Innovation Crush

Whether we're a Fortune 500 company at the top of our game, a founder with a unique point of view, or a seasoned executive on the rise, every day we're figuring out new ways to consistently engage people in our brand stories. The nuances of creating ways to cut through the clutter, defining and expressing authenticity for ourselves, all while staying technologically and culturally relevant is a labyrinth of choice and opportunity. As the former Global Head of Communications at 72 & Sunny (whose clients range from the NFL to Sonos to Amazon), Elizabeth Rosenberg is no stranger to the world of high-impact storytelling. In 2020, she founded The Good Advice Company -- designed to strengthen personal brands for individuals and organizations with one small additional skill set -- her psychic abilities. The Good Advice Company works with c-suite executives, renowned creatives, owners, and other high performers on defining and sharing their personal brands. In this episode, Elizabeth walks us through the many pitfalls and opportunities in PR, the difficulties in publicly applying her metaphysical ability to business, the power of saying "I don't know" in trying times, the growing influence of technology and fake news, and much more. Recorded in partnership with Will I Am's FYI.AI platform. Music by Mega.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carl Jones is one of the most curious creatives in the world today. Through his visionary company, Martian Blueberry, Carl has been the creator and executive producer of long-standing entertainment franchises like The Boondocks, Black Dynamite, The Last OG, and many more. He's leveraged everything from his technological curiosity to his leadership learning curves, and even navigating anxiety to build NFT's, opinions on artificial intelligence, quantum theory and more. Not to mention award-winning projects clients ranging from The Lakers to DC Comics. On this installment of Masters of Craft, Carl unpacks his perspectives on being an introvert, building creative consensus among differing stakeholders, winning and losing projects, emotional intelligence, and shifting from fear to promise. This episode was recorded in partnership with Will I Am's FYI.AI, a platform assisting creative teams with building and launching ideas. Music by Mega.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With over 10000 hours of mediation under his belt, Kellen Roland has become masterful at reframing the many challenges we face in life and business. As a pioneer in fashion & accessories, and recent stints building Pharell William's I AM OTHER where he was COO, and luxury shopping platform Joopiter, as CEO -- Kellen is no stranger to the ever changing tides of culture, innovation, and creativity. On this installment of Masters of Craft we navigate perception vs reality, the power of clarity, seeing our teams and clients through different eyes. Oh and coffee. Lot's of talk about his affinity and love and knowledge of coffee. Music by Mega.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sir John is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is he the Chief Creative Officer of CTZN Cosmetics or the Creative Director for Kilian PARIS Makeup, he is the only makeup artist represented by CAA, and has created signature looks for some of the world's most influential cultural figures from Celine Dion to Viola Davis, Priyanka Chopra, Doja Cat, Serena Williams, and most notably, Beyonce. A true multi-hyphenate, Sir John also serves as an executive producer, television host, and business partnerships maven, working with the likes of Barbie, MasterClass.com, and the Super Bowl, and Disney to name a few. On this installment of Masters of Craft, we learn to get introspective in our creative and business journeys as Sir John dishes on everything from his humble rise to success, to exponential client services, to opening a new wellness center, and we introduce a fun game with ChatGPT.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the co-founder of The Trauma of Money, Chantel Chapman has trained CEO's, founders, creatives, therapists, VC's, colleges, banks, HR professionals in better managing individual and organizational relationships with money, through a signature, trauma-informed approach. A former fintech executive and mortgage broker, she is considered a refreshing voice in the financial recovery and education space, renowned for her cutting-edge, relatable, and emotionally intelligent money guidance. With her extensive research in addiction, behavioural science, economic development, trauma, and mindfulness, Chantel's distinct disciplines make learning about money the antithesis of anything you would experience through traditional schooling. In this episode of Masters of Craft, we dish on how our collective relationships with money affect productivity, innovation, creativity, and personal empowerment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an ultra multi-hyphenate, James Roh is a musician, a lawyer, a restauranteur, record label owner, community organizer, investor, and mustache connoisseur. As a founding member of Far East Movement, James was part of the first Asian-American