Adpodcast

Josh Gross is an elite, award-winning creative executive known for building viral, culture-shaping campaigns that merge massive scale with genuine human soul. Having established himself as a powerhouse creative leader during a highly successful decade at Energy BBDO, he was appointed to oversee the newly integrated FCB Global / BBDO Chicago creative team following the major Omnicom network merger.In this role, Josh is tasked with unifying two of Chicago's most historic and distinct agency cultures, focusing on real-time, high-speed creative experimentation to keep major global brands culturally relevant.Key Career Highlights & Creative Philosophy:Scale with Soul: Josh operates under a unified creative vision to "do big things by scale, with soul." He rejects the idea that a campaign must choose between data-driven, massive reach and emotional depth, pushing his teams to find the golden intersection of both.

Pam Piligian is the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President at Navy Federal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated exclusively to serving active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. At Navy Federal, Pam oversees all global marketing and advertising strategy, digital property engagement, corporate social responsibility, and data analytics—powering the credit union's famous brand ethos, "Our Members Are the Mission." Before making the leap client-side to Navy Federal, Pam spent 30 years building an illustrious career in account leadership at top-tier ad agencies, including BBDO Worldwide, DDB, and Fitzgerald & Co. Notably, while at Fitzgerald & Co., she actually helped win the Navy Federal account in 2009 and orchestrated the massive branding transition when the credit union opened its doors to all branches of the military.

Justin InmanFounder & CEO, emberosJustin Inman is an enterprise growth and tech executive who spent over a decade operating at the intersection of global commerce, advertising, and technology. He is a former enterprise growth leader at Google, where he spent years helping major global conglomerates—including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Sony, and L'Oréal—navigate the massive operational shift of digital transformation. In 2025, he founded emberos, a pioneering platform designed to bridge what he calls the "AI Visibility Gap." The "Share of Prompt" Playbook: Justin is the architect of AI Brand Orchestration (AIBO). His core thesis is that traditional SEO is dying as organic traffic fragments. Instead of fighting for clicks on a search results page, Justin argues that a brand's survival now depends on controlling how it is cited and described inside AI-generated text answers across platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Dan RobertsGlobal Vice President for Search, AssemblyDan Roberts is an elite, award-winning performance marketing executive and one of the UK's most influential voices in digital advertising. After a highly successful run leading paid search transformation for global agency networks like Dentsu, GroupM, and Wavemaker, Dan joined the Stagwell-owned global media agency Assembly in October 2023. Following an incredible track record of driving client growth and scaling the agency's technical capabilities, he was elevated to Global VP for Search in April 2025. Key Highlights of His Expertise:The Future of Search & AI: Dan operates at the absolute cutting edge of how artificial intelligence is changing consumer behavior. He specializes in reengineering search strategy for an AI-first world—helping major global brands transition away from legacy keyword strategies toward advanced automation, Google Performance Max, and Microsoft's AI-driven ad ecosystems. The "Human + Machine" Philosophy: While he is deeply embedded in tech, Dan is vocal that the future of search isn't purely automated. His leadership philosophy centers on balancing machine learning with deep human insight and context to ensure brands don't lose their voice. Industry Leadership & Education: Beyond his corporate role, Dan is a true champion for talent development. He launched Assembly's Search Academy to train the next generation of digital media specialists. He is also the founder of Search Engine Hubbub, a prominent industry platform dedicated to demystifying complex search algorithms and fostering open knowledge-sharing among digital marketing professionals. Under his leadership, Assembly was named Microsoft Advertising's EMEA Performance Partner of the Year.

Amanda DeVito is a seasoned marketing executive and thought leader who serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Butler/Till, a prominent results-driven, women-owned, and employee-owned (ESOP) marketing agency. With over 25 years of industry experience, DeVito has spent the last 15 years as a pillar of Butler/Till's leadership team, guiding the agency's business development, innovation, and strategic growth. Holistic Marketing Strategy: DeVito is a strong proponent of collapsing traditional media silos (like separating TV, CTV, and digital video) in favor of an "outcomes-first" approach that prioritizes overarching business objectives over specific channels. Vertical Experience: She has deep expertise across a broad range of highly regulated and complex industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, automotive, and retail. Advocate for DEIB & Culture: At Butler/Till, DeVito heavily champions Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). She frequently speaks on the distinction between mere "empowerment" and providing actual "access" to leadership roles for underrepresented groups, viewing emotional intelligence and authenticity as non-negotiable leadership traits. Employee Ownership: She is an active advocate for the positive corporate culture and accountability that comes with employee-owned business models. DeVito is a frequent speaker at major industry events, including Cannes, Adweek NY, and the DTC Xpectives Health Summit. Beyond her agency role, she extends her leadership to several advisory boards and community organizations: Advisory Board Member for Ownership America Board of Directors for the Western New York Chapter of Planned Parenthood Member of Chief, a private network dedicated to connecting and supporting women executive leaders. DeVito graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism from St. John Fisher University. She also holds an Executive MBA from the Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she was awarded the peer-nominated Donna Scheid Leadership Award.

