Adpodcast

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.

Dan Fernandez is the Vice President of Digital Marketing and Strategy at Concord Hospitality Enterprises, a leading U.S. hotel management and development company.He's a recognized leader in digital marketing, branding, and hospitality strategy with over 15 years of experience in luxury and lifestyle segments. He has led high-performing teams at top agencies and shaped digital strategies for iconic properties like Hotel del Coronado, The Broadmoor, The Breakers Palm Beach, Rosewood Hotel Group, The Standard Hotels, and Montage International.Dan champions innovation, fosters passionate talent, and serves on marketing advisory boards for HSMAI, Hilton, and Marriott International. In 2025, he was honored as one of HSMAI's Top 25 Extraordinary Minds for pushing boundaries in digital engagement and hospitality marketing.He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University.

Tara Oporto (also known as Tara Oporto) is the Founder & CEO of Enchantra, Inc., a New York City-based modern brand house (C-Corp) focused on creating innovative lifestyle and wellness brands.A longtime marketing leader and mom of five, she founded Temperates (temperates.com) in 2025—an intentional non-alcoholic beverage brand and lifestyle platform exploring the "new culture of drinking less." Temperates examines how alcohol marketing, identity, habits, and biology influence consumption, while promoting clarity, connection, and wellness without labels or pressure. It's positioned for the sober-curious movement, with insights on Gen Z prioritizing recovery, performance, and meaningful social rituals over traditional drinking.Her expertise spans growth strategy, media partnerships (e.g., past advisor at Premiere Direct Response), and rethinking health/culture intersections.

James Nord is the Founder & CEO of Fohr (fohr.co), the first influencer/ambassador marketing agency and platform in the U.S., launched in 2012 in New York City. A true pioneer in the creator economy, he transitioned from Wall Street finance to fashion photography (shooting behind-the-scenes for Oscar de la Renta and Thom Browne, Inc.) after gaining massive fame as one of Tumblr's most-followed creators. Frustrated by the lack of structured ways for creators to connect with brands, he built Fohr to bridge that gap—focusing on authentic partnerships, genuine passion over vanity metrics, and programs like SEPHORA Squad (with the motto: “don't spend good money on fake love”). He's paid out over $150 million to influencers, created category-defining tech, and grown Fohr into a full-service agency emphasizing people-first culture.

Evin Shutt is a visionary leader in the advertising industry, serving as Global CEO and Partner at 72andSunny, a globally acclaimed creative agency (part of MDC Partners/Stagwell) known for cultural impact campaigns (e.g., redefining music distribution with Samsung/Jay-Z, elevating the NFL as the most valuable pro sports league, United Airlines' "biggest and best" seat innovations, Tinder as entertainment, Bugaboo as premium baby brand).She joined as the agency's first employee in 2004 (during its recession launch) and became its first female partner before ascending to Global CEO in March 2020. Under her 20+ year tenure, 72andSunny grew from 4-5 people to 700+ employees across offices in Los Angeles, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, and beyond. She's architected innovative ventures like 72U (talent incubator), Hecho Studios (production), Brand Citizens (purpose consultancy), and Sundae (performance influencer marketing), while championing diversity, expanding the creative class, and fostering partnerships (e.g., Da Vinci Schools).Before advertising, Evin was a middle school teacher. She holds an M.Ed. from Loyola Marymount University (2004) and has been recognized with honors like the Advertising Hall of Achievement (AAF, 2018), Adweek 50 (multiple years), and as a finalist in LA Times Business Visionaries: Inspirational Women. She's a frequent speaker (Cannes Lions, Brand Innovators podcasts) on resilience, pivoting careers, work-life "pendulum" balance, diverse perspectives, and people-first leadership.Based in the Los Angeles area (originally from Neenah, Wisconsin), she's active on LinkedIn (@evin-shutt-5250a39) sharing insights on creativity, agency growth, and impact.

John Carstens is the Chief Creative Officer at Team DDB (Omnicom), leading creative efforts for the US Army account—a massive, multidisciplinary consortium of 11+ agencies. A seasoned writer, strategist, and creative leader, he specializes in building and managing large teams to deliver innovative storytelling across brand categories. His career includes roles at SapientNitro (where he led digital creative departments), Apple, DDB, and others, with a focus on creative diversification, research-driven ideas, diverse perspectives, and evolving industry trends like AI in advertising. He's appeared on podcasts such as "How I F*cked Up" (discussing leading the Army account and lessons from setbacks) and others on unlocking ideas through perspective and storytelling.

Allison Arling-Giorgi is the Head of Brand at Method1, a Chicago-based advertising and strategy agency focused on behavioral science-driven marketing. She's a seasoned brand strategist and behavioral-science expert with deep experience in consumer insights, particularly for Millennials and Gen Z. She harnesses human behavior research to build memorable brands, craft high-impact campaigns, and drive business results—often in CPG, spirits, and cultural trends. Her work emphasizes mental availability, habit formation, memorability over precision, and empathetic, human-centered approaches amid information overload.

