcasting.Venuto is a frequent speaker at industry events like CES (2025/2026), Advertising Week, and podcasts/interviews (e.g., with Beet.TV, Teads, Marketecture, and others), where he discusses topics like trustworthy data over flashy AI demos, brand trust in media, and AI's role in rewriting agency-client dynamics.He is active on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/dvenuto) and Instagram (@aussiedish), sharing insights on media, tech, and personal interests. Based in New York/Brooklyn.

George Baker (often referred to as George Baker, Sr.) is an award-winning American entrepreneur, innovator, investor, and mentor based in Dallas, Texas. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of 2 the Moon Ventures, an investment vehicle he established to back early-stage companies and high-impact founders, particularly those needing an extra "boost" to scale—drawing from the playful "one small step" to greatness theme. His investments leverage expertise in parking management, SaaS platforms, technology, commercial real estate, and extend to sectors like apparel, food & beverage, sports & entertainment, and the outdoors.He is best known as the Founder (and former CEO/Chairman) of ParkHub, a leading parking technology company he built starting around 2010. ParkHub provides integrated parking management solutions, contactless payments, data analytics, and operations optimization—serving major sports leagues, venues, and commercial clients. Under his leadership, it grew into a multimillion-dollar (reportedly $100M+ valuation) global player, earning him recognitions like EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Southwest finalist (2023) and Forbes Business Council membership. He holds five patents in parking, sports, and entertainment tech.A servant leader focused on team-first culture, MVP thinking, agile innovation, and community impact, he serves on boards including Engage Dallas, Texas Discovery Gardens, and the Alliance for Parking Industry Data Standards. He lives in Dallas with his wife Chelsey and children George II and Kuper.

Nikos Iatropoulos is a venture capitalist and entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas. He currently serves as Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at IA Global Ventures, a fund focused on supporting foreign-born founders and early-stage tech startups, where he leads investment strategy and operations.His career includes roles such as:Managing Partner of Rex Tech Ventures (joined in 2022).Regional Partner and Head of Operations at Kairos Ventures (joined in 2017).Co-founder and CEO of Lingospot, an enterprise software company.With a background as a software entrepreneur spanning over 16 years, he has experience mentoring and advising early-stage companies. He is active in the Texas tech ecosystem, particularly Austin's growing venture scene, and has investments in areas like tech, biotech, and hardware (e.g., MixComm, Actinobac Biomed, Tanvas). He holds certifications in Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy, among others.He is active on X as @iatropoulos and frequently comments on Austin's tech growth, venture capital trends, and opportunities outside Silicon Valley.

Sanjoy Paul is an Indian-American computer scientist, engineer, and innovation leader (born January 22, 1962). He currently serves as Executive Director of Rice Nexus (Rice University's premier innovation and prototyping hub) and AI Houston, as well as Associate Vice President for Technology Development at Rice University, where he also lectures in Computer Science.He is a Fellow of the IEEE (FIEEE) and was recently elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (FNAI) in 2025 for his contributions to AI, IoT, and related technologies. With 95 patents to his name, his work focuses on integrating artificial intelligence/machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), computer networking, 5G, and extended reality (XR) to create intelligent systems for industries like healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and space.His career includes senior roles such as Managing Director at Accenture Technology Labs (leading R&D in robotics, 5G, digital twins, and AI), Global Digital Head at Wipro, leadership positions at Infosys, Bell Labs, and as Founder/CEO of RelevantAd Technologies. He holds a B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur (1985), a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland (1992), and an MBA from Wharton (2005).

Sarah Romanko is a venture capital investor and startup ecosystem leader based in the United States. She serves as an Associate at Geek Ventures, where she focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and supporting early-stage technology startups, particularly those founded by immigrants in the U.S. Romanko has experience working with several venture capital firms and startups, including companies such as Bulletpitch and WingDriver (Techstars '23), giving her a blend of venture investing and startup-operations expertise. She is active in the broader startup and venture capital community as a speaker, mentor, and startup judge, having participated in dozens of speaking engagements and mentorship sessions with organizations such as Startup Grind, Founder Institute, and major university programs. Romanko is also involved in venture and innovation events, serving in leadership roles such as Chief of Staff for the Texas Venture Gala & Forum and Texas Venture Fest, and evaluating startup panels for conferences including SXSW.

Neal Bloom is a San Diego-based venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder in the tech and startup space. A Southern California native, he studied mechanical engineering at UC San Diego (UCSD) and early in his career worked with NASA on the Space Shuttle Main Engines and aspects of the Artemis program.He co-founded the edtech startup Portfolium, which was acquired by Instructure. This experience transitioned him into angel investing, where he built strong networks in the San Diego tech community. He has been involved with Tech Coast Angels and co-founded an angel syndicate.Currently, Neal serves as Managing Partner (or General Partner) at Rising Tide Partners, an early-stage investment group focused on curating signal in the noise to back exceptional founders, particularly in innovative tech solving real-world problems. He previously held a similar role as co-founder and Managing Partner at Interlock Capital, an early-stage fund and community of experienced operators.With nearly 20 years in tech, he's passionate about fostering startup ecosystems—advising on community building, events, and public outreach. He runs the Rising Tide Partners Substack (covering tech trends, AI, hard tech, and San Diego venture insights), hosts or contributes to podcasts/talks (e.g., Tacos and Tech), and is active in San Diego's startup scene through groups like Startup San Diego (where he's held leadership roles in sponsorships and partnerships).He's a frequent speaker, LinkedIn thought leader (15K+ followers), and connector in areas like AI for Main Street businesses, hard tech, and regional innovation hubs. Neal has appeared on podcasts and at events like TechCon Global discussing AI, investing, and ecosystem growth.