music group to reach #1 on Billboard and has worked with artists ranging from Bruno Mars, to Wiz Khalifa, Snoop, Rhianna and Lady Gaga to name a few. With the group's rise to unprecedented heights, James began placing big bets in other areas of business and community. Through all of his creative work, he has seemingly mastered the secrets of developing collaborative relationships, business development and growth, team work, monetization, and maximizing cultural impact. We explore everything from group therapy to serial entrepreneurship in this episode of Masters of Craft. Music by MEGA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Devi Brown is a former radio and broadcast celebrity turned trusted voice and advisor guiding organizations such as Chase, Microsoft, Chopra, Overtime to name a few. Her dedication to wellness over the past decade helps to individuals and organizations toward better internal and external operating systems, productivity, and human creative potential. On this installment of Masters of Craft, we dish on everything from navigating career changes, to empathy in innovation, following intuition, the influence of Tupac and Georgia O'Keefe, and being better creative leaders in business and beyond. Music by Mega Eb.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an investor, lawyer, creative savant, Sanjay Sharma has been the engine behind everything from the All Def Digital to the Clinton Administration, Machinima, numerous technology ventures, and now his very own Marginal Studios with projects nominated for, or winning at The Gotham Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards, GLAAD, NAACP Image Awards, and the Imagen Awards to name a few. On this installment of Sanjay schools us on building success in artificial intelligence, storytelling, wellness, serial entrepreneurship, and even how we should name the show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since a kid, Aaron Levant has developed a skill for finding unique opportunities hidden in plain sight. At the age of 19, he began in his parents living room what would later become Agenda -- one of the most sought after trade shows within the estimated $185 billion streetwear industry. He would later go on to co-create ComplexCon with Marc Ecko and is now co-founder of NTWRK a live digital shopping network with unique products from artists and brands ranging from Billie Eilish to Murakami to Chips-Ahoy, Knorr, Reebok, and Pharrel Williams to name a few. In this episode, Aaron shares his insights on becoming a better leader, going against the cultural grain, and the power of misunderstood markets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fresh off the heels of a $50 million dollar raise, Ajay Relan joins Masters of Craft to dive into everything from his coffee shop ventures with Issa Rae, launching a portfolio of over 30 commerce & community oriented tech startups, a brief stint as a rapper alongside Snoop Dogg, being partner at Nas' Queensbridge Ventures, his personal journey with mental health, and serving over 1 million meals around the world through his Hashtag Lunchbag philanthropic organization. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a professional UFC fighter, Michelle Waterson -- the Karate Hottie -- knows exactly what it's like to fight for anything and everything. The multi-hyphenate restaurateur, entrepreneur, mom, wife, and ass-kicker has been fighting for her voice since a young age, and in the octagon as a force to be reckoned with. Recorded at VeeCon, Michelle joins Masters of Craft and parallels her path of physical discipline, broken bones, and personal evolution to the one we're all on -- no matter what we're fighting for in our own pursuits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most notably known as one of the founders of hall-of-fame rap group, NWA, Arabian Prince is a technologist, investor, maker, music producer, DJ, and soon-to-be venture capitalist with a $150 million dollar fund dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders. Join us on a wild ride from sneaking into concerts with his uncle as a kid, to launching the #1 PC used by streamers on Twitch, to building a medical metaverse and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded live in August 2020, MassChallenge presents an in-depth conversation on the latest trends in sales and marketing from industry leaders and innovation experts, Brian Halligan, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HubSpot, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, former Head of Marketing at Peloton, and award-winning, best-selling author, Chris Denson of Innovation Crush as moderator. We discuss everything from pivoting your business, to hurdles behind growth, to diversity and inclusion initiatives, and reinventing how we engage with consumers. Give it a listen, and enjoy! Also, don't miss the MassChallenge Awards on October 22! The event will showcase the progress the startups have made during their program, feature industry-leading speakers on thriving during uncertainty, and award up to $2M in equity-free cash prizes to the top startups from the programs. More at: https://masschallenge.org/2020-awards