Richa Pande is a highly accomplished B2B marketing executive specializing in Account-Based Marketing (ABM), customer journey design, and precision targeting. She is currently a driving force behind HP's global commercial and industrial print marketing strategies. Key Highlights of Her Career & Expertise:The "Science" of ABM: Richa is a leading voice in the marketing community regarding the foundational structure of ABM. She advocates that true marketing success isn't about letting sales "fend for themselves," but rather doing the heavy analytical lifting beforehand—filtering firmographics, building rich persona insights, and mapping out tight customer journeys. Customer-Centric Execution: A major pillar of her philosophy is creating "peer-to-peer" environments. She leverages marketing to connect high-value clients with one another and with industry experts, prioritizing relationship-building and direct feedback over traditional, aggressive sales pitches. MarTech & AI Integration: Richa frequently speaks at industry events (like Martechify) on the future of B2B marketing. She focuses heavily on how modern enterprise brands can leverage artificial intelligence, marketing mix modeling, and zero-party data to align marketing and sales teams under unified revenue goals.

This Scott Floyd is a highly accomplished, senior-level marketing and entertainment executive with over 25 years of experience building global brands. He serves as the Chief Community and Performance Officer for the Acceleration Community of Companies (ACC), a fast-growing marketing collective that owns heavy-hitting agencies like MKG, DKC, and Pink Sparrow. Role & Impact: Floyd is responsible for driving revenue, overseeing massive M&A onboarding operations (such as reabsorbing legacy agencies like PMK Entertainment), and managing dedicated teams for tier-one global clients like Pepsi and T-Mobile.Prior Background: Before stepping into his executive role at ACC, he was the Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Operations for i.am+ (the tech startup founded by musician will.i.am), where he helped raise $117 million in funding. He also spent 20 years at the legendary Hollywood PR and marketing powerhouse PMK*BNC, serving as its Chief Growth Officer.

Kate O'Brien is a prominent media executive and entrepreneur who is actively disrupting the traditional advertising landscape. Before launching her own venture, she built a formidable reputation in the performance media space, notably leading a 200-person agency team and driving massive revenue growth (over 30%) by securing heavyweight clients like DraftKings, Virgin Voyages, and Rao's. In May 2024, she took her company, Powers of Reasoning, out of stealth mode. Key Takeaways on Her and the Agency:The "Guaranteed Performance" Model: Kate founded Powers of Reasoning to fix a major flaw she saw in legacy advertising. While traditional agencies make "esoteric" promises about brand savings, her agency utilizes a unique business model that legally guarantees specific media results or financial returns for clients. Cutting the Agency Markup: Her philosophy centers on extreme data transparency, AI-driven Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) made for modern operators, and completely eliminating hidden agency markups. The Procurement Gap Advocate: As the head of a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), Kate is a vocal advocate for changing corporate procurement. She frequently highlights the stark statistic that despite massive corporate DEI promises, only about 1% of Fortune 100 companies actually procure services from certified women-owned agencies.She is based in Brooklyn, New York, and is currently a rising star in the independent agency space.

Spencer Schrage is an accomplished brand and business strategist who currently serves as the Managing Director of North America for M&C Saatchi Consulting, a role he stepped into in early 2026 to lead the agency's regional consulting division, focusing on brand repositioning and go-to-market strategies. Brand & Corporate Strategy: Throughout his career, Schrage has counseled numerous CEOs and executive leadership teams on major corporate transformations, rebrands, and transactions. He specializes in connecting brand identity directly to corporate growth strategy, purpose, and narrative development. Weber Shandwick: Prior to joining M&C Saatchi, he served as the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Consulting and Corporate Brand at Weber Shandwick. Ogilvy Consulting: For nearly a decade, Schrage was a Partner and Principal with Ogilvy Consulting, the strategy and innovation branch of the creative network. There, he managed the group and oversaw a high-profile portfolio of clients primarily in the financial services and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, including American Express, Capital One, Coca-Cola, Citizens Bank, and Robert Half. Early Career & Politics: Before transitioning into corporate consulting, Schrage worked in the political sphere. Notably, he served as the Head of Communications for the Port Authority of NY & NJ during the rebuilding of the World Trade Center, and as a chief fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's first presidential campaign. Schrage is a frequent commentator on modern marketing trends, particularly regarding how heritage brands can evolve without losing their core identity, and how companies must shift away from static "brand purpose" statements to better engage Gen Z and Millennial audiences. In recognition of his leadership in the business community, he was honored as a David Rockefeller Fellow by the Partnership for New York City in 2023. Core Expertise & Career HighlightsThought Leadership & Recognition