Nick Miaritis is a prominent advertising and marketing executive, serving as Global Chief Client Officer at VaynerMedia (a leading creative and media agency under VaynerX), based in New York. He joined in 2018 and leads brand partnerships, accelerates client growth, builds new agency capabilities, and oversees high-profile campaigns (e.g., Super Bowl work for clients like WK Kellogg Co).Prior to VaynerMedia, he spent 12 years at Saatchi & Saatchi, where he worked globally, led teams on iconic campaigns—including the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Grand Prix-winning “It's a Tide Ad” Super Bowl spot and Miller High Life's “One Second Ad”—and honed expertise in integrated creative, strategy, and brand storytelling.

Jake Kitchiner is a UK-based entrepreneur and Co-Founder of ChannelCrawler (channelcrawler.com), a powerful YouTube influencer discovery and database tool. Launched after he identified a gap in existing solutions while working on prior ventures, the platform allows users to search and filter YouTube channels using 40+ criteria—including category, subscriber size, location, engagement metrics, and more—to facilitate targeted influencer partnerships, sponsorships, and marketing campaigns.

Steve Katelman is a veteran advertising and digital media executive with nearly three decades of experience in strategic partnerships, media innovation, and growth for major agencies and tech platforms.He currently serves as Chief Partnership Officer at Fyllo (a compliance-first SaaS platform for regulated industries like cannabis, sports betting, and alcohol), where he oversees partnerships across all business lines since joining in 2022 after briefly retiring. Previously, he spent nearly 30 years at Omnicom Media Group (including 14–15 years as Executive Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships), pioneering digital vision, client success strategies, and forward-thinking leadership in media and advertising.Recognized as an industry visionary, he's served on advisory boards (e.g., Affinity Answers) and is praised for his uncanny ability to drive client outcomes through innovation and transparency. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with a strong LinkedIn presence (7K+ followers) sharing insights on digital trends, events like CES 2026, and personal adventures (e.g., philanthropy with Team Dayā in Senegal, building schools).He's active on social media (@katelman on Instagram) and known for his engaging, human-centered approach in a fast-evolving industry.

Brian Gross is the President of Bach to Rock (often called "America's Music School"), a leading national franchise of contemporary music schools offering private and group lessons in guitar, piano, drums, voice, bass, and more for students of all ages and skill levels. He has held this role since 2011, after serving as Vice President of Marketing and Operations starting in 2008.Bach to Rock emphasizes a unique, band-based learning approach where students play the music they love together, rather than traditional classical methods—focusing on modern genres to make lessons engaging and fun.Gross brings a strong business background to the role, with prior experience in brand management at major companies including Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble (Cover Girl), Bank of America, and Sylvan Learning Centers. He also served as president of Rileyroos (children's footwear) and general manager of Barton-Cotton Inc. (direct marketing/print production). He holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Delaware and an MBA from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School.A lifelong music enthusiast (classic rock and country fan—favorite band Guns N' Roses, first concert AC/DC), he's a beginner guitar player and "wanna-be drummer." He's based in the Bethesda, Maryland area, active on LinkedIn (@briancgross), and frequently discusses franchising, music education innovation, and second-career entrepreneurship in interviews and industry features.

Bill Lea is the Vice President of Media at rEvolution (often stylized as Revolution), a global integrated sports marketing agency headquartered in Chicago.With over 18 years in media planning and buying, he's a strategic, analytics-driven leader specializing in digital, sponsorship, and performance media for sports and entertainment brands. He's led media strategies for clients like Betfred Sportsbook (where rEvolution was named Media AOR in 2022), handled major campaigns including the College Basketball Crown, and progressed through roles at the agency from Group Director/Director of Media Services to VP. He's based in the Palos Hills, IL area, graduated from Carthage College, and is praised for deep expertise in digital media markets and solving complex challenges.

Isha Patel is the co-founder and CEO of Kale (kalecard.com), a New York-based startup platform that lets everyday social media users (superfans, not just big influencers) earn cash rewards for sharing authentic content about brands they love—like Rare Beauty, Glossier, Inc., sweetgreen, and Chili's.She previously worked at LinkedIn (where she met co-founder Luis Molina), graduated from University of California, Berkeley, and has been recognized on Inc. Magazine's 2025 Female Founders 500 list for scaling the company and tripling revenue. Kale focuses on turning genuine advocacy into scalable marketing for brands.