When it comes to mindfulness and emotional health, few have been more pioneering than Dr. David Rabin. A physician, neuroscientist, psychiatrist, psychedelics researcher, and now wearable technology entrepreneur, Dave is both the executive director of the Board of Medicine, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro. Apollo's first product is an "every-man" wearable device for mental wellness that helps users achieve more calm states by replicating the sense of touch -- which as he states, is the one of the single most important ways we are made to feel safe. On this episode of Innovation Crush, we chat with the good doctor about everything from his shift into entrepreneurship, the intersection of neuroscience and creativity, generational trauma, co-founding with his spouse, and all the lessons he's learned along the way. PLUS...as a bonus for all our listeners, you can visit ApolloNeuro.com/crush for more information and to get 15% off your purchase!

What happens when you grow up on both Fat Albert and Albert Einstein? You get Hakeem Oluseyi. As one of the world's foremost scientists, Hakeem wears many hats-- TV personality, professor, life coach, consultant, voice actor, philanthropist, and former chief science officer at the Discovery Channel, to name a few. As a kid, he grew up in some of the poorest neighborhoods in the country. As an adult he has traveled the world, spreading the gospel of the sciences. On Innovation Crush, Hakeem stops by-- alongside special guest co host and Emmy award winner, Pili Montilla-- to discuss personal branding, his early obsession with how the universe works, life balance, that one time he almost dropped out of Stanford, and even makes a special exclusive announcement. Social: @hakeemoluseyi @pilimontilla. Enjoy Apollo Neuro: www.apolloneuro.com/crush

Sugar Ray Leonard is revered around the world as one of the greatest boxers who ever lived, dominating the ?80s with a fury in the ring like few have ever seen. Since his retirement from boxing, the boxer-come-entrepreneur has turned his public triumphs, personal tragedies, and unending drive into multiple businesses including a tell-all autobiography, a successful fashion line, a namesake ?Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation? for juvenile diabetes, and even motivational talks to individuals and corporations around the globe. On Innovation Crush, the champ talks about the power of saying yes, the importance of telling your complete story, battling addictions, and his personal mission to give back to the world. http://sugarrayleonard.com/foundation/ www.twitter.com/SUGARRAYLEONARD

Every month, the good folks Fast Company and Innovation Crush sit down to chat about some of the most inspired developments across innovation, creativity, and human performance. In this fourth installment, Fast Company podcast host and editor, KC Ifeanyi, gives us the latest from his world of creativity, entertainment, and pop culture. More particularly, how the entertainment industry distracts us with nostalgia, overcoming failure, advertising industry flaws, Oscar the Grouch, becoming award worthy and more. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat. For more from KC and guests like Paul Scheer, Tracy Ullman, David Sedaris, Killer Mike, and others, visit here bit.ly/2Zw4h5i.

As co-founder of one of the largest cannabis portfolio companies, Scott Kajiya is a life long learner and explorer. From early days of working with artists like Keith Haring and Basquiat, to launching Indian Motorcycle in Japan, to now co-founding Tabu.co with products in over 2000 locations in Canada, Scott has created a vast network of international business relationships and market understanding in both Asia, Latin America, and here in the U.S. He has developed numerous startups from fashion and accessories, to health and nutrition. He also carries a vast experience of finance and capital raising, and taking products from concept to market. On this episode, Scott shares his wisdom and insights on life, business, and cannabis.

As president of the Roddenberry Foundation, Heidi Roddenberry is a on a mission to quite literally -- boldly go where no man has gone before. Forged in the ethos and philosophy of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, the foundation supports entrepreneurs, dreamers, and never-before-imagined solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges; including everything from climate change to girl's education to disease. Heidi joins Innovation Crush courtesy of The EPIC International Summit where she'll be speaking this spring, and spreading the word on helping everyone on the planet "live long and prosper." Held in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA, The event is an intimate 3-day creativity and innovation conference for a cross-pollination of professionals features insights and access to experts from Disney, Lego, TEDx, the World Innovation Lab, The Groove Theory, St John's Hospital and many more. For passes and more info, visit www.epicsummit.com. In the meantime, enjoy the conversation with Heidi, including our new flying toilet "launch." Gotta love puns.

From MIT to Puma to the New York City Ballet to Google to Kendrick Lamar, to homes and office buildings around the world and back again, Shantell Martin and her artwork have become iconic staples in culture. Most famously, her work asks one simple question: "Who are you?" -- a question that all of us to have in our back pockets at all times. Over the years, Shantell has combined drawing, fabrication, technology, coding, music production, fashion, and friendships to create new perspectives in how we experience the world. Fresh off a new collaboration with Karlie Kloss to benefit girls and coding, the British born, Tokyo forged, East Coast seasoned Martin brings her insights to Innovation Crush.