David Yankelewitz is a prominent figure in the advertising and creative world, currently serving as the Founder and Creative Director of Public Display of Affection (PDA), a creative studio based in Brooklyn, New York. His career is defined by high-impact, viral marketing campaigns that often blend pop culture with innovative brand experiences.Public Display of Affection (2021–Present): Founded this studio with the philosophy that "the more love you give, the more you receive," focusing on brand activations, apps, and art. R/GA (2020–2021): As Executive Creative Director, he led the Verizon account, notably building a 5G Super Bowl stadium in Fortnite and producing a weekly livestream series featuring stars like Billie Eilish and Alicia Keys. Ogilvy & Mather (2015–2017): Served as Group Creative Director, where he built the agency's Content Group and led projects for brands like IBM, Coke Zero, and NASCAR. 360i (2011–2015): Spent four years as Group Creative Director, winning the agency's first Cannes Lions for work with brands such as Oreo, Oscar Mayer, and Ben & Jerry's. Yankelewitz is well-known for "internet-breaking" campaigns, including:#MAMMING: A viral photo-sharing campaign to raise breast cancer awareness. Say It With Bacon: A luxury gift service for Oscar Mayer that packaged bacon like fine jewelry. Oreo "Nomsters": A series of bite-sized horror films for Halloween that reimagined cookies as candy-hybrid monsters. He began his career as a business reporter for The Jerusalem Post and an editor for the University of Pennsylvania's humor magazine, 34th Street. His creative approach often involves "The 5 Love Languages" framework, where he advocates for brands to move beyond "Words of Affirmation" (traditional ads) toward "Physical Touch" and "Acts of Service" (meaningful brand actions).

Rick Blackshaw is a powerhouse footwear industry veteran and entrepreneur who has overseen the sale of more than half a billion pairs of shoes throughout his illustrious career. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of STOKE Shoes, a performance-lifestyle footwear brand launched to serve the 65 million American men who have wide feet and are consistently overlooked by mainstream athletic giants.Before disrupting the wide-width footwear market with STOKE, Rick built an incredibly diverse leadership resume. He served as the global CEO of CCM Hockey, the President of Sperry Top-Sider, the President of Keds, and the Vice President/General Manager of Chuck Taylor at Converse. Known for his "no-BS" approach to consumer products, Rick specializes in revitalizing heritage brands and identifying massive, unaddressed gaps in the global marketplace.

Christine Capone – President of MKG (Experiential Marketing)This Christine Capone is a high-profile executive in the experiential marketing and branding industry. She serves as the President of MKG, a top-tier creative agency known for producing massive live events and brand activations. Career Background: Her expertise is rooted heavily in relationship building and partner management. Before moving agency-side, she led Sponsorships and Licensing for the lifestyle brand Vineyard Vines, where she managed their "Official Style" partnership with the Kentucky Derby and orchestrated deals with the America's Cup and the New York Giants. Early Career: She also worked on the partnership marketing team at the United States Tennis Association (USTA), managing top-tier sponsors for the US Open (including Heineken, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Mercedes-Benz). She holds a degree from Lehigh University.

Brad Hoos is the CEO of The Outloud Group, a fast-growing influencer marketing agency specializing in creator partnerships and digital campaigns for major consumer brands. He is known for helping brands leverage influencer marketing to drive measurable business results across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Under his leadership, The Outloud Group has worked with companies including Grubhub, SimpliSafe, Athletic Greens, and KiwiCo. Hoos has also been featured in Forbes and on Cheddar discussing trends in the creator economy and digital marketing innovation.

Brian Watson: The "Cactus" Legend Brian is essentially the embodiment of the agency's history. He is often cited as the "ultimate homegrown talent," having spent his entire 24-year career at Cactus. Career Arc: He started at the agency as a junior copywriter in the early 2000s and worked his way up to Executive Creative Director before being named Chief Creative Officer in June 2025. The "Man Therapy" Fame: Brian was a key leader behind one of the most famous and effective mental health campaigns in advertising history: "Man Therapy." This campaign used a fictional character (Dr. Rich Mahogany) and dark humor to reach working-age men about suicide prevention—a demographic traditionally hard to engage. Clients & Impact: His portfolio includes massive regional and national brands like the Colorado Lottery, Fjällräven, and the University of Miami.

Tara DeVeaux is an award-winning marketing executive and brand strategist known for her leadership across advertising, entertainment, and media. She currently serves as CEO of Burrell Communications Group, where she leads the agency's next phase of growth and cultural impact. Prior to Burrell, she was Chief Marketing Officer at Wild Card Creative Group and BBDO New York, helping drive major campaigns for brands including HBO, PepsiCo, adidas, Netflix, and Hulu. DeVeaux is recognized for blending data-driven marketing with culturally resonant storytelling and has earned industry recognition for her work in creative innovation and brand transformation.