Susan Akbarpour is an Iranian-American serial entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and venture capitalist based in Silicon Valley. She began her career as an investigative journalist in Iran before immigrating to the United States in 1997. With over 30 years of experience building innovative products and businesses in technology, media, advertising, finance, retail, and more, she is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Mavatar Technologies (launched in 2011), a consumer-centric e-commerce platform focused on personalized shopping experiences and ending the "consumer as product" model in digital advertising. She holds an MS in Management (MSx '10) from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where she founded the @Akbarpour Aalaei Fellowship to provide need-based scholarships for Farsi-speaking MBA, MSx, or PhD students. Thanks to Strike Social for sending me.

Scott Hess is a prominent executive in the advertising and media industry, currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Publicis Media (a division of Publicis Groupe), based in Chicago.He is a dynamic leader focused on branding, culture-building, human intelligence, and storytelling for people and brands. Hess has held key roles within the Publicis ecosystem, including CMO at Spark Foundry (a Publicis Media agency), EVP of Communications and Marketing at Publicis Media, and positions like Chief Work Officer and acting/interim CMO at Starcom. His background includes pioneering youth research as VP of Insights at TRU before transitioning to media agencies.Known as an expert on generational trends (especially Millennials and Gen Z/"Post Generation"), he is a frequent speaker, writer, and thought leader on topics like humanity in marketing, workplace joy, mentorship, and cultural cohesion across Publicis Media's network (including agencies like Starcom, Zenith, and Spark Foundry).Hess is also a poet, guitarist, and Miami University alum (B.A. in English/Creative Writing). He's been recognized as an Adweek Media All-Star and emphasizes mentorship and opportunity creation in advertising.

Alex "Fro" Frommeyer is an American entrepreneur and executive best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Beam Benefits (originally launched as Beam Dental/Beam Technologies). He started the company in 2012 with a background in engineering (educated at the University of Louisville), initially focusing on innovative dental insurance tied to smart toothbrush technology and rewards for healthy habits (like the Beam Perks program).Under his leadership, Beam evolved into a digitally native employee benefits provider, expanding to offer dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health coverage. It modernized the ancillary benefits industry with an online platform, AI-powered tools, and incentives for wellness. The company raised significant funding (over $160–170 million reported in various rounds), grew to operate in dozens of U.S. states, and became a notable InsurTech player.He's been recognized on lists like Forbes 30 Under 30 (Manufacturing & Industry in 2015) and has appeared on podcasts and in media discussing disruption in insurance, startup culture, and building in Ohio (where Beam is based in Columbus).More recently, as of 2026 profiles, he's listed as the Founder and CEO of Stack Health, described as an operating system for personalized health plans to accelerate individualized coverage.He's commonly referred to as "Fro" in professional contexts and on social media (@AlexFrommeyer on X).

David Angelo is the Founder & Creative Chairman of David&Goliath, a Los Angeles-based advertising agency known for its challenger mindset and “Brave” philosophy. With a career spanning over three decades, Angelo has built award-winning work for major brands including KIA Motors, The Coca-Cola Company, Lexus, Michelin, Reebok and the National Football League (NFL), and has earned more than 500 industry honors, such as Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, The One Show Pencils and The Clios. He's an American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement inductee and a respected voice in creative leadership. In 2016, Angelo also founded Today, I'm Brave, a global nonprofit focused on empowering youth through courage and purpose.

Francesca Kennedy is a social entrepreneur, brand leader, and former fashion founder known for building purpose-driven businesses that blend design with social impact. She is the founder of Ix Style, a fashion and lifestyle brand that works with artisan makers in Guatemala to produce handmade goods while helping provide clean drinking water and economic opportunities for local communities — a mission inspired by her personal experiences growing up between the U.S. and Guatemala. Kennedy's work with Ix Style has led to partnerships with major retailers and media exposure, including an appearance on Project Runway: Fashion Startup. More recently, she has led public relations and corporate social responsibility initiatives at retail network Shop LC, helping amplify impact programs such as Your Purchase Feeds, which has delivered millions of meals to children in need.

Falk Eumann is the Executive Vice President of Creative, North America at WongDoody (a global creative technology agency and Infosys company), based in New York City. An Executive Creative Director with over 15 years of international experience in digital, he blends technology, design, human-centered storytelling, and innovation to bring brands to life—focusing on purpose-driven work, next-gen tech (including AI & creativity), and immersive experiences.He joined WongDoody in 2025 as Executive Creative Director, North America, after roles like Creative Director at Monks (leading campaigns such as Dragonfly) and Founding Partner/Executive Creative Director at Caviar. Fluent in English and German, he's passionate about pushing creative boundaries, has spoken on AI in creativity (e.g., WongDoody's Creative AI initiatives), and is active in pitching ideas for events like SXSW 2026.

Crystal Foote is the Founder & CEO (also Head of Partnerships) of Digital Culture Group (DCG), an award-winning, Atlanta-based ad tech company she launched in 2023 as the industry's only Black- and woman-owned firm in the space. DCG bridges data and humanity through innovative audience targeting (e.g., her Audience Resonance Index™ or ARI), real-time cultural insights, and inclusive advertising—helping brands connect authentically with multicultural audiences beyond basic demographics.A trailblazing advertising executive and entrepreneur, she started her career in New York at agencies like MEC, RGA, and Publicis, then moved into tech at Exponential and Amobee before founding DCG with just $300. She's grown it rapidly (e.g., adding Fortune 500 clients like Jeep and McDonald's, 47% YoY growth), earned spots on Inc. Magazine's 2025 Female Founders 500 list and Ad Age's Leading Women 2025, and is a USBC Power 50 honoree.