Chris Denson joins the Left Unsupervised podcast to talk holidays, being an author, millennial social behavior, and all things innovation. Check out Left Unsupervised on Instagram to see some fun man-on-the-street videos we did in Los Angeles to get some great advice on the holidays. This episode is a treat! It’s our Thanksgiving special and Elizabeth Morales sits down to talk to innovator and marketing expert Chris Denson. He is also a self proclaimed recovering standup comedian and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling book, “Crushing The Box: 10 Essential Rules for Breaking Essential Rules”. Chris is an expert at uncovering the best thinking across a diverse array of cultures. Applying his expertise to the likes of the White House, Art Basel Miami and Omnicom Media Group. He’s been featured in Adweek, Forbes and the New York Times. We talk and laugh on how to maneuver around the crazy holidays. We also pick his brain on tips of how to think outside the box.

A brief history of how innovations are birthed and reach critical mass, with John Canning, a 20+ year industry veteran who's career has been spent developing new methods of creating and delivering media, games and interactive experiences from concept to consumer devices. He is currently the first ever executive producer of new media & experiential at Digital Domain, the company that gave us hologram Tupac, Benjamin Button, and Marvel's Thanos to name a few. John is also the chair of the new media council for the Producer's Guild of America, a documentary film maker, and a member of the Interactive Emmy's committee.

Episode #65: A self-proclaimed "mustache farmer," Adam Garone is the CEO and co-founder of Movember, a globally celebrated movement that pits mustaches against men's health issues; particularly prostate cancer. Adam comes from a long line of military, was a digital web and marketing exec, and now for the past 10 years, has brought 10's of millions of men and women together across more than 20 countries; raising well over a half a BILLION (yes, with a "B") dollars in its brief history. On Innovation Crush, Adam dishes on his personal history, what it means to be a leader, why Movember works, the future of his organization, and much more.

From BMW to Activision to EA to Star Wars, hundreds of creative projects have the secret weapons of Chip Beaman and Julia Bianco behind them. They've spent the majority of their collective career building a vast network of top tier content and game publishers, voice talent, production services, educators, and everything in between. In 2018, they created The Halp Network, a global network of creative entertainment professionals that connects talented individuals with game-changing projects, and vice versa. On this episode, the dynamic duo discuss ups and downs of principles like trust, chemistry, creativity, building a business, and launching a first of its kind entertainment academy.

Every month, the good folks Fast Company and Innovation Crush sit down to chat about some of the most inspired developments across innovation, creativity, and human performance. In this third installment, Fast Company assistant editor, Anisa Purbasari Horton -- who is often her own guinea pig for the things she learns -- gives us her latest learnings on productivity and performance hacks, mental repositioning, and work-life balance. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat. For more from Anisa, listen to her on her own Secrets of the Most Productive People podcast here: http://bit.ly/2mhK8hx

Since his self-described "awful" start on YouTube, Craig Thompson, aka Mini Ladd, has gone from 16-year-old awkward gaming video maker, to amassing close to 10 million subscribers across social media, launched his own 27-city comedy/variety tour (a first ever in its category), built wells in developing countries, started a music career, and invested in a number of businesses/entrepreneurs ranging from fashion to technology to beverages. Along the way, the Irishman turned Middle Easterner turned Londerner turned American (there was also a stop in Thailand along the way), has developed an appetite for exploration of new spaces, and very unique point of view on what it means to be an influencer. On this installment of Innovation Crush, we get an inside peek at the mind and heart of one of the industry's most talented creators.

As an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Dallin Larsen is no stranger to taking risks in building multi-billion dollar businesses. He is currently the CEO and founder of Vasayo, the world's first CBD network marketing business, and prior to Vasayo, almost single handedly turned the acai berry into the multi-billion industry it is today. His philosophy of envisioning a better future for the world and his teams and leaving a legacy is evident the moves he's made throughout his passionate career. In this episode, Dallin shares his personal mindset, professional business tactics, his many failures, overcoming skepticism, and the nuances of being a first mover in the CBD space. Special thanks to Tania Valentin (TaniaValentin.vasayo.com) for her foresight.