As of May 2026, Julie Levin has just stepped into a major leadership role at Stagwell (the global "challenger" network known for its focus on AI and digital transformation).In late April 2026, Stagwell revamped its growth strategy, and Julie was named SVP, Strategic Growth for Marketing Services.Julie is described as a "dual-perspective" leader who understands both the agency hustle and the client's internal pressures.The "Both Sides of the Table" Expert: Her bio highlights a rare career mix. She has led agency growth at heavyweights like Publicis NA, The Martin Agency, and Horizon Media, but she also spent significant time on the brand side at Verizon.Sector Specialty: In her new role at Stagwell, she is the lead for five key industries:Financial ServicesAutomotiveTelecom (drawing on her Verizon roots)EntertainmentSportsGrowth Philosophy: She is known for moving away from the "traditional agency structure" and instead building solutions based on how modern clients actually buy and operate. At Stagwell, her mission is to connect their "culture-moving creativity" with their high-end technology (like the Stagwell Marketing Cloud).

Verena Gründel is a leading figure in the European digital marketing and media landscape. As of 2026, she serves as the Director of Brand & Communications for DMEXCO (Digital Marketing & Exposition), one of the world's largest digital industry events held annually in Cologne.The Voice of DMEXCO: Beyond her leadership role on the management board, she is the official host and face of the brand. She hosts the DMEXCO Podcast, where she interviews global C-level executives, CMOs, and tech disruptors on topics like agentic AI, retail media, and sustainable digital growth.Editorial Background: Before joining DMEXCO in late 2023, she was the Editor-in-Chief of W&V (Werben & Verkaufen), Germany's most influential trade publication for marketing, media, and tech. Her tenure there established her as a top authority on brand transformation and digital trends.Journalistic Roots: A trained journalist with a background in biology, she spent over 15 years reporting on the digital industry. She is known for her ability to "decode" complex tech buzzwords into actionable business strategies.Moderation & Speaking: She is a frequent moderator for high-level industry events and panels (such as the Horizont Snowmasters), focusing on female leadership, personal branding, and the future of work.Digital Transformation: Her current work focuses heavily on how companies can use data, creativity, and technology (specifically AI) to drive real business impact rather than just chasing hype.Industry Advocacy: She is a member of the MMA (Marketing & Media Alliance) and is deeply involved in shaping the strategic positioning of the digital economy in Europe.In her recent podcast episodes and speaking engagements, Verena has been particularly vocal about:Agentic AI: The shift from "chatbots" to autonomous AI agents that can handle full customer journeys.Retail Everywhere: How commerce is moving away from traditional websites and into AI conversations and social surfaces.Female Leadership: Mentoring the next generation of women in the tech and agency worlds.

Colleen Meenan is an Executive Vice President at Publicis Media, where she focuses on leading media strategy, client partnerships, and integrated marketing solutions for major brands. She is recognized for her leadership in modern, data-driven media planning and helping clients navigate the evolving digital and advertising landscape. Brad Feinberg is Vice President of Media & Marketing Operations at Molson Coors Beverage Company. He oversees media strategy, digital marketing, eCommerce, analytics, and consumer engagement across the company's portfolio of brands. Feinberg is known for leading innovative campaigns, expanding first-party data capabilities, and helping modernize Molson Coors' media and marketing operations.

Robyn Freye is a powerhouse in the advertising and marketing world, currently serving as the President and Chief Growth Officer of CourtAvenue. Appointed in early 2026, she is the first person to hold this dual leadership title for the agency, where she leads global growth strategy, M&A initiatives (with a focus on AI and data platforms), and unified client leadership. Career Highlights & Expertise Stagwell Leadership: Before joining CourtAvenue, Robyn spent several years as the SVP and Chief Growth Officer (North America) at Stagwell. She was a key architect in Stagwell's rapid scale, notably helping launch "Sport Beach" at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—a groundbreaking platform connecting athletes, marketers, and brands. Agency Veteran: Her 20+ year career includes senior roles at top-tier agencies such as R/GA, Pereira O'Dell, Digitaria Co., Ltd., and Deutsch.

Joel Halpern is a seasoned brand strategist, creative director, and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience building multimillion-dollar businesses from the ground up. As the CMO of Morningside Brands, he leads the global marketing and brand positioning for a high-end portfolio of international spirits, including Alma Del Jaguar Tequila. Career Highlights & Expertise The "Zero-to-One" Specialist: Joel is known for his ability to scale startups rapidly. In a recent tenure as CMO for the CTV ad platform Vibe.co, he helped grow the business from $0 to over $1M in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR). Agency Founder: In 2012, he co-founded Loaded For Bear, an award-winning brand development firm. He led strategy and business development for over 100 global clients across diverse sectors before moving into specialized consultancy.