Lindsey Carnett is an accomplished entrepreneur, marketing executive, and public relations expert. She is the Founder, CEO, and President of Marketing Maven, an integrated marketing and PR agency she established in 2009, specializing in helping businesses grow through strategic communications, digital marketing, and reputation management. A graduate of California Lutheran University with a B.A. in Spanish and Communications (emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising), she was an NCAA collegiate women's soccer captain and an officer in the American Marketing Association during her college years. With over two decades of experience, Carnett is also a Forbes contributor, keynote speaker, bestselling author (notably of The Marketing Maven Method), fractional CMO, and board director.

Dustin Black is the Executive Creative Director at Preston Spire, where he leads the agency's award-winning creative team with curiosity and bold thinking. With over 25 years of experience in the advertising industry, he's worked at top agencies including BBDO Worldwide, Colle McVoy, MONO, and Carmichael Lynch, crafting standout work for brands like Perdue Farms, Frank's RedHot, Craftsman, Subaru of America, and MSNBC. Dustin's creative leadership has earned recognition from Clio, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, The One Show, D&AD, Effie Worldwide, and other major industry awards. Beyond advertising, he's the author of The Book of SPAM, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for blending strategy, art direction, and human insight in creative work.

Robb Hittner is a Co-Founder of Hackett Brooks, a creative agency built around using comedy and humor as a strategic driver in advertising and workplace culture. Steve Mallory is a Co-Founder of Hackett Brooks, where he brings creative and storytelling expertise to the agency's mission of making advertising fun and culturally relevant. Alongside Robb Hittner and others, he helps lead creative strategy that blends humor, narrative, and brand communication to build deeper audience engagement.Jordan Atlas is a Partner at Hackett Brooks, the creative company built on the belief that humor is a strategic advantage. With a background spanning creative leadership, strategy, and modern brand building, Jordan helps brands and teams unlock more human, culturally resonant work. He brings a sharp point of view on creativity, culture, and collaboration, shaped by years of experience building award-winning ideas and leading creative teams.

Michael Ellery is the Chief Creative Officer at Sparks, a creative agency known for experiential design and large-scale event marketing. With more than two decades of experience in creative strategy and execution, Michael leads creative direction and innovation, helping brands deliver immersive, memorable experiences across events, environments, and integrated campaigns. His background includes senior creative roles and a foundation in design, blending strategic thinking with hands-on creative leadership to elevate brand engagement.

Cliff Kim is a senior leader at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, currently serving as Vice President of Growth Strategy, Digital Products and President of Fender Play, the company's digital learning platform. At Fender, he leads efforts to grow both physical and digital business through data-driven insights, conversion optimization, and consumer research, helping evolve how players discover and engage with Fender's products and services. During his tenure he played a key role in initiatives like PlayThrough, which significantly expanded Fender Play's user base, and contributed insights that shaped resources like the Beginners Hub for new musicians. Before Fender, Kim held analytics and strategy roles at major brands including Live Nation Entertainment, ESPN, and Yahoo!, blending analytics with storytelling to drive growth and strategic decision-making. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside and is based in Los Angeles.

Roy Sexton is the Chief Marketing Officer at Vedder, where he leads the firm's overall marketing strategy, brand positioning, and business development initiatives across the legal sector. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications—including nearly 15 years focused in legal marketing—Roy has shaped campaigns, digital outreach, and organizational storytelling that support growth and differentiation for global professional services. He has also served in leadership roles within the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), including as International President, and is recognized for his contributions to marketing leadership and inclusive leadership in the industry.

Gigi Harville is an entrepreneur, talent manager, and CEO of The Paul Harville Group, a Los Angeles–based management and consulting company focused on music artists and social media creators. With over 25 years in the music and creator space, she helps talent develop their brands, build careers, and navigate digital strategy. Harville's work has earned media recognition and industry nominations — including at the Black Girl Digital Awards — and she has partnered with major brands and platforms to elevate underrepresented voices in entertainment and digital media. She's also a songwriter, vocal producer, and mentor committed to helping emerging talent find long-term success.

Marcus Chan is the founder and CEO of Venli Consulting Group and the creator of Real B2B Sales Training, where he helps B2B sales teams drive predictable revenue through modern, buyer-centric selling. A former enterprise sales leader, Marcus is known for his practical, no-fluff approach to sales execution, coaching teams on pipeline strategy, deal acceleration, and closing complex enterprise accounts. He's a frequent speaker and advisor to fast-growing B2B organizations looking to level up sales performance.

Joy Farber Kolo is the Global Chief Brand Officer at Weber Shandwick, a leading global communications and integrated marketing firm. With more than 28 years at the agency, she has held senior leadership roles—guiding strategy, client relationships, and award-winning work that spans earned media, brand building, and integrated communications. Joy's career reflects deep expertise in developing insights-driven campaigns and nurturing creative talent across global teams.