Tim Daly is an award-winning actor (Madame Secretary, Hot in Cleveland) and an arts education advocate. As a White House recognized "Champion of Change," he worked aggressively with the Obama administration to ensure that the arts remain central to the governmental focus at the time of increasing American efforts in science, technology, engineering, and math. Having worked alongside many business mavens, arts organizations, politicians, and high profile companies, his innovation philosophy boils down to the simple fact that adding creativity to any discipline often yields the highest forms of ingenuity. Fresh off of two broken legs, Tim joins Innovation Crush to talk resilience, family, and the art of persuasion in the White Houses and beyond.

Every month, the good folks Fast Company and Innovation Crush sit down to chat about some of the most inspired developments across innovation, creativity, and human performance. In this second installment, Fast Company assistant editor, Anisa Purbasari Horton and deputy editor, Kate Davis give us their latest learnings on productivity and the future of work, including artificial intelligence, the art of interviewing (or being interviewed), employee well-being, side hustles, and much more. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat. For more from Kate and Anisa, listen to their Secrets of the Most Productive People podcast here: http://bit.ly/2mhK8hx

Nathan Philips award-winning work spans TV commercials, digital content, books, speeches, theater shows, improvised experiences, alternate reality games, mapping projects, book adaptations and interactive films. His work has showcased at Sundance, Tribeca and a number of museums worldwide. In 2016, he co-founded Technology, Humans, and Taste (THAT), a disruptive agency that has worked with Walmart, Michael Kors, Ford, and the Food Network to name a few. Nathan joins Innovation Crush to discuss all THAT and more, from creative chemistry, to the art of pitching, being supported by M&C Saatchi, and their signature weekly Creative Dim Sum brainstorming parties.

Janice Bryant Howroyd is often touted as the first African American woman to self-start a multi-billion dollar business. As the founder and CEO of ActOne Group, Janice created her business in 1978 -- almost by accident -- while on vacation from her job as clerk for the Red Cross. A few decades of dedication later, she has racked up close to 17,000 clients in over 19 countries, worked with 4 sitting U.S. Presidents, staffed several Fortune 50 companies, and launched many verticals like AppleOne, All's Well, AT-Tech, ACT-1 Personnel Services, Agile-1, ACT-1Govt, and her latest, AllSTEM focused on diversity hiring and talent within STEM fields. Fresh off her new book, Acting Up (http://askjbh.com/books/), Janice stops by to discuss her "employee-first" business philosophy, her approach to social responsibility, growing up as 1 of 11 children, and riding the technological and cultural tides of change over the years.

Every month, the good folks Fast Company and Innovation Crush sit down to chat about some of the most inspired developments across innovation, creativity, and human performance. In this first installment, Fast Company podcast host and editor, KC Ifeanyi, gives us the latest from his world of creativity, entertainment, and pop culture. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat. For more from KC and guests like Paul Scheer, Tracy Ullman, David Sedaris, Killer Mike, and others on his Creative Conversations series, visit here: http://bit.ly/2Zw4h5i.

Patient care is evolving at lighting speeds. From the devices that serve them to the psychology of informed patients, to the ups and downs of online self-diagnoses, healthcare and medtech are changing the way we literally live. Eric Olson is the design director at Karten Design, an award-winning product design and innovation consultancy. Driven by deep market understanding and user empathy, Karten Design creates new products, processes, and cutting edge design, with multiple stakeholders in mind at ever turn. Doctors, federal regulations, technologists, functionality, style, cost, cultural pain points, and more, go into each and every projects. Meanwhile the firm's clients and partners range from the USC Center for Body Computing and the Alfred E. Mann Foundation, to Fortune 500 companies including Abbott, Nevro, CareFusion, Boston Scientific, Baxter, Medtronic, Procter & Gamble, and Samsung. On this episode, Eric discusses case studies, design processes, projects, dropping ego, toilet behavior, fatherhood, and more, including having worked for the same company since 1996.