Harris Wilkinson is an award-winning creative leader in advertising and entertainment, currently serving as Chief Creative Officer at TMA, a global experiential and branded entertainment agency (with offices in LA, Chicago, NYC, Dallas). He oversees all creative output, blending storytelling across film, TV, advertising, activations, and sponsorships for clients like Die Hard, State Farm, Bet Rivers, Gatorade, Morgan Stanley, Six Flags, Buffalo Wild Wings, and more. Starting his career writing and producing commercials in Chicago agencies, he progressed through roles including Creative Director at TBWAChiatDay LA and Senior VP/Group Creative Director at Omnicom before joining TMA (promoted to CCO in 2021 from SVP Creative).

Jen Seregos is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder and Lead Strategist of Athena Digital, a boutique performance marketing agency based in Boulder, Colorado. Professional Background Athena Digital: Jen founded the agency with a "client-first" philosophy after observing businesses struggle with larger agencies that prioritized their own scaling over client results. She remains hands-on with every audit and strategy engagement, focusing on paid advertising (Meta, Google, TikTok), conversion rate optimization (CRO), and email marketing. AI Expertise: She is also the founder of JenSeregos.ai, where she consults with businesses on how to leverage AI to "grow smarter." She is a vocal advocate for integrating AI into marketing workflows to improve efficiency and ROI. Specialization: Her work primarily supports e-commerce brands looking to scale through data-driven advertising and performance creative. Strategy & Philosophy

Matt Prater is a veteran digital strategist and executive leader at OuterBox, where he currently serves as the EVP of Innovation. With a career deeply rooted in the evolution of search engine optimization (SEO) and paid media, Prater is responsible for driving the agency's technological advancements and ensuring their service offerings stay ahead of industry shifts. Professional Impact at OuterBox Prater has been instrumental in OuterBox's growth from a boutique firm to a nationally recognized powerhouse in the eCommerce space. His work focuses on: Innovation & AI: Leading the charge on integrating AI-driven tools and automation into digital marketing workflows to improve client ROI and operational efficiency.

Colin Jeavons is a seasoned British entrepreneur and digital media pioneer with over 30 years of experience in publishing, search technology, and e-commerce innovation. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Nomix Group, a venture studio that operates at the intersection of AI, performance media, and retail.A self-described "product-first" leader, Jeavons began his career in the UK publishing industry at age 18. By 20, he was leading the Yellow Pages division at Guardian Communications. His career is marked by an early understanding of how search serves as a primary signal of consumer intent.Nomix Group: Jeavons leads this holding company, which oversees subsidiaries like Shopnomix and Appnomix. The group focuses on creating "seamless digital commerce" by integrating AI-driven search into unconventional environments like apps and creator content.NTENT (formerly Seekr): As Founder and CEO, he played a pivotal role in advancing semantic search technologies and machine learning long before they became mainstream buzzwords.Vertical Search Works: He served as CEO and President, leading a reverse merger with Convera Corporation to scale vertical-specific search ad models that rivaled early versions of Google AdWords.Parliamentary Communications: Earlier in his career, he was the CEO of Europe's largest political communications group, where he launched ePolitix.com and transformed the organization into a digital powerhouse before its eventual sale.

Robert Davidman is a prominent media executive and entrepreneur based in New York City, best known as a co-founder and partner at Fearless Agency. He is frequently recognized for his early career success working alongside Mark Cuban at Broadcast.com, where he helped develop the internet broadcast business model before it was sold to Yahoo for nearly $6 billion in 1999.Here is a breakdown of his career and current roles as of 2026:Fearless Agency (Partner/Co-Founder): At this NoMad-based advertising and communications firm, he leads media strategy and digital business transformation. The agency is known for a "fearless" approach to marketing, working with clients like Hard Rock Café and various entertainment brands.World Series of Golf (CEO): Beyond traditional advertising, Davidman serves as the CEO of this sports entertainment property.fear-LS (Head of Operations & Business Development): He is a key leader in this joint venture between Fearless and LS Digital, which focuses on digital business transformation for global brands.Entertainment & Media: He currently runs an entertainment company that develops movies and TV shows, serving as its COO.The "Cuban" Connection: Davidman was the Director of International Broadcast Services for Yahoo! and a Senior Director at Broadcast.com. His work during the late 90s dot-com boom established him as an expert in transitioning traditional media to digital platforms.Strategic Partnerships: He has a long history of bridging the gap between music, sports betting, and digital advertising. He was a key figure in creating Concrete.Fearless.Agency, a partnership specifically designed to handle media buying and planning for the music and movie industries.Advocacy & Personal Journey: Davidman is open about his personal journey, often sharing his story of 20+ years of sobriety as a "Sober Founder." He often highlights how recovery has influenced his leadership style and resilience in the fast-paced NYC agency world.He is often called upon as a speaker or panelist regarding sports betting marketing, digital media strategy, and brand bartering. He is known for the philosophy that agencies should be revenue-generating partners for their clients rather than just a line-item expense.