Dan Gilbert is the co-founder and CEO of Brainlabs, a global performance marketing agency known for its data-driven approach and rapid growth. Since founding Brainlabs in the UK, Dan has helped scale the company into an international organization by blending rigorous experimentation, technology, and a strong people-first culture. He's widely recognized for pushing transparency, testing, and measurable impact in modern marketing.

Celia Jones, JD is a seasoned marketing and brand strategist currently serving as Global Chief Marketing Officer at FINN Partners, a leading integrated public relations and communications agency. With more than 20 years of experience, she has shaped the marketing and brand narratives of disruptive agencies and challenger brands, blending brand strategy, integrated communications, cultural storytelling, and thought leadership. Before FINN, Celia was CEO of The Escape Pod, where she led the agency to multiple Ad Age Small Agency of the Year honors, and she has held senior marketing roles at Havas and Critical Mass. She holds a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a BA in English from the University of Notre Dame.

Matt Johnson is a creative leader at Haymaker, where he works on building bold, insight-driven campaigns that help brands stand out in culture. With experience across strategy and creative development, Matt is known for turning sharp ideas into effective, modern marketing that connects with real audiences and drives business impact.

Silvia Cavalcanti is a seasoned brand strategist and marketing leader known for her blend of creative problem-solving and business strategy across culture, technology, and experience design. She currently leads brand, marketing, communications, and PR for Endeavor globally, where she shapes the organization's narrative, thought leadership, and engagement across 45+ countries. Prior to this role, she served as Head of Brand Experience Strategy for Publicis Sapient North America and held strategic leadership positions at major agencies, working on iconic brands and expansive storytelling initiatives. Silvia began her career in business consulting, co-founded multiple startups, and has a track record of building high-performing teams and driving impactful brand transformation across industries.

Avery Akkineni is a marketing and innovation executive currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer at VaynerX, where she leads brand strategy, content, events, and communications across the global network of modern communication companies. In her seven years at VaynerX, she has driven international growth — including building VaynerMedia APAC to over 150 employees and opening key offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, and Tokyo — and has been instrumental in launching new ventures within the organization. In 2021, Avery founded Vayner3, a consultancy focused on helping enterprises navigate emerging technologies such as AI and Web3, earning recognition as an Ad Age Web3 Trailblazer and AI thought leader. She also holds advisory roles on councils for platforms including Salesforce, Meta, and TikTok, and is a sought-after speaker on modern marketing and digital innovation. Based in Miami, FL, she combines experience in global operations with a forward-thinking approach to brand growth.

Linda Bethea is a seasoned consumer marketing leader and Chief Marketing Officer of Danone, where she oversees best-in-class strategy and brand growth for Danone's portfolio of beloved food and beverage brands including Silk, Activia, Oikos, International Delights, LLC, evian, and Happy Family Brands (Nurture Inc). She brings more than two decades of experience leading iconic CPG brands and driving transformative marketing initiatives across major companies. Before joining Danone, Linda held senior marketing roles at Diageo, where she led the turnaround of Captain Morgan in North America, and spent over a decade at PepsiCo, contributing to standout results on brands such as Lay's, @LifeWtr, and Bubly Sparkling Water. Linda holds a BA from Tufts University and an MBA in Marketing from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management.

Aja Bradley Kemp is a seasoned marketer, experiential event designer, and founder of Conversate Collective, a brand experience agency that helps lifestyle, tech, and consumer brands build meaningful relationships through shared experiences. With over 20 years of experience growing brands like Expedia Group, MAC Cosmetics, Sunglass Hut, and Reebok, she's known for creating campaigns and events that connect audiences with culture and community. A natural connector and storyteller, Aja also founded the Love My Curls Festival, the first multicultural beauty event celebrating curly and textured hair in Australia and New Zealand. Her work blends strategic marketing, event design, and cultural engagement to help brands spark connection and loyalty. Making the Moment Podcast - https://lnkd.in/g37pyPev Aja Bradley Kemp LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/gA-icR7A Off the Field NFL Wives Annual Charity Fashion Show Tickets - https://lnkd.in/gcejjZnA

Filip Keuppens is a seasoned sales and marketing executive serving as Chief Executive Officer of The Pickle Juice Company, the functional beverage brand known for its purpose-built drinks that help stop muscle cramps and support hydration. He has led the company's strategic growth and global expansion after joining the leadership team in 2015—shaping distribution, branding, and international market development. Prior to Pickle Juice®, Keuppens built his career in sales roles at H.J. Heinz Co., Warner Home Video, and 20th Century Fox Productions, and brings a background in sports, hospitality, and team leadership to his work in pioneering an innovative category in sports nutrition. Under his leadership, the company has secured growth investment to scale product innovation and broaden retail presence while maintaining its mission of functional performance hydration.