Eric Bell is the CEO of Blue Duck, a mobility platform designed to get consumers from anywhere along their last mile, safely, responsibly, and with ease. With a growing fleet of scooters around the country, and having raised over 23 million dollars in just shy of a year, Blue Duck is carving out an incredibly intelligent niche in a seemingly saturated market. As a fast follower, Eric and his team have spotted a mass of opportunities where market leaders like Bird and Lime have fallen short. On this episode of Innovation Crush, the 40 under 40 list-maker dishes on the design science behind his business, the roles he's played in amplifying his hometown's innovation ecosystem, how his philosophy degree plays a role in his leadership, and the direction he thinks future of mobility industry is headed in. Recorded in partnership with prettybird.co.

Whether founding his own festival, running his own marketing agency, or blessing the likes of Nike, Red Bull, and All Def Digital with his stylish and creative approach to elevating culture, Modi Oyewole is one of this era's most culturally connected thinkers. In 2012 -- while in college -- he created the Trillectro Music Festival, which since its inception has booked acts like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, SZA, Chance the Rapper and tons of hand picked up-and-comers to boot. He recently became the director of marketing for Epic Records, home of super star artists ranging from Meghan Trainor to Ozzy Osbourne to DJ Khaled. In whichever lane he operates in, Modi, is an expert in turning industry moments -- a hit single, a party, a shoe -- into cultural movements. He joins Innovation Crush to walk us through his origins, his process, and his philosophies on reaching and breaking through tipping points. Recorded at Prettybird.co

At the forefront of fandom and geek culture, are the brilliant minds of Felicia Day and Ryan Copple. Felicia -- a long-time actor and founder of Geek & Sundry -- is an internet and pop culture original, with hear early work, The Guild, recently becoming a part of the Smithsonian, and numerous roles in works like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Mystery Science Theater 3000 and more. Ryan has worked as a producer and writer on a slew of Geek & Sundry projects, and works like Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, as well as the duo's most recent creation, Voyage to the Stars, a new multi-platform improvisational space comedy podcast (that is a mouthful). Fueled by the Madison Wells Media Universe, the series is an experiment in and of itself within an already relatively new form of storytelling. On this episode of The Crush, the two discuss everything from the importance of interpersonal chemistry, to convincing others of their visions, to feeling alienated -- all with a smile and passion.

As the founder and leader of Whitespace™, lululemon’s in-house innovation and R&D group, Tom Waller is helping the organization leave a legacy and build new roadmaps in global health futures. In the interest of unlocking all aspects of human potential and generating new value in and for the world, he and his team are reimagining everything from fabrics to mindfulness, technology, marketing, and cultural behavior. With a PhD in sports technology, Tom previously created and ran his own lab, worked inside of Speedo's Aqualab, and is an avid adventurer, TED speaker, and ever evolving philosopher. Recorded live at WeWork (we.co/crush), this episode focuses on the origins, successes, and trials of the innovation practice at one of the largest athletic brands in the world.

As the head of innovation for the U.S. Census Bureau, Mara Abrams is on mission to bring the 2020 census into the 21st century. In her role as the founder & co-director of the organization's open innovation lab, Mara leads a nimble team that creates and deploys prize competitions, crowdsourcing, accelerators, design workshops, etc and much more in effort to to increase participation in the 2020 Census; which determines how $700 billion of annual Federal funding is directed throughout the country. Her work history includes inventive stints Nike and Jaguar as well as her own foundation she ran for a number of years, teaching filmmaking to disadvantaged youth. Recorded live at WeWork (We.co/crush), Mara discusses overcoming perceptions, assembling creative minds, and how nearly dying affected her approach to work and life.

The neuroscience of orgasm is relatively uncharted territory, with some of the most groundbreaking developments being led by Dr. Nicole Prause. As the founder of the Liberos Center -- a sexual biotechnology company -- Nikki has used the study of sex as a gateway for studying everything from clinical depression to relationships to branding. Both a neuroscientist and technology inventor, she has a long history of inventing her own tools and processes to advance her craft. From hacking Arduino circuit boards, to developing projection methodologies for performance artists, her career has been fueled by a combination brains, curiosity, and a desire to genuinely help her clients. On this installment of the show, the good doctor breaks down her craft, her experience with motorcycles and fire spinning, and debunks a lot of cultural myths about sex and psychology.