Ameetess Dira is a strategic marketing leader and the current Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Petzey, a digital health platform disrupting the veterinary space with on-demand pet telehealth.Known for her "purpose-driven" approach to brand building, Ameetess has become a prominent voice in the 2024–2026 marketing landscape, particularly within the pet-tech and health-tech sectors.CMO at Petzey: At Petzey, she has spearheaded the brand's mission to provide affordable, 24/7 access to veterinary professionals. Her strategy focuses on replacing "Dr. Google" with expert-led triage, positioning the company as a low-cost entry point ($20 consultations) for pet wellness.Industry Thought Leader: She is a frequent guest on high-level industry programs, including The Ad Podcast with Dylan Conroy and the YouShouldTalkTo podcast. Her insights often center on how startups can build trust through authenticity and how to leverage agency partnerships to scale effectively.Marketing Philosophy: Ameetess is a proponent of "value-first" marketing. She advocates for brands to solve real-world consumer anxieties—in her case, pet health scares—rather than simply selling a product. She has been vocal about the responsibility brands have to operate with a clear sense of purpose and ethical integrity.Agency & Partnership Strategy: She is recognized for her sophisticated approach to the client-agency relationship, emphasizing deep collaboration and transparency as the primary drivers of marketing ROI.

David Berkowitz is a world-renowned marketing strategist, community builder, and author who has spent over 20 years at the intersection of technology and brand communication. He is currently the Principal of Serial Marketer, a consultancy where he generates demand for growth-mode technology firms and agencies.Community Architect: David founded Serial Marketers, a thriving community of over 3,500 marketing professionals, and the AI Marketers Guild (AIMG), which focuses on the practical application of artificial intelligence in marketing. In 2025, he notably sold both communities to Marketecture Media.Agency Veteran: Before launching his own consultancy, he held top-tier leadership roles including Chief Marketing Officer at MRY (Publicis Groupe) and SVP of Emerging Media at 360i (Dentsu), where he helped build the social media practices for brands like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Mondelez.AI Thought Leadership: He is the author of The Non-Obvious Guide to Using AI for Marketing (2025), a foundational text for professionals looking to navigate the AI revolution without the hype.Prolific Content Creator: David has penned more than 600 columns for outlets like Ad Age, MediaPost, and VentureBeat, and has been an active blogger via MarketersStudio.com since 2005.The "Serial" Approach: His philosophy centers on constant experimentation and "serial" learning. He is known for being "unapologetically real" on stage and in his consulting, often sharing both his successes and his failures to help others grow.Speaker: A global fixture on the marketing circuit, he has spoken at over 400 events worldwide, including SXSW, CES, and Advertising Week.Key Expertise & Career HighlightsPersonal InsightsBackground: A lifelong New Yorker, he holds a B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University. He is also a professional voiceover enthusiast and a Lego builder in his spare time.

Les Kollegian is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 25 years of experience in the advertising and design industry. As the founder of Jacob Tyler, a global creative agency headquartered in San Diego, he has built a reputation for blending high-level brand storytelling with data-driven marketing results.Agency Leadership: Under his guidance, Jacob Tyler has evolved from a small design boutique into a full-service global agency that has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies multiple times.Brand Architect: Les has led successful branding and marketing initiatives for a diverse array of clients, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 giants, including Sony, TEDx, Hilton Hotels, and the San Diego Chargers.Integrated Strategy: His expertise lies in "Human-Centric Branding"—ensuring that every digital touchpoint, from web design to social media, resonates emotionally with the target audience while meeting business KPIs.Creative Recognition: His work has earned over 500 industry awards, including numerous ADDYs and Tellys, and he is a frequent keynote speaker on the topics of brand authenticity and the future of creative technology.The "Brand Soul": Les is a firm believer that a brand is not a logo, but a "gut feeling" a customer has about a product or service. He focuses on uncovering the "soul" of a company to create lasting market differentiation.Industry Contributor: He is deeply involved in the creative community, often serving as a mentor to emerging designers and a consultant for business incubators.Career Highlights & ExpertisePhilosophy & CommunityBackground: Prior to founding Jacob Tyler in 2000, Les honed his craft at several top-tier West Coast agencies, giving him a balanced perspective on both the creative and operational sides of the business.

David Zucker is a senior marketing executive and currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer at King Ranch, a historic U.S. agribusiness known for ranching, farming, and retail operations. He is an analytically driven, “AI-forward” marketing leader with over 20 years of experience in digital strategy, brand development, and customer acquisition. Before joining King Ranch, Zucker held leadership roles across retail and e-commerce companies, including serving as CMO at Vitacost and working with brands like Dell and Home Shopping Network, where he focused on growth, performance marketing, and omnichannel strategy. He is known for combining data-driven decision-making with creative brand strategy to drive business growth and modernize marketing operations.