To celebrate the launch of Mercedes-Benz EQ -- a new electric vehicle -- OK Go front man, Damian Kulash joins Innovation Crush and discusses the creation of the Stress Inversion Transformer (SIT). Damian's vision in exploring "EQ" was to figure out away to turn negative energy into positive energy. So naturally (and because science), he built a booth that allows humans to exactly that. Along the way we discuss personal brand, the creative process, the SIT's upcoming world tour, and answer a few audience questions.

As the co-founder and CEO of PROHBTD, Drake Sutton-Shearer has created one of the leading brands inside and adjacent to the cannabis industry. PROHBTD doubles as a content platform and product engine focused on the intersection of cannabis and pop culture. From fashion to gastronomy to music and smart business insights, the brand has become an icon both domestically and internationally, and reaching fans by the tens of millions each month. An entrepreneur since, age 14, Drake holds multiple patents in technology and social applications, and has unique ability to spot opportunities where others may not. Whether creating the world's top social gifting company, founding a Grammy winning talent management firm, or leading branding and design for the likes of Warner Bros, Sony and Universal; Drake is as brutally smart as he is driven. His work has been featured on CNN, Advertising Week, Variety, Huffpost, Billboard, Digiday, Wall Street Journal and on the cover of leading Cannabis B2B publication MG Magazine.. and now Innovation Crush. Recorded live at WeWork (we.co/crush), Drake discusses the many nuances and intricacies of becoming a leader in an ever-evolving industry.

Richelle Parham is a pioneer in retail marketing and business -- and by default, professional development. Having served as the CMO of eBay, she practically revolutionized the concept of email marketing. She serves on the boards of Best Buy, e.l.f. Cosmetics, LabCorp, and formerly Scripps Network, and is a VC at Camden Partners. Her career has been fueled by a seemingly endless loop of feedback from employees, leaders, customers, life itself, and what she dubs as her own "Personal Board of Directors," a formalized network of friends, colleagues, and family who help guide her career and personal decisions. Recorded live at WeWork (we.co/crush), Richelle discusses the evolution of retail, her own super powers, growing up around the death business, and making a recent jump from business leader to start-up founder.

Having been in the CIA for almost 28 years, Darrell Blocker has seen and done it all. As the director of operations, he was awarded the George H. W. Bush Award for Excellence in Counterterrorism in 2014. He ran The Farm - the CIA's training facility - for 3 years, and was even the member of a well known band in Uganda while undercover there. If it's one thing he understands, it's human connection. What motivates us? How can we motivate others? How can we do away with perceptions and ego the like, and remain in service to the people we work with and serve? Now as a news contributor, Hollywood consultant, and business advisor, Darrell is applying his skills in new ways, and he stops by Innovation Crush to discuss it all. Recorded live at WeWork. More info at We.co/Crush.

What do Paul Rudd, Keanu Reeves, Venture Capital, and Stephen Hawking have in common? Dr. Spiros Michalakis. As one of the most sought after scientists of our time, he serves as a quantum physicist and manager of outreach at The Institute for Quantum Information and Matter at Caltech (IQMC). When not at Caltech or fulfilling his role as professor-in-residence at Relay Ventures, he spends a good majority of his time consulting with Hollywood's biggest filmmakers and talent in applying quantum design thinking and scientific accuracy to their stories. Films like ANT MAN, NOW YOU SEE ME, CAPTAIN MARVEL, DR. STRANGE and others have all been graced by his knowledge and expertise. Using a combination of science and entertainment as an educational tool, Spiros' personal mission is to disrupt business, creativity, innovation -- and the practice of science itself -- with an understanding of quantum theory. On this episode , Spiros discusses his life and his message, becoming a personal brand, and the time he got Stephen Hawking to play Quantum Chess against Paul Rudd. Recorded live at WeWork.co/crush

Fresh off a 2019 Billboard 100 nod, and multiple 2019 Grammy nominations to boot, CMO of the Blueprint Group, Al Branch joins Innovation Crush. As partner and CMO of Blueprint/Maverick, Al has been legendary in catapulting some of music industry talent into superstardom and beyond. From his early days with Jay-Z and Roc-a-fella to a current portfolio that includes acts like Nicki Minjaj, G-Eazy, The Roots, Jill Scott, and more, Al has had an uncanny knack for understanding how artists become iconic brands, and how important brands work with iconic artists. Whether pairing Drake with Sprite, or Kanye with Nike (pre-Yeezys) or Lil Wayne with Samsung, Al is an expert team building, creative visioning, cultural anthropology, and does it all with a smile. On this installment of the show, Al talks about passion versus talent, waiting outside of a record label for weeks on end to get an internship, his vision for the future of the talent management business. we.co/crush

As pastor of Zoe Church, Chad is a pioneer of his own design, redefining what it takes to be a religious leader and business owner in today's culture. Leading thousands each week in his home town of Los Angeles -- and more around the world -- Chad has redefined everything around the message, without disrupting the core of the message itself. Whether partnering with the likes of designer Jerry Lorenzo and creating record-selling "church merch" pop ups, shooting rounds of golf with Chris Pratt, or even getting matching tattoos with Justin Bieber, Chad has managed to place God squarely at the center of pop culture. With a year-round cadence of experiences ranging from conferences to charitable outings to digital learning, Chad/Zoe have acquired close to half-a-million social media followers, and managed to organize a plethora of giving within the city and around the world. On this episode of Innovation Crush, Chad discusses everything from the influence of hip hop to becoming an entrepreneur, adapting to technology, dealing with his daughter's illness, and staying the course of the mission no matter the opposition. Brought to you by WeWork (we.co/Crush)

Legendary DJ, producer, inventor and community builder, Jeffrey Allen Townes - aka DJ Jazzy Jeff, has been at the helm of music culture since the mid-'80's. Originally one half of the duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Jeff was literally instrumental in the catapulting of Will Smith's career, and has gone on to give rise to several artists ranging from Eminem to Darius Rucker, The Roots, Jill Scott, and more. A self proclaimed "messenger," the Grammy award-winning Jeff is adept at building mass connections, has partnered in developing industry technologies, and helps his industry collaborators explores the emotional side of their careers through his annual Playlist Retreat in Delaware. Recorded in New Zealand, Jeff joins Innovation Crush to discuss how to deepen emotional connections with audiences, secrets to longevity, authenticity, and remaining a life long learner.

With a unique combination of artificial intelligence and social data, Ryan and Chris Detert's Influential.co is leading the revolution as to how the world engages with persons of influence. As one of only five IBM "With Watson" partners, the company uses vast and unique data sets to understand and recommend digital marketing initiatives and brand action. From psychographics to mobile behavior to predictive intelligence and everything in between, Influential has helped companies like Sony Pictures, Coca Cola, Wells Fargo, BMW, Unilever, and more to successfully navigate the nuances of converting would-be customers into fans. Recorded live at C2 Montreal, the brothers-at-arms dish on everything from trust to technology and working together as family. More on C2 at www.c2montreal.com.

After an upsetting second place finish on America's Best Dance Crew in 2015, the fan favorite Kinjaz turned their loss into a huge win, by going on to form the first ever crowd-funded global dance studio ($127,000), and the highest raised ever in the dance category on Indiegogo. Since then, the group has opened up 3 studios in the US and China, launched an international camp program, and a line of merchandise ranging from watches to hats to jackets, and racked up millions of interactions across social media. Additionally, they've worked with brands and partners ranging from McDonald's to AT&T, Bruce Lee, and Volkswagen to name a few. On this episode, co-owner Ben Chung (formerly of the Jabbawockeez) and choreographer/teacher Charles Nguyen speak on their inspirations, building community, and balancing art and business, and managing the expectations of 30+ crew members.

Behavioral scientist, author, brand expert, and professional connection maker, Jon Levy is no stranger to creating memorable moments. Whether an every-day meet and greet, or hosting over 1000 invite-only influencer dinners, or through his book on adventure, "The 2AM Principle" Jon's expertise is rooted in studying and elevating the impactful connections we make 1:1 or en masse. His work has been featured in New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, Inc, and Fast Company to name a few, and he currently works alongside famed bank-robber-turned-neuroscientist, Moran Cerf inside the C Lab at the Kellogg School of Management. On this episode, Jon walks us through several scientific and historical moments that explain how we connect, discusses his desire to change his awkward childhood, and tons of quirky, sophisticated tips and tricks for becoming a great connector.