Timothy Peterson is a forward-thinking executive and strategist serving as the President and CEO of Rob Roy. He is recognized for his expertise at the intersection of retail innovation, artificial intelligence, and evolving consumer demographics—specifically Gen Z and Gen Alpha.Under Peterson's leadership, Rob Roy has focused on navigating the shift from "AI hype" to "AI utility." He is a vocal proponent of Agentic Commerce, the idea that AI agents will soon handle the heavy lifting of product discovery and purchasing for consumers.His work at Rob Roy often centers on:Gender-Fluid Fashion: Peterson has championed the "gender-free" movement in retail, viewing it not just as a cultural shift but as a manufacturing efficiency play.Operational Excellence: He advocates for "boring" AI applications—those that solve specific business problems like supply chain logistics and sizing accuracy (such as the "1/8th inch" manufacturing secret) rather than just chasing "shiny object" trends.Community-Driven Branding: He emphasizes building niche, high-trust communities as the primary defense against the commoditization of retail.Peterson is a frequent speaker and guest on high-level industry platforms (including The Ad Podcast with Dylan Conroy), where he discusses the future of the 2026 hype cycle and how brands can survive the transition to automated commerce. He is known for a "problem-first" approach to technology, advising executives to identify a business pain point before selecting a technical tool.

Grace Teng is a highly seasoned advertising executive with over 20 years of experience spanning politics, advertising, and media strategy. At Zambezi, one of the largest female-owned independent agencies in the U.S., she serves as Partner and Chief Media Officer. She also leads Scale by Zambezi, the agency's dedicated media arm which she helped grow into a division managing over $50 million in billings. Key Expertise & Career Highlights Multidisciplinary Background: Her career includes leadership roles at major agencies such as Mindshare, Deutsch LA, BBDO Worldwide, and Team One (Saatchi & Saatchi). Brand Experience: She has developed integrated communication strategies for global "blue-chip" brands, including Lexus, Google, The Walt Disney Company, Starbucks, Goldman Sachs, and Health-Ade Kombucha.

The Ad Podcast Gen Z edition with guest host Lauren Bennett. Jonathan Lee is a standout student and entrepreneur from University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. He was recently recognized as one of Poets & Quants' Best & Brightest Business Majors in the Class of 2026. Jonathan is the co-founder of CraveX, a science-backed health startup rethinking how we approach sugar cravings and everyday behavior change, starting with their functional gum. In just over a month, CraveX has already sold hundreds of units, built a fast-growing community, and reached hundreds of thousands of people—all without spending on ads. Beyond the numbers, Jonathan's story is about building at the intersection of science, identity, and purpose.

Erich Parker, a seasoned marketing leader who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Integrated Media at Blue Chip Worldwide. Based in Chicago, he is a key driver of the agency's media strategy, specializing in bridging the gap between brand storytelling and transactional shopper marketing. Professional Background Blue Chip Worldwide (2013–Present): Erich has spent over a decade rising through the ranks at Blue Chip. He began as an Account Supervisor in Shopper Marketing and progressed through leadership roles, including VP of Client Leadership and VP of Integrated Media, before reaching his current SVP position. Integrated Media Specialist: He is known for building media plans that "drive commerce," ensuring that big creative ideas translate into measurable success at the point of sale.

Daale Carter is a powerhouse creative executive and the first-ever Global Chief Client Experience Officer at BBDO Worldwide. Appointed in early 2026, her role signals a major evolution for the agency network, shifting the focus from traditional "account management" toward a holistic, experience-driven partnership model. Professional Background Agency Pedigree: Before stepping into her global role, Daale served as EVP and Managing Director at Energy BBDO, where she was known for bridging the gap between high-level strategy and experiential marketing. Eclectic Roots: Her career began in entertainment law before she moved into music event production and media strategy. This diverse background—combining legal rigor, event logistics, and brand empathy—allows her to view the client-agency relationship through a unique lens.

Brook Jay is the Founder and CEO of All Terrain Collective, widely recognized as the first female-founded experiential marketing agency in the U.S.. With over 25 years of industry experience, she is a pioneer in shifting brands from "shouting" one-way advertisements to creating authentic, 360-degree consumer encounters. Professional Background Agency Leadership: She co-founded All Terrain in 1998, inspired by the "guerilla" marketing tactics she witnessed at the 1996 Atlanta International Olympic Committee – IOC. In 2017, she evolved the brand into the All Terrain Collective, a hybrid model designed for the modern, tech-empowered consumer. High-Impact Clients: She has led strategic campaigns for global giants, including Nike, Ferrari, Airbnb, General Motors, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Aaron and Samantha Edwards are a sibling entrepreneurial duo based in New York City, best known as the founders of THE CHARLES GROUP, a premier, strategy-first creative agency. The Charles Group Founded in 2011, The Charles Group has grown into an award-winning agency with offices in New York, Chicago, and London. The agency is known for its focus on high-end luxury, lifestyle, and financial services brands, including Cartier, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, HP, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Estée Lauder. Creative Philosophy: The siblings share a "Brandformance" philosophy—a term coined by Aaron to describe the fusion of high-level brand strategy with performance accountability. Aaron Edwards Co-Founder & CEO Aaron brings an analytical and financial rigor to the creative world. Samantha Edwards Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer Samantha is the creative engine of the duo, focusing on narrative, design, and "sincere" storytelling.

Jim Boyle is a high-level communications and marketing strategist currently serving as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) at BBB National Programs. With a career spanning over 30 years, he is known for his expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and pioneering digital marketing in the public sector. Professional Career & Leadership BBB National Programs: Since joining in 2020, Jim has been responsible for the brand strategy of over 20 industry self-regulation programs, including those focused on advertising and data privacy. Discovery Inc: In the 1990s, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Discovery. He was a key figure during the company's massive growth period, helping transform Discovery Channel into a globally recognized media powerhouse.

Steve Schofield, universally known in the industry as "Scof," is a high-octane creative strategist, producer, and the Founder and CCO of Schofield's Flowers. He is widely regarded as a "one-man headline machine" with a career that spans law enforcement, visual effects, and groundbreaking advertising. Professional Background The "Schofield's Flowers" Legacy: In 2019, Steve revived his family's business name—originally a Chicago flower shop founded in 1924 by his grandfather (and famously linked to North Side mob history)—and transformed it into a modern creative solutions studio. The agency specializes in "impossible" experiential projects, content creation, and social media activations.

Aditya Halan is a veteran technology leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in scaling startups and optimizing global supply chains. He is currently the CEO & CTO of Floship, a leading logistics technology firm based in Hong Kong that specializes in global fulfillment for e-commerce brands.Since joining Floship in 2020, Halan has transitioned from Chief Technology Officer to the dual role of CEO and CTO.LogTech Innovation: He is the architect behind Floship's intelligent supply chain portal, which uses an automated rule engine to streamline global logistics.AI & Sustainability: In 2026, his focus has shifted toward integrating AI and robotics into warehouse operations to increase efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint of cross-border e-commerce.Global Strategy: He frequently speaks at high-level summits, such as CIO Innovation Hong Kong, regarding the "Co-Ownership Model" and agile digital delivery in the logistics sector.Before his leadership at Floship, Halan built a reputation as a serial entrepreneur and "fixer" for early-stage startups:Antler Singapore: He served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the global venture capital firm Antler, mentoring and building new ventures.OkSir: He was the CTO & COO of OkSir, an on-demand real-time marketplace in Hong Kong.Founding Roles: He founded and led several companies, including Zento Business (an expense management platform) and General Data P. Limited.Technical Architecture: His background is rooted in Computer Software Engineering (B.Tech from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University), with specialized knowledge in embedded systems and mobile app development.Agile Strategy: He is known for his "holistic" approach to business, blending deep technical architecture with practical business development to bridge the gap between a founder's vision and execution.Advisory: He holds numerous professional certifications in product management, customer development, and team leadership, making him a sought-after mentor in the Asian startup ecosystem.Professional Leadership at FloshipEntrepreneurial BackgroundCore Expertise

Eric SteinCEO of Commerce at Actual (formerly Microblink)Eric Stein is a Silicon Valley veteran and high-tech entrepreneur who specializes in scaling businesses that sit at the intersection of data, AI, and consumer behavior. He currently leads Actual, the purchase data platform that spun out of Microblink to provide real-time product intelligence for the world's largest rewards and loyalty programs.The Rebrand to Actual: Stein oversaw the transition from "BlinkReceipt" to Actual. The new name highlights the platform's core differentiator: providing "actual" purchase data from physical and digital receipts, rather than relying on consumer surveys or guesswork.Core Mission: Under Stein's leadership, Actual has become an essential "intelligence layer" for retail and CPG brands, allowing them to see exactly what consumers are buying across all retailers in real-time to drive hyper-personalized engagement.Google & DoubleClick Pedigree: Before his pivot to commerce AI, Stein was a key figure at Google, where he served as Director of Local Markets and Director of DoubleClick. His work there helped build the foundational pipes for how local and display advertising function today.Deep Linking & Scale: He previously served as EVP and GM at Branch Metrics, where he scaled the mobile deep-linking platform into a global standard, and was EVP of Online Solutions for Epsilon.Strategic Roots: Stein co-founded Majestic Research, a pioneering data-driven investment research firm that was successfully sold to ITG in 2008. He also served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Bessemer Venture Partners.Education: He holds a BA in European History and Italian from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School.Philanthropy: Outside of tech, he is a dedicated philanthropist, serving as President of the AFHU Pacific Northwest Region and on the board of the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School.Entrepreneurial & Academic Background

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.